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

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!

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