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LEGO BrickLink Designer Program Series 5 Sets: Unveiling the Next Big Builds

The LEGO BrickLink Designer Program Series 5 sets have been officially revealed, and they promise to deliver some of the most exciting and imaginative builds yet. With over 300 submissions vying for a spot in this exclusive lineup, only five outstanding designs were chosen to move forward. These sets will be available for crowdfunding in June 2025, with shipping expected to begin in October of the same year. Here’s everything you need to know about the selected sets and the talented designers behind them.

Discover the LEGO BrickLink Designer Program Series 5 Sets

A Competitive Selection Process

The LEGO BrickLink Designer Program has always been a platform where creativity meets passion. In Series 5, a total of 305 designs from 218 different creators were submitted, each hoping to secure a place in the crowdfunding phase. After careful consideration by the LEGO Group, which also factored in community votes, five sets were selected. Interestingly, while medieval and castle-themed builds dominated the submissions, none of them made the final cut this time.

LEGO BrickLink Designer Program Series 5 Sets – Check Out the Final Five

Let’s take a closer look at the five incredible sets that will be available for crowdfunding in June 2025.

The Thieves of Tortuga

Designed by Krackenator | 3,998 pieces

First in our entry of LEGO BrickLink Designer Program Series 5 sets are The Thieves of Tortuga by Krackenator – a sprawling port town that brings the adventurous spirit of LEGO Pirates to life. With just under 4,000 pieces, this set is a worthy companion to the iconic LEGO Ideas Pirates of Barracuda Bay (21322) from 2020, and 2023’s LEGO Icons Eldorado Fortress (10320). It’s a detailed, immersive build that pirate fans won’t want to miss.

Mushroom Village

Designed by JonasKramm | 2,427 pieces

Returning to the enchanting world of fungi, JonasKramm’s Mushroom Village expands on the concept of his popular Mushroom House from Series 2. This new set boasts 2,427 pieces, offering a larger and more intricate experience. The whimsical design is packed with buildable plants, mushrooms, and even tiny insects, creating a vibrant and magical world that fans are sure to adore.

Antique Shop

Next up is Antique Shop by ThatOneGuySteve, a project that previously appeared in Series 4 but has now been reimagined for Series 5. This charming build features a fully accessible interior, complete with removable second-floor and roof panels. The vibrant spring color palette adds a fresh twist to the original design, while the set retains its unique vintage feel, making it a must-have for LEGO collectors.

Adventure in Transylvania

Designed by SleeplessNight | 4,000 pieces

Another fan favorite is the stunning Adventure in Transylvania by SleeplessNight. This 4,000-piece marvel is a tribute to Gothic architecture and the timeless legend of Dracula. The design is a towering castle-like structure, dripping with eerie details that will captivate fans of all ages. Notably, this set received the most votes of any submission in the Designer Program’s history, marking SleeplessNight’s third successful entry in the series.

Popcorn Wagon

Designed by Mictur | 577 pieces

For those who appreciate the small but mighty, Popcorn Wagon by Mictur is the perfect choice. This 577-piece set is inspired by the popcorn carts seen in old amusement parks, complete with a steam-powered engine. The design includes a slice of street scenery, though the wagon itself can be displayed on its own. It’s a delightful nod to nostalgia and a versatile piece that can fit into various LEGO setups.

Crowdfunding and Production Details

The crowdfunding for these LEGO BrickLink Designer Program Series 5 sets will begin in June 2025. Fans should start saving now because any set that receives more than 3,000 backers will enter production. However, keep in mind that only 30,000 copies of each set will be produced, making these exclusive collectibles that could become prized possessions in any LEGO collection.

What’s Next for the LEGO BrickLink Designer Program Series 5 Sets?

As we look forward to LEGO BrickLink Designer Program Series 5 sets, it’s worth noting that the changes to the Series 6 guidelines, including the ban on modular buildings, were not applied retroactively to this series. This means fans can expect even more diversity and creativity in future installments of the Designer Program. With these LEGO BrickLink Designer Program Series 5 sets just waiting around the corner, it’s surely an exciting time to be a part of the LEGO community.

Which one is your personal favorite? Let us know in the comments below.

