droolicious : lego

Roadtripping with LEGO

JeanneSager — Mon, 04 May 2009 16:00:00 GMT

If you want to keep a kid busy for hours, you can hardly do better then a LEGO set. Two new lines out from our favorite bricklayers take the building occupation on the road.

The LEGO Racers' Tiny Turbo Fold-Out Race Tracks give a whole new meaning to backseat driver. The plastic case that carries their bricks on the road doubles as a race track when opened up. Each set lets them build two different cars while they're riding along in the back of the car, and than it's all about the racing action. So keep your hands on the wheel while they do the steering. Get the Ice Rally (for kids who drive to extremes), Thunder Raceway (above), or take on a Desert Challenge, all straight from LEGO for $14.99.

LEGO Creator Minis pack three times the fun in a plastic container that's three times smaller than your average LEGO product box - leaving more room in the suitcase for extra swimsuits. There's more room in your wallet too; the new toys are a steal at $4.99. Get the Mini Jet or the Mini Off-Roader from LEGO.

Want more LEGO fun? Check out:

Blocks that Rock: LEGO Boombox

Sneak Peek at LEGO Rock Band

Blocks that Rock: LEGO Boombox

JeanneSager — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:01:00 GMT

Who knew you could make LEGO any more rockin'? Digital Blue is trying - this summer they're set to unveil a boombox and MP3 player - with the real LEGO name.

Ten times the size of the real thing, the boombox will be one mega LEGO brick, with the little bumps traditionally used for inter-locking your blocks doing double duty as volume and tuning controls. And true to LEGO life, even the little dials sport the LEGO name.

And since everything is portable these days - even the big block sound - the MP3 player boasts two gigs of space for some one thousand kid tunes and look like a tower of blocks already pieced together for their listening pleasure.

Both retailing for $39.99, they'll hit stores this summer, at which point we'll all be teaching our kids to rock around the block.

More LEGO goodies:

LEGO My Dinner

LEGO Star Wars: Limited-Edition Count Dooku's Solar Sailer

Aaron Burgess — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:30:00 GMT

Strolling through Toys "R" Us this past weekend, I found myself drawn, as usual, to the blazing yellow "LIMITED EDITION" tag on the box for this LEGO Star Wars Count Dooku's Solar Sailer. (It didn't hurt that both the kids were arguing over who'd get the set for his birthday. Answer: Dad!)

Of primary importance to LEGO collectors is the fact that the set includes its namesake Sith lord -- although you could argue that $55 is a lot to spend for a minifigure. At 385 pieces and a few reasonably tricky building features involved with the missile-firing system, the Solar Sailer is aimed at builders age 8 and up, and it's got a few features besides the minifigs (two MagnaGuard droids and an FA-4 pilot droid also ship alongside the Count) to help justify its price tag.

Obviously, the four flick-fire missiles are a fun feature for staging battles, but particularly cool is the buildable speeder bike, on which Dooku can flee his sailer when Anakin and Obi-Wan come calling. The four collapsible wings also add a nice design touch to the set, but even if that's not enough to compel you, this review from LEGO Authority the Brothers Brick estimates that the Solar Sailer's resale value (thanks largely to the rare and exclusive minifigures) is expected to grow quite a bit. Maybe it's worth picking up more than one set for the kids after all...

$54.99 at LEGO Shop, or swing by your local Toys "R" Us while the getting is good. [Image: The Brothers Brick]

The Greatest Storage System Ever Made (for LEGO)

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:30:00 GMT

Box4Blox LEGO storage units have been around for a while, but as so many of us continue to stumble over (or, worse yet, step barefoot on) stray pieces from the holiday LEGO sets that've long since been broken down, these handy little boxes are worth revisiting.

Think of each Box4Blox as a strainer for LEGO bricks: Shake the top tray, and the smaller pieces fall through to the next level. Do the same with the second tray, and the next-smaller-sized pieces drop yet one more level. And so on. When all is shaken and sorted, you've got four neatly organized trays' worth of bricks -- or more, if you buy additional units.

Unfortunately, there's no Box4Blox solution for those odd-shaped, geometrically challenging pieces that seem to be standard in so many modern LEGO sets -- but if you can quickly put order to the gazillion other pieces that are littering the playroom, such quibbles seem minor.

$29.95 for one four-tray storage unit, or $59.90 for a double pack, at Box4Blox.

