November 2025 marks a turning point for LEGO. The Danish brick giant has evolved from childhood toy manufacturer into something more nuanced: a creator of kinetic sculptures, display pieces that command adult spaces, and intricate tributes to pop culture that blur the line between building set and collectible art. This month’s releases span from mechanical aquariums to starships, from Hollywood race cars to space exploration milestones, each demonstrating how far brick-based design has traveled.

What unites these seven releases is their refusal to sit still on shelves. They demand interaction, closer inspection, and appreciation for the engineering challenges their designers solved. Whether through cranks that animate underwater scenes, modular sections that separate like the real starship, or intricate layering that creates dimensional depth, these sets prove LEGO understands its adult audience wants more than nostalgia. They want conversation pieces that justify their desk space.

1. LEGO Icons Tropical Aquarium (10366)

The Tropical Aquarium transforms 4,154 pieces into a living mechanical tableau that launched on November 13 for $479.99. This isn’t decor that fades into the background. Three distinct cranks and dials control independent motion systems, turning the aquarium into a kinetic sculpture where your interaction determines the scene’s energy. Turn one dial and the jellyfish bob through their vertical dance. Another crank sends the sea turtle gliding past coral formations. The third activates smaller fish as they navigate through swaying seaweed and bubble streams that appear frozen mid-rise.

LEGO solved a fundamental design challenge here: creating convincing spatial depth within a fundamentally shallow display case. The build employs layering techniques with translucent elements, representing water, varied-height coral structures, and the strategic placement of marine life to establish foreground, middle ground, and background planes. Four model fish become compositional tools rather than fixed elements. You’re not assembling a predetermined scene. You’re curating an underwater environment where placement decisions affect visual balance. The set includes seaworms, an oyster shell containing a pearl, sea snails, and air bubbles, serving as additional elements for creating your personal ecosystem.

What we like

• The kinetic mechanism creates genuine movement that changes depending on your crank speed and direction
• Compositional flexibility lets you rearrange elements rather than following rigid instructions

What we dislike

• At $479.99, this represents a significant investment for a display piece rather than a traditional play set
• The mechanical systems require regular interaction to justify the kinetic elements

2. LEGO Ideas Apollo 8 Earthrise (40837)

William Anders captured humanity’s first color photograph of Earth from space on December 24, 1968, using his Hasselblad 500 EL during the Apollo 8 lunar orbit. That image, titled Earthrise, showed our planet suspended above the moon’s desolate horizon and fundamentally altered how we see ourselves. Now, nearly sixty years later, LEGO Ideas has transformed that pivotal moment into an 859-piece buildable art piece that stands 48 centimeters tall and 32 centimeters wide.

This rendition captures three distinct visual elements that define the photograph: the infinite black void of space, Earth as a cloud-swirled blue marble, and the moon’s cratered, mottled surface in the foreground. LEGO’s designers used the brick medium to convey texture and color gradation across each element. The moon’s surface employs varied grey tones and deliberate gaps between pieces to suggest the shadowed irregularity of impact craters. Earth’s atmospheric layers transition from deep ocean blues to white cloud formations using careful brick selection. The black space background creates negative space that makes both celestial bodies pop forward visually.

What we like

• The subject matter elevates this beyond standard space sets into historical tribute territory
• At 859 pieces, the build offers enough complexity for an engaging construction experience

What we dislike

• The relatively conservative piece count means some details require visual interpretation
• Mounting hardware for the wall display isn’t included, requiring a separate purchase

3. LEGO Icons U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D (10364)

The Galaxy-class flagship from Star Trek: The Next Generation arrives in brick form on November 28 as a 3,600-piece behemoth measuring two feet long. Priced at $399.99, this isn’t LEGO’s first Trek venture, but it represents the most screen-accurate version of arguably the most beloved Enterprise design. The set captures the distinctive saucer-and-engineering-hull silhouette that defined seven television seasons and multiple films, complete with functional saucer separation mechanics that mirror the starship’s emergency protocol capabilities.

