Reviewed by Marcus Knapman, BSc (Hons) Computing ·
Researched from 100+ Amazon customer reviews
· How we review
LEGO's venture into artificial plants might sound like an odd pairing, but the Happy Plants set makes a surprisingly compelling case for brick-built greenery. At £12.19, this compact building kit promises two cute artificial plants with interchangeable cartoon faces — the sort of thing that could brighten up a desk without requiring any actual plant care.
I've been following LEGO's Botanicals range since it launched, and whilst the elaborate orchids and bonsai trees get most of the attention, these smaller sets often deliver better value for families. The Happy Plants kit targets 9+ year olds with a simple build that results in permanent desk decor, assuming your child doesn't immediately dismantle it for parts.
The box contains everything needed to build a standing baby dracaena and a sitting baby pilea, plus two plant pots in blue and yellow. The real charm lies in the interchangeable cartoon faces — each plant can display different expressions, from sleepy to cheerful. It's the sort of detail that elevates this from a standard build into something with genuine play value.
The build complexity sits comfortably in beginner territory. Most 9-year-olds should manage both plants independently within an hour, though sharing the construction between friends or family members works just as well. The instruction booklet is typical LEGO quality, with clear step-by-step illustrations.
Once built, these aren't delicate display pieces. The plants feel robust enough to survive being moved around, which matters when they're destined for children's bedrooms or study spaces. The dracaena stands roughly 8cm tall whilst the pilea sits lower at around 6cm, making them ideal for small spaces.
The colour scheme works well — the green plant elements look convincingly leafy, whilst the bright pots add a splash of colour without being garish. I'd have preferred more pot colour options, but blue and yellow cover most tastes reasonably well.
At £12.19, the Happy Plants kit sits in impulse purchase territory. You're getting around 200 pieces, which represents decent value in current LEGO terms, especially for a licensed Botanicals set. The finished models justify the price better than many small LEGO sets because they serve an ongoing decorative purpose rather than being built once then forgotten.
However, the appeal remains quite niche. Children who don't enjoy display pieces might lose interest quickly, and the build time is relatively short for the price. Parents should consider whether their child actually wants permanent desk decor before purchasing.
The main limitation is longevity. Unlike LEGO's larger Botanicals sets, which can occupy adult builders for hours, the Happy Plants kit offers perhaps 45 minutes of construction time. The interchangeable faces add some replay value, but not enough to sustain long-term interest for most children.
The plant varieties also feel somewhat arbitrary. Whilst dracaena and pilea are perfectly fine houseplants, they lack the instant recognition of roses or sunflowers. Children might struggle to identify what they've actually built.
The LEGO Botanicals Happy Plants kit succeeds as both a building experience and decorative outcome. It's perfect for children who enjoy LEGO but want something different from the usual vehicles and buildings. Plant-loving families will appreciate the botanical theme, even if the specific plant varieties feel somewhat random.
As an Amazon Associate, Smart Trends earns from qualifying purchases.
Was this review helpful?
