LEGO Koala Habitat & Care Centre (42701): Worth ₹6,999?

Your wallet might be feeling the pinch, but this one’s not going to break the bank like some of the mega-sets. The LEGO Friends Koala Habitat & Care Centre (42701) is here, and it brings a whole lot of cute to the table. We’re talking koalas, folks. Four of them. And in the world of LEGO Friends, cute animals are practically a guarantee.

This set, with its 521 pieces, focuses on a wildlife rescue theme, a recurring favourite in the Friends line. Last year we had pandas, this year we’re getting koalas. The question on everyone’s mind, I suppose, is whether these koalas are cuter than the sloths LEGO has given us before. Honestly, it’s a tough competition, but the Koala Habitat certainly makes a strong case.

Inside the box, you’ll find five numbered bags, a small unnumbered bag with some support pieces, three instruction books, and a sticker sheet. The minidolls included are the usual suspects: Zac, Autumn, and Nova. What’s nice is the attention to detail with their outfits – Zac and Autumn are sporting some rather stylish koala-themed shirts, and Nova even has a koala logo on the back of her top. It’s these little touches that make the Friends theme so engaging.

But let’s be real, the stars of this show are the koalas. There are four of them, each with a name, naturally. Two are just ‘Teddy’ and ‘Snuggles’ – identical grey models, so good luck telling them apart. The other two are more distinct: Sydney, the smiling one with the white beard, and Penny, who’s always got her nose in a snack. They are undeniably adorable and bring a lot of charm to the set.

The build itself is split into a few sections. First, there’s this rather amusing plane. It’s almost comically small, barely big enough for Autumn and one koala. It feels a bit like a gag build, but it definitely adds to the play value, even if it’s not exactly practical for long-haul koala transport. Who needs navigation when you have this much fun?

The main structure is a care centre nestled between two large eucalyptus trees. The designers have used white pieces for the bark, which is a nice touch, giving it that distinct eucalyptus look. A river flows through the middle, connected by a bridge that’s set at a pretty steep angle. There’s a single stud on the bridge to help the characters and koalas get a grip, which is a thoughtful detail. The river also features a small waterfall that doubles as a waterslide for the koalas – a brilliant play feature.

The care centre itself is split into two halves, connected by a single hinge. The buildings are quite pretty, with extra foliage and a clear sign indicating the centre’s purpose. The back reveals multiple floors, including a well-designed lower level with three beds for the koalas, and a workstation complete with a map and walkie-talkies. Upstairs, there are two more beds, strategically placed high in the tree. The detail here is good, making it feel like a functional rescue centre.

However, the set isn't without its quirks. The price, at ₹6,999, feels a tad high, especially when you consider the piece count. Those four koalas, as cute as they are, must be costing a fortune. And the question lingers: why exactly does a koala habitat need a carousel? It feels a little out of place thematically. While the play features are plentiful and the design is charming, the price point might make you pause. It’s a solid set, particularly for fans of the Friends theme or animal rescue scenarios, but it’s not an instant must-buy for everyone.

At ₹6,999, that's enough to buy 14 months of Spotify Premium Family Plan. Toycra and MyBrickHouse both have it listed for ₹6,999. Use code ABHINAV12 for 12% off on orders above ₹500 at Toycra.

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.