When I was a kid, if it wasn't genuine LEGO, it was junk. While that is usually still the case, these non-LEGO legos look like they might actually be halfway decent. The price is certainly good compared to the real deal from Denmark.
Since these are in transparent bags, there's no room for any "colors and components may vary" shenanigans. That's already a good start compared to most counterfeits and imitations. The instructions leave a lot to be desired, though. The tiny print on the cardboard is almost entirely worthless.
The pieces feel almost right, and the ABS plastic formula they used must be a close match for the genuine article. Of course, there are no LEGO logos anywhere. A couple plates have a black line of writing on one edge, though. The injection and ejector pin markings are more obvious. There is something not quite right about the piece corners. The tires don't properly lock onto the rims. The steering wheel.is separate from the steering column piece, as seems to always be the case with chinesium knockoffs.
Still, this isn't complete junk. The extra-bushy flower stem pieces may not lock into the center of the 2x2 plates, but they also demonstrate a willingness to deviate from the classic LEGO part designs they copied. Most of the pieces click together with a LEGO-like snap. There are even extra parts aplenty.
The models themselves aren't too bad, either. I would have preferred some slight differences in the tree part inventory, but the set is decent enough, especially for $1.00. The tractor is brilliant minimalistic design. Aside from the tires and hubs not fitting securely, it gets my full endorsement.
I am honestly impressed at these kits. A dollar apiece. Almost as good as LEGO in most respects. And the kits make something that is actually fun. Good job, Dollar Tree! This won't replace proper LEGO, but it's not an insult to your kids if you buy these for them.