Celebrate Easter With This Collection of Custom LEGO Plants from The Brick Show Shop

At The Brick Show Shop, we’re thrilled to present our latest offering just in time for Easter Day. After the success of our custom LEGO flowers collection last month, we’ve curated an even more impressive assortment of custom LEGO plants for LEGO flora fans and nature lovers.

Exclusive Easter Day Sale at The Brick Show Shop – Up to 20% Off Sitewide!

Before we delve into the details of our custom LEGO plants, we have exciting news to share. To celebrate the Easter season, we’re offering a special sitewide sale with discounts of up to 20% off on all items.

That means you can snag these exquisite brick-built florae for an unbeatable price of just $9.99 each.

Celebrate Easter with These Lovely Custom LEGO Plants

Are you looking to add a touch of nature to your LEGO creations this Easter? Feel free to browse this latest addition to The Brick Show Shop – all 24 custom LEGO plants that are now available in our online store. Whether you’re a seasoned LEGO builder or just starting, these vibrant and lifelike brick-built plants are sure to enhance your Easter Day builds.

Why Go With These Custom LEGO Plants?

Unmatched Quality

Our custom LEGO plants are meticulously designed and crafted to meet the highest standards of quality and durability.

Endless Creativity

With a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to choose from, the possibilities for creative expression are endless.

Perfect for Easter Day

Whether you’re creating a scenic garden or a bustling cityscape, our custom LEGO plants add a touch of freshness and vitality to any Easter Day display.

Explore Our Collection

Ready to elevate your LEGO builds to new heights? Explore our collection of custom LEGO plants and discover the perfect additions for your custom LEGO Easter Day creations. And while you’re at it be sure not to miss out on our 20% sitewide deal, limited-time offer.

Head over to The Brick Show Shop today, or better still, browse further and click on the custom LEGO plant of your fancy. Clicking on these links will bring you to their respective product pages.

LEGO Compatible Chrysanthemum Flower Plant 335-Piece Building Brick Toy Set (1263)

LEGO Compatible Heart Flower Plant 414-Piece Building Brick Toy Set (1259)

LEGO Compatible Pink Peony Flower Plant 317-Piece Building Brick Toy Set (1268)

LEGO Compatible Yellow Sunshine Flower Plant 318-Piece Building Brick Toy Set (1262)

LEGO Compatible Pink Hydrangeas Mini Flower Plant 1261-Piece Building Brick Toy Set (1261)

LEGO Compatible Yellow Lotus Flower Plant 311-Piece Building Brick Toy Set (1250)

LEGO Compatible Multicolor Rose Mini Flower Plant 270-Piece Building Brick Toy Set (1251)

LEGO Compatible Small Cluster White Roses Mini Flower Plant 473-Piece Building Brick Toy Set (1264)

LEGO Compatible Blue Rose Mini Flower Plant 334-Piece Building Brick Toy Set (1265)

LEGO Compatible Cactus Mini Flower Plant 351-Piece Building Brick Toy Set (1247)

LEGO Compatible Sunny Daisy Mini Flower Plant 339-Piece Building Brick Toy Set (1267)

LEGO Compatible Pink Carnation Mini Flower Plant 232-Piece Building Brick Toy Set (1255)

LEGO Compatible Pink Seashells Mini Flower Plant 253-Piece Building Brick Toy Set (1249)

LEGO Compatible Pink & Purple Mini Flower Plant 360-Piece Building Brick Toy Set (1258)

LEGO Compatible Purple Lavender Succulent Flower Plant 349-Piece Building Brick Toy Set (1266)

LEGO Compatible Yellow Popping Succulent Flower Plant 263-Piece Building Brick Toy Set (1256)

LEGO Compatible Desert Green/White Succulent Flower Plant 335-Piece Building Brick Toy Set (1248)

LEGO Compatible Green Grower Succulent Flower Plant 323-Piece Building Brick Toy Set (1254)

LEGO Compatible Desert Yellow Succulent Flower Plant 252-Piece Building Brick Toy Set (1253)

LEGO Compatible Pretty Pinks Succulent Flower Plant 342-Piece Building Brick Toy Set (1246)

LEGO Compatible Sunflower Succulent Flower Plant 367-Piece Building Brick Toy Set (1260)

LEGO Compatible Rainbow Daisy Succulent Flower Plant 360-Piece Building Brick Toy Set (1269)

LEGO Compatible Blue Stem Succulent Flower Plant 257-Piece Building Brick Toy Set (1257)

LEGO Compatible Pink + Purple Succulent Flower Plant 255-Piece Building Brick Toy Set (1252)

Unveiling the Next Brick-Built Possibility – Will This LEGO Dungeons and Dragons Mimic Become an Actual Set?

