Jay's Brick Blog

A blog about LEGO bricks

  • Home
  • About Me
  • LEGO Reviews
  • News
  • 2023 LEGO Sets
  • 2022 Advent Calendars

It’s official: 2021 is the year of the LEGO brick-built object

June 17, 2021 By Jay Ong 4 Comments

With the recent unveiling of the LEGO Adidas Superstar, a brick-built LEGO sneaker that pays homage to one of the most iconic lifestyle sneakers of all time, it got me thinking – huh, LEGO sure is putting out a ton of “brick-built” objects!

If 2020 could be described as the Year of LEGO Branded Collaborations, 2021 is undeniably the Year of the Brick-Built Object.

2020 gave us a small taste of brick-built objects with the Grand Piano and Nintendo Entertainment System, but it really went into overdrive in 2021.

Let’s review all the sets that are based on household or inanimate objects made out of LEGO that have released in 202!

A Bonsai Tree & Flower Bouquet

It all starts off with indoor plants, and the surprise (but very welcome) introduction of LEGO’s Botanical Collection, that kicked off 2021.

We got amazing gems such as 10281 Bonsai Tree, 10280 Flower Bouquet and also the perennially-out-of-stock 40460 Roses and 40461 Tulips which introduces adult LEGO fans to a whole new world of building their favourite floral arrangements, or Bonsai Trees out of LEGO.

Inanimate Object Count: 4

A World Map

While it sits within the LEGO Art theme, the 31203 World Map set definitely qualifies as a “thing” made out of LEGO, as you essentially build a massive map of the world, complete with a white frame that you can hang in your home.

The World Map is also the biggest LEGO set of all time (so far, by piece count) and is a really unique model that places relaxation, mindfulness and the love of travel in the core of the build. Read Part 1 of my review to check out my thoughts on the set.

Inanimate Object Count: 5

Bird of Paradise Pot Plant

Joining the Bonsai and Flower Bouquet is the third set in LEGO’s excellent botanical collection 10289 Bird of Paradise, which not only contains the Bird of Paradise plant, but also a brick-built pot as well.

It’s the most static LEGO Botanical Collection set as there’s limited ways to customise it, but realism is the name of the game here, and the final model does a remarkable job of blending in as a house plant when placed on display.

10289 Bird of Paradise is available in the UK, Australia and Europe now, however it will only be available in North America on 1 August 2021.

Inanimate Object Count: 6

A Fish Tank

It’s not just the Creator Expert/LEGO for Adults theme that are getting the brick-built everyday object treatment – a LEGO Fish Tank also makes the list, as part of the newest wave of Creator 3-in-1 sets.

For a small and relatively accessibly priced set, you get remarkable detail packed into this totally-not-a-Finding-Nemo set, and makes for a pretty interesting and unique display model. Read my review of the Fish Tank to see more photos of the set in action.

Inanimate Object Count: 7

A Vintage Typewriter

LEGO is leaning heavily into nostalgia this year, and this buildable vintage LEGO Ideas Typewriter is the perfect way to corner the hipster market. With keys and carriage that mimic the functionality of a real typewriter, this is not just an achievement in model design, but a beautiful blend of aesthetics and engineering.

At a glance, you could totally be fooled into thinking it’s an actual vintage compact typewriter.

Learn more about the inspiration and design process behind the LEGO Ideas Typewriter in my Q&A with the LEGO Ideas Design Team.

The LEGO Ideas Typewriter is now available for LEGO VIPs on LEGO.com

Inanimate Object Count: 8

A sneaker

Sure, household objects and plants might be simple to replicate using LEGO elements, but what about wearable objects like shoes?

LEGO have done this as well, venturing into the uncharted waters of brick-built apparel with the LEGO Adidas Superstar, the next evolution in LEGO’s partnership with German sports giant Adidas.

It’s not for everyone, especially if you’re not a fan of sneakers, or the design as it’s a pretty niche product that’s really targeted towards Adidas fans/sneakerheads.

