In preparation for Christmas, and to provide a freebie for the first major shopping event of the Holiday season, the LEGO® Group gave away a Christmas tree set. First dibs went to VIPs on November 23, in conjunction with the double VIP points weekend. Since November 29, the set came with all purchases over $120. I got my hands on it through my purchase of the 1989 Batmobile. The kit is available until December 2, 2019 (Cyber Monday). Therefore, while there is still time to get one, let’s take a look at the Christmas Tree (40338) review.
Click here to read how I generate review scores.
Click here to read about my 1989 Batmobile purchase.
Christmas Tree (40338) Summary
- NAME: Christmas Tree
- SET #: 40338
- THEME: Seasonal Giveaway
- COST: Gift with purchase ($39.99 CAD value)
- BRICK COUNT: 392
- MINIFIGURES: None
- RELEASE DATE: November 23, 2019
Christmas Tree (40338) Quick Review
- VALUE: 100% (You can’t beat a free set.)
- BUILD: 90% (Nice, but I would have liked more decorations.)
- MINIFIGURES: N/A (This set does not come with any.)
- ENTERTAINMENT: 90% (Nice for display, not much play value though.)
- OVERALL SCORE: 93%
Christmas Tree (40338) Review
VALUE: 100%
You can’t argue with a free set. As a result, this set earns 100% in the cost-per-brick category right from the start. However, if this had been a retail set, it would have cost $39.99 in Canada. With 392 pieces, the cost-per-brick of this kit is $0.10. By way of contrast, my current average cost-per-brick is $0.14. Therefore, the Christmas Tree is an excellent value even if it was a retail set, and would earn 93%.
The Christmas Tree took me 67 minutes to build. An hour and seven minutes of free build time is not something to scoff at. Again, I am inclined to give this set 100% as a build-time score for that reason. However, at $39.99, each minute of build-time costs $0.60. Comparatively, my average cost-per-minute is current $0.83. Once again, even if this was a retail set, the value is great. Consequently, it would earn 92%.
BUILD: 90%
A rotating base supports the Christmas tree. The majority of the tree itself is fixed in place. However, the top of the tree turns manually, resulting in the base under the tree also spinning. Consequently, the brick-built trains under the tree appear to move. It is a nice little feature.
The actual assembly of the tree is a little repetitive. The tree consists of three tiers. Each tier has multiple levels that are all assembled in basically the same fashion. However, it does provide with a good looking, brick-built tree that could easily be repeated in a custom forest without the decorations added on.
The tree is nice, but I do find myself wishing for more decor. A string of lights in particular would have been nice and easy to add on. It is not hard to add your own decorations to this tree, but since it did not come with more right out of the box, I will deduct a mark. I rate this build at 9/10 (90%).
ENTERTAINMENT: 90%
Usually, I include a bit about Minifigures in my reviews. However, this set does not have any, so we will skip that portion of the review this time around. In terms of AFOL appeal, I like this set. It makes a nice Christmas decoration for my mantle. Additionally, you learn how to build a nice tree that can be customized for many scenes. It earns an AFOL score of 100%.
The Christmas Tree set is, however, a decoration. There is not much play value to it. Some kids might have fun building it. Maybe it could be displayed in a play scene. But, actual play with the tree? I doubt much of that will be happening. I give it 4/5 (80%) as a KFOL score. Averaging this with the AFOL score gives an overall entertainment rating of 90%.
OVERALL SCORE: 93%
In the end, don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. This set is valued at $39.99, yet it is free with purchase. While not my favourite LEGO® freebie of all time, it is a solid one all the same. Additionally, it is one of the more substantial freebies that I have gotten. So, if you have a larger purchase in mind, you can’t really go wrong getting this set for free with it. What are your thoughts on the Christmas Tree set? Feel free to comment below, or shout out on social media.
Until next time,
-Tom
What do other think?
Brick Insights is an awesome site that aggregates LEGO® set review scores from around the web. Based on their statistics, you can see what other reviewers think of the Christmas Tree set below.
Want to support True North Bricks?
If you like the content at True North Bricks, please follow on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter for regular updates. Additionally, you can support True North Bricks by making your LEGO® (and other) purchases using the links in the menu to the right. These affiliate links earn me a little commission at no extra cost to you, thus helping to manage the cost of running this blog. Thanks for your support!