The anticipation builds as LEGO and D&D fans get treated to another teaser in the form of a brick version of a LEGO Dungeons and Dragons Mimic set. This comes as LEGO fans eagerly await the unveiling of the upcoming LEGO Ideas Dungeons & Dragons set. With each teaser drop, the anticipation grows, and this time around, this LEGO Dungeons and Dragons Mimic set adds more excitement and reason to get this latest LEGO Ideas offering.

Does the Second LEGO Teaser Hints on a Possible LEGO Dungeons and Dragons Mimic Set?

In the latest teaser shared across social media platforms, a seemingly ordinary chest takes center stage. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that this chest holds more than meets the eye. Upon closer inspection, the chest reveals its true form – a menacing four-eyed LEGO Dungeons and Dragons Mimic!

Nothing to see here. Just a regular chest. Or is it? Gather your party, some epic fun is coming. Let’s go! #LEGODnD pic.twitter.com/Y4WcJjLx4o

— LEGO (@LEGO_Group) March 11, 2024

The Intriguing World of Mimics

638063863232165584 — A Dungeons and Dragons Mimic as illustrated by **D&D Beyond**.

Mimics, known for their shape-shifting abilities, are formidable adversaries in the Dungeons & Dragons universe. These cunning creatures masquerade as everyday objects, luring unsuspecting adventurers into their trap. The reveal of a possible LEGO Dungeons and Dragons Mimic set adds an exciting twist to the LEGO Ideas D&D set, promising players another level of brick-built adventure.

A Brick-Built LEGO Dungeons and Dragons Mimic Will be a Great Offering

Unlike its gelatinous counterpart featured in the first teaser, the Mimic showcased in this teaser is entirely brick-built. This attention to detail brings the creature to life in stunning LEGO form, capturing its essence while staying true to its iconic chest design.

As fans eagerly await the full reveal of the LEGO Ideas Dungeons & Dragons set, speculation runs wild among LEGO and D&D communities. Will there be more teasers offering tantalizing glimpses into the set’s contents, or will the grand unveiling be next? Only time will tell, and this LEGO Dungeons and Dragons Mimic surely spices up any reveal that may happen any time soon.

So what is your take on this teaser? My gut feeling tells me that this brick version of a LEGO Dungeons and Dragons Mimic may soon arrive as a promotional or gift-with-purchase set. As we commonly know, LEGO has a penchant for offering GWP sets alongside its larger 18+ sets as an incentive for those who will get the set early.

What do you think? Will this animated LEGO Dungeons and Dragons Mimic find its way as an actual LEGO set? Is the LEGO Ideas Dungeons and Dragons set in your LEGO bucket list of must-have sets for 2024? Let’s talk about it in the comments below.

Exciting LEGO Black Friday 2023 Deals Officially Revealed!

LEGO.com has been updated to include its lineup of exciting LEGO Black Friday 2023 deals and promotions that will launch beginning November 24.

This year, the spotlight shines on the grand release of the LEGO Marvel Avengers Tower (76269), a masterpiece retailing at $499.99. As an exclusive bonus accompanying this set, purchasers will receive the limited-edition LEGO Marvel Taxi (5008076), available solely during this remarkable event.

Unveiling LEGO Black Friday 2023 Deals that You Should Not Miss

Throughout Black Friday and leading up to Cyber Monday, LEGO has lined up several LEGO Black Friday 2023 deals and gift-with-purchase sets that you definitely don’t want to miss.

LEGO Creator Winter Market Stall (40602)

Returning for this festive weekend, this set can be yours with LEGO purchases totaling $170. This freebie features a mini-stall, cash register, and 3 mini brick-built toy models of a train, rocket, and a nutcracker soldier. Valued at $19.99 this promotional set also comes with 2 minifigures.

LEGO Icons Majisto’s Magical Workshop (40601)

Require a purchase amounting to $250 to acquire this nostalgic set from the 90s. This modern version of a classic favorite features 2 minifigures, Majisto and a Knight.