LEGO Digital Box Brings 3D Awesomeness to German Toy Aisles

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Sure, you can check out the photos on the box to get some idea of how your fully built LEGO toy will look, but the LEGO Digital Box takes the experience of previewing your toy to a whole new level. Wave your LEGO box's barcode in front of the screen to see an animated 3D model of the contents, fully constructed and ready to roll.

Unfortunately for the rest of us, the LEGO Digital Box hasn't yet made it outside of Germany, but we're staying optimistic that it'll replace those LEGO endcaps in U.S. Target stores by year's end. [Cherryflava]

Fun Freebie: Put Yourself In a LEGO Commercial!

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:04:00 GMT

No, your eyes do not deceive you: That's my kid stuffed into a LEGO minifigure space suit -- but don't worry; no children were harmed in the making of this image.

In fact, if you head to LEGO's Go Miniman Go! Mini You website, you, too, can convert your whole family (well, three of you) to minifigs for free and star in your own rendition of the Go Miniman Go! spot we featured here a few months back. Share your clip with us when you're done -- we'd love to see you rocking the bricks!

Cyber Monday Deals: The Complete List of Online Discounts

Meredith Broussard — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:05:00 GMT

Ready with the credit card? Here's the ultimate wrap-up of Cyber Monday discounts on kids' toys and gear:

Land of Nod: free shipping on most purchases w/coupon code WINTER; get the adorable personalized stockings pictured above for $25 each.

Discovery Store: $10 off $50, free shipping over $75

Lego Store: free shipping over $99, $10 off orders over $100, $20 off orders over $200, $30 off orders over $300

Back to Basics Toys: 10% off everything w/coupon code EDISC84; free shipping over $85 w/coupon code EDISC83

The Scholastic Store: up to 75% off on sale items; free shipping on $39+ w/coupon code AFFTGS or coupon code SSTGS

PBS Shop: $10 off $50 w/coupon code PBSFRIDAY; $5 off bestselling titles; free shipping; $10 off $65+

Leapfrog: 25% off everything, free shipping over $50

KB Toys: $5 Off $100 w/coupon code LSGENQ48; free shipping on lots of toys; up to 50% off Fisher-Price toys

Toys R Us: free shipping over $25 on select items; free shipping on Mattel toys, including Barbie; buy a Star Wars Wii game, get 50% off any other Wii game; free shipping on lots of video games, plus $30 off Guitar Hero. Check the site for details.

eToys.com: up to 60% off and free shipping on select items

Gap: buy one, get one free on select holiday sweaters

Macy's: free shipping over $99 with promo code MERRY

Land's End: free shipping, daily St. Nick's Pick discount items (today: outerwear)

Overstock.com: free shipping

Target: free shipping on 5,000+ toys

eBay: $1 holiday doorbuster items hidden on the site, including a 65-inch Panasonic plasma HDTV and a 2009 Chevy Corvette; daily deals; occasional free shipping

PayPal: cash-back incentives and lots of online discounts from 5 percent to 30 percent off at various stores, including Toys R Us, eBags, and Overstock.com; free shipping on Elmo Live; free shipping on eBay items

If this isn't enough savings, check out Consumer Reports' blog for tips on where to find promotional codes, how to compare online deals, and how to save lots of cash this holiday season. Happy shopping!

Got a LEGO Lover?

elizabeth leach — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 16:07:00 GMT

If Santa is planning on leaving LEGOs under the tree this year, now is the time to shop because Toys R Us is offering a buy one get one half off deal on all LEGO sets (excluding Star Wars and Tubs).

The above LEGO City: Construction Set is brand new and features a mobile crane, delivery truck, digger and lots of LEGO construction dudes. Find the Construction Site here for $89.99.

Shop all LEGO here.

LEGO MagnaGuard Starfighter No Longer Just a Clone Wars Extra

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 19:04:00 GMT

The actual MagnaGuard Starfighter, which transports General Grievous' ultra-nasty Magna Droids around the Star Wars galaxy, is a bit player at best in the Clone Wars series. But LEGO's version of the ship, a 431-piece creation aimed at ages 8 and up, officially bumps the MagnaGuard Starfighter into A-list territory.

The set includes two Magna Droid minifigures (pictured), whose shapes, capes and electronic-Q-Tip-styled weapons allow for nice twists on the typical minifig (even droid minifig) design. As for the MagnaGuard Starfighter itself, it has several cool features -- hidden missiles, a flip-open cockpit, and pop-up launchers on either side -- that'll allow the kids to do more than simply set the ship on a shelf for display when they're done building it.