10282 Adidas Superstar will be available from 1 July 2021 onwards.

Inanimate Object Count: 9

A bunch of Dots sets

I was umming and ahh-ing about including the 76191 Infinity Gauntlet but I’m going to do it any way since I think it definitely qualifies as an object – it’s something that Thanos uses, and when he isn’t using it I suppose he places it on a stand somewhere.

Inanimate Object Count: 10

A bunch of Dots sets

Not sure this counts, but I’m going to lump it in anyway, but LEGO Dots has been an absolute smorgasbord of brick-built objects – from Cupcakes, to Jewelry Stands, to Picture Frames to Jewelry Boxes – it’s quite a delightful range of functional, usable items.

They’re not technically household items or objects, but there’s a strong argument to be made there.

Inanimate Object Count: A lot

What LEGO objects are coming up next?

I don’t think this trend is going to stop any time soon, and looking at LEGO’s upcoming release slate, there are more brick-built objects on the way!

There’s of course the LEGO Ideas Globe, and LEGO Stratocaster that are coming soon – the Globe was announced as the winner in September last year, so hopefully it means we’ll be able to get a peek at the final model in the next few months, together with the Stratocaster.

With the runaway success of LEGO’s Botanical Collection, I would also not be surprised if we saw a fourth LEGO Botanical set before the end of 2021 – it’s been a massive commercial success and fan-pleaser, so I can definitely see LEGO releasing a new Botanical Set in time for the 2021 Christmas holiday season.

After owning the Bonsai and now Adidas Sneaker, and having them on display, I think this concept or sub-category of “objects made out of LEGO” is quite compelling as they can be displayed in places where you normally wouldn’t expect to see LEGO.

They strike an interesting balance by occupying that “uncanny valley” where you’re not quite sure that it’s LEGO until you get up-close.

Anyway, this is my thoughts of this following the unveiling of the LEGO Adidas Superstar that 2021 is indeed the Year of the Brick-Built Object.

What do you think of 2021 being the year of brick-built objects? What objects would you like to see LEGO take on next?

In case you missed it, check out some of my recent posts!

  • LEGO Nightmare Before Christmas and Red London Telephone Box are coming to LEGO Ideas!
  • Exclusive: First detailed look at LEGO Lord of the Rings Rivendell (10316) set
  • LEGO 10316 Rivendell officially revealed, a stunning 6,167-piece LEGO Lord of the Rings masterpiece!
  • Save the date: February 2023 LEGO Double VIP Points offer starts soon!
  • A LEGO Lord of the Rings Teaser just dropped, my preciousss

To get the latest LEGO news and LEGO Reviews straight in your inbox, subscribe via email, or you can also follow on Google News, or socials on Facebook, Instagram (@jayong28), Twitter or subscribe to the Jay’s Brick Blog Youtube channel.

Subscribe to receive updates on new posts and reviews!

Filed Under: News

« The LEGO Ideas Typewriter is now available through VIP Early Access!
Mini LEGO Adidas Superstar GWP teased in Designer Video »

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Mark P says

    June 18, 2021 at 11:19 AM

    I’d probably add all the masks/helmets to this list, if you’re putting in the gauntlet. Zero playability, just dust gatherers. 😆

    Reply
    • Jay says

      June 19, 2021 at 9:21 AM

      Only the black ones! Helmets are a weird one as they’re not really to scale with a real helmet, and are more miniaturised versions. So yeah, that’s why I was tossing and turning between the gauntlet being added, but threw it in for kicks

      Reply
  2. Hvitis says

    June 18, 2021 at 3:05 AM

    Wow, didn’t know about the paradise flower. Great article, thanks.

    Reply
    • Jay says

      June 19, 2021 at 9:21 AM

      No worries, it’s a really cool build!

      Reply

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to Jay's Brick Blog. In here, you'll find independent LEGO set reviews, commentary on LEGO trends & news, bargain hunting tips and an inside look into the life of an average LEGO fan. Find out more about me here

Subscribe for updates

Enter your email address here to receive updates about new posts from Jay's Brick Blog - straight to your inbox!

