B&N Reads, Holiday Gift Guide, Toys and Games

There’s a LEGO® Master in All of Us

It’s August, which means new LEGO® sets released! ​But this time, it’s extra special as LEGO celebrates their 90th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, LEGO has released an impressive series of new sets, challenges, and activities for every builder, from the young to the young at heart. 

We’re especially excited for all the new LEGO® Star Wars™ sets and to show that, we’re shining a spotlight on them in our stores. LEGO Star Wars has been a match made in heaven for many people and has developed into an incredible franchise, offering a range of price points and appeal across key demographics young and adult, including the collector. With the exciting lineup of TV shows this year, such as Andor and Tales of the Jedi, and new Star Wars publishing releasing every month, we would be remiss to go any other way. ​ 

LEGO also has fantastic new releases from favorite themes such as Disney Princess, Minecraft, Architecture, Art, and Icons, just to name a few. 

But wait, there’s more! LEGO Masters is the most anticipated competition show, and it’s finally back this Fall with Season 3 premiering on September 21st. I hear some famous guy named Chris with a dinosaur makes an appearance…? 

For the Star Wars Fan

LEGO Star Wars BD-1 75335

Other Format $99.99

LEGO Star Wars BD-1 75335

LEGO Star Wars BD-1 75335

By LEGO Systems Inc.

Other Format $99.99

This is the droid you’re looking for! If you’re a fan of the video game Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, you will love building your own detailed brick model of BD-1, a 1,062 piece set of the exploration droid that accompanies former Jedi Padawan, Cal Kestis. The engineering of this little guy was really thoughtful and authentic to its character, with tilted head capabilities, sophisticated wiring, and details like the translucent elements to show BD-1’s mood. The display plaque even comes with a minifig version of the droid – cuteness overload! 

Fun fact – when designing BD-1, the video game developer and Lucasfilm’s design team were inspired by none other than beloved Charles Schultz characters Snoopy and Woodstock.  

This is the droid you’re looking for! If you’re a fan of the video game Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, you will love building your own detailed brick model of BD-1, a 1,062 piece set of the exploration droid that accompanies former Jedi Padawan, Cal Kestis. The engineering of this little guy was really thoughtful and authentic to its character, with tilted head capabilities, sophisticated wiring, and details like the translucent elements to show BD-1’s mood. The display plaque even comes with a minifig version of the droid – cuteness overload! 

Fun fact – when designing BD-1, the video game developer and Lucasfilm’s design team were inspired by none other than beloved Charles Schultz characters Snoopy and Woodstock.  

LEGO Star Wars Inquisitor Transport Scythe 75336

Other Format $99.99

LEGO Star Wars Inquisitor Transport Scythe 75336

LEGO Star Wars Inquisitor Transport Scythe 75336

By LEGO Systems Inc.

Other Format $99.99

Only the strongest Jedis can resist the force of the Dark Side. In Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi, we learn about former Jedis that fell to a siege led by none other than Darth Vader. This set features a buildable Inquisitors starship, with foldable wings, spring-loaded shooters, and a ramp, modeled after the one in the series. Fans of the series can reenact Jedi-hunting missions and battles between Imperial Inquisitors and the Jedi master. The 927-piece set includes 4 LEGO® Star Wars™ minifigures – Ben Kenobi with a blue lightsaber, the Grand Inquisitor, Reva, and the Fifth Brother, each with double-bladed red lightsabers. They say the key to hunting a Jedi is patience. Will you help Obi-Wan or succumb to the Dark Side yourself? 

Only the strongest Jedis can resist the force of the Dark Side. In Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi, we learn about former Jedis that fell to a siege led by none other than Darth Vader. This set features a buildable Inquisitors starship, with foldable wings, spring-loaded shooters, and a ramp, modeled after the one in the series. Fans of the series can reenact Jedi-hunting missions and battles between Imperial Inquisitors and the Jedi master. The 927-piece set includes 4 LEGO® Star Wars™ minifigures – Ben Kenobi with a blue lightsaber, the Grand Inquisitor, Reva, and the Fifth Brother, each with double-bladed red lightsabers. They say the key to hunting a Jedi is patience. Will you help Obi-Wan or succumb to the Dark Side yourself? 

LEGO Star Wars TM Luke Skywalker's Landspeeder 75341

Other Format $239.99

LEGO Star Wars TM Luke Skywalker's Landspeeder 75341

LEGO Star Wars TM Luke Skywalker's Landspeeder 75341

By LEGO Systems Inc.

