New Year, New Hobby – Here’s How to Master Your First LEGO® Set!

A quick and easy guide for those new to the art of LEGO® brick building...

Crimbo Limbo, the stretch between the holidays and the new year often feels like a moment to hit the pause button – a time to relax, reflect and perhaps dive into something new. For those considering LEGO building as an exciting new hobby (a choice nobody regrets, by the way!), it's an ideal time to hone a brand-new creative skill.

Not only will it reinvigorate those fun imagination and problem-solving skills, it also offers the opportunity to meet a vibrant community of like-minded fans! Here are some essential tips to help anyone kickstart their new passion over the holiday lull...

1. Start with the Basics

Like learning anything new, understanding the basics can make for an altogether more enjoyable experience right from the off. Get to grips with the essentials via our Essential LEGO Brick Knowledge – an adult-centric resource that dives into the fundamentals of brick types, building techniques and even unique ways to connect bricks. Develop a foundation of skills – from stud orientation and brick alignment to layering – that’ll make even simple builds look polished and professional. Simple!

2. Create a Dedicated Build Space

Setting up a designated build space can make a huge difference in maintaining an organized and relaxing hobby environment – that could mean clearing a small table or finding a cozy nook in a home office or living room.

Plus, keeping the chosen build space tidy will help to keep track of a build, not to mention prevent pesky pieces from going on walkabout... Clear storage containers or drawer systems are a great way to order pieces by color, shape or size – making it simpler to find what’s needed without needing to sift through muddled piles. And don’t fear – this space needn’t be elaborate or fancy, even a small setup can feel like a special hobbyist’s retreat!

3. Utilize Digital Building Instructions

While many love the charm of rifling through the pages of a crumpled instruction booklet, the LEGO Builder app offers builders who prefer digital guides easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions right at their fingertips.

Digital instructions can also zoom in on particular sections to make challenging steps clearer, and budding builders can easily swipe back and forth to turn the page – the perfect feature for those who like to double-check steps without the hassle of flipping through pages.

4. Try the Build Together feature

For those who prefer a little company when building, the LEGO Builder app also includes a Build Together feature that splits build projects into smaller tasks, distributing them among multiple builders. Each participant gets their own set of instructions, specially designed to allow everyone to work on different sections of a single build. It's especially helpful when tackling large or complicated sets where an extra set of hands (or two) can make the process more digestible, and more fun, too!

5. Join LEGO Insiders

For a first-time LEGO builder, joining LEGO Insiders is a fantastic way to make the most of your new hobby. As an Insider, you’ll earn points with each set you buy, which can be redeemed for rewards like discounts or special LEGO items. Plus, you get access to exclusive products, tips and even early releases, helping you discover more about building and connecting with the LEGO community. It’s easy to join, making it the perfect choice for a builder just getting started!

6. Solutions for Missing Pieces

It’s not uncommon to discover that a brick or two has gone missing – whether because of an overly excited opening or a mischievous pet. Thankfully, the LEGO Group has a dedicated Replacement Parts service where individual pieces can be ordered to replace anything that’s missing or damaged. Phew!

7. Experiment and Embrace Creativity

As many seasoned builders will agree, the real LEGO magic often lies in stepping outside the guidelines and experimenting with new ideas. LEGO building encourages a creative approach that lets anyone put a unique spin on anything, from creating custom builds to small modifications that allow for a personal touch. It’s a fantastic way for builders to develop their confidence!

If you love experimenting and embracing creativity with LEGO bricks, LEGO Ideas is the place to be. On the platform, you can share your coolest creations, enter challenges, showcase proposals for new LEGO sets, and more! Cool, right?

By learning the essential techniques, utilizing digital tools and seeking out inspiration in the LEGO community, anyone can master their first LEGO set and continue to grow as a builder.

(And personally, we can’t wait to see it – good luck!).