The LEGO Group has officially pulled back the curtain on the second addition to the brand-new LEGO Editions theme. In particular, 43019 Soccer Ball has been officially presented, launching on the 1st of March 2026 alongside the already revealed 43020 FIFA World Cup Official Trophy . The 10+ model, again inspired by this Summer's World Cup, includes a total of 1,498 pieces retailing for $129.99 / €119.99 / £99.99. 43019 Soccer Ball literally recreates a soccer ball (football) in brick-built LEGO form at approximately the original size of a size five ball. The completely round sporting equipment features an exterior mainly made up of large white 10x10 dishes mixed in with graphical patterns of light blue, black and pink. These patterns can also be found as prints on a few of the large dishes alongside a sticker warning against kicking the LEGO ball as its "display only". The ball, which sits on a simple black display stand, can also be opened to reveal a victory ceremony of a football team most likely winning the World Cup. The scene is made up of a complete team of 11 microfigures, each printed with yellow faces like standard LEGO Minifigures . These small figures stand with a trophy on a colourful podium, complete with fireworks. Surrounding the podium is a micro football pitch and stadium with stickers adding further details such as the crowd and TV screens. 43019 Soccer Ball Set Name - Soccer Ball Set Number - 43019 Age Range - 10+ Piece Count - 1,498 Price - $129.99 / €119.99 / £99.99 Release Date - 1st March 2026 43019 Soccer Ball releases on the 1st of March 2026, but what do you think? Will you be purchasing 43020 in a months time? What other LEGO football sets and World Cup sets would you like to see in 2026? What else can we expect from this brand-new LEGO Editions  theme? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

After multiple leaks over the past few months, the LEGO Group have finally officially revealed our fifth LEGO Botanicals set of 2026 and one of just a couple LEGO models releasing on the 1st of February 2026. In particular, this is 11503 Flower Wall, which includes a total of 879 pieces retailing for $89.99 / €89.99 / £79.99. The 18+ model is available from the 1st for LEGO Insiders, followed by a general release on the 4th. Being the largest and most expensive LEGO Botanicals  set of 2026, the official pictures showcase an array of colourful and unique flowers and plants that can be found connected to a brown LEGO Technic  structure, which can be directly attached to a wall. The vertical floral display is constructed using many of the existing Botanical building techniques, pieces and unique part usage to create a beautiful and life-like display model. Some of the flowers and plants included in the 879-piece set are two big camellias, three small camellias, two clematis, three ranunculus, two red roses, one hydrangea, three cornflowers, two mimosa branches, two waxflower branches and two big leaves. All of these can be arranged on the wall in multiple different ways, with LEGO also stating that you can purchase multiple 10503 Flower Walls to create an even larger and more extravagant display. 11503 Flower Wall Set Name - Flower Wall Set Number - 11503 Age Range - 18+ Piece Count - 879 Price - $89.99 / €89.99 / £79.99 Release Date - 1st February 2026 11503 Flower Wall releases on the 1st of February 2026, but what do you think? Will you be purchasing 11503 in a couple of weeks? What do you like most about this upcoming Botanicals display model? What other plants and flowers would you like to see from the theme in 2026? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

A brand new LEGO Gift With Purchase is waddling its way into our baskets this month as the LEGO Group has officially revealed the latest promotional item for February. In particular, this is 40885 Duck Family, which will be the latest GWP and the latest brick-built animal after 40886 Penguins in Love  came to an end the other day. The 6+ model is available with any LEGO purchase over $100 from the 16th to the 24th of February 2026. 40885 Duck Family includes 262 pieces to create a cute brick-built duck family of a mother duck and her three tag-along ducklings. Mother duck is obviously the biggest build in 40885, with her featuring plenty of shades of brown and tan, along with some yellow feet and a yellow beak. The bottom of the beak is connected via a clip and bar hinge, allowing it to move up and down and be angled in various ways, while her legs can be alternated between a standing or swimming position. The three ducklings, meanwhile, have very similar builds, but two of the small animals are coloured yellow and orange, while the third one is coloured white, grey and tan. The ducklings have a lot less articulation than their mother, along with much smaller wings, beaks and eyes. A small side build of a cattail plant placed on a small blue water base is also included in the 262-piece build available from next week. 40885 Duck Family Set Name - Duck Family Set Number - 40885 Age Range - 6+ Piece Count - 262 Availability - Free with LEGO purchases over $100 Promo Dates - 16th-24th February 2026 40885 Duck Family is available from the 16th of February 2026, but what do you think? Will you be looking to pick up 40885 next week? What LEGO sets do you plan on purchasing in February? Will you be purchasing the brand new LEGO Pokémon  sets alongside the already revealed GWP of 40906 Restaurants of the World: Japan ? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below. For a complete breakdown of all the LEGO Gift With Purch ases  releasing this month, be sure to check out our full guide to the February 2026 LEGO Promotional/GWP Set News .