In Stock Online

Other Format $239.99

As the latest addition to their Ultimate Collector Series, LEGO releases their epic version of Luke Skywalker’s X-34 Landspeeder that he used to zip over the sands of Tatooine in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. LEGO has had previous editions of this vehicle, but now the landspeeder gets a supersize upgrade. It’s impressive how they’ve captured all the details, from the rounded cockpit with driving stick and dashboard to the “broken” engine missing it’s cover and exposing the inner workings. They even achieved the silver banding around the front and sides of the model for a truly finished look. The set comes with a Luke Skywalker minifig as well as an exclusive, and more accurate, C-3PO minifig with a partial silver right leg! Even some of the biggest Star Wars fans missed the fact that C-3PO always had a silver shin, most likely because it appeared gold due to the reflection of the other leg and desert sands – one of many Mandela Effects coming out of the movie franchise.  

With almost 1900 pieces, the clear instructions provided make every stage of building this truly enjoyable. It’s huge, colorful, and once complete it certainly deserves a noble spot to display for all to see. If I’m ever to buy my husband a set, this would be it. 

As the latest addition to their Ultimate Collector Series, LEGO releases their epic version of Luke Skywalker’s X-34 Landspeeder that he used to zip over the sands of Tatooine in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. LEGO has had previous editions of this vehicle, but now the landspeeder gets a supersize upgrade. It’s impressive how they’ve captured all the details, from the rounded cockpit with driving stick and dashboard to the “broken” engine missing it’s cover and exposing the inner workings. They even achieved the silver banding around the front and sides of the model for a truly finished look. The set comes with a Luke Skywalker minifig as well as an exclusive, and more accurate, C-3PO minifig with a partial silver right leg! Even some of the biggest Star Wars fans missed the fact that C-3PO always had a silver shin, most likely because it appeared gold due to the reflection of the other leg and desert sands – one of many Mandela Effects coming out of the movie franchise.  

With almost 1900 pieces, the clear instructions provided make every stage of building this truly enjoyable. It’s huge, colorful, and once complete it certainly deserves a noble spot to display for all to see. If I’m ever to buy my husband a set, this would be it. 

For the Princess in All of Us

LEGO Disney Princess Cinderella and Prince Charming's Castle 43206

Other Format $89.99

LEGO Disney Princess Cinderella and Prince Charming's Castle 43206

LEGO Disney Princess Cinderella and Prince Charming's Castle 43206

By LEGO Systems Inc.

In Stock Online

Other Format $89.99

Princesses can be anyone, come from anywhere and do anything. They’re strong, fearless, women who stand up for what is right while pursuing their own dreams and happiness. No wonder the LEGO® Disney Princess™ construction line continues to grow with the latest addition being Cinderella and Prince Charming’s Castle. It’s a vibrant 3-level castle build with lots of different rooms, features, and accessories to inspire kids’ creativities and imaginations. The 365-piece build includes Cinderella, Prince Charming, and Lady Tremaine minifigs, plus Gus Gus and Lucifer LEGO animal figures. There’s even a rotating ballroom floor for Cinderella and Prince Charming to share a romantic dance, bringing the magic of their love story to life. 

Princesses can be anyone, come from anywhere and do anything. They’re strong, fearless, women who stand up for what is right while pursuing their own dreams and happiness. No wonder the LEGO® Disney Princess™ construction line continues to grow with the latest addition being Cinderella and Prince Charming’s Castle. It’s a vibrant 3-level castle build with lots of different rooms, features, and accessories to inspire kids’ creativities and imaginations. The 365-piece build includes Cinderella, Prince Charming, and Lady Tremaine minifigs, plus Gus Gus and Lucifer LEGO animal figures. There’s even a rotating ballroom floor for Cinderella and Prince Charming to share a romantic dance, bringing the magic of their love story to life. 

For the Kid at Heart

LEGO Icons Optimus Prime 10302

Other Format $179.99

LEGO Icons Optimus Prime 10302

LEGO Icons Optimus Prime 10302

By LEGO Systems Inc.

In Stock Online

Other Format $179.99

It’s LEGO Optimus Prime time! Are you singing the theme song from the 80’s cartoon series, too? Rumors of a LEGO and Transformers partnership have been circulating for a while and now it’s finally here. If you’re a fan of Transformers, then you’re in for a nostalgic treat with this great collectible. 

The accessories included are an ion blaster, an Energon axe, Energon cube, jetpack, and even the Matrix of Leadership that can be stored in Optimus Prime’s chest chamber. 

The 19 points of articulation and ingenious engineering gives this model lots of movement and it can go from robot mode to semi-truck without having to take anything apart. You can’t help but make the iconic sound while transforming it! 

