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I think Lego fans out there can all agree: Lego is pretty darned awesome. But there are times when avid builders want to take it a step beyond what comes in the box. Happily, there are some alternative options that help fans take their builds to the next level. Customized Lego bricks and accessories are Lego products that have been altered for a different look. Lego compatible third party accessories have been crafted by someone other than Lego, but they work with Lego products.
One of the bigger categories of third party items is weaponry. The Lego folks (bless their little hearts) only offer a limited selection of weapons, and some clever entrepreneurs have filled in that gap. BrickArms and BrickWarriors both have a big selection of custom weapons, armor, and helmets (we must protect those little Lego heads from injury). Staging a mafia scene? You'll need a Tommy gun. Heading out west? Take your flintlock pistol and your six shooter. If you're going medieval, grab a minotaur axe or a spiked mace, and if you're headed back to the future protect yourself with a retro ray gun.
But the extended play options go far beyond weaponry. There are custom figures and sets, fashion accessories, and musical instruments. I asked my in-house Lego fanatic to point me to some of his favorite online shops for accessories beyond weaponry. Take a look:
- Get stylin' with options like a mohawk, hero hair, and a dwarf beard. In *colors, *too!
- Old MacDonald's Farm can play home to sheep, cows, and pigs.
- Rock out with an acoustic guitar, an electric guitar, and a violin. (But where, oh where, is the ‘ukulele??)
- The splat piece is classic -- perfect for depicting a serious fall.
- Specializing in custom minifigs, the selections include a zombie fireman, Jesus, and an apocalypse survivor.
- The custom camp set comes in a variety of colors.
- They may not call them Star Wars helmets, but they sure look the part.
- Improve vision with binocular visors and sun visors. And wait -- is that a mullet?
- Custom figures include a motorcycle enthusiast and a botany enthusiast (the latter of which makes me laugh).
- Expand the family with Lego compatible babies in both pink and blue.
- Custom printed tiles include wood patterns, diamond plate, and caution tape.
- Top off the classic minifig head with a do rag, a fedora, or a sombrero.
- Accessorize like true gladiators and Trojans.
- Protect your assets with a cuirass, a military vest, or a variety of helmets.
- Add authenticity to your military scenes with a steel pot helmet, a brodie helmet, or a boonie hat.
- Heal the world (or get a medic on the battlefield) with a syringe, a scalpel, or a complete medical kit.
- Get cooking with a rolling pin or a cleaver.
- Stay connected with a smartphone or a tablet.
- Introduce a little Japanese culture into your play with items like ninja and samurai headgear, a Buddhist monk's staff, and geta (Japanese footwear).
- GeekMom Judy did a nice write up about these clings and stickers for modifying Lego bricks at home.