Online-Exclusive Offer for LEGO Black Friday 2023 Deals

On November 27, you can have this chance to grab these couple of LEGO Black Friday 2023 deals: the LEGO City Police Bicycle Training (30638) and LEGO Friends Skate Ramp (30633) polybags.

They are exclusively available for online purchases so be sure to update your LEGO wishlist to include what you plan to get via LEGO.com. Valued at $4.99, you can have them added to your cart automatically once your online purchase reaches $50 or more.

LEGO Insider Rewards Unveiled

LEGO VIP or Insider members are also in for a treat throughout the duration of this year’s LEGO Black Friday 2023 deals. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect.

Rewards Galore

You can get a chance to join a raffle and win 1 million Insider points! Talk about hitting a LEGO jackpot. This will run from November 18 to 27, with a chance of joining for 1 entry per day.

For 1,800 points you can bring home a free LEGO Holiday Tin Ornament. This promo began last November 18 until supplies last.

Vintage LEGO Space Blueprints are also up for grabs as digital downloads for 50 points.

And For 2,400 LEGO Insider points you can get a nostalgic LEGO Buildable Grey Castle with 2 nanofigures.

LEGO Insiders Triple Points Bonanza

Throughout this period of LEGO Black Friday 2023 deals from November 17 to 27, you can earn 3x of your usual points if you purchase the following sets. Please take note that these are affiliate links, so any purchase that you make through them allows us to earn a small commission.

LEGO Batman Batcave – Shadow Box (76252)

LEGO Icons PAC-MAN Arcade (10323)

LEGO Icons Tranquil Garden (10315)

LEGO Icons Land Rover Classic Defender 90 (10317)

LEGO Icons Chevrolet Corvette 1961 (10321)

LEGO Technic John Deere 948L-II Skidder (42157)

LEGO Monkie Kid Dragon of the East Palace (80049)

LEGO DREAMZzz Mr. Oz’s Spacebus (71460)

LEGO DREAMZzz Fantastical Tree House (71461)

LEGO DREAMZzz Stable of Dream Creatures (71459)

LEGO DUPLO 3in1 Family House (10994)

LEGO Insiders Quadruple Points Extravaganza

During this same period, delight in earning 4X LEGO Inside points on these collectible sets as well.

LEGO Technic BMW M 1000 RR (42130)

LEGO City Freight Train (60336)

LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Chamber of Secrets (76389)

This upcoming LEGO Black Friday 2023 deals promise a ton of exclusive offers and rewards that you don’t want to miss. Be sure to keep tabs on our blog site, at LEGO.com, and even at our very own storefront The Brick Show Shop for more awesome LEGO deals and finds.

21 Largest LEGO Mech Builds That You Can Add to Your Collection Today

If you’re a fan of LEGO and mechs, then you may notice that LEGO mechs have been around for a long time and have always been popular among fans. But if you’re looking for the largest LEGO mech builds, then stay tuned because I’ve compiled a list of 21 of the biggest and most impressive ones you can add to your collection today. These builds range from towering titans from LEGO Monkie Kid to agile combat machines from LEGO Ninjago, each with its own unique style and design.

Tracing back the roots of these largest LEGO mech builds or sets goes way back to the time of LEGO classic themes. When LEGO launched its LEGO Space theme and introduced our very first Cybernaut (6951: Robot Command Center) made of LEGO in 1984, brick-built robots became a staple across LEGO themes and sets.

And if you’re a fan of these largest LEGO mech sets, then you have probably noticed that the past 5-7 years have seen a steady increase in the number of these largest LEGO mech builds. Simply put, there are a ton of amazing mech builds out there that you can add to your collection today.

LEGO bricks have always been associated with wonder and creativity, and the introduction of this largest LEGO mech set into the mix (as far as minifigures are concerned) has taken it to a whole new level. With the ability to create complex, articulated figures with hundreds of LEGO pieces, the possibilities are virtually endless.

And in case you’re wondering where we are right now in terms of LEGO mechs, you may also notice that the majority of these official LEGO mech sets are coming from homegrown themes such as LEGO Ninjago and LEGO Monkie Kid, and licensed ones such as LEGO Marvel Superheroes.