LEGO included enough minifigures to staff the bridge properly: Captain Picard, Commander Riker, Lieutenant Commander Data, Lieutenant Worf, Counselor Troi, Chief Engineer La Forge, and Doctor Crusher. Each figure comes with printed details that capture their Season 1 uniforms and distinctive features. The build itself uses advanced construction techniques to achieve the Enterprise-D’s smooth, curved surfaces while maintaining structural integrity. The warp nacelles attach via articulated pylons. The deflector dish receives intricate detailing. Even the bridge dome atop the saucer section gets architectural attention. This targets adult collectors who want the ship commanding their desk space with the same authority Picard brought to the captain’s chair.

What we like

• Functional saucer separation adds interactive play value beyond static display
• Screen-accurate proportions and details satisfy longtime Trek fans who know every hull panel

What we dislike

• The $399.99 price point places this firmly in premium collector territory
• Some builders note that the saucer section’s large, flat surfaces require patience during repetitive sections

4. LEGO Speed Champions APXGP F1 Race Car (77076)

LEGO’s partnership with the upcoming F1 film starring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski produces this sleek recreation of the fictional APXGP team’s race car. The model wears the movie’s distinctive black-and-gold livery, capturing the cinematic energy through carefully applied decals and printed elements. Two minifigures represent drivers Sonny Hayes and Joshua Pearce, complete with race suits, helmets with reflective visors, and printed sponsor logos that tie directly to the film’s aesthetic.

The build distinguishes itself from previous Speed Champions Formula 1 sets through refined proportions and wider Pirelli-style tires that better capture modern F1 car stance. Custom decals add visual depth across the bodywork. The set includes small accessories that reward closer inspection: a wrench and a remote control that nod toward the engineering side of racing. The wrench serves double duty as an actual building tool for applying stickers or separating tight bricks. These thoughtful inclusions demonstrate LEGO understands its audience wants both display accuracy and functional building aids.

What we like

• The black-and-gold livery creates a striking visual contrast suitable for display
• Film tie-in elements provide cultural relevance beyond generic racing sets

What we dislike

• The Speed Champions scale limits interior detail compared to larger Technic F1 sets
• Movie-specific branding may not appeal to builders wanting real team liveries

5. LEGO Ideas The Goonies (21350)

This $330 LEGO Ideas release transforms the 1985 adventure classic into a full-blown tribute to one of cinema’s most beloved treasure hunts. The set isn’t just a model you build and stick on a shelf. This captures those iconic moments that blend adventure with just the right amount of creepy: the Fratelli hideout functioning as a haunted house for criminals, the terrifying boulder trap, skeleton-filled caves, and One-Eyed Willy’s legendary pirate ship, the Inferno, complete with sails, treasure, and plenty of bones.

What really makes this set special are the minifigures. All twelve of them. You get the whole gang: Mikey, Mouth, Data, Chunk, Brand, Andy, and Stef, plus Sloth in his Superman shirt, Mama Fratelli, Francis, Jake, and even One-Eyed Willy’s skeleton. LEGO created brand new elements specifically for this set, like Sloth’s pirate hat and Mama Fratelli’s hair and beret combo, showing the level of detail they’re committed to. The skeleton pirate minifigure arrives perfectly timed for Halloween nostalgia, capturing both the film’s adventurous spirit and its spooky underground atmosphere.

What we like

• Twelve minifigures provide the complete cast, including villains and One-Eyed Willy’s skeleton
• Multiple iconic scenes from the film can be recreated with the Fratelli hideout and pirate ship

What we dislike

• The $330 price point may feel steep for fans expecting a lower-tier Ideas set
• Balancing multiple scenes in one set means each vignette receives less piece allocation

6. LEGO Ideas Pacific Rim Jaegers

Din0Bricks’ fan-made tribute to Guillermo del Toro’s Pacific Rim has earned LEGO Ideas Staff Pick status and rallied 661 supporters toward the 10,000 needed for official production consideration. The 2,218-piece concept recreates three iconic Jaegers from the 2013 film: Gipsy Danger with a retractable sword, Crimson Typhoon with rotating saw blades, and Cherno Alpha with its brutal industrial aesthetic. Support helicopters accompany each mech, capturing the logistical reality behind deploying humanity’s towering defenders against Kaiju threats.