Putting this together is truly an immersive building experience and trip down memory lane as it’s design is based on the Generation 1 version of Optimus Prime rather than later renditions. 

Of all the cartoon characters to come out of the 80s, Optimus Prime struck a chord with me. He was a wise, noble, and compassionate leader – the epitome of heroism. He really is more than meets the eye. Autobots, transform and roll out! 

It’s LEGO Optimus Prime time! Are you singing the theme song from the 80’s cartoon series, too? Rumors of a LEGO and Transformers partnership have been circulating for a while and now it’s finally here. If you’re a fan of Transformers, then you’re in for a nostalgic treat with this great collectible. 

The accessories included are an ion blaster, an Energon axe, Energon cube, jetpack, and even the Matrix of Leadership that can be stored in Optimus Prime’s chest chamber. 

The 19 points of articulation and ingenious engineering gives this model lots of movement and it can go from robot mode to semi-truck without having to take anything apart. You can’t help but make the iconic sound while transforming it! 

Putting this together is truly an immersive building experience and trip down memory lane as it’s design is based on the Generation 1 version of Optimus Prime rather than later renditions. 

Of all the cartoon characters to come out of the 80s, Optimus Prime struck a chord with me. He was a wise, noble, and compassionate leader – the epitome of heroism. He really is more than meets the eye. Autobots, transform and roll out! 

For the Aspiring Artist

LEGO Friends Emma's Art School 41711

Other Format $69.99

LEGO Friends Emma's Art School 41711

LEGO Friends Emma's Art School 41711

By LEGO Systems Inc.

In Stock Online

Other Format $69.99

Since the launch in 2012, LEGO® Friends has helped children develop social skills and nurture their emotional awareness. With all sorts of sets in a wide variety of locations and characters, children can act out different scenes based on real-life experiences, all while celebrating diversity & inclusion. One of the latest sets is Emma’s Art School. It’s a wonderfully designed art school featuring 4 workshops and a ton of art accessories – perfect to unleash your child’s creativity. With so many darling details and accessories, such as a pottery wheel that spins, a camera in the photography studio, canvas & art brushes for the painter, 3 LEGO Friends characters (yes, of course Emma), and so much more, this charming set provides hours of imaginative role-play. Parents, you’re welcome. 

Bonus! Kids can customize the building with the provided LEGO Dots tiles – a LEGO theme crossover!  

Since the launch in 2012, LEGO® Friends has helped children develop social skills and nurture their emotional awareness. With all sorts of sets in a wide variety of locations and characters, children can act out different scenes based on real-life experiences, all while celebrating diversity & inclusion. One of the latest sets is Emma’s Art School. It’s a wonderfully designed art school featuring 4 workshops and a ton of art accessories – perfect to unleash your child’s creativity. With so many darling details and accessories, such as a pottery wheel that spins, a camera in the photography studio, canvas & art brushes for the painter, 3 LEGO Friends characters (yes, of course Emma), and so much more, this charming set provides hours of imaginative role-play. Parents, you’re welcome. 

Bonus! Kids can customize the building with the provided LEGO Dots tiles – a LEGO theme crossover!  

For the Gamer

LEGO Minecraft The Ice Castle 21186

Other Format $49.99

LEGO Minecraft The Ice Castle 21186

LEGO Minecraft The Ice Castle 21186

By LEGO Systems Inc.

In Stock Online

Other Format $49.99

Another major theme to launch 10 years ago was LEGO® Minecraft®. LEGO Gaming Toys have become their most popular theme, with LEGO Minecraft becoming the top line.  

This cool set (no pun intended) brings the Minecraft video game to life and puts kids right in the action. They can go on a series of adventures, defend the castle against attacking skeletons and zombies by firing arrows into the air with the launcher, mix potions in the cauldron, and discover supplies in the treasure chest.  

Minecraft constructions sets are also versatile – when the adventure is over, they easily reconfigure to an entirely new set for endless possibilities. 

Another major theme to launch 10 years ago was LEGO® Minecraft®. LEGO Gaming Toys have become their most popular theme, with LEGO Minecraft becoming the top line.  

This cool set (no pun intended) brings the Minecraft video game to life and puts kids right in the action. They can go on a series of adventures, defend the castle against attacking skeletons and zombies by firing arrows into the air with the launcher, mix potions in the cauldron, and discover supplies in the treasure chest.  

Minecraft constructions sets are also versatile – when the adventure is over, they easily reconfigure to an entirely new set for endless possibilities. 

