As the world’s largest toy company, according to Statista, LEGO increases its popularity amongst teenagers.
“I think it’s cool that LEGO sets are so unique and take time to build. It’s not something you can just throw together in a few minutes and call it a day. These things take attention and need to be executed carefully,” junior Henry Taylor said.
Since LEGO’s founding in 1932, they’ve found their way into the homes and hearts of children everywhere. Their LEGO Icons, more complex sets targeted towards teens and adults, only escalated their popularity. LEGO made 43.5 billion in 2020 and increased to 65.9 billion in 2023, according to LEGO’S annual financial reports. Also, 88% of students want a LEGO set as a gift, according to a student survey.
“We definitely have a lot of teens coming into the store. I’d also say there’s more adults than kids,” LEGO store employee at Somerset Alicia Craft said.
Since these sets are so realistic it makes them more complicated and challenging to build, which teens enjoy. For example, the typewriter set’s keys and paper tray move and the Mercedes-AMG F1 set includes realistic steering and suspension.
“The harder ones that I’ve done were more interesting than the 200-piece ones. The 1000-piece ones are more challenging, and they take more time and are more fun,” junior Olivia Van Dam said.
From Marvel’s Stark Tower to a music playing piano these sets include a vast variety of themes, so customers can tailor their collection to their interests. The X-Mansion and the tuxedo cat are the most popular sets currently, according to Craft.
“If I’m looking for a set to build, I like the fact that I have a lot of different options and new things to try,” senior Trinity Favazza said.
Another added benefit is relaxation and stress relief. Building a LEGO set forces the builder to remain in the present moment and focus on the task at hand. With school, sports and work all on teenagers’ minds LEGO sets offer a much-needed respite.
“I like LEGO sets because they keep me busy. I have to do homework and then soccer but then building them is like a break for me,” Van Dam said.
With teenagers’ busy lives, LEGO sets help them remember a less stressful time in their life: childhood. Few toys stay with kids from childhood to adulthood, but LEGO sets have become an exception.
“Building LEGO sets now is a fun thing to do that I also used to do as a kid,” Favazza said. “So, it’s a fun way to connect to my childhood.”
Click here for other stories on trending products: Vinyl revival – Ike News, Sign of the times – Ike News, Living in a material world – Ike News,