As a rule of thumb, I only considered those sets with more than a 700-piece count in this listing of the largest LEGO mech builds around. Most of these are still available at LEGO.com and Amazon, so if you’re interested to add them to your LEGO mech collection, then you may also click on their respective affiliate links below.

With that out of the way, let’s dive in and check this list of the largest LEGO mech sets out there.

21 of the Most Awesome and Largest LEGO Mechs You Can Get Today!

LEGO Ninjago Dawn of Iron Doom (70626)

704 pieces | Minifigures include Jay, Lloyd, Wu Sensei, Krux, Acronix, and Commander Blunck | Released: January 2017 | Available via Amazon

The LEGO Movie Emmet’s Construct-o-Mech (70814)

708 pieces | Minifigures include Emmet, Unikitty (Angry Kitty), and Robo Skeletons | Released: June 2014 | Available via Amazon

LEGO Jurrasic World T. rex vs Dino-Mech Battle (75938)

716 pieces | Minifigures include Owen Grady, Claire Dearing, Danny Nedermeyer, Vic Hoskins, T.rex, and Baby Raptors figures | Released: June 2019 | Available via Amazon

The LEGO Ninjago Movie Garma Mecha Man (70613)

747 pieces | Minifigures include Lloyd, Shark Army Great White, Lord Garmadon, and Pat | Released August 2017 | Available via Amazon

LEGO Ninjago Titan Mech Battle (70737)

754 pieces | Minifigures include Zane, Jay, Samurai X (Nya), Scythe Master Ghoultar, and Blade Master Bansha | Released June 2015 | Available via Amazon

LEGO Ninjago Jay’s Titan Mech (71785)

794 pieces | Minifigures include Jay, Nya, Pixal Bot, Bone Knight, Bone Hunter, and Bone King | Released January 2023 | Available via LEGO.com and Amazon

LEGO Ninjago Zane’s Titan Mech Battle (71738)

840 pieces | Minifigures include Jay, Zane, and Ghosts | Released January 2021 | Available via LEGO.com and Amazon

LEGO Ninjago Lloyd’s Titan Mech (70676)

876 pieces | Minifigures include Lloyd, Zane, General Vex, Blizzard Warrior, Blizzard Archer, and Blizzard Sword Master | Released June 2019 | Available via Amazon

LEGO Monkie Kid Evil Macaque’s Mech (80033)

893 pieces | Minifigures include Monkie Kid, Mei, Sandy, Savage, and Evil Macaque | Released January 2022 | Available via LEGO.com

The LEGO Ninjago Movie Fire Mech (70615)

944 pieces | Minifigures include Kai, Zane, Lauren, Henry, Jelly, and Hammer Head | Released August 2017 | Available via Amazon

LEGO Ninjago Fire Stone Mech (71720)

968 pieces | Minifigures include Kai, Cole, Nya, Munce, and Moe | Released June 2020 | Available via Amazon

LEGO Ninjago Nya’s Samurai X MECH (71775)

1,003 pieces | Minifigures include Jay, Samurai X (Nya), Wu Sensei, Lil’ Nelson, General Pythor, The Mechanic, Vengestone Warrior, Garmadon (Oni) | Released in June 2022 | Available via LEGO.com and Amazon

LEGO Monkie Kid Demon Bull King (80010)

1,051 pieces | Minifigures include Monkie Kid, Pigsy, and Princess Iron Fan | Released in May 2020 | Available via Amazon

LEGO Ninjago Ninja Ultra Combo Mech (71765)

1,104 pieces | Minifigures include Jay, Kai, Cole, Zane, Boa Destructor, Cobra Mechanic, and Wu Bot | Released in January 2022 | Available via LEGO.com and Amazon

The LEGO Ninjago Movie Quake Mech (70632)

1,202 pieces | Minifigures include Cole, Mike the Spike, Misako, Fred Finley, and Crusher | Released in December 2017 | Available via Amazon

LEGO Marvel Superheroes The Hulkbuster: Ultron Edition (76105)

1,363 pieces | Minifigure includes an Iron Man Mark 43 Armor | Released in March 2018 | Available via Amazon

LEGO Icons Optimus Prime (10302)

1,508 pieces | Release in June 2022 | Available via LEGO.com and Amazon.

