Looking for a Lego set for a child? These are brilliant picks that balance fun, playability and the themes kids love most, drawn from across the ranges that get played with the hardest.

Retailers price these very differently and the gaps can be large, so we have linked each one to its live comparison.

Downtown (60380)

Downtown

The Downtown is a substantial build at 2,010 pieces. The design makes clever use of its parts and comes together really satisfyingly. It is one of the stronger picks in the range at this size. Compare prices.

The City Tower (60473)

The City Tower

At 1,943 pieces, the The City Tower gives you a meaty, detailed session. It builds up quickly and looks far more involved than the part count suggests. Whether for play or display, it is money well spent. Compare prices.

Mario Kart – Luigi & Mach 8 (72050)

Mario Kart – Luigi & Mach 8

The Mario Kart – Luigi & Mach 8 is a chunky 2,234 pieces set with lots going on. Every section adds something, so it never feels like a slog. It displays beautifully and is an easy set to recommend. Compare prices.

Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart (72037)

Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart

The Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart is a substantial build at 1,972 pieces. The finished model has real presence and a lot of character. It works just as well as a gift as it does on your own shelf. Compare prices.

NINJAGO City Markets (71799)

NINJAGO City Markets

The NINJAGO City Markets is one of the biggest builds in the theme at 6,163 pieces. There is plenty of detail packed in and the build stays interesting throughout. Fans of the theme will find a lot to love here. Compare prices.

The Old Town 15th Anniversary (71861)

The Old Town 15th Anniversary

With 4,852 pieces, the The Old Town 15th Anniversary is a proper centrepiece. It is a genuinely enjoyable build with some smart techniques along the way. It earns its place in any collection and tends to hold its value. Compare prices.

The Crafting Table (21265)

The Crafting Table

The The Crafting Table is a comfortable 1,195 pieces build. The design makes clever use of its parts and comes together really satisfyingly. It is one of the stronger picks in the range at this size. Compare prices.

The Iron Golem Fortress (21250)

The Iron Golem Fortress

At 868 pieces, the The Iron Golem Fortress sits in a nice middle ground. It builds up quickly and looks far more involved than the part count suggests. Whether for play or display, it is money well spent. Compare prices.

Buying tip

As always, search any of these sets on Brick Compare to see which retailer is cheapest today.