Lego users - first time purchase - what to get?

[EmGee]

DD is soon to be six and DH was wondering about Lego as a Christmas gift. I've read mixed reviews. Plus I asked about it on Mumset a while ago (in relation to Playmobil) and the responses I got didn't inspire much confidence!

She has some Playmobil kits but I wouldn't say she has played with them that much so we were reluctant to get her more of the same (despite the fact that she has enjoyed playing with it at the Playmobil theme park).

I guess I'm wondering if we should go for basic lego bricks with a base plate and then graduate onto kits if it goes down well. She already has some magnatiles (wouldn't say she was in love with these either) and will get the Kapla (sp?) wooden blocks for a present which she specifically asked for as a birthday present.

Any advice gratefully received from seasoned Lego owners!

[ChillyChillyIcebat]

My DD is soon to be 5 we have gone for a big box of bricks 1500 pieces, and a lego city town set that is made up of lots of little sets.

we also had xmas lego and she has built that and been interested and entertained.

[CinnamonStar]

I think kids vary a bit.

Some really like following the instructions to make a specific model, but don't like doing their own thing. Others like doing there own thing and making up their own models. Some children are all about the building, others all about playing with it afterwards. Others like both and some aren't that bothered about Lego.

For a first set, I might be tempted by one of the yellow boxes - not sure what they call them now - classic, maybe?. They usually have instructions for a few models, ideas for a few more simple models, lots of colourful bricks to do your own thing.

But it is hard to say - my DD1 definitely prefers following instructions, my DD2 definitely prefers freestyling. They enjoy lego in very different ways.

[Chattymummyhere]

It's a hard one my dd 4 wants to build random stuff as did ds when he was 5 now his 6 he wants to build the sets and keep them as built.

Buy a random mix plus a small set and see which goes down best.

[bikingintherain]

We brought DD the Lego friends boat last year (she was 5 then). She loved it and has remade it several times. She also loves playing with it once it's made. It was the first proper set we got her and she is now hooked. Any pocket money she saves up and gets more.

FYI she also has some playmobil which she also likes but her playing with it is sporadic. She has definitely got more value out of her Lego. She loves making the sets but also loves creating her own things which she can't do with playmobil.

[PandasRock]

Agree with previous poster - depends on your child's personality.

I have one who follows instructions, builds the set and then wants it to stay as a show piece. And one who potters around fiddling with bits of bricks, building a bit of this, adapting a bit of that and generally just 'doing lego'. He likes to play with any completed models (which drives his sister mad!)

Generally, you can't go wrong with a big box of bricks and some base plates. The classic creative sets come with a booklet of ideas, and then let your imagination take over.

[dannydyerismydad]

DS loves Mixels. Cute little monsters and only £3 a set. Get 3 the same colour and you can make a giant one from the parts.

[redcaryellowcar]

There are sets called Lego juniors (think in red boxes) these are normal sized Lego but slightly easier to build for children new to Lego?

[EmGee]

Thank you for the info - I have bought the Cinderella castle set as it wasn't a bad price on Amazon France. I would've bought a Classic set but there didn't seem to be any good bargains around. We will see how we get on with this kit - she adores Cinderella so I think she (and her sister) will be really excited when they see it!