The Elves' Treetop Hideaway

LEGO Elves' Treetop Hideaway set is the tree house where the elves hang out. Emily Jones is a quirky and creative girl, and she thinks she's wandering through her grandmother's garden, but then she's been magically transported though a portal and now finds herself in the Elves' Treetop Hideaway. Here, she meets new friends. There's Azari, Farran, and Farran's panther cub, Enki. Cook carrot soup over the fire, enjoy a meal at the table, use the magic bucket lift to send up food, and have the elves walk across the magical ladder bridge. more less

We weren't sure if they'd like the Elves series as they started their lego enjoyment with the Creator Series and Lego Friends Series, but this set was a huge hit upon opening it as a joint birthday present! We like the fact that this set can be magical yet not as violence based as other series have been. Also, the kids find it fun and whimsical to play with as there are 3 mini figure that are included in this set. more less

This is the only set that includes Emily Jones (as of this review), who is the main human character, so anyone following the story will want it. Overall, a great concept and, in my opinion, a great theme for girls who are over the princesses but still into Lego. more less

Overall, a lot of the magic in the LEGO Elves sets comes from their “secret" play features — hiding spaces, things that convert to other things, etcetera. And this set is packed with these sorts of magical features, from its leaf curtains to its magic ladder bridge to Farran's sofa-bed. Despite the set being fairly compact (its footprint is just 16x32 modules / 5x10 inches / 12.8x25.6 centimeters), it manages to include a LOT of play value. What's more, most of the set's play scenarios are not especially linear or scripted (a criticism often leveled at LEGO play themes in general by parents). It may not be as fleshed out with livable detail as a LEGO Friends dollhouse, but it is a great starting point for fantasy adventures in Elvendale, and a reminder that even adventurous heroes and heroines like the LEGO Elves deserve a place they can call home. That's a lesson I wish other themes like LEGO Castle would take to heart! more less

It's rare I find myself unable to find fault with a set; I dislike being too effusive or glossing over drawbacks because of a favourable overall impression. But in this case I have considered this long and hard and it truly is difficult to manufacture any negatives (though there is a redundant 1x6 black plate attached to the green base early on in the design which does not seem to serve any purpose). more less