"Adult's First LEGO Buy: Mario Set, No Regrets"

As a practical person when it comes to spending money, I typically stick to essentials and only occasionally indulge in video games during sales. However, last year, I found myself tempted by something as seemingly frivolous as a LEGO set. Despite my childhood love for LEGO, I had moved away from it as I grew older, largely due to the high costs associated with these kits. Sets tied to popular movie or video game franchises often come with a hefty price tag, which made my eventual purchase of the LEGO Super Mario Piranha Plant a significant decision. It had been on sale for under $50 since October of last year, but it was only recently that I decided my desk could use a new, albeit unconventional, potted plant.

The LEGO Super Mario Piranha Plant

Lowest Price

LEGO Super Mario Piranha Plant

16
Includes 540 pieces and you can adjust the pose.
$59.99 save 20%
$47.95 at Amazon
$59.99 save 20%
$47.99 at Walmart

My interest in this set was piqued after reading IGN's review of the Piranha Plant. Being a long-time fan of the Mario franchise, this set seemed like a perfect way to showcase my affection. While LEGO's botanical collection offers appealing flower sets, none match the whimsical yet slightly menacing charm of the Piranha Plant.

My LEGO Piranha Plant

5 Images

Since building the set, I've been delighted to have it on my desk. It transports me to the Mushroom Kingdom, where I imagine nurturing my own little Piranha Plant during work hours. The joy of the completed model is matched by the enjoyment of the build itself, which I completed in a single, engaging afternoon. This is currently the only LEGO Nintendo set I own, but my experience has left me open to expanding my collection.

See more Mario LEGO sets

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6
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5
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4
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3
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How Much Are You Willing to Spend on a LEGO Set You Love?

LEGO sets can be quite expensive, especially with new adult-targeted releases often priced at $200 or more. It's easy to get carried away and overspend on these delightful creations. For me, the fact that the Mario LEGO set was under $50 made it a justifiable purchase. The hours spent building it and the daily joy it brings me are well worth the cost. While I believe that happiness is priceless, my personal spending limit for a LEGO set remains at $50.