This quick guide post has been updated to show what is relevant in the 2024 LEGO hobby.
In case you’re wondering where to begin in your LEGO hobby, then read on to learn the LEGO basics as you prepare to journey into your 2024 LEGO hobby.
LEGO is a popular hobby for people of all ages because it offers a variety of benefits. Building a LEGO set is a fun and engaging activity that can provide hours of entertainment as it allows people to tap into their creativity and use their imagination to build whatever they can dream up.
In addition to being enjoyable, it can also have educational benefits. With a strong community of enthusiasts who share their creations and tips online, brick fans help each other feel connected and supported in their hobby. In this blog post, I’ll try to provide the LEGO basics and a LEGO quick start guide that every newbie in the hobby needs to know. You also don’t want to miss our comprehensive list of the best LEGO fan sites that every LEGO hobbyist should be familiar with.
Grasping the LEGO basics does not mean you need to start big with your 2024 LEGO hobby. You can start small and still have a good grasp of the rudiments of building and the different types of LEGO sets around.
LEGO Basics Number 1 – LEGO Through the Years
It may not exactly be part of the LEGO basics, but knowing how it all started may be helpful to your 2024 LEGO hobby. The LEGO Group was founded in 1932 by Danish carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen. At the time, the company was focused on producing wooden toys. It wasn’t until 1949 that the humble toy company from Denmark started producing its now-famous plastic interlocking bricks, inspired by the blocks that Christiansen’s son, Godtfred Kirk Christiansen, had been playing with.
The company officially adopted the name “LEGO” in 1934, which is derived from the Danish phrase leg godt, meaning “play well.” The company’s motto is still “only the best is good enough,” a LEGO basics philosophy that has guided the company for nearly a century.
In the early years, LEGO produced a variety of toys, including cars, trains, and buildings, but it was the patented brick that really took off. The iconic brick as we know it today was patented in 1958 and has remained largely unchanged in its LEGO basics and design since then, and even until now that you begin your 2024 LEGO hobby.
As you begin your 2024 LEGO hobby, its good to know that LEGO has expanded its product line over the years to include a wide range of themed sets, such as those based on popular movies and TV shows, as well as licensed products, like Marvel, Star Wars, and Harry Potter to name a few. The company has also introduced new building elements and techniques, such as hinges and slopes, to allow for even more complex and creative building possibilities.
In recent years, it has also embraced technology, with the introduction of Mindstorms, a line of robotics sets that allow users to build and program their own robots. The company has also developed video games and an online community where fans can share their creations and get building inspiration.
Throughout its history, LEGO has remained a beloved and enduring toy, with a devoted fan base and a reputation for high-quality products.
LEGO Basics Number 2 – Choosing the Set That Vibes With You
Choosing the right LEGO set to kickstart your 2024 LEGO hobby can be overwhelming, as there are so many different options available. Here are some tips for selecting a set based on your interests and experience level.
Consider your Interests
If you have a specific hobby or interest that you want your 2024 LEGO hobby to focus on, such as a love of space or a favorite movie franchise, you may want to look for a set that aligns with those interests. LEGO offers a wide range of themed sets both home-grown (such as the popular City and Technic sets) or licensed ones such as those coming from Marvel, Star Wars, and Harry Potter.
Throughout the years, it has introduced several themes and sets that are now considered retired or no longer in production. To learn more about these retired themes, I suggest that you head over to Brickset and explore the many themed sets that LEGO created over the past decades. Brickset offers a kind of LEGO quick start guide for you to have an overview of past and current LEGO sets.
For now, here’s a complete list of all the LEGO themes currently available at LEGO.com.
Think about your LEGO basics and experience level
LEGO sets, like any other toys, are typically labeled with a suggested age range. However, what makes the brand unique is that it managed to attract a considerable number of adult fans (referred to as AFOLs or Adult Fans of LEGO), making it a toy or 2024 LEGO hobby that is appealing to all ages. As such, even adults who are new to the hobby need to consider their own level of building expertise or experience and choose a set that is appropriate to their respective LEGO basic skill levels.
LEGO does not outright mention the building experience needed to build a particular set, but certain themes may offer a hint. Homegrown themes such as Icons, Ideas, Creator Expert, Architecture, Mindstorms, and others are all usually offered to AFOLs or advanced builders, while Duplo and Juniors are definitely for budding builders. This is something that can be helpful to know when you try to grasp the ropes of your 2024 LEGO hobby.