Primarily because of the number of pieces and the somewhat advanced wing assemblies, the ship can be a little daunting for inexperienced builders to put together. If your kids are old pros at building mid-sized LEGO vehicles, however, they should have no trouble completing this one without Mom's or Dad's help.

$44.99 from the LEGO Shop.

Little Cave-People, Big World: Duplo Dino Valley

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:04:00 GMT

Creating dinosaur toys that'll appeal to little kids is like shooting fish in a barrel, but as our review from yesterday of a new Hot Wheels toy proves, not all dinosaur play sets are created equal. Scoring high marks for both durability and preschooler appeal, the Duplo Dino Valley from LEGO delivers a prehistoric experience that rivals anything in big brother or sister's toy chest.

The jungle play set is inhabited by three cave-people (one a cave-kid), as well as big and little Triceratops, Pteranadon and T. Rex figures, and despite a few potential choking hazards (hence the 3-and-up age recommendation), the blocks and figures are chunky enough for little fingers to manipulate without coming off like "safe little-kid toys." Admittedly, your 3-year-old may not be able to build the set exactly as it appears in this photo, but that's why you're here to help.

$49.99 from the LEGO Shop.

Very Big Toys: Ultimate Workout Tool for Tomorrow's Architects

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:04:00 GMT

I am unwavering in my LEGO worship, but after countless attempts at building skyscrapers out of the blocks only to watch them crumble at the slightest touch, even I've got to bow before the majesty of The Young Architect's Skyscraper Construction Kit.

That picture's no exaggeration: You and the kids can use the set's 3,200 pieces and 24-page blueprints to build a nearly 8-foot-tall skyscraper, among a variety of other structures, while also learning architectural fundamentals and plotting out how and where your buildings would fare in the real world via an interactive world map on the manufacturer's website. Cripes, they'll even send you a PDF building permit featuring seismic and wind loads for your proposed structure.

The skyscraper will still leave you around 89 feet short of the world's largest LEGO structure we recently covered, but considering that one needed support cables and a crew of hundreds to get it off the ground, this looks like a decent start.

$299.95 from Hammacher Schlemmer.

Very Big Toys: The World's Tallest LEGO Tower

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 18:04:00 GMT

What's 96.7 feet tall and contains almost 500,000 bricks? While I'd like to say "My summer home," the answer is in fact this record-breaking LEGO tower, the tallest such structure (by 7 inches -- see the old record-holder here) ever built. Hundreds of kids gathered near Vienna's city hall recently to assemble the tower in celebration of the four-day festival Friends of Children.

While a Guinness World Record was shattered in the process, no one was physically injured: The children did their work on the ground, and organizers used a crane to assemble the tower and support wires to keep the structure from falling apart in the city's 60 Km/h winds. (Note to self: Remember that the next time the kids start stacking bricks to the Moon.)

Behold:

Another group is already at work in Wolfsburg, Germany, building the world's largest LEGO suspension bridge -- we'll definitely be watching. Oh, and while we're talking records: If you'd like to see the largest LEGO set that's actually available for purchase, we've got that covered, too. [DVICE via News.com.au; images: Reuters]

Happy 30th, LEGO Minifigure!

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:05:00 GMT

LEGO's Minifigure -- that iconic, four-brick-tall everyman whose yellow mug makes every new set feel complete -- turns 30 this week, and the company has launched a new site, Go Miniman Go!, to mark the celebration.

Among the freebies you'll find at Go Miniman Go! are a Miniman iGoogle theme and a handful of games featuring the LEGO Indiana Jones and Mars Mission Minifigures. You can also break out your wallet for some even sweeter swag, ranging from a limited-edition tee that makes you look like a Mini-person (my kids went bonkers for this one) to this awesome-looking set of vintage Minifigures 1978-2002:

LEGO has also opened up the party to anyone else who wants to contribute: Grab a free package of Go Miniman Go! files from the site to create your own videos, posters, wallpaper or image mashups to share with the world, or if you're feeling especially ambitious, enter Gizmodo's contest to create your own video short celebrating the Minifigure. The top three entries -- as judged by celebrated LEGO animators Nathan Wells, David Pagano, and Nate Burr -- will score some amazing prizes, including factory-sealed vintage Galaxy Explorer and Yellow Castle sets, which, from a collector's standpoint, are pretty much priceless.

By far the site's highlight, however, is the 60-second video depicting Miniman (and Mini-women, of course) at the center of some of the past 30 years' biggest pop-cultural milestones -- from Star Wars to the disco boom to the collapse of the Berlin Wall.

