Buddy the Elf brought his maple syrup to LEGO. Naturally.
The $39.99 Buddy the Elf set turns the Christmas-movie character into a 713-piece build, complete with candy canes and an Arctic Puffin. LEGO set October 1 as its general-release date, following a September preorder.
That tiny syrup bottle is the detail that sells the whole idea. A green elf outfit would have been recognizable enough, but Buddy showing up with his preferred condiment feels correct.
Buddy is a full display piece
Set 40865 gives Buddy his green coat and hat, yellow tights and black shoes, with candy canes around the snowy base. The puffin is a separate little build you can place beside him.
According to LEGO’s holiday announcement, the finished model measures over 12 inches high, 6 inches wide and 3 inches deep. In metric, that is 31 by 16 by 8 centimeters.
The height is the measurement to pay attention to if you are picturing him on a bookshelf. Check the space above the shelf as well as the surface itself: his pointed hat needs room, even though the footprint is fairly narrow. A mantel or open shelf makes more sense than squeezing him into a short cubby.
What to know before you buy
LEGO rates the set for ages 12 and up. With 713 pieces, this is a building project to leave out as holiday décor afterward. For a gift, that age rating is worth checking even if the movie is already a household favorite.
LEGO announced Buddy in September as part of its holiday lineup. His October 1 release is separate from the bigger Holiday House set’s October 4 general release, so those dates are easy to mix up.
LEGO’s announced U.S. price is $39.99. Check Buddy the Elf at LEGO for current availability before ordering. For the bigger decorating picture, our 2026 Christmas finds guide has more character-filled holiday picks.
Buddy has already handled the syrup.
