What to Do with Your Extra LEGO Pieces?

A Comprehensive Guide to Organizing, Reusing, and Enjoying Your Spare Bricks

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Introduction: The Joy of Extra Pieces

Hook: Have you ever finished a LEGO set and been left with a handful of extra pieces?

Core Question: What should you do with your extra LEGO pieces?

Teaser: Whether you’re saving them for repairs, turning them into custom builds, or finding new ways to organize, this guide will show you how to make the most out of your extra bricks.

1. Keep Them for Replacements

Why:
LEGO includes extra small pieces (like 1x1 plates, studs, and accessories) to account for potential loss and difficulty in packing. These pieces are essential in case you lose a tiny component while building or later need a replacement part.

How:

• Store extras in a safe, labeled container to ensure easy access when you need them.

• Consider creating small compartments or containers for each set, keeping the extra pieces organized and easy to find.

• Keep the extras handy for future repairs or missing parts. When something goes missing from your set, you’ll already have a backup piece!

2. Organize and Store Them

Sort by Type or Color:

• Use bins, jars, or divided storage boxes to sort by type (e.g., plates, tiles, minifigure accessories) or by color. This system makes finding specific pieces much easier when needed.

• You can even sort by size or shape, especially when you have lots of small parts or those difficult-to-find elements.

Label by Set:

• For easy future use or resale, bag and label pieces by the set they came from. This is particularly useful for keeping track of all the pieces in a specific set if you ever decide to rebuild it later.

• If you keep all your spare pieces in the same container, labeling them by set ensures that you won’t confuse the extra pieces with others.

Creative Containers:

• Use fun and creative containers to make storage more exciting! Options include:

  • Mason jars, cookie tins, or pencil cases for storing small pieces.

  • Consider specialized storage boxes like IKEA LEGO storage boxes that are designed to hold and organize LEGO bricks in a convenient, accessible manner.

3. Use Them for Custom Builds and Modifications

Personalize Sets:

• Use extra pieces to personalize official LEGO models by adding custom details or tweaking their design. Enhance a simple structure by adding minifigure accessories or extra detailing to make it unique.

Build MOCs (My Own Creations):

• Unleash your creativity by using spare parts to create original models—whether it's a vehicle, a sculpture, or a tiny LEGO city. MOCs allow you to express yourself and build things that aren’t limited by a set's instructions.

Combine with Other Sets:

• Mix and match pieces from different sets to expand your building possibilities or to complete older models that may have missing parts. You can use spare pieces to enhance existing sets, adding new features or creating interesting combinations.

4. DIY and Upcycling Projects

 

Functional Items:

• Turn your extra LEGO bricks into useful, everyday objects:

  • Pen holders: Create a fun and functional pen holder for your desk.

  • Desk organizers: Build custom organizers for your office supplies.

  • Picture frames: Make a colorful frame to display your favorite photos.

  • Lamps: Build a LEGO lamp base or lampshade for a playful touch.

  • Small furniture pieces: Turn LEGO into unique, personalized furniture items like stools or side tables.

Tech Accessories:

• Use LEGO to create custom items for your tech gadgets, such as:

  • Raspberry Pi cases: Build a stylish, protective case for your Raspberry Pi project.

  • Phone stands: Design a sturdy and fun phone stand.

  • Cable organizers: Keep your wires neat with a creative LEGO cable management system.

  • Laptop holders: Build a strong, colorful holder for your laptop or tablet.

Decor:

• Turn extra LEGO into unique decorative items, adding a fun and playful touch to your home:

  • Photo frames: Use LEGO to make a personalized photo frame for a special memory.

  • Plant pots: Create quirky and charming planters to display your favorite houseplants.

  • Wall art: Craft LEGO mosaics or 3D sculptures to hang on your walls as eye-catching decor.

5. Donate or Share

Charity and Community:

• If you find yourself with an excess of LEGO bricks, consider donating them to a good cause:

  • Donate to schools, community centers, or participate in LEGO's Replay program, which redistributes LEGO bricks to children in need. It's a great way to share the joy of LEGO with others while giving back.

Share with Friends or Family:

• Share your spare pieces with friends, younger builders, or family members who might appreciate the extra bricks for their own creations. It's a wonderful way to spread the fun and encourage creativity in others.

6. Creative Play and Experimentation

Try New Techniques:

• Use your extra LEGO pieces to experiment with building techniques. Test out new ideas or prototype larger projects without risking your main set. It’s a great opportunity to stretch your creativity and push your building skills.

Mini Builds:

• Use leftover pieces to create mini models or micro-scenes. These small builds can expand your LEGO universe and help you explore new themes and designs, all with the pieces you have left over.

Summary Table: What to Do with Extra LEGO Pieces