For the World Traveler

LEGO Architecture Great Pyramid of Giza 21058

Other Format $129.99

LEGO Architecture Great Pyramid of Giza 21058

LEGO Architecture Great Pyramid of Giza 21058

By LEGO Systems Inc.

In Stock Online

Other Format $129.99

LEGO® Architecture aims to celebrate the past, present and future of architecture. They’ve released some impressive sets, but I must admit – this one left me speechless. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest, most iconic Egyptian pyramid and the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, estimated to have been constructed about 4,500 years ago. LEGO now gives us a chance to experience building a beautifully detailed cross-section model of it.  

This 1,476-piece set will certainly take you on a creative building journey. You’ll be able to uncover the main tunnels and chambers and imagine the system Egyptians used to construct it, one stone at a time. The surrounding area outside the pyramid is just as impressive. You’ll build a very detailed section of the Nile River including feluccas (traditional Egyptian wooden boats), small pyramids, mortuary temples, Sphinx statues and more. When you’re done, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back to ancient times. It’s a perfect gift for the architecture connoisseur, history buff or globetrotter in your life. I can’t wait to see which of the Seven Wonders LEGO Architecture will release next! 

LEGO® Architecture aims to celebrate the past, present and future of architecture. They’ve released some impressive sets, but I must admit – this one left me speechless. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest, most iconic Egyptian pyramid and the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, estimated to have been constructed about 4,500 years ago. LEGO now gives us a chance to experience building a beautifully detailed cross-section model of it.  

This 1,476-piece set will certainly take you on a creative building journey. You’ll be able to uncover the main tunnels and chambers and imagine the system Egyptians used to construct it, one stone at a time. The surrounding area outside the pyramid is just as impressive. You’ll build a very detailed section of the Nile River including feluccas (traditional Egyptian wooden boats), small pyramids, mortuary temples, Sphinx statues and more. When you’re done, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back to ancient times. It’s a perfect gift for the architecture connoisseur, history buff or globetrotter in your life. I can’t wait to see which of the Seven Wonders LEGO Architecture will release next! 

For the Beauty in Life

LEGO ART Floral Art 31207

Other Format $79.99

LEGO ART Floral Art 31207

LEGO ART Floral Art 31207

By LEGO Systems Inc.

Other Format $79.99

One of LEGO’s more recent themes is LEGO® Art that launched in 2020, featuring mosaics of iconic personalities and characters in pop culture. Some of the more notable sets released have been Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe, and The Beatles. This latest addition, however, is all about celebrating the joy and beauty of flowers.  

This 2,870-piece LEGO® passion project includes 6 brick baseplates, a frame, color palette, patterns to choose from, and 2 hanger elements to allow you to display proudly on your wall. 

The bright bold colors and endless design possibilities allow you to unleash your inner artist and let your imagination bloom, while enjoying a peaceful and relaxing activity. 

One of LEGO’s more recent themes is LEGO® Art that launched in 2020, featuring mosaics of iconic personalities and characters in pop culture. Some of the more notable sets released have been Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe, and The Beatles. This latest addition, however, is all about celebrating the joy and beauty of flowers.  

This 2,870-piece LEGO® passion project includes 6 brick baseplates, a frame, color palette, patterns to choose from, and 2 hanger elements to allow you to display proudly on your wall. 

The bright bold colors and endless design possibilities allow you to unleash your inner artist and let your imagination bloom, while enjoying a peaceful and relaxing activity. 

LEGO Adult Builders Expert Flower Bouquet 10280

Other Format $59.99

LEGO Adult Builders Expert Flower Bouquet 10280

LEGO Adult Builders Expert Flower Bouquet 10280

By LEGO Systems Inc.

In Stock Online

Other Format $59.99

Continuing with the theme of flowers, this LEGO® ICONS™ set from the Botanical Collection released back in January 2021 but deserves an honorable mention. It was an instant hit as it resonated with a unique LEGO customer for a building experience unlike anything else. The 756-piece set displays bold & vibrant colors and interesting shapes, inspired by real flowers such as roses, snapdragons, poppies, and daisies. An alternative to flowers that wither, this flower bouquet model building kit lets you relax while creating a stunning exhibit that will last forever. 

Continuing with the theme of flowers, this LEGO® ICONS™ set from the Botanical Collection released back in January 2021 but deserves an honorable mention. It was an instant hit as it resonated with a unique LEGO customer for a building experience unlike anything else. The 756-piece set displays bold & vibrant colors and interesting shapes, inspired by real flowers such as roses, snapdragons, poppies, and daisies. An alternative to flowers that wither, this flower bouquet model building kit lets you relax while creating a stunning exhibit that will last forever.