What makes this concept remarkable is how Din0Bricks solved the challenge of capturing the Jaegers’ massive, imposing presence while maintaining structural stability and playability. Each mech features articulated joints at shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees, allowing authentic combat poses. The retractable sword mechanism on Gipsy Danger uses internal gearing. Crimson Typhoon’s three-armed configuration required custom engineering to balance properly. Cherno Alpha’s distinctive fists and nuclear reactor detailing push LEGO’s aesthetic toward industrial brutalism. This isn’t just a fan project. It’s a masterclass in translating screen designs into buildable, poseable figures that honor the source material’s scale and mechanical complexity.

What we like

• Three distinct Jaegers provide variety and display options in a single set
• Articulated joints enable dynamic combat poses that capture the film’s action sequences

What we dislike

• As a LEGO Ideas concept, this isn’t guaranteed for production without reaching 10,000 supporters
• The 2,218-piece count and three large models suggest a premium price point if approved

7. LEGO Ideas NASA James Webb Space Telescope

The LEGO James Webb Space Telescope replica tackles one of modern engineering’s most complex achievements through brick-based construction that mirrors the actual satellite’s intricate folding mechanisms. This build captures the telescope’s launch-critical ability to fold into a compact configuration before unfolding in space, requiring builders to understand both structural engineering and the precise mechanical sequences that made the real JWST mission possible. The design transforms complicated aerospace engineering into an accessible building experience that educates while it entertains.

Every major subsystem finds representation in this meticulous replica, from the eighteen iconic hexagonal mirrors that form the light-gathering array to the layered sun shield that protects sensitive instruments. The secondary hinged mirror, science instruments, propulsion systems, and communications arrays all function through LEGO’s mechanical systems, creating an interactive educational experience that illuminates the genuine complexity behind space exploration’s latest triumph. This isn’t a simplified approximation. It’s a functional demonstration of how the telescope actually operates in its orbit at the L2 Lagrange point.

What we like

• Functional folding mechanism replicates the actual telescope’s deployment sequence
• Eighteen hexagonal mirrors accurately represent the primary mirror array’s distinctive design

What we dislike

• The complex folding mechanism requires careful handling to avoid stressing connection points
• As a concept, availability depends on the LEGO Ideas approval process

Why November 2025 Matters for LEGO Design

These seven releases demonstrate LEGO’s strategic expansion into adult collector territory while maintaining the building experience that defines the brand. The kinetic mechanisms in the Tropical Aquarium, the historical gravitas of Earthrise, the pop culture cachet of the Enterprise and Goonies sets, the cinematic energy of the F1 car, and the community-driven passion behind the Pacific Rim Jaegers and James Webb Telescope all point toward a company that understands its audience has evolved. These aren’t toys. They’re display pieces that arrive in buildable form, offering the satisfaction of construction before claiming their space on shelves, desks, and walls.

What November’s lineup proves is that LEGO has moved beyond simple recreation into thoughtful interpretation. Each set solves specific design challenges: creating depth in shallow spaces, capturing kinetic energy through mechanical systems, translating beloved designs into brick form with screen accuracy, honoring cultural moments that shaped cinema, and making complex aerospace engineering comprehensible. The result is a collection of releases that justify their premium pricing through engineering sophistication, visual impact, and the kind of cultural resonance that makes people stop and ask about the objects commanding your workspace. That’s the difference between a toy and a design statement.

The post 7 Best LEGO Creations Of November 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Trekkies, clear your coffee tables. LEGO is launching the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D, and this isn’t your childhood spaceship set. At 3,600 pieces and two feet long, this is the Galaxy-class flagship from Star Trek: The Next Generation rendered in meticulous brick form. It’s designed for adults who grew up watching Picard sip Earl Grey and want that same starship commanding their desk space.

Designer: LEGO

The set drops November 28, 2025 for $399.99, and LEGO isn’t holding back on the details. This is the definitive brick-built version of arguably the most beloved Enterprise design, complete with screen-accurate proportions, functional saucer separation, and enough minifigures to staff the bridge. Whether you’re a lifelong Trekkie or a design enthusiast who appreciates iconic sci-fi aesthetics, this set delivers serious display presence.

What makes this release special is how LEGO balanced accuracy with buildability. The Enterprise-D has always been a challenging design to capture because of its smooth, sweeping lines and distinctive saucer-meets-engineering-hull silhouette. LEGO’s designers nailed it, creating a model that reads instantly as Picard’s ship from any angle while maintaining the satisfying tactility that makes LEGO builds so rewarding.