Five years on from the release of 21326 Winnie the Pooh , and we are finally returning to the Hundred Acre Wood on the 1st of March 2026. In particular, the LEGO Group have officially revealed 43300 Winnie the Pooh to celebrate 100 years of our favourite honey-loving bear. The 18+ model becomes the largest Winnie the Pooh LEGO set in terms of size and retail price, with 1,399 pieces retailing for $149.99 / €149.99 / £139.99. The set itself recreates Pooh Bear entirely out of LEGO bricks in a similar size and style to previous LEGO Disney  18+ models. Winnie the Pooh is placed in a classic sitting position, with his legs spread out, measuring 23 cm wide and 23 cm high. While his legs and body are permanently in his cute seated position, there's plenty of movement in the brick-built figures had, ears, arms and hands. Pooh's soft, chubby body shape is recreated using a range of curved LEGO elements with a mainly warm honey yellow colour scheme, along with his bright red crop top shirt. A small section of his shirt can be removed to reveal a small easter egg of a sticker of LEGO versions of Pooh himself alongside his friends Christopher Robin, Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet, and Rabbit. A substantial side build of a brick-built pot of honey is also included. Winnie the Pooh can be displayed either next to the pot of honey or holding it, which can also be opened up to reveal further secrets. Inside is a Minifigure scale version of Pooh's home with further details portrayed using stickers alongside plenty of Honey. To coincide with this Minifigure interior, two LEGO Minifigures of an exclusive Winnie the Pooh and the returning Eeyore are also included. 43300 Winnie the Pooh Set Name - Winnie the Pooh Set Number - 43300 Age Range - 18+ Piece Count - 1,399 Price - $149.99 / €149.99 / £139.99 Release Date - 1st March 2026 43300 Winnie the Pooh releases on the 1st of March 2026, but what do you think? Will you be purchasing 43300 in a months time? Do you own the previous LEGO Ideas  Winnie the Pooh model? What other LEGO Disney  sets and franchises would you like to see in 2026? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

The wait is finally over, Ninja fans! LEGO has officially dropped the full-length trailer for LEGO NINJAGO Dragons Rising Season 4, and it's looking to be the most high-stakes chapter of the "merged" era yet. Following the various cliffhangers and the ninjas scattered across unknown, merged realms, the trailer confirms that the world of Ninjago is far from finding peace. While Lord Ras served as the main antagonist of Season 3, acting as the mastermind behind the scenes in his pursuit of power, the fourth season introduces a terrifying new force: Elemental Monsters. These creatures are associated with Elemental Powers and include Mutation Monsters, Earth Monsters, and Acid Monsters, which were scattered throughout the eleven LEGO NINJAGO sets that released on the 1st of January 2026 . Further Elemental Monsters are expected to appear in physical LEGO Minifigure form in the Summer LEGO NINJAGO sets, including the likes of Fire and Ice variations. Chief Loyalist describes the Elemental Monsters in the trailer as "beings of rage and destruction". The creatures appear to be a direct result of the elemental balance being askew following the Source Dragons of Strength, Life and Focus withdrawing from the Council of Sources. The Chief Loyalist further claims that the Ninjas have caused their own downfall and orders the Elemental Monsters to search for a weapon. These are expected to be powerful new weapons which the Forbidden Five villains are seeking in order to free Thunderfang, the Shatter Dragon of Chaos. As has been hinted at by various creators and writers of the series, Season 4's theme is "connection" and reveals much more about Lloyd's Elemental Power. This is teased early on in the trailer as the Arc Dragon of Life informs Lloyd that he hasn't reached his true potential. Lloyd's identity as the Green Ninja is nowhere near complete, and we may finally see Lloyd's elemental power properly identified as long as he can understand the power of meaning and purpose. The trailer also teases plenty of instability among powers. Euphrasia questions what's happened to their abilities, which Lloyd is completely clueless about. This results in the Ninja's referring back to classic ninja moves in a series of action-packed shots, highlighting large-scale dragon sequences and fast-paced combat. This aligns with previous talk from Chris "Doc" Wyatt, who confirmed that this season would be darker than previous ones. Finally, along with Lloyd's new destiny, character arcs appear central to Season 4. Jay finally returns with his original haircut and states his intentions to recover his forgotten memories. Agent Donovan responds with a warning that not everything can be understood, hinting at deeper secrets. Meanwhile, family secrets seem to be unravelling involving the likes of Sora and Reginald Slitherbottom, a Serpentine archaeologist and member of the Explorer’s Club. Dragons Rising Season 4 full trailer is finally here ahead of the season's release this spring, but what do you think? Are you looking forward to the fourth season of Dragons Rising? What storylines are you looking forward to most in the animated series? Based on the series, what brand new LEGO NINJAGO sets would you like to see this Summer? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below. You can watch the full trailer on LEGO's official YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQuEPw9Z71U

