Sunday, January 18, 2026

Best Lumibricks Gift Set under $150: The Lumibricks Gelato Store F9078 Review

 

Hey brick fans! If you're craving something sweet for your modular city layout, the FunWhole/Lumibricks Gelato Store (set F9078) is an absolute treat. This charming ice cream shop brings European street vibes with its light blue awnings,and a fully detailed interior that's perfect for display or play. With 1948 pieces, built-in signature LED lighting, and a clever and unique tri-fold design that opens up for easy access, it's one of the most inviting sets Lumibricks (formerly Funwhole) has released in their Town Life series. Does it makes a nice gift set for under $150? Let's find out!

💡 Quick Specs 

Set Name and Number: FunWhole Gelato Store F9078

Piece count: 1,948 pieces

Age rating: 16+

Lighting elements: 10 LED lights

Theme & style: Town Life series, European gelato shop with cozy street-scene vibe

Build dimensions: roughly 16.0″ × 4.9″ × 10.8″

Printed bricks: 42 printed elements included

Minifigures: Four (unique Lumibricks style)

Stickers: None

Where to get it:   https://go.lumibricks.com/itsnotlego

Retail price: $99.99 USD /  $139.00 CAD / 109 EUR

Save 10% off your entire order using my affiliate code: itsnotlego


Lumibricks on Amazon: https://bit.ly/m/Lumibricks-Store

FUNWHOLE on Amazon: https://bit.ly/m/FUNWHOLE-Store

The Gelato Store was provided to me by Lumibricks for the purposes of this review, however all of the opinions expressed herein are my own.

Unboxing

If you are new to Lumibricks/FunWhole, you will find that the Gelato store comes in a premium heavy duty box with an appealing and lively image of the set on the front.  The Gelato store is part of the Town Life series of Lumibricks sets.
On the back of the box, you will find the current line-up of the other Town Life, these include the Antique Shop, the Book Cafe and the Balcony Theatre.  Did you know that Lumibricks stamps their sets with a production date?  Mine was manufactured on November 13, 2025.  The first release of the Gelato Store set was around May 2025, right around the time that FunWhole was transitioning to the new Lumibricks name.



Cracking open the box, we find it full to the brim with parts bags, a lighting kit and two fairly thick instruction manuals.  There are a total of 10 sections in the manuals, and the parts bags are purposely divided into the same numbers.  Additionally there are 3 extra bags, one marked S and two marked F containing minifigure and special brick parts.

The Lighting Kit


Let's not forget about the Light kit that is a signature feature in every FunWhole/Lumibricks set. In the Gelato store set we have 10 unique lighting elements they will highlight the stores interior and exterior display.  The lighting elements come in two pouches marked 1 and 2 and also feature a battery pack, a USB plug, metal tweezers and a small screwdriver to open the battery pack.  There's also a brick separator tool which is normally found the one of the parts bags (not shown).  We will see later how the lighting elements enhance the look of the Gelato store.

The Build Process


There are 10 sections or stages involved with building the Gelato store.  Referring to the first instruction manual, sections one thru four will assemble the four minifigures and build the baseplate and ground floor.  In the second manual, steps five thru ten will build the second floor and the rooftop, and add any extra embellishments to the set.   For reference, here are some pictures during the build:

Step One



Here we have assembled the first part of the Gelato store and it's corresponding baseplate.  Looks to be part of a kitchen with the storage units and dessert items.

It's advisable to test out the lighting elements before or during the build, to make sure all the components are working properly.  If any lighting issues or missing pieces, you can always contact the Lumibricks service department via the address in the Customer Service card that comes in the box.

Step Two



The storefront is almost completed and there is a display counter that can be slid out as a play feature.  We get a few of the nicely printed parts on the awning and the counter.

Step Three

In this section we add the staircase and the side entrance door.  Note that the baseplates are hinged as a cool feature.

Step Four



In this last step from instruction manual one, we add the back wall and have pivoted the baseplates into their closed position.  Inside we find more kitchen details and an ice cream machine.  The battery pack is temporary while we make sure all the lighting elements work properly.

Step Five


The second floor consists of three hinged sections, just like the first floor.

As we start construction of the second floor, I find that the table and chairs are too undersized to be able to place minifigures for play.   Using larger Lego style molded seats would be more appropriate.  

Step Six



The front section of the second floor is built and hinged to the side elevation.

Step Seven



Having added the last of the three sections to the second floor, we find another undersized chair and table.  In the corner, there is a desk and proper sized chair.  Perhaps this is where the gelato store owner does the stores accounting and book keeping?   We get some lighting inside and out for the second floor.