You can check it out here, but trust us: You'll want to visit Go Miniman Go! to grab the 3D and HD versions:

1st Wonder of the LEGO World: The Biggest LEGO Set Ever Made

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:35:00 GMT

Just when we thought the $500, 5,175-piece Ultimate Collector's Millennium Falcon was as big and complex as a LEGO set could get, along comes the mother of all brick-building challenges: At 20" wide and 16" tall, the LEGO Taj Mahal may be a wee bit under the 22.44 hectares of the actual wonder-of-the-world after which it's modeled, but at 5,922 pieces (clearly not making it one for the junior builders), it's still a formidable piece of architecture.

Priced at $299.99, the LEGO Taj Mahal ships Sept. 15 -- preorder now and you may still have time to finish it by 2009.

7 Days of Educational Toys: LEGO Mindstorms NXT

Erin Behan — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:49:00 GMT

This is for the kid who loves LEGOs but needs a little something ... extra. Like a 32-bit microprocessor, three interactive Servo motors, a sound sensor, an ultrasonic visual sensor, a touch sensor, a light sensor ... I could go on, but the point is that this is one bad-ass way to computerize LEGOs. In layman's terms, the Mindstorms allows you to build your own robot and then program said robot to do whatever you'd like, including command the robot with a mobile phone via Bluetooth technology. Looking to get your kids excited about computers (as in how they work, not what games they can play)? This is the toy! All this technology doesn't come cheap, of course: $249 at Lego.com.

7 Days of Video Games - Say Hello to the Lego Universe

SunnyChanel — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:22:00 GMT

First they were just a set of simple building blocks coming from Denmark in 1934, then they got fancy with play set kits that created castles, dinosaurs and Death Stars, after establishing four of their very own lands, this company has proved to be unstoppable. If you haven’t guessed by now, I’m speaking of the one and only land of Legos. Now Lego is getting’ some game. On Legouniverse.com you can play a whole bunch of games for preschoolers, action games such as “Ultimate Lightsaber Duel”, or puzzles such as “Junkbot Undercover”, brainy tasks such as “Creative Builder” or just feel the love for all the bricks with Lego Fever. Soon they’ll be launching their MMOG (or Massively Multiplayer Online Game.) There are a variety of games you can play for free or there are a variety of “Premium games” ($19 for Lego Fever) that you have to purchase to play. Lego brick, Lego Land now Lego Game Play, it really is a Lego Universe.

The Most Beautiful House in Legoland

Chris Ford — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:03:00 GMT

A friend of mine just tipped me to what is probably the coolest lego project I've ever seen - an architectural model of Le Corbusier's Villa Savoye.

And I'm proud when I can make a tree out of my daughter's Duplo set.

The Villa Savoye, completed in 1929, is one of Le Corbusier's most famous architectural designs, and it's amazing (for a modern design geek like me) to see someone took the time to render it out in Legos. From the windows and steps to the curved wall on the roof terrace, the level of detail is pretty incredible.

Check out model maker Matija Grguric's creation at MOCpages.com (via The Brothers Brick)

And once you're sufficiently inspired, shop for some legos for you and your kids at Lego.com

Lego Can Make Anything. Even Shoes.

Heather Kuldell — Wed, 28 May 2008 14:03:00 GMT

These Lego Kids Adriano sneaks are the kind of kids shoes I love: colorful, whimsical and playful without goofy cartoon characters covering them.

Rather than overwhelm the shoe with their product, Lego adds thoughtful touches of their classic blocks on the ever-so-practical velcro straps and on the heel. I’m a fan of the green and yellow, but the sneakers also come in red and denim blue or bright blue and white.

Available for $45 at Zappos.com in toddler sizes 6-13.

Free LEGO Indiana Jones PC Game Demo Available Starting Today

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 13 May 2008 17:03:00 GMT

We'll forgive you if you didn't bookmark LucasArts' LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures website the other day like we suggested -- we parents do have 8 million or so more important things to worry about, after all. However, if you only make one trip to the site, today's the day, as LucasArts and Games for Windows have released a demo of the upcoming LEGO Indy-themed video game, which is hitting stores June 3. Head here for the demo, and mark your calendars: The movie opens May 22.

If you don't have a PC or don't care about game demos, grab your junior archaeologist and head to Cartoon Network's LEGO Indiana Jones site for a round of fun (and funny) LEGO Indy mini-movies. And don't forget your hat...