The final major reveal for March 2026 is here, and it's arguably one of the most exclusive sets of the year, as it's the LEGO House exclusive model for 2026. In particular, 40507 I ❤️ Billund will be available only from the LEGO House in Denmark, Billund, from the 1st of March 2026. 40507 becomes the seventh exclusive LEGO House set, following on from last year's extremely popular and nostalgic 40506 LEGO Fabuland Tribute . 1,404 pieces are included in the 10+ model to basically create a LEGO Architecture skyline-like model of the beautiful hometown of LEGO. 40507 recreates some of Billund's most memorable LEGO landmarks into four micro-scale modular sections. These include the LEGO House itself, LEGO Campus (LEGO's global HQ), LEGOLAND Billund, and Ole Kirk's House and LEGO System House. All of these iconic and historic locations are built on a simple white diorama display stand with prints/stickers for Billund, LEGOLAND, and LEGO House found near the front of the 2026 model, which retails for 749 DKK. Smaller details found in the set include a tiny Tree of Creativity, a gold trophy representing the LEGO Master Academy, a Danish flag, miniature LEGOLAND rides and the Kornmarken factory, complete with a tiny yellow LEGO delivery truck. "Billund is the heart of our story. It’s where LEGO play began and where it keeps evolving," said Søren Bering Andersen, Head of Experiences at the LEGO House. "With 40507 I Love Billund, we wanted to capture not just the landmarks, but the feeling of what this place means to families, fans, and everyone who’s ever dreamed in LEGO bricks." 40507 I ❤️ Billund Set Name - I ❤️ Billund Set Number - 40507 Age Range - 10+ Piece Count - 1,404 Price - 749 DKK Release Date - 1st March 2026 40507 I ❤️ Billund is releasing on the 1st of March 2026, exclusively at the LEGO House, but what do you think? Will you be looking to pick up 40507 and head to the home of the brick? What's been your favourite exclusive LEGO House model so far? Do you plan on visiting Billund this year? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

It's coming up to that time of the year when the home of the LEGO brick introduces a brand new set, exclusively available from the LEGO House in Billund, Denmark. Last year, the LEGO Group released a nostalgic heavy model, paying tribute to LEGO Fabuland, a popular and iconic theme that ran from 1979 to 1989, with the model 40506 LEGO Fabuland Tribute . In 2026, our favourite Danish toy manufacturer is releasing another exclusive model and has taken to social media to give us our first look and tease at the upcoming set. Like previous years, the LEGO House 2026 Exclusive set will be available from the 1st of March 2026, with the LEGO House confirming that an official reveal will happen on the 19th of February 2026, followed by an exclusive event in the final weekend of the month. The first tease, appearing on the official LEGO House Instagram page, is simple but very effective: a picture of all or at least some of the bricks used in the new set. We can see plenty of colour from simple shades of white and black to the classic colours of blue, red, green and yellow. There also seems to be a large black base plate along with a lot more plates, masonry pieces, tiles, transparent elements and rounded LEGO bricks. Fans have taken to the account's social media page to suggest what they think the brand new model could be. Some are suggesting an updated brick-built iteration of the LEGO House itself or previous iconic locations in the LEGO Group's long history, such as the old factory in Systemvej or Ole Kirk Christiansen's house. One user even suggested a really cool and unique idea of a LEGO House mech! The second tease, released today, once again appears on LEGO House's Instagram page, but this time it's a short video capturing LEGO House employees' first reaction to the build. The employees are just as excited as we are for the 2026 model and have given us further details and clues, including the fact that the exclusive set has hidden secrets, is "very beautiful", includes turning features and is generally a fairly wide build that will probably include around 1,000 pieces, just like last year's 40506 LEGO Fabuland Tribute . Once again, builders have had their say on LEGO House's Instagram post to discuss what they think the upcoming exclusive model is. One smart user has picked up on the hidden secrets detail, suggesting that it could be referencing gems from previous LEGO themes such as Pirates, Space or Power Mines. Others have suggested a brick-built version of the LEGOLAND in Billund or some form of vehicle, possibly utilising some unique building technique and part usage. LEGO House 2026 Exclusive Set is being revealed on the 19th of February 2026, ahead of its release on the 1st of March, but what do you think? Based on these teasers, what will the exclusive model be? Do you own any of the previous exclusive LEGO House sets? Have you visited the home of the brick in Billund? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

