Why Adult LEGO Sets Are A Nostalgic Filled Guilty Pleasure

Lego sets have long been a beloved pastime for children, but in recent years, the popularity of adult-oriented Lego sets has exploded. These sets has captured everybody’s attention for its complex nostalgic designs. To this day, these adult Lego sets have become a hobby for many adults and in this article we’ll take a deep look at this hobby and understand the appeal behind this nostalgic filled guilty pleasure.

The Appeal Of Adult Legos

Lego sets have been a staple of childhood play for generations, but in recent years, they have seen a surge in popularity among adults. One of the primary reasons that adult Lego sets are so appealing is that they offer a level of complexity and challenge that is geared towards adults.

These adult sets often feature intricate designs, advanced building techniques, and a higher level of detail than children’s sets. This level of challenge and detail can be incredibly satisfying for adults, who enjoy the process of constructing something complex and aesthetically pleasing. They would enjoy it even more so if the set they are building is linked to their favorite tv show or movie franchise.

Which leads to other reason that adult Lego sets are so popular is that they offer a sense of nostalgia. Many adults grew up playing with Legos, and whether they had a complete set or buckets of random Lego pieces, chances are they never got the big expensive Lego set they always wanted. So these adult sets gives them a second chance accomplishing something that their inner child would be proud of.

Beyond nostalgia, there is also a sense of accomplishment that comes with completing an adult Lego set. This can ring especially true for people who feel that their lives are a little chaotic and stressful at the moment and just need something to unwind and relax. In fact, these Lego sets are much more dynamic and require more thought to put together than your standard puzzles, as placing the wrong piece or two can drastically alter how everything fits together making them a good hobby.

How Legos Are Now A Niche Hobby

Interestingly enough, the appeal of adult Lego sets can also be linked to the broader trend of adult coloring books and other creative hobbies. These hobbies offer a way for adults to engage in a meditative, relaxing activity that helps them disconnect from the stress and pressure of everyday life.

Building a Lego set can be similarly meditative, as it requires focus and concentration. It also serves an opportunity to disconnect from technology and the constant stream of information that bombards us every day. In addition, these Lego sets can become display pieces when people are finished putting them together and are able to show off their style, flair, and creativity.

Collaborations With Popular Brands And Franchises

Arguably the biggest factor that has contributed to the surge in popularity of adult Lego sets are the number of collaborations with popular brands and franchises. Over the years, Lego has partnered with a wide range of franchises such as Star Wars, and Marvel, and popular movie series such as Back to The Future, and the Ghostbusters.

These collaborations have allowed Lego to tap into the vast and passionate fanbases of these brands and franchises, creating sets that are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. For example, the Lego Star Wars sets have been particularly popular among both children and adults, with many adults collecting and displaying sets that feature iconic Star Wars characters and scenes.

The collaborations also provide a way for adults to connect with their favorite brands and franchises in a new and unique way. Building and displaying a Lego set based on a favorite movie, TV show, or book series can be a way for adults to express their fandom and connect with like-minded individuals.

Furthermore, the collaborations has allowed Lego to create more complex and challenging sets that appeal to adult builders. Many of the adult sets based on popular franchises feature intricate details and advanced building techniques, providing a greater sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when completed.

The Psychology Of Nostalgia

Now that we went over understanding the general appeal, lets get into the psychology! The psychology behind the appeal of these adult Lego sets can also be linked to the broader trend of “kidult” culture, in which adults are embracing the things they loved as children.

This trend can be seen in the popularity of comic book movies, video games, and other forms of entertainment that were once considered childish, but now deemed acceptable and cool. In many ways, this trend reflects a desire to hold onto the innocence and joy of childhood, even as we navigate the complexities of adult life. However the nostalgia that we feel for these childish things is due to a psychological theory called Socioemotional selectivity theory (SST).

Socioemotional Selectivity Theory

SST theorizes that as we age, we become more selective in our social interactions and focus on relationships that are emotionally meaningful and satisfying. This means that we prioritize spending time with family, close friends, and loved ones, and we tend to avoid interactions that are unpleasant or unfulfilling. This is why when people get older they have a tendency of being anti-social or simply being not as talkative.

As such SST suggests that nostalgia plays an important role in the social and emotional lives of older adults. Since nostalgia provides a sense of continuity and coherence in our lives, we as individuals often reflect on the positive experiences and relationships of the past. Nostalgia also helps to maintain social connections, as individuals reminisce with family and friends about shared experiences and memories, fulfilling our emotional satisfactions.

The Role of SST In Adult Lego Sets

Adult Lego sets are well-suited to this aspect of SST. They provide a sense of nostalgia and sentimentality to many adults who had positive childhood memories playing with Legos. Fast forward a few decades later, and these new adults are craving those sentimental feelings and when they start building these sets, it allows them to rekindle these positive emotions and memories.

In addition, building these Lego sets can also provide a sense of continuity and coherence in life. Considering how building Lego sets can be a social activity where family and friends can jump in anytime, it continues this cycle of creating happy memories, reliving them as we get older, and sharing those experiences with the younger generation.

Do Want To Build Something Cool With Legos?

The appeal of adult Lego sets is a multifaceted trend that can be linked to a variety of psychological factors. These sets offer a sense of challenge, nostalgia, and accomplishment, as well as a way to disconnect from the stress of everyday life. And whether you are building a set alone or with some friends, the experience of constructing a Lego set can be a satisfying and rewarding one for adults of all ages.

What do you think? Should we all get an adult Lego Set or should we save that money for something else? Put down a comment and let me know what you think!