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

As someone who prides myself on being practical with my finances, I typically stick to purchasing the essentials and occasionally indulge in a video game when it's on sale. My spending habits rarely extend beyond these necessities. It wasn't until last year that I even entertained the idea of buying something as seemingly frivolous as a LEGO set. Despite my childhood love for building LEGO, growing up seemed to have shifted my priorities away from such hobbies.

One of the reasons I hesitated for so long is the cost. While there are affordable sets under $25, anything associated with popular movie or video game franchises tends to be pricier. This is why it took me a while to justify purchasing the LEGO Super Mario Piranha Plant. It's been on sale since last October for under $50, but I only recently decided that my desk could use a new, albeit quirky, potted plant.

The LEGO Super Mario Piranha Plant

Lowest Price

LEGO Super Mario Piranha Plant

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 sparked after reading IGN's review of the Piranha Plant build. As a lifelong fan of Mario games, this set seemed like the perfect way to showcase my affection for the franchise. While LEGO's botanical line offers beautiful flower sets that would enhance my desk, none have the whimsical yet slightly menacing charm of the Piranha Plant.

My LEGO Piranha Plant

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Now that I've completed the set, I'm thrilled to have it on my desk. Each glance at it transports me to the Mushroom Kingdom, tending to my little potted Piranha Plant during work hours. The joy of the finished product is matched by the satisfaction of the building process itself. I completed it in one afternoon, yet it was engaging enough to keep my attention throughout. This is currently my only LEGO Nintendo set, but my experience has me eager to expand my collection.

See more Mario LEGO sets

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How Much Are You Willing to Spend on a LEGO Set You Love?

As mentioned earlier, LEGO sets can be quite expensive, especially with the release of new adult-targeted sets priced at $200 or more. It's easy to get carried away with the allure of these impressive builds. However, there's a delicate balance between indulging in a beloved hobby and overspending on plastic bricks.

The fact that the Mario LEGO set was under $50 made it an affordable treat for me. I spent hours enjoying the build process, and the daily joy it brings me sitting on my desk is priceless. Is that joy worth more than $50? Absolutely. But that's my spending threshold.