Last week, the LEGO® Group unveiled the Christmas Wreath (40426). I was lucky enough to acquire a pre-release copy for review. Since initially posting about the set, I have had time to build both iterations of the 2-in-1 set. As a big fan of the Christmas season, this set struck a chord. However, it has a lot to offer even to those not so yuletide inclined.
NOTE: The LEGO® Group provided this set for review. However, the provision of products does not guarantee a favorable review. I will use my usual rating system (click here to learn more) and provide my honest opinion.
CHRISTMAS WREATH SUMMARY
- NAME: Christmas Wreath 2-in-1
- SET #: 40426
- THEME: Seasonal
- COST: $44.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 510
- MINIFIGURES: None
- RELEASE DATE: October 1, 2020
CHRISTMAS WREATH QUICK REVIEW
- VALUE: 97% (Great cost-per-brick, and lots of build time if you assemble both versions.)
- BUILD: 90% (Great looking set, but foliage comes off easily.)
- MINIFIGURES: N/A
- ENTERTAINMENT: 90% (Great AFOL x-mas decoration, but no play value.)
- OVERALL SCORE: 92%
CHRISTMAS WREATH (40426) REVIEW
VALUE: 97%
The Christmas Wreath retails for $44.99 in Canada. Additionally, it contains 510 bricks. As such, the cost-per-brick is $0.088. Comparatively, my average cost-per-brick is currently $0.14. Even at full price, you are getting a good deal for this set. I rate the value-per-brick at 97%.
Building the first iteration of the set took me 50 minutes from start to finish. The second version of the set added an additional 30 minutes to that time. However, many people will probably build and display one version of the set. Therefore, if I go with 50 minutes of build time, the cost-per-minute is $0.90. That is satisfactory and earns 76%. Building both variants ups the score significantly to 96% with a cost-per-minute of $0.56. Since I built both, I will go with the latter score. Averaging this with the value-per-brick gives an overall value grade of 97%.
BUILD: 90%
The first version of the set is a wreath that hangs on the wall. The second is a tabletop wreath with candles. Both look great and I cannot say that I like one more than the other. Both use the same base structure. However, one incorporates a string for wall suspension and the other does not. The base structure itself is a great build technique. You learn a great method for creating circular structures. My only complaint about the set is that the foliage and décor come off too easily in places. Using this as a table centerpiece, you will have to be careful not to bump it too much. It should be fine hanging on the wall provided it is not in an area with heavy traffic. I rate this build at 9/10 (90%).
ENTERTAINMENT: 90%
As an adult fan, I love this set. Who does not want LEGO® Christmas decorations? My wife is even a fan of this one. She wants to put it on the dinner table this Holiday season. Place another Holiday set in the center and you will have an amazing LEGO® display for sure. Additionally, for those who are not Christmas-celebrators, this set comes with a lot of foliage. I might buy a second one just for that reason. Your MOCs stand to gain a lot of greenery for a great price. This is an adult oriented set though, even if says 9+. Consequently, I do not see kids getting much of a kick out of this other than for greenery. I rate the entertainment score at 90%.
OVERALL SCORE: 92%
The Christmas Wreath is a great value. Additionally, it serves as a foliage pack. You get a lot of greenery for a great price. Also, you get a wonderful Holiday display piece. This set is coming out year-after-year at my house. The only downsides are a lack of playability for kids and an unstable build that will not withstand much jostling. However, it is a display piece, so it probably will not be moved around much anyway. I really like the Christmas Wreath. What are your thoughts? Comment below or reach out on social media.
Until next time,
-Tom
What do others 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 Wreath (40426) below.
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