Really hard Lego or something similar which isn't too expensive?

[Pippi1970]

dd19 still loves Lego but she's amazing at it. Bought her a silly Fat Thor Marvels kit for her birthday and it took her about half an hour. I'd like to get her something to build over Xmas but don't want to spend the money if it is too straightforward - budget probably about £70. Also are all the kits so tiny these days?? I'm sure I remember Lego bricks being much bigger!

If you wait for sales (possibly Black Friday) you could possibly get a Lego Creator set for that budget.

Had a quick look and thought this might be nice for something a little different:

Bonsai Tree

Or this is slightly over budget, but not by much:

Santa’s Visit

Oh I’d thought you said 9 years old!

As she’s an adult there might be something more appropriate to her interests/personality. But they are expensive.

I got my DH a Sopwith Camel aeroplane one year, which took him several days working on and off in a leisurely manner and the Sydney Opera House another year, which took him a few weeks. But he deliberately did it slowly as kind of meditative work after his very stressful work days. He liked them both very much.

@HollyandIvyandAllThingsYule

Oh I’d thought you said 9 years old!

As she’s an adult there might be something more appropriate to her interests/personality. But they are expensive.

I got my DH a Sopwith Camel aeroplane one year, which took him several days working on and off in a leisurely manner and the Sydney Opera House another year, which took him a few weeks. But he deliberately did it slowly as kind of meditative work after his very stressful work days. He liked them both very much.

Yes she finds it really therapeutic. The ones that look really hard seem to cost about 400 - I mean she likes lego but wouldn't want it as a main present

Yes, it is expensive. They’re really aimed at diehard Lego lovers. You can sometimes find (relative) bargains on amazon.

I think I paid about £89 for the plane and around £150 for the Opera House, direct from Lego online. But that was a few years ago and I think they were both reduced at those prices.

I love Lego and find it really relaxing. There’s lots of sets for about that sort of price that would be good - I like the look of the little fiat 500 set. Smyths, John Lewis, Amazon and Lego themselves all often do Black Friday offers on Lego.

My DH is still into Lego and you won’t get much for £70 unfortunately. He treats himself to a kit every now and again and pays £150-£300+ for the large ones.

The Lego flower bouquet is lovely and within budget but although it says 18+ it isn’t that hard as my 8yo managed to build the flowers without any help. It’s nice to have on display once completed though.

My ds is the same age and always has Lego for Christmas. He has a few of the Lego architecture sets of places he’s been and quite a collection of Star Wars big models.
This year I’m looking for a car, he has the mini.
I’ve been advised to wait until Black Friday so I’m holding my nerve!!
There are some good deals on eBay too so worth a look.

the lego technics are usually a good challenge. ebay is worth a look for 2nd hand sets, but lego does tend to hold its price

Great thank you! It would be an "extra" so I will wait until black Friday

Yes tell her to hold on to it, plus box and instructions, for sure! We sold the aeroplane a couple of years ago for quite a bit more than I had paid for it as it had been discontinued.

Actually I've just seen the flower bouquet and that looks perfect, even if it doesn't take long! Thank you!

@Pippi1970

Actually I've just seen the flower bouquet and that looks perfect, even if it doesn't take long! Thank you!

You’re welcome, I’m sure she’ll love it

My DD has added the red rose set to them too.

Yes I think that’s a brilliant set now that I know she’s 19 not 9. 🤣

How about a wooden model? I love LEGO but I've also been eyeing up these Brands and their marble runs on Amazon, but beware they can be fiddly and fragile in places which may not suit everyone (read the Reviews to give you an idea). My teen daughter daughter does the builds with me but would find these too frustrating for example, Lego is fiddly but straightforward IYKWIM

ROBOTIME

UGEARS

ROKR

Not read all but maybe look at brickbox.me you can rent the sets so cheaper

The Women of NASA set would be in budget.

Lots of recommendations for the Adidas trainer on the bargain thread. It’s currently £50 on Amazon.
Could be good for a 19 year old?

I haven't seen it built but the lego architecture New York looks fab. I think it was about £45 in legoland shop so prob available cheaper elsewhere.

Oh yes I think I was actually thinking of Lego Architecture for the Opera House.

Just out of you budget, but really recommend the Lego architecture Taj Mahal. It takes a while to do and is stunning when finished

I love the Creator 3 in 1 range (as the Modular Buildings are out of my budget). I just recently rebuilt this one. It's about £40 and looks small but there is a lot of detail in the build - especially the upstairs windows etc. Plus you can then rebuild into the two other builds.
I also have just rebuilt the Gingerbread House which I think is around £80. Again lots of little details which make it a challenge. Getting the roof on without other bricks flying off is fun .

The metal sheet models can be quite a challenge, and need decent pliers for the fiddly ones.

Metal Earth MMS078 Metal Model - Apollo Lunar Module https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00JMQR448/ref=cmswwrcppapiglttfabcXREDTM8BZ7CXJSBRHS8G??encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Also the micro blocks /nano bricks sets that were around the last couple of years make good stocking fillers, not always a challenging build but can be fiddly to get the colours just so.

Nanoblock NBC175 NAN Phoenix - Multicolor https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0166KM7AI/ref=cmswwrcppapiglttfabcM1HHVB9N2WMK2PFK53SJ

The Taj Mahal is good but it's very repetitive so not much of a challenge really. Think that's probably the same with a lot of the architecture sets.
Someone posted a link to the Home Alone set yesterday - now that's one set I really want!

nanoblocks

@Brusca

The Women of NASA set would be in budget.

I love this set, especially Margaret Hamilton.