For over five decades, LEGO has released play sets and licensed themes that are inspired by iconic structures, and well-loved films such as Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Jurassic World. From LEGO models that contain hundreds of pieces, to more technical sets that include as many as 7,000 pieces, there are plenty to choose from when shopping for these colorful bricks. Until today, many young fans and adult LEGO builders find satisfaction and great play value in the different sets released by the Danish toy maker company.

LEGO bricks are more than toys that you can display on your desk after you spent hours putting together the pieces: LEGO building makes for a great hobby that will help keep your creativity flowing. In fact, many people consider buying LEGO sets as a sound investment considering the increase in value of rare LEGO models. If LEGO building interests you, but you are intimidated with the wide range of options you need to choose from, and with the price of some of the sets, fret not. You can still get your hands on the some of the best LEGO models without breaking the bank:

60117 CITY Van & Caravan $29.99

This 250-piece set, which retails for $29.99, forms part of the LEGO City theme. The LEGO City Van and Caravan set offers great build and play value for kids ages five to 12 who want to experiment with their LEGO creations. The van that features opening doors is relatively simple to assemble, so kids can get to playing with the vehicles in no time. The caravan attaches to the van, and houses a small bed and kitchen. Accessories included in the set are two sausages, a grill, bone, coffee machine, and two mugs. When built, the van measures over 2 inches high, and 4 inches long. The detachable caravan also stands 2 inches high.

CITY Fire Ladder Truck $29.99

Assemble 214 pieces of LEGO bricks to build a Fire Ladder Truck with extending ladder and fire hose. This set, which offers an age-appropriate building experience, is recommended for kids ages five to 12. It includes two minifigures: a male firefighter and a female firefighter. The stud-shooting function allows kids to shoot the water elements to extinguish the fire. Accessories include a shovel, a fire extinguisher, an axe, circular saw, and water studs. When built, the model stands over 3 inches high, and 7 inches long.

42045 TECHNIC Hydroplane Racer $24.99

For less than $30, you can get this Hydroplane Racer set that features an aerodynamic design, a detailed engine, and a large cockpit. The model can be rebuilt into a Race Boat that measures 8 inches long, and over 2 inches high. Interactive instructions for building the main model and the alternate model can be found online. The set is designed for children between the ages 8 and 14.

31017 CREATOR Sunset Speeder $17.99

The Sunset Speeder is part of LEGO's Creator line. It has 119 pieces and is ideal for LEGO fans ages six to 12. This is a 3-in-1 model that rebuilds into a racing car and a truck cab. The main build is the Sunset Speeder that measures over 1 inch high, and features working doors, sports car styling, and an orange bodywork combined with distinctive white and black stripes. This Creator set costs $17.99, making it a top choice for LEGO builders on a budget.

31058 CREATOR Mighty Dinosaurs $22.99

This 3-in-1 model is another LEGO set that costs only $22.99. It contains 174 pieces, and is the perfect play set for kids ages seven to 12. The main build is a T. rex with a posable head and joints, orange eyes, and opening mouth that reveals its ferocious teeth. The buildable rib cage serves as the prey of the T. rex. Get creative and rebuild the model into a Pterodactyl or Triceratops that measure 7 inches long, and over 3 inches tall, respectively.

41004 FRIENDS Rehearsal Stage $28.99

This LEGO Friends set, which retails for $28.99, was released in 2013. It has a ballet area with a balance bar and mirror to let the kids play out a ballet dancing practice. The rotating stage has spotlights, speakers, and rotating keyboards so the Stephanie mini-doll figure can switch from practicing ballet to actually performing it. Accessories included in this set are a flower vase, perfume bottle, guitar, water glass, crown, and microphone. There is also a makeup table for storing the accessories.

41091 FRIENDS Mia’s Roadster $24.99

Let the kids play with the Mia mini-doll figure, which they can take on a ride to town using the blue Roadster. This 187-piece set includes Mia's Roadster with a gas pump, an opening truck, a repair stand with drawer, and a washing station that measures 2 inches wide, and over 1 inch high. Accessory elements include water buckets, foam, soap bottle, car tools, a handbag, and a pair of sunglass. This set is available online for $24.99.

10737 JUNIORS Batman vs. Mr Freeze $22.99

Ignite the kids' love for creativity with this 63-piece set that is recommended for ages four to seven. It includes the Batboat with a bat-disc shooter, an opening cockpit that can fit a minifigure, and an ice jail that has a crystal element. The Batman vs. Mr. Freeze set is designed to provide an easy building experience to kids ages four to seven, that's why it has bigger pieces and comes with simple instructions that kids can easily understand. The Batboat measures over 1 inch high when built, while the ice jail stands over 2 inch high. 

30301 BATMAN Batwing $24.95

LEGO included a great selection of parts for building the Batwing that is intended for ages six to 12. It has 42 pieces that kids can use to assemble a very sturdy model. There is a Batmobile symbol on the front of the model, and 1×8 gray plates located on the bottom of the model, which are responsible for holding the wings together.

75950 HARRY POTTER Aragog’s Lair $22.99

Harry Potter fan or not, you will love this Aragog's Lair play set that features a buildable Aragog spider with movable pangs and posable legs, and a tree with web shooting function. This set is inspired by the Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets movie, and includes Harry Potter and Ron Weasley minifigures. Accessory elements included are two wands for each minifigure, a spiderweb, five spiders, a candle, and a lantern. The tree measures over 3 inches high, while Aragog stands over 1 inch high.