I started out by working through book 1 to build the wreath. The first impression I had is “boy, is this a repetitive build.” You start you by making the sixteen parts of the ring – 15 of them identical, with one variant with an integrated bit of string to serve as a hanging loop. This parts-hound in me was happy to see so many parts in quantity. However, as this set gave me 16 left-side 2×4 wedge plates in dark green with no right sides to balance them out did make future-me a bit cranky. You can start with either of the instruction books as they both provide steps to build the base ring, which is shared between the two models. In addition to the two designs, the second instruction book displays four more alternate models, which also share the same base. These models do not have separate step-by-step building instructions, but the pictures are large enough and clear enough that you should be able to copy them easily. One of the new holiday sets that will be available from the beginning of October is the #40426 LEGO Iconic Christmas Wreath 2-in-1 set. LEGO was kind enough to send us an early copy so that we can take a closer look. The second build for this set is a tabletop centerpiece design. The initial ring build is almost identical to the wreath, although you leave out the mounting assembly and replace it with the same 1×4 plate that appears in the other 15 ring segments. There is a lot lower level of detail in the foliage this time around, leaving you with a larger pile of surplus parts. If you want to build your own wreath, or you just want to get the pieces for your own projects, the #40426 LEGO Iconic Christmas Wreath 2-in-1 set is going to be available on October 1st at the seasonal items section of the Online LEGO Shop.

The box of the Christmas Wreath set is the sturdier kind of LEGO boxes with a flip-up lid. The size of the box is just over 11×10 inches, which means that it can be used as a storage box for the wreath once it’s built. This is super handy if you want to use and display the set each holiday season. Inside the box there are three sets of numbered bags, as well as two instructions booklets. The first instruction booklet provides the steps to build the hanging wreath with the big red bow, and the second instruction booklet includes steps for the wreath that can be used as table decoration with four candles and two small red bows.At the end of book 1, you have a complete wreath, and a good selection of extra parts. The bow is pretty sturdy, with some nice shaping from the use of layered plates. Model C is a simpler looking hanging wreath without using any of the red bows, red berries, or larger leaf elements. It’s main fun feature is the reindeer’s face centered at the top, made from one of the white candle tops, a couple of brown 1×2 plates with rounded edges, two trans-orange round plates for the eyes (used as candle fire in the other models), and two green leaf pieces for antlers. Model B is a hanging wreath with a medium-sized red bow and the four candles placed flush with the wreath. This is a nice alternative to the first model if you would like to include the candles. Model D is also a hanging wreath that omits the larger leaf pieces, but it is more colorful than Model C with the red berries and a differently designed big red bow added.

A celebration of love – Older kids with a passion for meaningful interior design can build a LEGO® Heart Ornament (40638) to hang in a window or on a wall or door, or to give to someone they loveA seasonal gift for ages 9 and up, this 510-piece set is great for solo building or sharing the fun with family and friends. It can be hung on a wall, used as a table decoration or displayed any way the builder chooses. It’s hard for me to decide which of the six models I like the most, but I think I prefer the ones that are fuller with using both the smaller and larger leaves. And I like the splash of color added by the berries, bows, and candle fires. But I also appreciate the simplicity of other models. And this is the beauty of this set; you can build the wreath in at least six different ways, and of course you can also make up your own design. There are plenty of pieces to play with!