Advent calendar opened: the LEGO city comes to life more and more each day

A few weeks ago, we came up with a supposedly good idea: testing out advent calendars from our shop. The problem: we have 1,000 different ones available in our range. So, we decided to go with a random selection. Hit or miss?

Advent calendars

LEGO City

30

Advent calendars

LEGO City

30

What does the manufacturer promise?

The LEGO advent calendar from the City range offers «24 great Christmas gifts for boys and girls». So far, so expected. So what’s different? The windows don’t just contain 24 small sets and figures to build – the calendar also offers a game board that can be used to set the stage for «an endless, creative adventure». Children can base their play around TV series «LEGO City Adventures» without needing much imagination, as their photos are on the side of the box.

What can it do?

Behind every door, you’ll either find a small set to build or a figure. The child only really needs to assemble a few pieces each day. There are no step-by-step instructions, only an image on the inside of the box that gives you a hint. It’s a nice task to do in the evening before bed, for example. Each element adds more life to the game board – the cardboard base with painted-on streets, ice and a helicopter landing pad. Six figures, small vehicles and festive elements including the inevitable Christmas tree provide plenty of variety.

Who is it right for?

Some five-year-olds, especially if they’re new to LEGO, might not be able to put the components together themselves. Even though there are probably only around a dozen or more pieces, some abstract thinking is required to build the small car. But it’d be fine with help from a parent. A six or seven-year-old can feel a sense of achievement each day. Young master builders don’t have to be fans of the TV series. The figures are self-explanatory and provide plenty of fun.

Is it worth the money?

You get a LEGO quality product. And at a much more attractive price than many other City sets. What’s more, LEGO even supplies additional pieces with its minimal build sets. In short, there’s a good pieces-to-price ratio. The somewhat rudimentary instructions result in a slightly lower rating.

Rating: 22 out of 24 doors