Design Accuracy Meets Functional Features

The centerpiece feature is the detachable command saucer. Just like in the show, the saucer section separates from the secondary hull, letting you recreate one of the Enterprise-D’s most dramatic maneuvers. This isn’t just a cosmetic trick; the engineering required to make a sturdy separation mechanism while maintaining the ship’s graceful lines shows real design sophistication. The connection points are hidden beautifully, so the joined ship looks seamless.

LEGO captured the Enterprise-D’s signature warp nacelles with striking fidelity. The red and blue detailing on these engines is instantly recognizable to any TNG fan, and seeing them rendered in brick form with proper color gradients and proportions is genuinely impressive. The nacelle pylons sweep back at the correct angle, and the overall stance on the included display stand gives the ship that dynamic, forward-leaning energy that made the original VFX model so memorable.

Built for Interaction and Display

This isn’t a static model locked behind glass. The rear shuttlebay opens to reveal two Type-15 Shuttlepods tucked inside, ready for away missions. These tiny craft are surprisingly detailed for their scale, complete with proper hull markings and recognizable silhouettes. Being able to physically open the shuttlebay and extract these little vessels adds a layer of interaction that transforms the model from sculpture to storytelling tool.

The angled display stand deserves special mention. Rather than a boring flat base, LEGO designed a stand that tilts the Enterprise at a dramatic angle, as if banking into warp speed or executing a tactical maneuver. A schematic plaque with ship statistics sits at the base, adding that museum-quality presentation polish. This stand transforms the model into a legitimate piece of desk art rather than just a toy on a shelf.

For builders who want every construction detail at their fingertips, the LEGO Builder app provides 3D digital instructions alongside the printed manual. You can rotate, zoom, and view assembly steps from any angle on your phone or tablet, which is genuinely helpful for a build this complex and detailed.

The Crew You Need

Nine minifigures ship with the set, representing the iconic TNG bridge crew plus a few beloved supporting characters. You get Picard (with teacup, naturally), Riker (complete with trombone and stand for jazz night), Worf, Data (with his cat Spot), Dr. Crusher, Geordi, Troi, Guinan, and Wesley Crusher. Each figure comes with custom accessories that reference their character perfectly. Data gets Spot, the cat he famously cared for while learning about emotions. Picard gets his Earl Grey tea. Riker gets his trombone because of course he does.

The accessory selection goes deep: phasers, tricorders, PADDs, engineering cases, even a portable tractor beam generator. LEGO clearly consulted with people who know this show inside and out, choosing items that feel authentic to the TNG universe rather than generic sci-fi props. These aren’t just decorative additions; they’re storytelling tools that let you recreate specific episodes or imagine new adventures.

Collectability and Display Presence

At 24 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 11 inches tall (including stand), this Enterprise commands serious real estate. That scale is intentional. This is designed to be a showpiece, the kind of build that anchors a room and starts conversations. The detailing holds up to close inspection, which is exactly what a centerpiece model needs to do. From across the room it reads as a sleek, powerful starship. Up close, you appreciate the clever techniques LEGO’s designers used to achieve those curves and gradients within the constraints of rectangular bricks.

For serious collectors, LEGO is offering a bonus Type-15 Shuttlepod as a gift with purchase during the launch window, plus other limited-time bonuses like Classic Animation Scenes. The set also earns 2,600 LEGO Insiders Points, which is a nice bonus for people already invested in LEGO’s ecosystem. With only 10,000 sets produced initially (per LEGO’s typical Icons limited run strategy), this will likely appreciate in value for those who keep it sealed.

The U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D represents everything LEGO’s Icons line does best: taking beloved cultural touchstones and translating them into buildable, displayable art. This isn’t a toy, though it has playful elements. It’s not quite a model kit, though it requires serious building skill. It exists in that sweet spot where nostalgia, design appreciation, and hands-on creativity converge. For $399.99, you’re getting 3,600 pieces of carefully engineered brick design that lets you spend hours building, then years displaying. That’s a fair trade for the flagship of the Federation.