Step Eight



On the partially constructed rooftop, we find a lot of plants and a maybe a shed or a doghouse?

Step Nine

Here's the other section of the rooftop completed.  Access to the rooftop is via the hole in the floor but it's not covered so if a heavy rainstorm were to occur, the second floor would be flooded.   I dunno, the rooftop would have been better served as an extra spot for patrons to enjoy their gelato.  The rooftop would make a great lookout point.

And just as I was about to do my final lighting test for the roof, the wire snapped!  Doh! I've built so many FunWhole and Lumibricks sets, but this was the first time I've broken a wire.   Guess I'll have to reach out to Lumibricks customer service myself now.

Looks like the snapped wire affected the second floor overhead light.

So here's the completed Gelato Store, with one light out of service.  Oops!

Step Ten


At the final step to complete the Gelato store, we construct a sidewalk for the front.  Also pictured are the four minifigures that come with the set.

Some of the features out front include another set of small chairs and table, and a sign post that references the Balcony Theatre, one of the other Town Life sets.

Here's the side view of the staircase leading to the second floor seating area.

As part of step ten, we added this cool electrical utility box, where the battery pack can be housed.

This is the remaining side of the Gelato store.

From the pics above, the Gelato store can be displayed like a traditional modular building. Each of it's floors and the rooftop come apart in the normal manner.

What makes the Gelato store unique is the ability to unfold the building and display it like a dollhouse.

Turning it around, here we can see all of the interior sections in the unfolded mode.  Following are a few more pics of the interior spaces in dollhouse mode.







Now we have a clearer look at the rooftop shed, surprise it's actually an art studio! 

Final Thoughts

With over 1900+ pieces, the FunWhole/Lumibricks Gelato store set kept me quite busy.   Brick quality and clutch were top notch, and there were lots of nice printed pieces.  The lighting kit was working great except that I broke the wire to the second floor light.   I think the tri-fold design to display the Gelato store dollhouse style was an interesting concept, considering that you can still display the set as a modular building.  I will probably just keep it folded mode like a regular modular building in the future.

The minifigures that come with the set are cute but I still prefer standard Lego minifigures.   I do think the design of this set could be displayed with other Lego Friends style sets, and that's ultimately the target audience.  Given that this set comes with 42 printed pieces and a light kit included, there's no Lego set that comes close to the features and value in this price point. Therefore the Gelato set definitely makes a great candidate for best Lumibricks gift sets under $150!

And for extra savings don't forget to use my affiliate code itsnotlego when you are shopping at https://go.lumibricks.com/itsnotlego!

#lumibricks

Here's the FunWhole/Lumibricks Gelato store with my only other Lumibricks Town Life set, the Balcony Theatre!

Thanks for looking, bye!


Saturday, December 13, 2025

Review Time! The Lumibricks Street Mod Garage L9088 Building Block set

 


Hey brick fans!

If you're looking for a cool garage building for your Lego city layout, the Lumibricks Street Mod Garage is right up your alley!  The set not only looks good, but it has a lot of play features, for those grease monkeys that want to get down and dirty.   And now is a great time to pick up your Lumibricks set!


The Lumibricks annual Holiday Sale is live across every store, and the discounts are bigger than ever!

🗓  WHEN TO SHOP
• Amazon North America: 7 – 20 Dec
• Amazon Europe: 9 – 22 Dec
• Official Website: 11 Dec – 25 Dec (stay tuned for our January Winter Sale!)

💰  HOW MUCH YOU’LL SAVE
• 20 % OFF almost every set
• 30 % OFF clearance items
• Up to 40 % OFF select exclusive sets (ultra-limited stock—just ask!)

🚀  READY TO BUILD?
Lumibricks on Amazon: https://bit.ly/m/Lumibricks-Store

Happy building—and happy saving!

Street Mod Garage Features




The Street Mod Garage is part of Lumibricks Street Fusion theme and replicates an 70s to 80s style American style independent two storey garage clad in gray and red bricks. It features an opening front door and a swing up custom printed garage door.  One cannot miss the giant wheel next to all the printed signage including a graphic Roar Wild banner, as well as the logo Built For Speed Customs.  The garage apparently belongs to the Street Machine Club.  


The side of the building looks fantastic with all of the industrial features.  Ducting for the HVAC unit can be found outside.  There is a small balcony that opens up from the second floor. Below that is the service entrance with a graffiti covered window next to it.  The Street Fusion themed sets usually feature a lot more grafitti on the buildings, but the garage doesn't feature much at all.  For recreation, there's a small basketball and hoop for letting off steam.  The ladder was placed on the roof in the set instructions, but I've moved it down to the ground floor instead.