2026 marks 15 years of the ever-popular LEGO NINJAGO  theme, and celebrations are now in full swing as the LEGO Group have officially revealed the theme's January 2026 wave. A total of 23 sets will be released throughout the year for the theme, and 11 of these will be available in a months time. However, only ten are included in this article as the 4,000-piece 71861 The Old Town will be getting its own presentation next week... 71849 Nya vs. Mutation Monster Spinner The brand new Winter 2026 wave for LEGO NINJAGO  kicks off with two 'gimmick' sets. The first of these is 71849 Nya vs. Mutation Monster Spinner, which sees the ninja Nya go head-to-head with a Mutation Monster in its own translucent purple and black spinner. The 6+ model includes just 49 pieces retailing for $9.99 / €9.99 / £8.99. Set Name - Nya vs. Mutation Monster Spinner Set Number - 71849 Age Range - 6+ Piece Count - 49 Price - $9.99 / €9.99 / £8.99 Release Date - 1st January 2026 71850 Lloyd vs. Earth Monster Spinner 71850, meanwhile, will include the Minifigure of Lloyd against the villainous Earth Monster in another Spinner Battle. Once again, a spinner platform is included for the villain of the set, along with a brick-built launcher and a couple of ninja-themed accessories to add further value to the 52-piece set. Set Name - Lloyd vs. Earth Monster Spinner Set Number - 71850 Age Range - 6+ Piece Count - 52 Price - $9.99 / €9.99 / £8.99 Release Date - 1st January 2026 71851 Kai's Dragon Mech Battle Pack At the end of this year, 2024's 71805 Jay's Mech Battle Pack  is leaving shelves, but this is quickly being replaced by a brand new LEGO NINJAGO  Battle Pack: 71851 Kai's Dragon Mech Battle Pack. The 2026 model again retails for $9.99 / €9.99 / £8.99, but this time with 85 pieces to create a very simple and blocky red dragon mech for Kai, alongside a couple more Minifigures of Sora and an Earth Monster. Set Name - Kai's Dragon Mech Battle Pack Set Number - 718 Age Range - 6+ Piece Count - 85 Price - $9.99 / €9.99 / £8.99 Release Date - 1st January 2026 71854 Cole's Mission Mech & Dragon Zane Nothing screams LEGO NINJAGO  more than a mech or a dragon, and 71854 is packed full of both of them. Retailing for $34.99 / €29.99 / £24.99, the 7+ model includes a brick-built mech for Cole alongside Zane in his dragon form. Both ninjas are included in the 364-piece model along with an Acid Monster, which appear throughout this January 2026 wave. Set Name - Cole's Mission Mech & Dragon Zane Set Number - 71854 Age Range - 7+ Piece Count - 364 Price - $34.99 / €29.99 / £24.99 Release Date - 1st January 2026 71855 Ninja Dragon Riyu's Battle The mountain dragon Riyu has appeared plenty of times in LEGO NINJAGO  playsets, both as a unique and cute mould and as a fully brick-built character. In 2026, the dragon will return in 71855 Ninja Dragon Riyu's Battle, which sees one of the most detailed and articulated brick-built versions of the ninja companion so far. Alongside the dragon, a total of four LEGO Minifigures are included: ninja warriors Arin and dragon form Nya and villains Mutation Monster and Loyalist. Set Name - Ninja Dragon Riyu's Battle Set Number - 71855 Age Range - 7+ Piece Count - 347 Price - $44.99 / €44.99 / £39.99 Release Date - 1st January 2026 71856 Jay's Transforming Car 71856 Jay's Transforming Car is an expensive model, yet the latest of many cool and action-packed LEGO NINJAGO  vehicles. With 387 pieces, the 8+ model includes Jay's sleek blue car in either its regular mode or in its dragon mode to reveal golden claws, a dragon head and r otating shurikens. Jay is included as a Minifigure in the $54.99 / €49.99 / £44.99 set, along with Nya, dragon form Kai, Earth Monster and Loyalist Leader. Set Name - Jay's Transforming Car Set Number - 71856 Age Range - 8+ Piece Count - 387 Price - $54.99 / €49.99 / £44.99 Release Date - 1st January 2026 71857 Ninja Vehicle Tree House Battle Even though it's only a side build, 71857 is the first set in this list to include an actual location build rather than a mech or a vehicle. The small treehouse hideout is included in the 7+ models 642 pieces, which focuses more on two ninja-themed vehicles of Kai's red motorcycle and Zane's helicopter. Just like 71856, 7 1857 Ninja Vehicle Tree House Battle has a relatively harsh price-to-piece ratio, retailing for $79.99 / €79.99 / £69.99. Set Name - Ninja Vehicle Tree House Battle Set Number - 71857 Age Range - 7+ Piece Count - 642 Price - $79.99 / €79.99 / £69.99 Release Date - 1st January 2026 71858 Four Weapons Blacksmith 15th Anniversary 71858 takes inspiration from one of the most iconic early LEGO NINJAGO  locations - the blacksmith's forge from the pilot episode of the popular TV series. The 1,259-piece set depicts a traditional Japanese-inspired wooden structure with curved roofing and a couple of hanging lights, along with the inclusion of five Minifigures and an exclusive Elemental Master of Earth 15th anniversary figure. Set Name - Four Weapons Blacksmith 15th Anniversary Set Number - 71858 Age Range - 14+ Piece Count - 1,259 Price - $99.99 / €99.99 / £89.99 Release Date - 1st January 2026 71859 The Dragon of Life 71859 The Dragon of Life adds to the ever-growing collection of extremely detailed brick-built dragons, released under the NINJAGO brand. January 2026's is a large, majestic creature built from an earthy palette of greens, browns and dark greys, giving it a natural, ancient look. The source of life and nature theme continues with the $109.99 / €99.99 / £89.99 model, as the dragon also includes large horns that resemble tree branches and leafy wings. Set Name - The Dragon of Life Set Number - 71859 Age Range - 9+ Piece Count - 1,050 Price - $109.99 / €99.99 / £89.99 Release Date - 1st January 2026 71866 NINJAGO Character Display 15th Anniversary Last but not least is 71866, which is a rare LEGO NINJAGO  model aimed at display rather than play. The 14+ model, including 447 pieces, pays homage to the themes 15th Anniversary with monastery feature steps, an opening gate, a stone lantern, a cherry tree covered in blossom, and a tearoom at the back with stickers depicting a famous NINJAGO battle. Another exclusive collectable LEGO Minifigure of the elemental Master of Lightning is also included in the set retailing for $44.99 / €39.99 / £34.99. Set Name - NINJAGO Character Display 15th Anniversary Set Number - 71866 Age Range - 14+ Piece Count - 447 Price - $44.99 / €39.99 / £34.99 Release Date - 1st January 2026 All 10 of these LEGO NINJAGO  sets release on the 1st of January 2026, but what do you think? How many of these models will you be purchasing next month? What's your favourite and least favourite set of the Winter wave? What other 15th anniversary branded sets would you like to see in 2026? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

The LEGO BrickHeadz reveals keep on coming as the LEGO Group has officially revealed 40878 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Figures. Over a decade since we last saw the entertainment franchise first created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, LEGO are finally returning to the license with this LEGO BrickHeadz release on the 1st of April 2026. The 10+ model is a four-pack LEGO BrickHeadz  set retailing for the usual price of $39.99 / €39.99 / £34.99 and including a total of 567 pieces. Being a four pack, its unsuprising that the four anthropomorphic turtle brothers of Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo have been translated into this blocky, collectable brick-built form, displayed on the classic black display stand of BrickHeadz figures. All four characters have very similar builds with different shades of green for their bodies, along with different coloured eye masks and printed belt initials being the main differentiating factors. The LEGO Ninja Turtles also come with their iconic weapons of a katana, a twin sai, nunchucks and a bo staff. A fun pizza accessory is also included with Donatello as an extra easter egg in the April 2026 model. 40878 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Figures Set Name - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Figures Set Number - 40878 Age Range - 10+ Piece Count - 567 Price - $39.99 / €39.99 / £34.99 Release Date - 1st April 2026 40878 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Figures releases on the 1st of February 2026, but what do you think? Will you be purchasing 40878 in just a weeks time? What other licensed characters do you want to see from the LEGO BrickHeadz  theme in 2026? Will Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles make another brick-built LEGO appearance in 2026? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

The LEGO Group's new SMART Play system has sparked plenty of excitement, intrigue and even some confusion across the LEGO community. LEGO's latest innovation combines traditional bricks with cutting-edge technology to create interactive, responsive play experiences. But what do real-world engineers think about this technology-led approach to play? In this article, we'll be covering recently received insights from engineering experts at Accu and their comments on LEGO's SMART Play system from an engineering perspective. Both Patrick Faulkner, Lead Engineer at Accu , and Ben Massey, MEng at innDex , were kind enough to go in-depth on their professional perspectives on how LEGO can support creativity, problem-solving and engineering skills in children in a technology-driven world. SMART Play: A Tool Not a Replacement Lead Engineer Patrick Faulkner explained that while LEGO Smart Play adds an extra layer of engagement to play, it works best as an enhancement to traditional LEGO building rather than a starting point. "As an engineer, I know that playing with technology at a young age can do wonders for creativity and problem-solving, but only when it's built on strong foundations" He recommends that children first develop core skills such as structure, stability and problem-solving through pure imagination. Only once these basic skills are acquired should SMART Play's technology be used to enhance the play experience with sounds, lights and response interactions. Patrick also cautions the use of technology-led play for children under five when foundational brain development is at its highest. LEGO as a Low-Fidelity Prototyping Tool The rise of adult-oriented 18+ models in recent years perfectly demonstrates how LEGO isn't just a toy. These iconic bricks can be used as a versatile prototyping tool, allowing engineers and designers to quickly create and adjust models, making it ideal for initial concepts. Patrick highlights how LEGO can help children mirror real-world engineering processes: LEGO's modular design allows children to test ideas, disassemble parts and rebuild quickly. Sets with advanced modules such as gears, hubs, axles, motors and sensors let children explore movement and mechanics. Building different sets teaches testing, observation and adjustments, echoing how real-life engineers refine concepts. "LEGO stands out as a low-fidelity prototyping tool because of its versatility, accessibility, and ease of modification." Examples of LEGO prototyping for learning include creating a robotic arm to observe how pivot points behave under motion, or creating a gear train to test if gear ratios function as intended. These simple exercises introduce children to fundamental engineering concepts without the complexity or cost of real-world equipment. Developing