The post Make It So: LEGO’s 3,600-Piece U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D Is the Ultimate Trek Tribute first appeared on Yanko Design.

The only thing worse than ‘Floor is Lava’ is probably ‘Floor is LEGO Brick’. LEGO bricks are famously torturous to step on. The studs, the sharp corners, the unforgiving plastic, all of these combine into creating something that feels like modern day torture. Step on a lego brick with enough body-weight and that thing practically digs into your tissue, causing probably one of the most painful experiences according to the internet. However, what if there was a ‘right’ way of stepping on LEGO bricks?

No, I’m not talking about some mind-over-body nonsense where you overcome your ability to feel pain. LEGO builder eat.sleep.build.repeat. designed a foot reflexology mat using just LEGO bricks, tapping into ancient eastern healing techniques to create a stimulating mat that helps you boost blood flow to your legs and to even other parts of the body. Made from just 820 bricks, this piece, titled ‘How to Step on a LEGO Brick?’ is a rather fun and informative hat-tip to old culture, using modern-day plastic bricks. One might say it puts the LEG in LEGO!

Designer: eat.sleep.build.repeat.

“Foot reflexology is an ancient practice, extremely common in China, where people step on mats with pressure nodes that practitioners believe produce beneficial effects elsewhere in the body,” says eat.sleep.build.repeat. “Decades later, their popularity remains strong as people continue to embrace simple, natural methods for daily wellness.”

The 820-brick MOC comes with the foot mat itself, color coded to perfection with different zones that supposedly stimulate different parts of the body. Each kit also comes with a coded legend that lets you see which color is assigned to which body part. Not that we’re medical professionals (please don’t take this as medical advice), but standing on the mat while having pressure applied (thanks to the LEGO studs) on different parts of the foot is known to be able to cure diseases and boost recovery. Who knew standing on LEGO bricks could be this therapeutic?!

The MOC (My Own Creation) is currently gathering steam on the LEGO Ideas website, an online forum dedicated to enthusiasts who build and vote for their favorite LEGO creations. If this particular build sounds enticing to you (apart from the prospect of stepping on LEGO bricks of course), head down to the LEGO Ideas website and cast your vote for this build!

The post This LEGO Reflexology Mat Turns a Parent’s Worst Nightmare into Physical Therapy first appeared on Yanko Design.

Star Wars and Christmas just seem to go together well. Maybe it’s because of the famous (or infamous) Star Wars Holiday special or because it’s gift-giving season, but we always look forward to what holiday-themed things they bring out every year. The combination of these two beloved pop culture behemoths has become a cherished tradition for fans of all ages, creating that perfect blend of nostalgia and festive cheer that makes the holidays even more special. And while it’s most likely the adults that they cater to with their builds and sets, sometimes we do get reminders that Star Wars is for kids too (at least originally). Their newest festive build is out and it’s the perfect companion as you sip and eat your gingerbread-themed desserts.

The LEGO® Star Wars Gingerbread AT-AT Walker is a great gift idea for the kids and the kid in you who love creating these famed transport and combat vehicles from the Star Wars universe. Whether you’re shopping for a young builder just discovering the galaxy far, far away or treating yourself to a delightful addition to your collection, this set checks all the boxes. The Christmas craft building set may not be as complicated or grand as the usual Star Wars sets that we get, but it’s a fun activity that young Star Wars fans who want to create their own All Terrain Armored Transport will absolutely adore (in case you didn’t know, that’s what AT-AT means).

Designer: LEGO

The AT-AT Walker in this set has all the regular features of the ones that we see in movies and TV shows, but with a holiday flair that makes it uniquely charming. It is designed with gingerbread-house-style decoration through the colorful round pieces that are included in the set, giving it that whimsical, festive feel that’s perfect for the season. You can do things like pose its legs in different walking positions, open the cockpit to reveal the pilot area, and even see what’s inside by flipping up the sides of the main compartment. The attention to detail here really shines through, making it both a display piece and an interactive toy.