The opposite side of the garage is fairly non-descript with only a bank of windows to break up the monotony of gray bricks.

The two toned rear wall of the garage can be removed for easy access to the interior.

With the wall removed one can see that the garage consists of a work area, a set of ramps and an upper mezzanine.  The work area houses a compressor and various cabinets and vehicle parts.  Next to the ramps is a wall of storage units.

More parts storage can be found on the inside of the rear wall.   There is a small staircase that leads from the mezzanine to the rooftop.

Here's a better look at the interior layout of the Street Mod Garage.

The bright white light fixture looks exactly like flourescent lighting!

Here's the rooftop layout as I was building the garage.  It's dominated by a giant skylight.  There's a cool seating area that is made up of the front end of a vintage car.  I guess this is where the mechanics go to relax, have some grub and listen to some tunes on the radio.

For even more playability, the entire front wall of the garage can be removed for interior access and display.   This is definitely a unique and cool feature to this set,  And if you're wondering, yes a vehicle can definitely fit inside the garage!

Here's the sports car that is included with the street mod garage.  It has a sloped front end and a giant wing reminiscent of a 1970s Dodge Daytona or Plymouth Superbird.  The car can be modified and customised with extra parts.

I decided to convert mine into a convertible and replaced the gold rims with some black rims!

In addition to the sports car, you also get these cool little parts carts, three in total.

As with all of the Lumibricks sets, you get some custom minifigures, and the Street Mod Garage includes four new figures, two guys and two gals, great for all you Lumibricks minifigure collectors!  Between all of the removable walls, printed pieces, the garage accessories, the custom car and the minifigures, this is an awesome set to create your own little scenes and dioramas.  So much play value in this set!





So you saw some of the interior lighting features, now let's look at the exterior lighting. One look and you can instantly recognize that it's a Lumibricks set!

Build experience and quality


Piece quality is what you’d expect from a well-made third-party Lego compatible kit: clutch is good, ABS feels solid, and parts inventory is generous. Because the model uses a lot of printed elements and small decor pieces, the build is as much about micro-assembly as macro-structure — lots of small bags and little bits to track. The instructions are available as a PDF on Lumibricks’ site (handy if you want to preview steps before you buy).  In fact, as a first, I decided to use the online instructions from the Lumibricks website instead of using the thick manual that is included with the set, during my garage build.


I would point out there is one tricky area of construction and that is the wireless connector in behind where the large sign sits. If you don't have the connection point orientated correctly or pushed down firmly, the overhang light over the front sign won't light up.  I encountered this problem myself and you just have to take your time and troubleshoot it.

Modifications



This doesn't typically apply to most builders and collectors of Lumibricks sets, but I always like to do little enhancements to the sets that I build.   The first noticeable thing I did was using a raised baseplate or MILS plate for the base of the garage.  I find that it makes the set more rigid and sturdy and makes it easier to move around.

Initially I built the sidewalk area as per the instructions, but later I decided to remove the crack in the sidewalk.  Another enhancement was adding door knobs to the doors where applicable.  

Finally, I decided to move the hub where all the lighting wires are connected from the rooftop down to the mezzanine area inside the building.  The reason being is that I don't use the provided battery pack to power the lights on my sets.  Instead I will connect my sets to a USB extension cable that is connected to a power supply from the wall.

Final Verdict and Recap




The Lumibricks Street MOD Garage (L9088) is a stand-out set that one must add to a Lego style city layout.

The set contains roughly 1,935 pieces, is sized perfectly to sit on a 32×32 stud baseplate, and includes 18 printed pieces, a multi-element LED kit (the product page lists seven LED lights). It also includes a dedicated car model with tuning/upgrade parts and garage accessories, with four minifigures.

It's a great set for Lumibricks fans that love the Street Fusion series and people who love to photograph the details of the sets like I do.   

Theme:  Street Fusion
Piece count: 1935 pieces
Age Rating: 16+
Printed parts: Yes 18 pieces
Stickers: No
Lighting kit: Included with 7 LED lights
Minifigures: Lumibricks versions, 4 included

Where to get it: Search for the Lumibricks Street Mod Garage on your favourite Amazon site or get it directly at the Lumibricks online store.

Don't forget to take advantage of the Lumibricks Holiday sale now on!

Feel free to take another 10% off your purchases using my afilliate code itsnotlego!

Thanks again to Lumibricks for sending me this awesome set to review!

#lumibricks #streetfusion #streetmodgarage