41401: Stephanie’s Play Cube Review

LEGO® Friends isn’t a theme which makes up much of my LEGO collection. But every so often there is a set which catches my eye. As 2020 begins we are treated to a number of new play functions and elements, which is something I like to take a closer look at. One of those new elements is the collectible LEGO Friends Play Cube, a series of enclosed mini playsets. These use a new clam shell type box to house a small scene based on one of the LEGO Friends characters. Each Play Cube set also has another collectible function, in the form of a mystery pet. I’ve taken a look at Stephanie’s Play Cube.

41401 Stephanie's Play Cube

Product Description

Serve up a tasty treat to a foodie kid in your life with this LEGO® Friends Stephanie’s Play Cube set (41401). Kids will love these collectible compact toys, which come with a gorgeous transparent glitter shell and a secret toy pet hiding inside. Box of delights Kids will love pretending to help Stephanie bake a toy cake. The buildable kitchen kit is removable so kids can play with it outside the box. It also attaches to the cube’s base – no more missing bricks from LEGO play on the move! And the 2 sides split to share the baking fun with a friend. A taste of something more Each cube gives kids a flavor of the LEGO Friends world. But if they’re hungry for more they can collect the 4 other cubes. Each portable toy holds a mystery pet in surprise colors, which is revealed only once the cube is opened. Kids can stack or connect cubes to create fun shapes. Introduce kids to the world of Heartlake City, a place where they can achieve their dreams with the support of fabulous Friends.

  • Set Name: Stephanie’s Play Cube
  • Set Number: 41401
  • Pieces: 44
  • RRP: £8.99/$9.99/9.99€ 
  • Measurements: measures over 8cm wide and 6cm
  • Minidoll: Stephanie + mystery pet
  • Availability: LEGO stores, online & LEGO retailers

41401 Stephanie's Play Cube

The Build

The set doesn’t have much in terms of building, the two new case elements are connected together and a couple of studs are placed on the inside of them. Beyond the outer case, there are two new for 2020 elements, which is a 2×6 plate which also has a 1×6 strip of studs along one side. These are perfectly matched to attached to the two connection points inside each half of the case. As each character has a different set of hobbies and interests, the scenes built upon these new plate elements represent the character included in the set. So Stephanie is a bit of a baker and her Cube includes an oven on one side and a workbench on the other, along with a cake, complete with new ‘icing’ element. The Play Cubes can be jazzed up with stickers, two of which are placed in a specific location and other can be put anywhere you like. There are a few connections points on the Play Cube shells, these include four studs on the top and bottom of each section of the case and four connection points on the inside of the case.

41401 Stephanie's Play Cube

41401 Stephanie's Play Cube

41401 Stephanie's Play Cube

41401 Stephanie's Play Cube

You may not be a fan of LEGO Friends fan but the new elements used in these sets may be useful elsewhere. The idea of the Play Cube is to be a set which can be used to store bricks as well as being transportable. Stripping away the other elements of the set leaves you with a neat little play box, which has enough room to hold a 6×6 plate, on each side of the case. As pictured below you can them add a few other bricks to create a simple means of building on the go.

41401 Stephanie's Play Cube

41401 Stephanie's Play Cube

There are a few interesting new elements included in the set. As already mentioned these include the case sections and the new 2×6 plate with 1×6 upwards plate. I can see it being a usual element, although only available in pink in the Play Cube sets, it’s also been used in a Trolls and Speed Champions set. There is also a new 2×2 plate, which looks like the icing on top of a cake. In fact this is the only way it has been used so far and only in the Friends sets. There is also a recoloured pet element, in this particular set it was a golden puppy, but there are other animals and they all came is sets of different colours. Collecting them would be a nightmare.

41401 Stephanie's Play Cube

Overall

Although I don’t often build Friends sets, I do like to discover some of the new pieces LEGO introduce across it’s new product ranges. I’m also a sucker for collectible themes, although I doubt I’ll be collecting all the Play Cubes. They are a fun addition to the Friends line and a great way to allow you to easily take your LEGO play out and about. The real draw has to be the new pieces the set features. They are nice additions to the LEGO system, although their pastel colouring make their use elsewhere a little limited.

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Author: Adam White

Howdy I'm Adam, The editor of BricksFanz.com - your go to source for the latest LEGO news, reviews and much, much more. Some of you may know me from other LEGO sites so you'll know I have a good experience of the LEGO community and a deep, passionate commitment to all things LEGO. I specialize in seeking out the latest LEGO news and products, as well as being an expert on all things LEGO gaming. So welcome to BricksFanz - Fuelling Your LEGO Lifestyle.

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