The interior may not be what you expect a combat vehicle to look like as it’s pretty cozy and warm—more gingerbread cottage than Imperial war machine. There’s a fireplace complete with flickering flames, a table set for a holiday feast, a drinking cup, cookie and candy cane elements that look good enough to eat, stockings on the wall waiting for tiny gifts, and a pile of beautifully wrapped presents on the side. In other words, this is a Christmas getaway for your favorite Star Wars villain. Oh and did we mention that the set comes with a Gingerbread Darth Vader LEGO minifigure? It’s absolutely adorable with its brown gingerbread coloring and festive details. Just resist the urge to eat it as it’s not edible, even though it certainly looks sweet enough to try!

This 697-piece building kit measures around 7.5 inches high, 9 inches long, and 4 inches wide, making it a substantial but not overwhelming display piece. Once the kid (or you) finishes building the AT-AT Walker, it’s perfect to be placed on your own fireplace mantel, bookshelf, or even as a centerpiece on your holiday table as part of your upcoming holiday decorations. The warm gingerbread tones and festive details make it blend beautifully with traditional Christmas decor while still celebrating your Star Wars fandom.

If they (or you) need help in building this, the LEGO® Builder app is always there to guide them through each step and even view a 3D digital version of the Gingerbread walker. This digital companion makes the building experience even more enjoyable, especially for younger builders who might be tackling a LEGO set of this size for the first time. The app allows you to zoom in, rotate, and view the model from every angle, ensuring that every piece goes exactly where it should.

This delightful set makes for wonderful quality time during the holidays, whether you’re building it solo with a cup of hot cocoa or making it a family activity. It’s these kinds of seasonal releases that remind us why we fell in love with LEGO and Star Wars in the first place as they bring joy, creativity, and a touch of magic to the season.

The post This Gingerbread AT-AT LEGO Set Is Every Star Wars Fan’s Dream Holiday Gift first appeared on Yanko Design.

J’espère que votre semaine se passe bien. Moi c’est la course comme d’hab… Mais je viens de tomber sur un truc que j’ai trouvé super cool et je ne résiste pas à l’envie de partager ça avec vous. Vous avez vu le nouveau set LEGO Game Boy officiel (lien affilié) qui vient de sortir ? 421 pièces, une soixantaines d’euros, une réplique à l’échelle 1:1 avec des cartouches Link’s Awakening et Super Mario Land faits de briques… C’est joli, c’est nostalgique, mais ça ne fait strictement rien. C’est juste décoratif.

Et bien selon The Verge , une moddeuse australienne du nom de Natalie the Nerd a trouvé ça carrément abusé, alors elle a fait ce que ferait n’importe quel geek qui se respecte : elle l’a transformé en vraie console Game Boy fonctionnelle. Et attention, je ne vous parle pas d’un vulgaire Raspberry Pi Zero planqué dedans avec un émulateur. Non, non, non, elle y a mis des vrais morceaux de Game Boy, avec de VRAIES cartouches qui tournent, ainsi qu’un circuit imprimé qu’elle a conçu elle-même.

Attention les nostalgiques ! Si vous avez grandi dans les années 90 avec un PC sous Windows 95 et que vous étiez fan de LEGO, y’a de fortes chances que vous ayez passé des heures sur LEGO Island. Ce jeu culte de 1997 où on incarnait Pepper Roni, le livreur de pizzas le plus cool de l’île, vient de recevoir une seconde jeunesse grâce au projet isle-portable.

Pour ceux qui ne connaissent pas, LEGO Island c’était LE jeu en monde ouvert avant l’heure. On pouvait se balader librement sur une île peuplée de personnages loufoques qui se démontaient dans tous les sens pour nous faire marrer. Entre les courses de jet-ski, les missions de dépannage et la fameuse poursuite en hélicoptère où on balançait des pizzas sur le méchant Brickster (oui, des pizzas, le truc qui l’avait aidé à s’échapper), c’était du grand n’importe quoi mais qu’est-ce qu’on adorait ça !

Vous pensiez que votre imprimante 3D était le summum de la technologie ? Et bien Dr. Engine vient de vous prouver le contraire avec sa factory LEGO qui transforme de la pâte à modeler en produits manufacturés. Et franchement, c’est pas mal foutu du tout !

Cette machine automatisée combine laminoir motorisé, convoyeur à bande et guillotine de précision pour traiter de la modeling clay (comprenez de la pâte à modeler style Play-Doh) avec un sérieux qui ferait pâlir d’envie certaines chaînes de production industrielles.