Just in time for the holidays, the brickmasters general at LEGO have rolled out several new and hard-to-find sets, all of which look to be as awesome for kids in the 7+ age range as they are for the grown-ups who'll ultimately end up building the things.
While the Exo Force Combat Crawler X2 dominated the Target end cap that sent my kids into a frenzy, the TIE Crawler ($49.99, above) was the hands-down favorite. Part of LEGO's Star Wars Expanded Universe, the 548-piece Rebel-crusher brings Imperial TIE fighters literally down to earth via its working treads, flick-launching missiles and hidden cannons, as well as its two Shadow stormtrooper minifigures. It's a great way to keep the excitement going as you your kids count the hours till LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga hits stores.
If swords and sorcery are more your thing, the 575-piece Dwarves' Mine ($49.99, above) adds an underground world of trolls, dwarves and mystical loot to the clashing knights and skeletons at the center of LEGO Castle's universe. Transport your diamonds and gems in the rolling mine cart and bucket, and defend your haul with a working catapult.
Want something with more big-kid appeal? The 598-piece LEGO Racers Nitro Muscle car ($49.99, above) should satisfy your inner gearhead. It'll look great on a bedroom shelf, with four rotating tires (you can also use the rear wheel to turn the front tires), metallic decals, and a flip-open body that lets you show off its interior. Or, if your kids are like mine, just plan on getting an extra set so you can race 'em around the house when you're done building.
