Best LEGO Sets under $50

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David Borgogni

David is a dedicated and experienced content creation professional with a love for BMX, Ecommerce, the outdoors, and, most importantly, LEGO. Having grown up with these monumentally popular bricks, David knows a thing or two when it comes to LEGO sets, best building practices and always has ear to the ground for new sets on the horizon.

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Spending hundreds of dollars on a set that offers a rewarding building experience isn’t always necessary since so many affordable models challenge the builder’s skills. In addition, some of the best LEGO sets under $50 let you create beautiful display pieces for your LEGO display shelf.

More than two hundred active LEGO sets cost between $25 and $50, and nearly all models in this price range have less than 1,000 pieces. These sets cover a broad spectrum of interests that range from animals to superheroes.

In this article, I’ll provide you with all the information you need to navigate through such a wide selection of sets, and I’ll recommend a few models that might fit your requirements. Please go through our guide to the best LEGO sets under $100 to discover some of the most popular sets in this price range.

At a Glance – The 6 Best LEGO Sets Under $50

Bottom Line Up Front:

In my opinion, the Bonsai Tree 10281 is one of the best sets in this price range that allows you to start a fun project that will test your set-building abilities. The only downside is that the set’s assembly process can be overwhelming for young LEGO fans.

Selection criteria

Each of LEGO’s most popular themes features at least one set that costs $50 or less that can potentially be a good fit for young or adult LEGO fans. That’s why I had to exclude numerous models worthy of your attention during the selection process.

I utilized a variety of parameters to shortlist the best sets within this price range and pick those that had the most to offer. Here are some of the essential criteria I used to select LEGO sets for this article.

LEGO Theme

This parameter has allowed me to identify all sets that cost up to $50 within different themes and choose some of the best models from LEGO’s trendiest themes

Age group

I utilized this criterion to pick the sets suitable for young and adult LEGO fans. Hence, the models you’ll find in this article can be an excellent choice for novice and experienced LEGO builders.

Check out our guide to the best LEGO sets under $20 if you’re looking for an inexpensive and fun LEGO set.

Overview of the most popular LEGO themes

The number of sets that cost less than $50 varies from theme to theme. LEGO Art, Boost, or Education themes don’t have sets in this price range, and you’ll have to spend $75 or more to get a set from one of these themes.

However, LEGO currently offers 220 sets that cost under $50 across more than twenty themes, so you’ll have plenty of options at your disposal if you’re searching for a set in this price range. Let’s take a look at the LEGO themes that offer the most sets priced below $50.

LEGO City

At the moment, this theme features 23 sets in this price range, but none of the available models has more than 500 pieces. In addition, these sets are aimed at children under the age of nine. Here are a few models that might be the right choice for you.

• Horse Transporter 60327
• Stunt Park 60293
• Air Race 60260

Please browse through our guide to the best LEGO City sets to learn more about sets from this theme.

LEGO Marvel

Sets in this price range are inspired by different Marvel movies, and you can choose from models based on one of the Spider-Man or Iron Man sequels. These are some of the best-selling LEGO Marvel sets in this price range.

• Iron Man Figure 76206
• Spider-Man at the Sanctum Workshop 76185
• Escape from the Ten Rings 76176

Please read our guide to the best LEGO Marvel sets for more information about sets from this theme.

The versatility of LEGO sets under $50

Even though they’re relatively small, LEGO sets under $50 are versatile since they can function as display models or playsets that offer a variety of play scenarios. The Creator 3-in-1 theme features six sets in this price range that allow children to build multiple toys.

These models are among the best options for parents searching for sets that will provide their children with plenty of playing options and challenge them to improve their set-building skills.

Most LEGO playsets under $50 come with a variety of accessories and Minifigures that broaden the range of playing scenarios kids can develop. Display sets that cost up to $50 can be difficult to assemble even though none of the models has more than 1,000 pieces.

Go through our guide to the best 1,000 piece LEGO sets if you’re searching for a medium-sized LEGO set.

LEGO sets under $50 for toddlers

Duplo theme features sets aimed at the youngest LEGO fans. These sets are considerably smaller than standard LEGO sets since none of the models from this theme has more than 500 pieces. Despite this, their price is still relatively high.

The Duplo theme offers 17 sets under $50, giving you various options to consider while choosing your child’s first LEGO set. Here are some of the best active sets you can find in the Duplo theme.