Read and watch reviews
Before purchasing your first 2024 LEGO hobby set, take some time to read reviews from other customers. This can give you a sense of the set’s difficulty level and whether it is worth the investment. To get an in-depth understanding of a set that you wish to purchase, you may want to look into Jay’s Brick Blog, JANGBRICKS, and Tiago Catarino are on top of my lists when it comes to reviews so do visit their website and YT channels as well.
Consider the size of the set (and of your wallet too)
LEGO sets come in a wide range of sizes, from small sets with just a few hundred pieces to massive sets with thousands of pieces. Think about how much time you want to spend in your 2024 LEGO hobby building and choose a set that is the right size for you.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
If you are still unsure which set to choose, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can ask a LEGO in-store Brick Specialist or reach out to online communities for recommendations. Brickset and The Brothers Brick both offer a supportive platform for discussions on anything about giving you a grasp of the LEGO basics.
LEGO Basics Number 3 – Some LEGO Building Tips You Need to Know
Now that you have a good grasp of the many themes and sets that LEGO has to offer, there are a few things that you need to know before you start your 2024 LEGO hobby and building activities.
Build your LEGO word power
You don’t need to be a polyglot to understand some commonly used words in the LEGO fan community, but it will be helpful to be familiar with some of them. You might encounter the following words as you go along in this LEGO quick start guide:
- AFOL
- Alternate builds
- KFOL
- LAN
- Master Builder
- Minifig
- MOC
- SigFig
- Stud
- SNOT
- STAMP
- UCS
These are just common words that you might encounter as you go along. For a more comprehensive listing, I recommend that you check out this LEGO glossary written by our friends over at The Brothers Brick.
Make this LEGO quick start guide and building instructions your best friend
If you are building from a set of instructions or trying to recreate a specific model, it can be helpful to have a reference image to guide you. This can help you visualize the final product and make sure you are placing the bricks in the correct order.
All LEGO sets come with printed instructions right out of the box so you can start building right away through your 2024 LEGO hobby. And the good thing is, that these building instructions are also digitized and can be downloaded as quick start guides from LEGO.com, so you can keep your printed instructions in mint condition as much as possible.
Experiment with different building techniques
There are many different ways to build with LEGO bricks, and it can be fun to try out different techniques. For example, you can try building with the bricks vertically or horizontally, using hinges to create flexible structures, or using slopes to create slopes and curves. You can also experiment with the SNOT technique (Studs Not on Top) where you build with the studs facing away from the top of the brick, allowing you to create more complex and varied structures in your 2024 LEGO hobby.
Use online resources
If you get stuck or need some building inspiration, there are many online resources available to help. You can find building instructions and inspiration. My go-to website is Rebrickable where you can find tons of MOCs and alternate builds to jumpstart your 2024 LEGO hobby.
And if you want to flex your building skills even more, then LEGO Master Builder Chris McVeigh offers a ton of FREE building instructions for his original creations that you may want to work on. As a last tip, you may also like to watch this fun and informative video from Tiago Catarino on how to build a LEGO set (yeah, this is a seriously fun video, lol).
LEGO Basics Number 4 – Expanding Your LEGO Collection
There are many ways to expand your 2024 LEGO hobby beyond just buying new sets. Here are a few options to consider:
Have a “buying” plan
One of the most straightforward ways to expand your 2024 LEGO hobby is to purchase additional LEGO sets, as long as your budget allows it. And though LEGO sets are an investment in itself, starting in the hobby does not need to be super expensive.
There are plenty of online resources and communities that can help you land your first set if you are on a budget. This is a great way to gradually build your collection of sets and pieces as you go along. LEGO.com also runs several sales and promos so you can purchase your set for as much as 30% to 40% off.
Collecting those collectibles
If you are a more serious LEGO collector, you may want to go beyond the LEGO basics and be interested in tracking down rare and vintage pieces. These can be harder to find and may be more expensive, but they can be a unique and valuable addition to your 2024 LEGO hobby.
Buy loose bricks
In addition to buying sets, you can also purchase loose bricks and pieces to add to your 2024 LEGO hobby sets. This LEGO basics rule can be a cost-effective way to get a lot of bricks quickly, and you can use them to create your own custom builds. Bricklink is a great and reliable secondary market for LEGO sets and pieces so you may want to check this out as well.
