JU

Jonny Utah

LEGO collector, investment enthusiast & building technique explorer

About Jonny

I've been hooked on LEGO since my dad brought home a 6990 Monorail Transport System in 1990. I was seven years old, and that one set sparked a lifelong obsession with the brick. Like a lot of us, I went through my "dark ages" in high school and college, but the 10179 UCS Millennium Falcon in 2007 pulled me right back in.

These days, at 38, I've got a dedicated LEGO room that my wife tolerates and my kids think is the coolest thing ever. I spend my time hunting for retired gems at garage sales and estate auctions, analyzing which current sets might become tomorrow's collectibles, and building MOCs that'll never quite live up to my childhood imagination. I've learned a lot about what makes certain sets appreciate - and made my share of mistakes along the way.

I'm also a huge tech nerd - I love finding ways to blend technology with LEGO. Whether it's motorizing builds with Powered Up, programming Mindstorms robots, or just using apps to organize my collection, I'm always looking for that intersection where bricks meet bytes.

Through Brick by Brick, I share everything I've picked up over three decades of collecting, investing, and just plain loving this hobby. Whether you're trying to find the perfect gift, debating which set to add to your collection, or wondering if that sealed box in your closet is worth anything, I've probably been in your shoes.

Articles by Jonny 173 articles

Gift Guides

Best LEGO Mother's Day Gifts 2025: Botanical Sets & Elegant Displays

Discover the perfect LEGO Mother's Day gifts for 2025! From stunning botanical collections to elegant Art displays, find stress-relief builds and lasting beauty for Mom.

Gift Guides

Best LEGO Anniversary Gifts for Couples: Romantic Builds for Every Milestone

Celebrate your anniversary with LEGO sets designed for couples! From collaborative modular buildings to romantic Icons sets, find the perfect gift for 1st, 5th, 10th anniversaries and beyond.

Investment & Collecting

Best LEGO Modular Buildings: Complete Collector's Guide 2025

LEGO Modular Buildings are expert-level sets that connect to form a city street. Since 2007, 19 modulars have been released with some worth $2,000+. This complete guide covers every modular, investment data, and collection strategies.

Educational

LEGO Robotics for Homeschool STEAM Education: Complete Curriculum Guide

LEGO robotics provides a complete STEAM curriculum that homeschool families can implement without specialized teaching experience. This guide offers a structured 36-week program covering...

Guides & Tips

What Are the Best LEGO Sets for Stress Relief & Anxiety? (2025)

LEGO building reduces cortisol levels and promotes mindfulness. Discover which sets provide maximum therapeutic benefits for stress, anxiety, and mental wellness in 2025.

Guides & Tips

7 Best LEGO Sets for Adult Beginners (500-2K Pieces)

New to LEGO as an adult? Start with the right sets to build confidence and avoid frustration. This guide covers the best beginner sets, skill progression, and what to avoid for your first builds.

Buying Guides

Best LEGO Botanical Sets 2025: Complete Guide to Plant & Flower Builds

LEGO's Botanical Collection brings nature indoors with stunning flower and plant builds. From the iconic Bonsai Tree to vibrant Succulents, discover which botanical sets are worth your money in 2025.

Guides & Tips

Building a Line-Following Robot: Complete Tutorial with Python Code

Line following is the foundation of autonomous robotics and a core skill for FIRST LEGO League and World Robot Olympiad. This comprehensive tutorial covers mechanical design, sensor calibration,...

Investment & Collecting

LEGO Investment Guide 2025: Building Wealth with Bricks - Complete Strategy

LEGO sets can appreciate 100-900% after retirement. Learn proven investment strategies, which themes perform best, optimal holding periods, and how to build a profitable LEGO portfolio.

Investment & Collecting

Do LEGO Minifigures Increase in Value?

LEGO minifigures can be surprisingly valuable. Rare Star Wars minifigs sell for $100-$1,200, while exclusive Comic-Con figures fetch $200-$800. Discover what makes minifigs valuable.

Investment & Collecting

Sealed vs Opened LEGO: 50% More Value When Sealed (Data)

The eternal question - to build or not to build? If you're investing, keep sets sealed (they're worth 20-50% more). Want to enjoy them? Use the Buy Two strategy for best of both worlds.

Investment & Collecting

What Are the Most Valuable LEGO Sets Ever Made?

Some LEGO sets are worth thousands. The original UCS Millennium Falcon trades for over $5,000 sealed. Discover the 20 most valuable LEGO sets and what makes them so expensive.

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