As a practical person, my approach to spending money has always been straightforward. I focus on essentials and only occasionally indulge in video games when they're on sale. It's rare for me to splurge on items I consider unnecessary, like LEGO sets. Despite my childhood love for LEGO, growing up meant moving away from such hobbies, partly because LEGO sets, especially those themed around popular movies or video game franchises, can be quite pricey. It wasn't until last year that I reconsidered this stance, particularly with the LEGO Super Mario Piranha Plant set. On sale since October for under $50, I finally decided to add a quirky new "potted plant" to my desk.

The LEGO Super Mario Piranha Plant

Lowest Price

LEGO Super Mario Piranha Plant

16
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. Being a long-time fan of Mario games, this set seemed like the perfect homage to the franchise. While LEGO's botanical collection offers many appealing flower sets, none capture the whimsical yet slightly menacing charm of the Piranha Plant.

My LEGO Piranha Plant

5 Images

Now that I've built the set, I'm delighted to have it on my desk. It transports me to the Mushroom Kingdom, imagining I'm nurturing my own Piranha Plant during work hours. The building process was as enjoyable as the final product, challenging yet completable in an afternoon. Currently, this is my only LEGO Nintendo set, but the experience has me considering adding more to my collection.

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

LEGO sets, especially those aimed at adults, can come with hefty price tags, often exceeding $200. It's easy to get carried away and overspend on these fascinating builds. The Piranha Plant set, priced under $50, was within my comfort zone for self-indulgence. The joy it brings me daily, combined with the satisfaction of the build, justifies the cost. For me, that joy is worth more than $50, but that's the limit I set for myself.