When I first started looking beyond LEGO, I wasn’t sure what I’d find. I wasn’t interested in cheap copies or clones, I wanted brands that actually cared about design, build quality, and creativity. After some digging (and a few late-night online shopping sessions), I came across a few that really stood out – and I’ve already picked up sets from them. Let me introduce you to Lumibricks and Pantasy.
Lumibricks (previously called *ahem* Funwhole)
Lumibricks was one of the first alternative brands that caught my eye. They’ve managed to find that balance between affordability and quality that LEGO used to be known for. The clutch power feels solid, the instructions are clear, and the builds have personality. You can tell they’re not just copying; they’re genuinely trying to innovate within the hobby.
Their modular-style sets, in particular, have a lot of charm, and they’re branching out into different themes that look really interesting. The Street Fusion series, for example, has graffiti tiles – yes please!
But what really sets Lumibricks apart from everyone else is that they include lighting systems built into their sets, straight out of the box. It’s such a clever touch and gives their builds a completely different character when displayed.
You can find Lumibricks’ range on their official site
Panatasy
Panatasy is another brand that surprised me. The detail and creativity in their sets go way beyond what I expected at this price point. They don’t feel like knock-offs; they feel like a genuine creative outlet with their own design style. The bricks fit together nicely, and the overall presentation is a big step up from what you’d expect from a smaller brand.
learn more about Panatasy on Panatasy’s site
Both of these brands have made me realise how much the building scene has evolved. There’s a whole world of designers and companies out there making great stuff, and it’s worth paying attention to them.
I’ll be doing proper hands-on reviews for both soon, but for now, these two are a solid start if you’re curious about exploring beyond LEGO.
I’ve only just started exploring what’s out there, and there are plenty more brands I’m curious about – like Mould King and Cada. Over the next few months, I’ll hopefully be picking up a few more sets and sharing my thoughts on each.