Attend LEGO conventions and events
If you are interested in expanding your collection and meeting other LEGO enthusiasts, consider attending fan conventions and events. These events can be a great way to begin your 2024 LEGO hobby journey, discover new sets, buy rare pieces, and have a better grasp of the LEGO basics by trading with other collectors. Check with the LEGO Ambassador Network, or your local LEGO Users Group (LUG).
LEGO Basics Number 5 – Storing and Organizing Your LEGO Sets and Pieces
Now you may notice that as your 2024 LEGO hobby grows, so as your need for valuable space and sanity in cataloging and organizing your sets and pieces. Needless to say, a good strategy for properly storing and keeping tabs on your LEGO sets will require the following:
Keeping track of your collection
Having a system for organizing your LEGO bricks and sets can make it easier to find what you are looking for and keep track of what you have. This can be especially helpful if you have a large collection. Tip: you may want to set up a Brickset or Rebrickable since both of these sites allow you to catalog all the LEGO sets and pieces that you own.
This is great especially if you need to create a custom build and you want to know if you have all the existing parts that you need before you proceed.
Protecting your bricks
Proper storage can help protect your LEGO bricks from damage. Bricks that are stacked or stored haphazardly can become scratched or broken, so it’s important to find a way to store them that keeps them safe. I find it extremely helpful to use cabinet drawers for my 2024 LEGO hobby such as those from Akro-Mills in storing and sorting my LEGO pieces.
Though I would recommend these storage solutions for medium to large collections, it’s good to invest in these cabinets early on since you will be surprised at how fast your 2024 LEGO hobby collection will grow later on.
Keeping your building area clean
If you are a frequent LEGO builder, you know that a building session can create a lot of clutter. Proper storage can help keep your building area clean and organized, which can make it easier to focus on your building tasks. There are many different options for storing and organizing LEGO bricks and sets, that will order out of the chaos of your 2024 LEGO hobby.
Some people like to use storage bins or drawers to keep their bricks organized by color or size, while others prefer to use plastic baggies or small containers to hold their bricks. There are also specialized LEGO storage systems available, such as brick separators and sorting trays, which can make it easier to keep your collection organized.
Ultimately, the best storage solution will depend on your needs and preferences. The important thing is to find a system that works for you and your 2024 LEGO hobby, and that keeps your bricks and sets safe and organized. I personally find it super helpful to refer to this resource created by Tom Alphin (aka the Brick Architect). The nice thing about his website is that he offers both his LEGO Storage Guide and LEGO Brick Labels absolutely free. You may want to check these out as well.
Moving Forward: Blogs and the LEGO Fan Community
At this point, you may already heard me mention the importance of following established LEGO fan blogs and communities if you want to learn more and get the best out of your 2024 LEGO hobby. LEGO blogs and fan communities are a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest LEGO news and releases. You can find out about new sets, themes, and products, as well as special promotions and sales.
If you are looking for ideas for your next LEGO creation, following LEGO blogs and fan communities can be a great source of inspiration. You can see what others are building and get ideas for your own 2024 LEGO hobby and projects.
One of the best things about LEGO is the sense of community that comes with it. Through these blogs and online communities, you can connect with other LEGO enthusiasts and share your 2024 LEGO hobby creations, tips, and experiences, while keeping you motivated to pursue that MOC that you envision creating. Here’s my list of LEGO resources such as blogs, websites, and YouTube channels that you may find helpful to have a solid start.
Wrapping it Up
I hope you find this post useful in setting you up for your 2024 LEGO hobby. We talked about some of the things that you need to know about LEGO as a brand, including the history of the company and its iconic bricks. We also saw that choosing the “right” LEGO set or theme is just a matter of your preference and that there’s always room to explore themes as you get familiar with the hobby.
Having an understanding of the fan community’s brick lexicon is also helpful as you learn about the basic building techniques that you can practice using your LEGO pieces. And for your LEGO hobby to stay organized (trust me, this is a must), we also looked into the importance of proper storage and organization of your LEGO sets and pieces.
LEGO is a popular hobby for people of all ages because it is enjoyable, educational, and versatile. By following the tips and techniques outlined here, you can kickstart your own 2024 LEGO hobby and begin building your collection. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced builder, LEGO certainly has something to offer to everyone. I hope this quick guide has helped you get started on your LEGO hobby and that you will continue to enjoy the many benefits that LEGO has to offer.
Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. Happy building!