• Deluxe Brick Box 10914
• Race Cars 10947
• Airplane and Airport 10961
• Family Camping Van Adventure 10946
• Horse Stable and Pony Care 10951

Most of these sets have fewer than fifty pieces, so toddlers won’t need too much time to learn how to assemble them. In addition, some models in this price range can help children learn to write or count. Our guide to the best LEGO fire trucks can help you find a set suitable for children under the age of four.

Retired LEGO sets under $50

You’ll probably encounter quite a few retired LEGO sets if you decide to search for the model you like online. The price of discontinued LEGO sets increases gradually, so you might be able to find a retired model you like at a reasonable price.

You should take the time to compare the prices different online retailers offer for a specific set to find the most affordable option. It’s also worth adding that some retailers offer used and opened sets, and you have to make sure that the model you’d like to get is in good condition.

These are some of the best retired LEGO sets under $50.

• LEGO Architecture San Francisco 21043
• LEGO Speed Champions Ferrari F8 Tributo 76895
• LEGO City Race Boat Transporter 60254

Please browse through our guide to the best Amazon LEGO sets to learn more about the latest LEGO sets you can find on Amazon.

The key factors to consider while choosing a LEGO set under $50

Reading the product description of every LEGO set under $50 will take days, which is the reason why the price range can’t be the only parameter you’re using to choose a LEGO set.

I’ve listed some of the crucial factors that can help you decide which LEGO set under $50 is the best option for you, so let’s take a quick look at them.

Set size and complexity of the set building process

Just one set in this price range has more than 1,000 pieces. However, nearly fifty models have between 500 and 999 pieces. Moreover, over a hundred LEGO sets under $50 have between 250 and 500 pieces, while just twenty models have fewer than a hundred pieces.

The complexity of the assembly process depends on the set’s piece count. You should get a model with a low piece count if you don’t have previous set-building experience because large sets from this price range can be difficult to build.

Themes, subthemes, and general interests

City, Marvel, Friends, or Star Wars are some of LEGO themes that offer a versatile selection of sets under $50. However, these sets can have a variety of subthemes, so a LEGO City set can explore subthemes like transportation, construction, or space.

The person’s interests can help you decide a model covering topics related to racing or architecture would be the right option.

Age group

Finding a LEGO set under $50 suitable for toddlers or adults shouldn’t be too difficult, although the selection of models aimed at LEGO enthusiasts older than 18 is somewhat limited.

The majority of sets in this price range are suitable for LEGO fans aged six or older. Even so, you’ll have to check if the assembly process of a specific set is overwhelming for a young LEGO builder.

Minifigures and accessories

LEGO playsets priced below $50 offer an abundance of playing options because they include a multitude of accessories and Minifigures. Going through the set’s list of Minifigures and accessories can help you determine how entertaining that set is.

What’s more, sets under $50 that come from the same theme are compatible, and you can combine two or more models to extend the range of playing scenarios your child can develop.

Retailer’s reliability

Prices of LEGO sets often depend on a retailer, and a model that costs less than $50 on LEGO’s website can be several times more expensive in an e-store.

That’s why comparing the prices different retailers offer for a specific set is paramount, and it can help you avoid spending more money than you have to.

It’s worth adding that some of the active sets on LEGO’s website are out of stock, so your best option is to look from them online or at local LEGO-certified stores.

The advantages of LEGO sets under $50

Wide assortment of models

More than 200 LEGO sets currently cost less than $50, and almost all LEGO themes feature at least one set in this price range. Such a broad selection of models enables you to find a set that best fits your interests and set-building abilities.

Fun to play with

Most playsets in this price range come with accessories that make them more entertaining. In addition, these sets contain Minifigures of superheroes and various other characters from the LEGO universe.

High learning potential

Besides enabling children to improve their set-building skills, LEGO sets under $50 can help them explore their creativity or learn more about architecture, history, engineering, or arts.

The disadvantages of LEGO sets under $50

Nearly all LEGO sets under $50 have fewer than 1,000 pieces

Models with high piece counts cost more than $50, so unless you’d like to get a set from the LEGO Classic theme, you’ll have to settle for a model with fewer than 1,000 pieces.

Top 6 LEGO Sets Under $50

Batmen Cowl 76182

Despite having just 410 pieces, the Batmen Cowl 76182 is difficult to build, making it an excellent fit for DC fans searching for a set that will test their skills. The fully assembled display model of the Batmen’s cowl is 8.5-inches tall and 4-inches wide, so it won’t occupy a lot of space on your LEGO display shelf.

The set comes with a display stand and plaque that doesn’t include any other information besides the character’s name.

