(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — There are a lot of cool high-tech toys kids can get for Christmas, but the old school ones are still popular, too.
Jon Paparella is the Master Model Builder for LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg.
He said there is no "wrong way" to enjoy any new toy, especially LEGO sets.
“In my mind, it has always started as you get a set and you can build it with the instructions, but there's gonna come a point where you're gonna take a look at it and, you're gonna go, ‘I can do something else with that. I can get creative with that,’” Paparella said.
“So, I'll never tell anyone that you're doing it wrong if you're only building with the instructions. That is the doorway to lead people on to the next adventure into their next building experience.”
There is also a way for people to play with LEGO sets and help those in need.
“Even this holiday season, we're trying to ask everyone to keep building, keep creating, and showing us what they can do.
“One of the things that we're asking everyone if they stop by at our LEGOLAND is to build a heart. If they build a heart and they post it online using the hashtag “LDCChicago” and hashtag “BuildToGive”, LEGO will donate a set to a child in need this holiday season.”
If you have been given LEGO bricks this holiday season, Paparella says to make sure to keep them away from pets.
“So to make sure that your pets do not get a hold of your LEGO bricks, I recommend lots and lots of shelving and a lot of storage.
“As you can see, I just have walls, rows filled with LEGO storage. And I mean, it took a long time to get everything nice, neatly organized and labeled, but it looks really cool once it's all set up.”
Paparella has worked with LEGO for ten years.
As of 2024, more than 1.1 trillion LEGO pieces have been produced. That’s enough for every man, woman, child, and grandparent to have an average of 140 pieces each.
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