"Adult's First LEGO Mario Set Purchase: No Regrets"

As someone who prides themselves on being practical with money, I typically stick to purchasing essentials and the occasional video game on sale. However, last year, I found myself tempted by something as seemingly frivolous as a LEGO set. Despite my childhood love for LEGO, I had long since moved on—until I couldn't resist the allure of the LEGO Super Mario Piranha Plant. It's been on sale since October of last year for under $50, and I finally decided that my desk was in need of a new, albeit whimsical, potted plant.

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. As a long-time fan of the Mario franchise, this set seemed like the perfect way to showcase my affection for the series. While LEGO's botanical line offers beautiful flower sets that would enhance my desk, none capture the playful yet eerie charm of the Piranha Plant.

My LEGO Piranha Plant

5 Images

Now that I've built the set, I'm thrilled to have it on my desk. It transports me to the Mushroom Kingdom, where I imagine tending to my little potted Piranha Plant during work hours. The joy of the finished product is matched by the satisfaction of the build itself. I completed it in one afternoon, yet it was engaging enough to keep me focused throughout. This is currently my only LEGO Nintendo set, but my experience has me eager to expand my collection.

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

LEGO sets can be a costly indulgence, especially with new adult-targeted sets hitting the market each year, often priced at $200 or more. It's easy to get carried away with these fantastic builds, but it's important to balance the joy they bring with financial responsibility.

The LEGO Super Mario Piranha Plant, priced under $50, was within my comfort zone for a self-indulgent purchase. The hours spent building it and the daily happiness it brings me justify the cost. While the happiness it provides might be worth more than $50, that's the amount I'm willing to spend on such a treat.