Children's Engineering Skills The engineers at Accu and innDex also shared a step-by-step approach for using LEGO to develop problem-solving, planning and structural thinking skills: Start with a question or challenge: This could be 'Can you build something that moves?' or 'Can you make a bridge strong enough for a toy car?' which helps children build with intention rather than just randomly stacking bricks. Add rules (design constraints): Examples include 'it has to fit on this table' or 'it must lift something small'. These shape the challenge, encouraging planning and real-world problem-solving. Choose LEGO sets that encourage engineering: Sets with gears, wheels, axles and beams in particular will promote thinking about movement, structure and cause and effect. Sort pieces before building: Grouping similar pieces together improves efficiency and independent thinking. Build a strong base: A strong foundation will help later additions function properly, while explaining to children exactly why things fall over. Add one piece at a time and test often: This mirrors the iterative testing process used by engineers and encourages children to develop patience and logical thinking as part of the design process. Encourage rebuilding and trying again: Further elements of patience, problem-solving and resilience can be reinforced by experimenting with the bricks. Test strength and stability: Observing the complete build can help children understand weight, balance, support and the importance of testing designs before using them. Learning Health and Safety Through Play Ben Massey, MEng and customer success coordinator at health and safety software provider innDex , also highlights how LEGO helps children develop health and safety awareness in a playful environment. "A collapsing LEGO tower becomes a physical metaphor for structural failure without any real danger, and it teaches you as a child to test different builds and be cautious of failure in the future." Group building also fosters teamwork, collaboration and an understanding of how infrastructure interacts with people, which are invaluable skills in engineering careers. With SMART Play, LEGO continues to innovate, but experts agree that the magic of play happens when technology supports creativity, not when it replaces it. For parents and educators, combining traditional building with SMART play offers the best of both worlds, mixing imaginative, hands-on learning with responsive, ground-breaking technology. So that's an engineer's perspective of LEGO SMART Play , but what do you think? Do you agree with some of the points covered in this article? How important is traditional LEGO building for future engineers? Will SMART Play prove to be successful or another big flop like previous iterations of interactive technology in LEGO themes? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below. Sources: Accu | LEGO, Engineering & Low Fidelity Prototyping - https://www.accu.co.uk/shop/precision-components

Exactly two weeks after the LEGO Group announced that the K-pop superstars HUNTR/X would be entering the world of LEGO, another brand new theme is rumoured for 2026. Following on from both LEGO KPop Demon Hunters and LEGO Pokémon , the third new licensed theme of the year will be coming soon, as LEGO looks set to partner with DreamWorks Animation for sets based on the Shrek franchise. First released in 2001, Shrek quickly became one of DreamWorks Animation's most successful franchises, resulting in a global hit that has since expanded into three sequels, a successful spin-off in Puss in Boots, theme park attractions, and plenty of merchandise. The original story follows a grumpy but lovable ogre named Shrek, who, after his swamp is invaded by exiled magical creatures, meets his talkative companion Donkey and the fiercely independent Princess Fiona before 'giving' her to Lord Farquaad ahead of their wedding. The LEGO Group has partnered with DreamWorks Animation before, most notably with Trolls World Tour in 2020, which brought a range of colourful playsets aimed at younger builders and fans of the Trolls franchise. Given this established relationship and the recent push for more animation-based licenses like LEGO Despicable Me 4 , it makes perfect sense for a LEGO Shrek theme ahead of the cinematic launch of Shrek 5 in 2027. While the LEGO Group has yet to officially confirm a LEGO Shrek theme or any Shrek-branded sets, current rumours suggest that the third and final LEGO Minifigures series of 2026 will see the debut of the iconic green ogre in the most iconic LEGO form. Shrek will be joined by classic characters such as Fiona, Puss in Boots, Donkey, Prince Charming and more under the set number 71053. In addition to Minifigures, we can expect blocky renditions of some of the main animated characters under the popular and extremely collectable LEGO BrickHeadz line. 40923 Shrek, Donkey & Gingy will be the first Shrek BrickHeadz, but more are expected in 2026 and in 2027. And the theme will follow a similar route to LEGO Pokémon and launch with an 18+ brick-built character display model of our favourite duo, Shrek and Donkey. Alongside 72423 Buildable Shrek & Donkey, the set numbers 72421 and 72422 will also be part of the first wave of LEGO Shrek sets on the 1st of June 2026. These two sets are both branded as 12+ models, suggesting more play-friendly and Minifigure scale builds, possibly recreating the likes of Shrek's swamp, Duloc or the Dragon's Keep in brick-built LEGO form. LEGO Shrek is the latest licensed theme in LEGO's ever-growing portfolio, but what do you think? Will you be purchasing LEGO Shrek -branded sets this Summer? What characters would you like to see in the Shrek LEGO Minifigure series? Will we get sets based on all five films or just the upcoming Shrek 5 movie in 2027? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below. Featured Image: LEGO Ideas submission by Ashnflash: Shrek's Swamp - 20th Anniversary