Join 4,147 other subscribers

Site Search

Buy LEGO

Buy LEGO

jayong28

Jay Ong | Jay's Brick Blog
Sauron! Celebrimbor! Earendil and Vingilot! New p Sauron! Celebrimbor! Earendil and Vingilot!

New printed tiles! New fern element!

Here are some of the awesome details hidden within 10316 Rivendell!

Hit the link in bio to see an exclusive closeup look at the new @lego Rivendell set! 

Shoutout to @ashwinvisser for the sick graphics!

#lego #reveal #10316 #legonews #legoleaks #lego2023 #afol #rlfm #legolordoftherings #lotr #lordoftherings #afol #minifigures
LEGO Lord of the Rings is back! Here's your first LEGO Lord of the Rings is back! Here's your first look at 10316 Rivendell!

Truly one set to rule them all! 

10316 Rivendell
🧩 6,167 pieces
💵 US$499.99 / AU$799.99 / £429.99
🗓 5 March 2023 (VIP Early Access)
🎨 @ashwinvisser, Mike Psiaki, Wes Talbott, Chris Perron, Djordje Djordjevic, Madison O’Neil

#lego #reveal #10316 #legonews #legoleaks #lego2023 #afol #rlfm #legolordoftherings #lotr #lordoftherings #afol #minifigures
Here's an exclusive closeup look at some of the mi Here's an exclusive closeup look at some of the minifigures included in 10316 Rivendell!

Selected LEGO Fan Media got the opportunity to preview this set last September when we visited LEGO HQ in Billund!

See more via link in bio!

#lego #reveal #10316 #legonews #legoleaks #lego2023 #afol #rlfm #legolordoftherings #lotr #lordoftherings #afol #minifigures
LEGO Lord of the Rings is back with 10316 Rivendel LEGO Lord of the Rings is back with 10316 Rivendell, a jaw-dropping 6,167-piece model of the Elven sanctuary Rivendell!

The Design Team have pulled out all the stops with this ultra-detailed model of Rivendell, and it comes with 15 minifigures, including the entire Fellowship of the Ring!

Hit the link in bio to see more!

 10316 Rivendell
🧩 6,167 pieces
💵 US$499.99 / AU$799.99 / £429.99
🗓 5 March 2023 (VIP Early Access)
🎨 @ashwinvisser, Mike Psiaki, Wes Talbott, Chris Perron, Djordje Djordjevic, Madison O’Neil

Such a stunning model! Does this make your wishlist?

#lego #reveal #10316 #legonews #legoleaks #lego2023 #afol #rlfm #legolordoftherings #lotr #lordoftherings #afol #minifigures
Ready for a new era of @lego Lord of the Rings! Ready for a new era of @lego Lord of the Rings! 

Who else is excited for the reveal? 

We wants it, we needs it. Must have the preciouss...

#lego #legolordoftherings #lotr #lordoftherings #legonews #afol
House plants are getting along with my @lego plant House plants are getting along with my @lego plants 🌱

#lego #legobotanicalcollection #houseplants
Today is the 15th and final day of the Lunar New Y Today is the 15th and final day of the Lunar New Year, also known as Chap Goh Mei (15th night in the Hokkien dialect), Yuan Xiao Jie, Chinese Valentine's Day or the  Lantern Festival! 🏮

It marks the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations, and is celebrated in a myriad of ways, such as eating tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) over dinner, and visiting temples to pray good fortune for the coming year.

The celebration was famously depicted in 80107 Spring Lantern Festival, designed by @justinramsden and released in 2020.

Here's my Classic Space take on Chap Goh Mei as we conclude the Lunar New Year festivities!

Happy Chap Goh Mei to everyone celebrating! 

#lego #chinesenewyear #lunarnewyear #chapgohmei #legospace #classicspace #minifigures #minifigs #legophotography #legos #afol #legoleaks #lanternfestival #cny
Mia is all grown up now! Here's a comparison of Mia is all grown up now! 