Pros

• This model’s eyes glow in the dark
• A calming set-building experience
• A must-have set for LEGO DC collectors
• It doesn’t occupy a lot of space

Cons

• The set isn’t suitable for young LEGO fans
• The plaque doesn’t include any information about the character

Bonsai Tree 10281

A model from LEGO’s botanical collection, like the Bonsai Tree 10281, can be an excellent gift for anyone who loves plants and nature. In addition, you can combine this set with Bird of Paradise 10289 and Flower Bouquet 10280 sets to create a LEGO garden.

The bonsai tree model has green leaves, but the set features pink blossoms that allow you to change its appearance in different seasons. This set is designed for adults, and you should consider other options if you’re searching for a playset.

Pros

• Blossom elements contain hidden frog motifs
• The model of the bonsai tree contains a rectangular pot and a stand
• This set is compatible with other models from the botanical collection
• Building instructions are easy to follow

Cons

• It doesn’t include accessories or Minifigures
• Some pieces are fragile

Around the World 11015

Like all sets from the LEGO Classic theme, the Around the World 11015 set lets children combine the brick in any way they want. The set includes ideas and instructions for 15 models inspired by animals, vehicles, or architecture from all corners of the world.

Even inexperienced LEGO builders can make a sailing boat, a palm tree, a bald eagle, or an airplane from the pieces in this set. What’s more, kids can also use the bricks and other parts included in the set to start DIY LEGO projects.

Pros

• This set has 950 pieces
• The set comes with the map of the world
• It has an educational character
• Children can combine pieces freely

Cons

• Tiny parts are easy to misplace

Hoth AT-ST 75322

LEGO updates the Star Wars theme frequently, and the Hoth AT-ST 75322 set is one of the most recent additions to this immensely popular theme.

The set is inspired by the Battle of Hoth, also known as the assault on Echo Base that takes place in The Empire Strikes Back, the fifth episode of the original Star Wars trilogy. The AT-ST walker model has a rotating head, and it features a spacious cockpit to hold the pilot Minifigure.

A model of an imperial droid is also included in the set and Chewbacca and Hoth Rebel Trooper Minifigures.

Pros

• Adult Star Wars fans can use the AT-ST Walker figure as a display model
• The Chewbacca Minifigure with snow decoration is unique to this set
• AT-ST Walker has a pair of stud shooters
• The set comes with numerous accessories

Cons

• The Assembly process can be challenging for novice LEGO builders.

Paris Skyline 21044

The Eifel Tower, the Louvre, or the Champs-Elysees are some of the landmarks you can build while assembling the Paris Skyline 21044 set. The model of the Paris skyline is 11 inches long, 8 inches tall, and 4 inches wide.

This set has a relatively low piece count compared to LEGO’s skyline collection sets, but it still enables you to build a detailed replica of six different structures. Assembling the set isn’t difficult as even children below the age of 12 can assemble it in a few hours.

Pros

• Children can learn about some of the most famous landmarks in the world
• The set comes with a booklet that offers information about the Paris
• Straightforward assembly process
• Compatible with other sets from the LEGO skylines collection

Cons

• This set was released in 2019, and it might be retired soon
• Low piece count

Beach Lifeguard Station 60328

Kids aged five or older will have a lot of fun building the Beach Lifeguard Station 60328 set. This set has only 211 pieces, and novice LEGO builders can assemble it in less than an hour. Despite a low piece count, the set is stacked with beach-themed accessories like surfboards or ice cream cones.

Aside from the two-level lifeguard station, the set includes an ATV, four Minifigures as well as turtle and crab figures. Road plates allow kids to connect this set with other LEGO City sets.

Pros

• It offers fun playing scenarios
• The set has a lot of accessories
• Children can learn how to build LEGO sets
• The observation tower has a control room

Cons

• The model of the lifeguard station is small

Frequently asked questions about LEGO sets under $50

My Verdict: Deciding which LEGO set under $50 is the best

Factors like the set’s size, age group, or theme are as important as the model’s price, and without them, you won’t be able to determine which set in this price range is the right choice for you. The majority of LEGO sets under $50 are designed for children, while only a handful of models target adult audiences.

I recommend choosing the Bonsai Tree 10281 because it lets you create a beautiful display model and it pushes you to improve your set-building skills. Models like the Beach Lifeguard Station 60328 or Around the World 11015 could be better for young LEGO builders.

Which LEGO set under $50 are you going to choose? Let me know in the comments, or continue reading our guide to the best LEGO sets under $10 to learn more about some of LEGO’s most affordable sets.

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