The LEGO Group and Netflix have an extremely strong partnership, from fully fledged themes such as LEGO Wednesday and LEGO ONE PIECE to the rare Stranger Things sets and a few LEGO-based TV series appearing on the popular streaming platform. But in 2026, the partnership will grow even stronger as the two companies have announced a brand-new collaboration for a brand-new theme: LEGO KPop Demon Hunters . Since debuting on Netflix last June, KPop Demon Hunters has surpassed 500 million views worldwide, becoming a cultural phenomenon driven by its characters, music and celebration of Korean Culture. The film's fictional group HUNTR/X has made real-world history, becoming the first K-pop girl group to reach number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and their song "Golden" became the first K-pop track to win a Grammy award. The Netflix original film (produced with Sony Pictures Animation) follows the K-pop superstars HUNTR/X as they balance sold-out stadium tours with their secret lives as demon hunters. They help protect fans from supernatural threats, including their biggest rivals, the Saja Boys, who are actually demons in disguise. Lena Dixen, SVP, Product Group, Core Businesses at the LEGO Group, said: "We are over the (hon)moon about this new collaboration! KPop Demon Hunters and LEGO fans will finally get to combine their passions and immerse themselves in the world of KPop Demon Hunters through LEGO building. The movie has taken the entire world by storm, and we just couldn’t wait to work with Netflix on this one. We hope fans will be as excited about the sets as we are!" Marian Lee, Chief Marketing Officer at Netflix, said: "As KPop Demon Hunters continues to break records both on and off screen, we’re delighted to continue expanding this world IRL and partner with the LEGO Group for a brand new collection of beautifully designed and authentically-detailed sets – FOR THE FANS!" The partnership aims to merge the high-energy, music-driven universe of KPop Demon Hunters with LEGO brick-building creativity, giving fans a brand new way to engage with one of Netflix's most talked-about franchises. The fun, energy-driven, vibrant line of LEGO sets will launch this Summer with just the release of a single model, followed by a full debut wave in 2027. The initial LEGO KPop Demon Hunters set is 73537 Derpy & Sussie, which reportedly includes a total of 825 pieces retailing for $69.99 / €69.99 / £59.99. While this hasn't been confirmed by LEGO themselves yet, the Danes have already stated that the theme's first set will bring to life a ' beloved, supernatural creature from the movie'. They also describe the 9+ model as a set 'great for both play and display', further hinting at two brick-built characters. Finally, a tease which appeared across LEGO's social media even gives us our first look at the loveable blue tiger Durpy in brick-built LEGO form. A distinctive blue foot can be seen knocking over a LEGO flowerpot with some colourful plants in the short video. While this first and only set of 2026 focuses on further brick-built characters, 2027 looks set to heavily focus on playsets, with the theme possibly going down the Minidoll route similar to LEGO Wednesday and LEGO Wicked . 73537 Derpy & Sussie kicks off LEGO KPop Demon Hunters on the 1st of August 2026, with pre-orders available as early as spring, but what do you think? How excited are you to see KPop Demon Hunters in brick-built LEGO form? What are you hoping to see from the theme in 2027? Who are your favourite characters from the Netflix movie? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

Following on from June reveals for both the LEGO NINJAGO and LEGO Ideas themes, the in-house LEGO theme aimed at the youngest of brick-builders has officially presented one of many sets releasing this Summer. In particular, we have official images of the LEGO DUPLO model of 3-in-1 Creative Ramps with Vehicles, which is available from the 1st of June 2026 in Europe and the 1st of August 2026 in North America. The 3+ model includes a total of 111 pieces and is set to be one of the more expensive LEGO DUPLO sets of 2026, retailing for $69.99 / €69.99 / £59.99. 10478 also joins many of the January 2026 sets , which featured the 3-in-1 Creative branding, encouraging toddlers to express their creativity and play across three different builds included in just a single playset. 10478 3-in-1 Creative Ramps with Vehicles unsurprisingly allows builders to build three different sets of colourful DUPLO ramps. The first is a long, tall jump with a loop, the second consists of two shorter ramps for play with family and friends, while the third is the most daring, involving launching cars through a loop and over a gap. Two race cars are included to interact with the different ramps, along with accessories such as flames, cones and a trophy. 10478 3-in-1 Creative Ramps with Vehicles Set Name - 3-in-1 Creative Ramps with Vehicles Set Number - 10478 Age Range - 3+ Piece Count - 111 Price - $69.99 / €69.99 / £59.99 Release Date - 1st June 2026 (EU) / 1st August 2026 (NA) 10478 3-in-1 Creative Ramps with Vehicles releases on the 1st of June 2026, but what do you think? Will you be purchasing 10478 this Summer? Which of the three different ramps will you be looking to build with your toddler? What other LEGO DUPLO sets would you like to see in the rest of 2026? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