LEGO Indiana Jones Game Site Launches; Demo Coming May 13

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:09:00 GMT

Just as we were getting cozy with Cartoon Network's LEGO-themed spin on everyone's favorite Nazi-fighting, AARP-card-carrying archaeologist, LucasArts rolled out its own LEGO Indiana Jones website, this one based around the LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures video game that's hitting stores June 3.

Loaded with fun Flash content, the site is also packed with news, trailers and game details, as well as a treasure-hunt feature that lets you collect points toward stickers, wallpaper and other gimcracks promoting what, if past experiences with LEGO Star Wars are any indication, is looking to be the summer's most awesome kids' game. (Illicitly obtained copies of Grand Theft Auto IV excepted.)

As you and your kids are playing around the site today, be sure to bookmark it: LucasArts and Games for Windows have a PC demo of LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures slated for release on May 13, nine days before the latest Indy movie hits theaters. The final game, which is rated E 10+, will also ship for Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Lego

Meredith Broussard — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:14:00 GMT

Can't wait for the new Indiana Jones movie to hit theaters on May 22? Here's a preview to whet your appetite:

LEGO and the Cartoon Network have teamed up to make an animated short called Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Brick. An animated Lego-licious spoof, it will delight any kid who's crazy about adventure or LEGOs. Or any grownup, for that matter. My favorite parts: when Indy does a Q-bert-like dance in the temple, and when he flies away in a LEGO plane over a country called Redbrickistan.

Check out the animation at CartoonNetwork.com or buy Indiana Jones-themed LEGO sets and see more digital goodies at indianajones.lego.com.

LEGO Creativity Awards Open Today: Win $5K to Nurture Your Kids' Endeavors

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:03:00 GMT

From Michel Gondry to Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page, there's no shortage of famous creative minds that've been nurtured through playing with LEGOs. Beginning today, the company kicks off its second annual LEGO Creativity Awards, in which five winners ages 6-13 will receive $5,000 each toward nurturing their own creative endeavors. New guitar or drum kit? Canvases and paints? Rack server for the home? Personal project (RED)? No matter what dream you're hoping to finance, grab an entry form at LEGO's Creation Nation website and share your kids' creativity with the planet (last day for entries: May 23). Who knows -- that first-grader scattering bricks about your playroom today could be the next Nathan Sawaya.

Homade LEGO MP3 Player is Music to Blockheads' Ears

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:03:00 GMT

You'll notice the word "LEGO" doesn't actually appear anywhere on this Homade MP3 Player ($46 from Homeloo). Still, it's pretty clear which famous block inspired the player's design (and packaging, for that matter), and outside of conceptualizing your own, you won't get a more accurate-looking LEGO/MP3 hack than this.

In a clever little design twist, the brick's raised buttons double as the player's controls. It also comes with headphones, a strap, and a USB cable for managing files and charging the built-in battery, but you'll need to bring your own microSD card (2GB maximum) if you actually want to hear music on the player.

If you love LEGOs but can't bear to part with your existing MP3 player, Homeloo has a few other gadgets you may dig: The larger iStereo Speaker ($39.99; first item below) and the smaller Homade Speaker ($16.99; pictured in green but also available in black, blue and white) both provide a docking station that doubles as a conversation piece. It's hard to imagine them having serious audio punch, but Homeloo promises a loud and clear active bass system, so take that for what it's worth.

Toy Fair '08: LEGO

editors — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:00:00 GMT

LEGO opened its doors to show us what’s new and exciting, and the company that turned 50 this year just can’t seem to grow up. Pictured above is the newest Duplo set for your smallest LEGO-lovers. The super cute Dino Valley set comes with minifigures dressed in little fur pelts. Other accoutrements in this scene from the ancient world(s) include a hieroglyphic block and mom and baby triceratops. For the older kids and collectors, LEGO is releasing its new Indiana Jones set in conjunction with the much-anticipated movie.

Another exciting development for you hard core ~~geeks~~ collectors, the Star Wars set that coincides with the animated Star Wars TV show coming in August. You saw it here first. Unless you were at the Toy Fair. - April Peveteaux

Coupon Code: Free Shipping on LEGO Orders $99 & Up (ends Feb. 3)

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 21:03:00 GMT

In honor of its 50th birthday this week, LEGO is offering free shipping on online orders of $99 and up. The offer ends this Sunday, Feb. 3, though, so get to LEGOShop.com and enter the coupon code FS50US at checkout.