LEGO Monkie Kid Monkey King Warrior Mech (80012)

1,629 pieces | Minifigures include Monkie Kid, Jia, An, Ironclad Henchman, General Ironclad, and Monkey King | Released in May 2020 | Available via Amazon

LEGO Monkie Kid Monkey King Ultra Mech (80045)

1,705 pieces | Minifigures include Monkie Kid, Mr. Tang, Monkey King, Yellow Tusk Elephant, Azure Lion, and the Golden-Winged Eagle | Released January 2023 | Available via LEGO.com

LEGO Ideas Voltron (21311)

2,321 pieces | Released in August 2018 | Available via Amazon

LEGO Marvel Superheroes Hulkbuster (76210)

4,049 pieces | Minifigure includes Tony Stark | Released November 2022 | Available via LEGO.com and Amazon

Get Into the Groove With These Custom LEGO Music Album Covers from Build Better Bricks

In case you missed it, 2023’s first LEGO modular set adds a bit of musical flair to any LEGO fan’s collection. The LEGO Icons Jazz Club (10312) is out now for a night of jazz music and the most incredible show in your LEGO town. And to spice things up, custom LEGO provider Build Better Bricks brings your minifigures’ entertainment to the next level with its new collection of custom LEGO music album covers that you may want to play on the brick stage.

Jazz Up Your Builds With this Collection of Custom LEGO Music Album Covers

Build Better Bricks, and The Brick Show Shop (our official storefront) now offer custom LEGO music album covers to add some rock to your Jazz Club or any custom LEGO music hall.

These custom LEGO music album covers render some of the most iconic studio albums from music history’s greatest artists, giving them that humorous LEGO twist. If you want to add some custom minifigure fun to your LEGO music room MOC or concert hall, then you may want to check out these cool custom LEGO pieces as well.

Selling for just $1.50 per piece, these LEGO 2×2 tiles come with high-quality printed designs of four famous album covers. The attention to detail and superb artwork that these 2×2 tiles have are simply amazing. See if you can recognize these custom LEGO music album covers from their real-world counterparts. Just click on their respective links if you wish to purchase them now. For more fun and custom LEGO pieces and sets, head over to B3’s website and visit our official store, The Brick Show Shop.

Dark Side of the Brick – B3 Customs Music Album Cover

Buildr Road – B3 Customs Music Album Cover

MJ, Thriller – B3 Customs Music Album Cover

Harry Tiles, File Line – B3 Customs Music Album Cover

Forza Horizon LEGO Anniversary Update Name-Drops LEGO In Honor of Past DLC

When it comes to videogames, LEGO’s got a solid standalone representation all its own. Look no further than the numerous WB-TT Games releases plus several console and mobile apps from various developer-publisher tandems. LEGO also has its fingers in collaboration with other game franchises. The most notable example of this would be in the Microsoft Windows/Xbox-exclusive racing series “Forza Horizon”. 2018’s “Forza Horizon 4” featured DLC of LEGO’s Speed Champions theme. LEGO versions of several cars, a separate campaign area built from LEGO bricks, “Everything is Awesome”, the works. The “FH4”-LEGO team-up was a big hit. And while the collaboration doesn’t return for last year’s “Forza Horizon 5”, there was a recent easter egg mention.

According to Brick Fanatics, a recent online update to Microsoft’s “Forza Horizon 5” added a cheeky shout-out to LEGO. This update, celebrating the “FH” franchise’s 10^th anniversary, adds racing challenges calling back to past entries of the series. With the LEGO license already lapsed, Microsoft Studios couldn’t recreate the LEGO-brick environment of their “FH4” DLC. That didn’t stop them from having a character on “Forza Horizon 5” name-drop the toy brand mid-race. This was caught by game streamer Lost Phoenix Gaming, and was thus posted on their official YouTube channel.

Having LEGO pop in on a “Forza Horizon” game as DLC may have been a one-off. Still, the developers understood that many of their player fans enjoyed the moment while it lasted. Thus, we have the brief mention in their fifth game where nothing else LEGO was present. It does fire up the imagination, if Microsoft can partner with LEGO on another, future “FH” outing.

