Lego always releases a few new sets just before its big launch of its 2010 line. We have 12 new Lego sets in stock for your Lego lovers and I would be remiss if I didn't highlight the brand new line of Lego characters based on one of my all-time favourite movies (adult or child) from TOY STORY! Ahead of the much anticipated Toy Story 3, and with Lego's new deal with Disney, two Toy Story Lego sets have just been released. Without further ado, below is a brief description of what's currently available online and in our stores:

Woody and Buzz to the Rescue is a 91 piece set which includes Woody and Buzz mini figures, a car with a "pull-back" motor to make it go, with the rocket that attaches to Buzz's back. What could be more fun?

Construct-a-Buzz contains 201 pieces as well as the three-eyed alien figure. Construct Buzz to help him defeat his enemy, Zurg. His visor opens and shuts, and his arm is loaded with "flick missile laser cannons."

For the Star Wars buffs in your life, Lego has introduced the Rebel Trooper Army Pack and the Snow Trooper Army Pack ($14.95 Cdn each) each complete with collectable mini figurines and a vehicle to assemble.

Ben 10 Alien Characters Ben transforms into each of the these characters. Based on the TV series Ben 10 Alien seen on Cartoon Network in the US and Teletoon in Canada. All characters come with glow in the dark eyes and are recommended for ages 5 and up. Available characters are Swampfire, Chromastone, Jet Ray and Big Chill ($19.95 Cdn each).

Lego has introduce a new line based on the Lost City of Atlantis. Scary tentacled sea monsters (Squidpeople and Mantapeople) guard the gold key that opens the gates to the lost city! For some interactive fun, Lego has set up an underwater search online where you can read about what the explorer Artimus Rhodes experienced in his quest to find the lost city -- if you can find his diary! Current available sets include Monster Crab Clash (68 pieces, $9.95 Cdn), Wreck Raider (64 pieces, $12.95 Cdn), and the Gateway of the Squid (353 pieces, $54.95 Cdn). Each set comes with a collectable key.

There are two new Space Police sets available. The Smash N Grab (188 pieces, $26.95) -- where the evil and greedy Squidtron uses his ultimate ram-raid vehicle with the heavy lifting crane and two flick fire missiles to keep the Space Police at bay while he steals an Asteroid ATM, and the new Raid VPR (69 pieces, $12.95) -- a super fast space plane built for the Space Police that can catch up and fire on anything Squidtron or other evil aliens throw in their way!

Deep in the centre of earth, where the magma and lava flow freely, the Power Miners are at work. Magma Mech (183 pieces, $26.95) has a titanium scissor claw arm that can catch lava monsters. The Fire Blaster (67 pieces, $12.95), jumps over streams of molten lava, and comes equipped with a dynamite launcher for getting rid of any obstructions in the vehicle's path.

-- Posted by Cathy the Toy Mom.

Like Toy-Buyin' Ryan, I too am a big fan of Lego. I couldn't wait for my kids to stop putting little pieces into their mouths just so "they" could start buying the big kid Lego sets. When Lego introduced the Knight's Kingdom, I put the Castle on my Christmas list -- only my middle son put it on his too -- he got it (I think there might have been a waffle iron under the tree for me that year). The two of us spent most of Boxing Day putting the castle together. We collected accessories for the set for two years and now my daughter has inherited the entire thing and "we" get to put it together again.

In our family, we tend build Lego "the right way" the first time, following the instructions to the letter and admiring the end result. But as any fan knows, that's just the beginning. Lego is such a great toy because when you get tired of its "suggested" use, you can create your own buildings or things or vehicles.

If you want to see some real Lego creativity, check out Nathan Sawaya's website. He uses Lego in ways that go light years beyond the little square house with two windows and peaked roof that I usually build. He has a touring exhibition of his work, unfortunately, it doesn't look like it will be coming to the Toronto area any time soon.

In the meantime, Mastermind has received some pretty great new additions to popular Lego lines, and a complete new line of Space Police as well.

• Space Police is a new line of Lego incorporating the traditional "good guys and aliens" versus "bad guys and aliens" into new machines and space ships. Take the "Space Police Container Heist" -- a flying truck with a stolen police laser gun that pops out of the back. It's driven by a bad guy named "Snake" and it's up to the Space Police to get back the stolen goods!
• Agents 2.0: Is the second release of the popular Secret Agents line. Agents Aerial Defense, and Agents 4-Wheel Pursuit sets allow you to finally catch Dr. Inferno's rampaging robot by air or by land before it causes irreversible damage!
• The ever-popular Indiana Jones Lego set has some new scenarios from your favourite Indy movies. From the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, recreate the Venice Canal Chase where Indy and Elsa battle two guardians of the grail, set comes with two boats and a collapsing bridge! Or, battle two guards in The Temple of Doom and escape using old rail cars.
• Lego Star Wars. I would be irresponsible if I didn't mention the new Lego Star Wars items that have come out this fall. Help Anakin Skywalker battle alongside the Republic in his Y-wing Star Fighter! His fighter ship fires missiles when R2D2 is pulled backwards. Using the Separtist Shuttle Transport, help Nute Gunray "convince" Onoconda Farr battle on the Separatist side of things. The shuttle features retractable landing gear and sliding passenger compartment hatch.