LEGO Heartlake City Friends Club House (42689): Worth ₹9,999?

Your wallet just let out a small whimper. ₹9,999 for a Friends set. Yes, you read that right. The LEGO Heartlake City Friends Club House (42689) has landed, and while it’s packed with the usual Friends charm, that price tag is going to need some serious justification.

This isn't your childhood LEGO. This is a sprawling, multi-level clubhouse, and it’s aiming for the older Friends fans, or perhaps those who appreciate a detailed build. It’s got a functional elevator, a rooftop pool (complete with inflatable flamingo, naturally), a recording studio, and a dance floor. There are even some rather neat little accessories like a pretend ice cream machine and a skateboard ramp. The build itself is fairly engaging, offering a decent variety of building techniques, but it’s not exactly groundbreaking. You'll spend a good few hours putting it together, and the end result is a colourful, albeit somewhat flimsy, playset.

The minifigures are a strong point, as expected with Friends. You get five characters, each with unique outfits and accessories, ready to host a party or form a band. There's also a decent number of smaller builds and play features that add to the overall playability, which is where this set shines. Kids will likely have a blast with the interactive elements, flipping panels, sliding down slides, and generally causing cheerful chaos.

However, the elephant in the room, or rather the giant inflatable flamingo in the pool, is the price. At ₹9,999, this set feels overpriced for what you get. The piece count isn't astronomical, and while the play features are plentiful, they don't quite justify the four-digit cost. It’s a common trend with larger LEGO sets these days, but it still stings. You’re paying a premium for the brand and the specific Friends aesthetic.

Compared to other large LEGO sets in its price bracket, say a Creator Expert modular building or a complex Technic vehicle, the Friends Club House doesn't offer the same level of display value or intricate building experience. It’s designed for play, and while it excels there, the price point pushes it into territory where many adult fans might expect more substance.

If you’re a die-hard Friends fan, or if this is a gift for a child who absolutely adores the theme and has been asking for it, then the price might be less of a deterrent. The joy it brings is, of course, subjective. But for the average LEGO fan looking for value, this is a tough sell. The build is enjoyable, the play features are fun, but the ₹9,999 price tag means you should definitely wait for a sale or a significant discount.

In India, the LEGO Heartlake City Friends Club House (42689) is priced at ₹9,999 at both MyBrickHouse and Toycra. Use code ABHINAV12 for 12% off on orders above ₹500 at Toycra. That's enough for 10 months of Spotify Premium Family Plan. MyBrickHouse | Toycra.

The build quality is decent enough for play, but the price feels like a bit of a stretch. It’s a good set, but not a great value at retail. Keep an eye on sales, and perhaps this colourful clubhouse will be worth the investment then.

On that bombshell, it's time to say goodbye. I'll see you on the next one. Bubyee.

Verdict: WAIT. Good set, but the price will drop.