Here's a comparison of Mia, from her very first minidoll on the left (from 3188 Heartlake Vet), to her last appearance as a teenager in 41717 Mia's Wildlife Rescue, and on the right, as an adult in 41730 Autumn's House!

She's now a mum to Autumn, and it's kinda surreal seeing her grow like this.

FYI: LEGO Friends had a bit of a redesign in 2018, which is why Mia's appearance changed slightly.

#lego #legofriends #lego2023 #legoreviews #legonews #heartlakecity #legoleaks #rlfm #41730 #reviews #minidolls
For my next @LEGO Friends review, here's a look at For my next @LEGO Friends review, here's a look at 41730 Autumn's House, which features Autumn and Mia's home, a delightfully rustic ranch-style home!

It blends the old and new, with Autumn and a now grown-up Mia, and amazingly, has kept the same US$69.99 price-point as all the other Friends main character houses. 

Who knew that Friends character homes were inflation-proof?

Great value-packed set overall, and you can read my full review on the blog via link in bio!

Special thanks to LEGO for sending this review set over!

#lego #legofriends #lego2023 #legoreviews #legonews #heartlakecity #legoleaks #rlfm #41730 #reviews #minidolls
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Follow on Facebook

Jay's Brick Blog

2 hours ago

Jay's Brick Blog
Great news for Jack Skellington fans and Anglophiles - a Nightmare Before Christmas and Red London Telephone Box have been greenlit as your next LEGO Ideas sets!Do any of these 2 appeal to you? ... See MoreSee Less

LEGO Nightmare Before Christmas and Red London Telephone Box are coming to LEGO Ideas! - Jay's Brick Blog

jaysbrickblog.com

LEGO Ideas has announced the results of the Second 2022 Review Round and The Nightmare Before Christmas and Red London Telephone Box have been selected as the winners, and will now enter production! T...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Jay's Brick Blog

13 hours ago

Jay's Brick Blog
LEGO is hiring for a YouTube optimisation manager!Pretty interesting London-based role for anyone with social, digital and YouTube experience. If CTR, Thumbnails, AVD, and Bumper Ads mean anything to you, this seems like a really interesting role! www.lego.com/en-gb/careers/job/youtube-platform-optimisation-manager-d7c3e668fa921000f5bbc227c1e8... ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Jay's Brick Blog

1 day ago

Jay's Brick Blog
The face my wallet makes when I show it the US$500/AU$800 Rivendell setjaysbrickblog.com/reviews/exclusive-first-detailed-look-at-lego-lord-of-the-rings-rivendell-10316... ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Recent Posts

  • LEGO Nightmare Before Christmas and Red London Telephone Box are coming to LEGO Ideas!
  • Exclusive: First detailed look at LEGO Lord of the Rings Rivendell (10316) set
  • LEGO 10316 Rivendell officially revealed, a stunning 6,167-piece LEGO Lord of the Rings masterpiece!
  • Save the date: February 2023 LEGO Double VIP Points offer starts soon!
  • A LEGO Lord of the Rings Teaser just dropped, my preciousss
  • LEGO Power Rankings – January 2023
  • Review: LEGO 41730 Autumn’s House

LEGO Reviews

Review: LEGO 76046 Heroes of Justice Sky High Battle

Review: LEGO 71775 Nya’s Samurai X MECH

New Halloween 2020 Build a Minifigure parts!

Review: LEGO 40289 Diagon Alley (2018 gift with purchase set)

Review: LEGO 40186 Year of the Pig

Review: LEGO 40499 Santa’s Sleigh

Review: LEGO 75117 – Kylo Ren

Categories

Archives

Jay

Jay is passionate about LEGO and the endless creative adventures made possible by this complex interlocking brick system.
Learn more →

Popular Posts

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · WordPress · Log in We may earn a commission when you use one of our offers/links to make a purchase.