LEGO Sweeps Five Category Nominations for Toy of the Year Awards 2022

Many awards ceremonies follow the standard of holding themselves on an annual basis. This is reasonable considering that trends change year after year, and companies on average roll out different new products annually. But sometimes, there can be so many products worthy of nominations in a year for certain awards. In that case, why not hold more than one ceremony annually? That’s precisely what the Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards has done this 2022. There was one earlier this year, and a second awards program this month. As expected, LEGO has its own nominations, and won in multiple categories.

According to The Brick Fan, the second 2022 Toy of the Year Awards was held Tuesday, September 20. In this edition, LEGO secured nominations to five toy categories and won every single time. True, this is less than the nominations for the earlier 2022 Awards (that had eight). But who can say anything bad about a nomination sweep? Congratulations to LEGO for their triumph. We can probably count on the winning products to get a sales bump going into the Holiday season. Let’s review them:

Collectible of the Year

The Muppets CMF (71033)

Construction Toy of the Year

LEGO Marvel I Am Groot (76217)

In the earlier TOTY Awards 2022, LEGO won these same categories plus Preschool Toy, Specialty Toy and STEAM Toy. We can’t help but wonder if Toy of the Year will make this twice-a-year awarding schedule their new norm. If so, LEGO has twice the opportunities annually to impress the global toy community.

Want to be a LEGO Product Designer for Real?

LEGO being the building-themed toy brand that it is, anybody could become a fabled Master Builder with practice and experience. Perhaps they might suggest new set products via submissions to LEGO Ideas. Some old and practiced hands in LEGO-brick-building have instead gone into business themselves, providing custom sets outside LEGO’s library. Now, while the former might see some lucky product ideas become official, the latter, if rarely has greater advancement potential. Perhaps LEGO might extend an invite to some lucky creators to become part of the team. We’ve seen this happen years ago with Chris “PowerPig” McVeigh. Now, the opportunity’s opening up one more time.

As Brickset would have it, LEGO’s made quite the announcement of looking for new aspiring product designers. The official website LEGO.com has posted this prime job opening on their Careers page. And like Chris McVeigh way back in 2019, the lucky designer-builder will be going to work in Billund, Denmark. The company asks would-be applicants to consider the core responsibilities of a LEGO product designer. Conceptualizing ideas, stories and themes then “translating” them into physical play experiences sounds rather simple in print. But make no mistake: this job will push an aspirant’s imagination and building skills to the very utmost.

The LEGO Product Designer Career page features a link to an application form. Interested parties need fill up their personal information and attach a comprehensive rsumwith cover letter via the Application Wizard. This will open up an applicant profile that LEGO can refer to. Applicants must be active on their LEGO Career profile while the company deliberates. For American designer hopefuls, this might take up to 24 months. But hey, joining LEGO as a creative force is worth it. Who might answer the challenge?

Astronaut LEGO Minifigures Secure Aboard NASA Artemis 1, Awaiting Launch

Over the decades, LEGO has gained such major prominence as to partner with businesses and organizations outside the toy industry. In many of these team-ups, LEGO served as an accessible all-ages face and font of information. Case in point, LEGO is but one of many parties partnered with NASA for the historic Artemis 1 mission. This launch will send an unmanned spacecraft to orbit the moon, in anticipation for a future new manned lunar mission. A planned launch for Artemis 1 this August 29 was scrubbed due to technical issues, rescheduled for September 2. But already, LEGO stands among the many “passengers” in this trip.

Late last year, LEGO premiered the “Build to Launch” educational series in partnership with NASA and Artemis 1. As part of the promotion for this mission, LEGO included four astronaut minifigures. They’ll serve as the “crew” for the unmanned Orion test capsule. As Brick Fanatics tells it, Artemis 1 was supposed to launch Monday, August 29. However, launch preparation issues got things pushed back to this coming Friday instead. In the meantime, the LEGO Astronauts are staying put in Orion, which is mounted on NASA’s huge SLS rocket. They’re accompanied by a payload of multiple cube-satellites, life-sized astronaut dummies and a Snoopy doll, among others.

Of the minifigures, two (Julia and Sebastian) come from the most recent LEGO City space-themed set line. The other two (Kate and Kyle) are characters from the “Build to Launch” STEAM Exploration series. Meet Kate and Kyle before their jaunt aboard Artemis 1 by checking out the series here. As for the actual rocket launch, NASA will be live-streaming it on YouTube on September 2.