While the second week of Formula 1 2026 testing starts tomorrow, the LEGO Group have officially revealed the next Formula 1-branded brick-built model, celebrating last year's dominant season from the team in papaya. In particular, this is 42228 McLaren MCL39 F1 Car, which has finally been presented after previous leaks from the LEGO Group themselves ahead of the 18+ model's 1st of March 2026 release date. Just like previous LEGO Technic  Formula 1 sets, 42228 recreates the McLaren F1 team's car in a brick-built 1:8 scale, retailing for $229.99 / €209.99  / £189.99 and includes 1,675 pieces. Last year saw the release of both 42207 Ferrari SF-24 F1 Car  and 42206 Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 F1 Car , but 42228 returns to the papaya coloured McLaren Formula 1 team ahead of another major regulation change. The 1st of March 2026 model focuses on last year's World Drivers and Constructors Championship-winning car: the MCL39. It cleverly captures the aerodynamic body of Formula 1 cars in brick-built LEGO form, including a sculpted nose, front and rear wings, sidepods and a detailed engine cover. Underneath the engine cover, builders can find a Mercedes V6 engine complete with moving pistons and a two-speed gearbox. The iconic papaya colour associated with McLaren features heavily on the car, along with plenty of black to complement the primary colour and the constructors' champions' many sponsors such as Google Chrome, Mastercard and OKX. The build is also complete with Pirelli-branded hard tyres, functional steering using a knob on top of the steering wheel in the detailed cockpit area and an adjustable flap on the rear wing for DRS. 42228 McLaren MCL39 F1 Car Set Name - McLaren MCL39 F1 Car Set Number - 42228 Age Range - 18+ Piece Count - 1,675 Price - $229.99 / €209.99  / £189.99 Release Date - 1st March 2026 42228 McLaren MCL39 F1 Car releases on the 1st of March 2026, but what do you think? Will you be purchasing 42228 in a couple of weeks? Do you own the previous LEGO Technic  McLaren or any other Technic F1 sets? What other past or present Formula 1 teams would you like to see in brick-built LEGO form? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

Following on from 21376 Orange Cat , the LEGO Ideas theme is launching another LEGO set next month, and it's another entirely brick-built animal. In particular, its 21366 Floating Sea Otters, which has been officially revealed today ahead of a 1st of March 2026 release. Another non-licensed set from the Ideas theme retails for just $119.99 / €109.99  / £99.99 and includes a total of 1,234 pieces. 21366 Floating Sea Otters is the latest brick-built character, droid, figure or animal seen in brick-built LEGO form in recent years. This time, it captures the semi-acquatic mammal reclining on its back in a relaxed, playful pose on top of a thin layer of brick-built water. The sea otter is coloured in brown, along with elements of tan being present around the animal's head, chest, and puffy cheeks. Again, like many of the recent brick-built display models from an abundance of themes, the Floating Sea Otter has plenty of functionality and posability. The head in particular is full of character with those previously mentioned tan cheeks, along with white whiskers, small, cute black eyes and an openable mouth containing a small but extremely cute pink tongue. The overall head can be spun around, along with plenty of movement in the otter's mouth. Moving to the rest of the otter's furry body, both its front and back paws are fully articulated, allowing the carnivorous mammal to hold various brick-built animals whilst also giving a cheeky wave. The legs and tail extend naturally beyond the simple black base of the 18+ model, which is covered in transparent blue tiles representing the shallow water environment that otters are often found in. Unlike the original model, the LEGO Group have also included a baby otter build which can be rested on its mother or displayed separately. The baby otter is obviously a much smaller build yet still includes just as much cuteness with its tiny eyes, tan cheeks and small paws. The brick-built pup figure can be replaced by a clam, which can also be placed in various areas of the aquatic-themed build. In the water and covering the base of the model, we can find various elements of brick-built scenery. Various seaweed pieces and colourful leaves are floating around the otter alongside a small rocky outcrop halfway down the build. A couple of non-transparent tiles can be found amongst all of the blue of the tiled sea, recreating splashes, waves and bubbles in the extremely cute and calming 2026 LEGO Ideas  set. 21366 Floating Sea Otters Set Name - Floating Sea Otters Set Number - 21366 Age Range - 18+ Piece Count - 1,234 Price - $119.99 / €109.99  / £99.99 Release Date - 1st March 2026 21366 Floating Sea Otters releases on the 1st of March 2026, but what do you think? Will you be purchasing 21366 in a couple of weeks? What do you like most about these extremely cute brick-built sea otters? What else are you expecting to see from the LEGO Ideas  theme in the rest of 2026? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.