LEGO Friends - Why We Should Buy Into This Theme

06 Aug 2024

FABULOUS FRIENDS

The LEGO Friends theme was released between 2011 and 2012, depending on where in the world you are. Fourteen sets were released initially, with a total of 23 in the first wave. The theme was centred around five friends who lived in a fictional city, Heartlake City. The five characters were created as mini-dolls rather than the usual LEGO minifigures.

LEGO Friends new characters

Over the years, various changes were made within the theme, and then in 2023, it was given a reboot. The previous five occupants were booted out, and eight new characters moved in:

Aliya
Autumn
Leo
Liann
Nova
Olly
Paisley
Zac

These new characters arose from engaging conversations with children and understanding their preferences for more inclusive/diverse figures in the sets. LEGO listened and responded by introducing new characters that represent a range of disabilities, both visible and non-visible.

A couple of the LEGO Friends characters houses

LEGO Friends focuses on these characters' hobbies, houses, cars, jobs and places they like to hang out. Each of the characters has their individual interests, which are reflected in the names of some of the sets. There is an animated series of LEGO Friends that follows the adventures of the inhabitants of Heartlake City.

LEGO Friends electric car and mobile cafe sets

The creators of LEGO Friends have tried to ensure that the theme is grounded in the real world. While providing fun and entertaining playsets, they also wanted children to be able to “experiment and learn about topics they are interested in”.

Three LEGO Friends shop sets

As an AFOL you might not be interested in the characters' storyline or their backstories, but that doesn’t mean you can’t appreciate some of the sets. LEGO Friends offers some fantastic builds that you can include in your LEGO city and town set-ups. Even if the colours of the buildings are not quite what you’re after, you can swap the bricks out for your preferred colours. That said, some of the models offer a fresh and vibrant look to their shop fronts which can be a lovely aesthetic in your town.

Some of our favourite stores to include in a LEGO City include:

It’s also worth mentioning that the LEGO Friends theme is great value for money. The smaller sets start at $9.99 (41738 Dog Rescue Bike), which is ideal for birthday gifts or pocket money. Many of the sets, if not all of them, include an animal of some description, some of which are only available in the LEGO Friends line.

LEGO Friends diner, community center and botanical gardens sets

We have to say that overall, the LEGO Friends theme is seriously underrecognized. It has so many topics covered, is great value for money and has some amazing looking sets. If the mini-dolls put you off, repopulate with regular LEGO Minifigures, as they are still compatible with the sets and accessories.

Our final mention on LEGO Friends is these three sets, and these are our favourite three of the new rebooted theme:

Check out LEGO Friends, and you will be pleasantly surprised.

Happy Building!