Over the last couple of years, LEGO has released some highly-detailed Lord of the Rings sets. And while stunning, pricing's typically steep, (the Rivendell and Barad-dûr sets, for example, both cost over $400). But I have good news for Lord of the Rings collectors, as the newest LEGO set inspired by the franchise — The Shire — arrives this week at $270. You'll want to clear some room on your bookshelf for this one.
The Shire set launches on April 5 and is a LEGO store exclusive. But LEGO insiders get early access and could shop soon as April 2. (If you're not a LEGO Insider, we recommend signing up — it's free!)
This new set celebrates all things Hobbits, specifically Bilbo's 111th birthday scene and is packed with hidden features. Inside the hillside hobbit hole (with the distinctive round door) there are multiple rooms like the entrance hall, study and parlor. But even cooler are the interactive parts, like a burning letter in the fireplace that turns into The One Ring (that rules them all) and a spinning dial to make Bilbo disappear.
Speaking of Bilbo, this set includes nine minifigures. You get Fellowship members Frodo, Samwise, Gandalf the Grey, Merry and Pippin, along with Bilbo, Farmer and Mrs. Proudfoot, and Samwise's future wife Rosie.
Also included is a firework dragon, Gandalf's horse and cart and the party tree. There are even alternate heads for Merry and Pippin so you can display them looking shocked after a run-in with fireworks.
As a LEGO lover, I appreciate the manageable size of this set. Once built, this stands 7.5 inches tall and under 18 inches across — at 2,017 pieces, it's something that can be built in the span of watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Compare that to the larger Rivendell set that's over 6,000 pieces (which I have spent more than 15 hours on and I'm only a third of the way done assembling).
I've personally been obsessed with the Hobbits since I read the books as a teen, because I also appreciate second breakfast and po-ta-toes. So I'm very excited to build The Shire (or as I plan to call this set, My precious).
LEGO The Lord of the Rings: Rivendell
LEGO The Lord of the Rings: Barad-dûr
Angel Madison is a commerce editor at Hearst Magazines, writing for brands like Country Living, Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan, House Beautiful, Oprah Daily, Men’s Health, and Women's Health. She’s been testing products for several years and is an expert at scouting deals and finding the perfect gifts. Angel covers many topics, but she specializes in plus-size fashion, Lego, trending products, toys, parenting, fitness, home, and tech. She has previously worked in parenting and entertainment and has vast knowledge in the teen, pop culture, and kid spaces.
