LEGO and construction sets cover brick-built models, technical building kits, coding robots and puzzles for children, teenagers and adult hobbyists. Over 450 products are listed, led by LEGO, with Kiddicraft, Ravensburger and fischertechnik also well represented. Some sets are made for play, others for display or for learning how machines and code work.
How to choose a LEGO or construction set
Age and skill level. Check the recommended age on the box before anything else. Sets for younger children use larger pieces and short, simple builds, while sets for teenagers and adults can involve thousands of small parts and several evenings of work.
Purpose of the set. Decide whether the model is for play, for display or for learning. Play sets suit rougher handling and rebuilding, display models reward detail and are rarely taken apart, and technical kits teach how gears, motors and sensors work.
Piece count and build time. A higher piece count usually means a larger model and a longer build, but not always a harder one. Look at the number of pieces together with the age rating: a 300-piece set for a six-year-old and a 300-piece technical kit for a teenager are very different projects.
Electronics and programming. Some kits in our range include motors, sensors or controllers, and some robots are programmed with blocks or a tablet app. If the set needs batteries, a controller or a separate device to run the software, check this before buying so that the gift works on the day.
Compatibility and space. Parts from different brands do not always fit together, so check whether a set is meant to work with an existing collection. Large models also need a shelf or table to stay on once finished, so measure the space first.
Brands in our range
- LEGO: the Danish maker of interlocking plastic bricks, known for licensed themes, architectural models and the Technic line with gears and axles.
- Ravensburger: a German company best known for jigsaw puzzles and board games, with a long history in family and educational games.
- fischertechnik: a German maker of technical construction kits built around gears, motors, sensors and programmable controllers, often used in schools and for STEM learning.
- Jamara: a German producer of remote-controlled vehicles and models, which suits buyers who want something that drives or flies once it is built.
- Matatalab and Wonder Workshop: makers of coding robots for children, where programming is learned through tangible blocks or a simple app.
- Orbotix: the company behind the early Sphero robotic balls, which are steered and programmed from a phone or tablet.
- Eichhorn: a German maker of wooden toys, aimed at younger children.
Also in our range: Kiddicraft, Lumibricks, IM. Master and Makerzoid.
Frequently asked questions
Which LEGO set is best for a beginner?
A set with a low piece count and a recommended age that matches the builder is the best start. Look for clear step-by-step instructions and larger pieces for young children. Adults new to the hobby often begin with a small display model of a few hundred pieces before moving to larger sets.
What is the difference between LEGO and fischertechnik?
LEGO is built mainly from interlocking bricks, while fischertechnik uses studs, grooves and technical parts such as gears, motors and sensors. LEGO covers a wide range of themes and ages. fischertechnik concentrates on mechanical and electronic models, which makes it more of a learning tool for older children and teenagers.
Are coding robots a good first step into programming?
Yes, coding robots are a common way to introduce programming to children. Many are controlled with physical blocks or a colourful app, so no typing is needed at the start. Check the age range and whether a tablet or phone is required before buying.
Can I mix parts from different brands?
Sometimes, but compatibility is not guaranteed. Parts from one brand generally fit together, while pieces from different makers can differ slightly in size and clutch strength. If you want to extend an existing collection, choose sets from the same brand or check the product description.
