The LEGO® Icons Bird of Paradise (10289) launched in June 2021 and retired in December 2023. It’s one of the most eye-catching sets in the Botanical Collection — and one of the most expensive on the aftermarket. While most Botanical sets retailed for around $50–$60, the Bird of Paradise launched at $99.99 and now goes for around $240 sealed. That’s roughly 2.4x retail for a plastic plant. So, why the heck is it so expensive?
Larger Pieces and Higher Brick Count
The set includes 1,173 pieces, more than most other Botanical models. Many of these are large, molded Technic elements used to create the wide, rounded leaves, which drive up production costs compared to smaller, standard parts. If you’ve ever wondered why LEGO sets are so expensive in general, the Bird of Paradise is a masterclass in “big specialized molds = big price tag.”
Heavier, More Complex Base
Unlike other plant sets, the Bird of Paradise features a solid, weighted pot built with layered panels and Technic supports. This gives the model stability and allows its stems to sway naturally without tipping over, but it also adds bulk and cost. The pot alone uses more bricks than some entire Botanical sets — it’s basically a LEGO engineering flex disguised as a planter.
Retired and Limited Availability
The set retired in December 2023, which means new copies are no longer produced. In the U.S., it saw limited retail availability early on, which contributed to tighter aftermarket supply. As a result, resellers dominate the market, pushing prices upward. This is the same retirement-scarcity cycle that hits every retired LEGO set — once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Display Appeal vs. Realism
While striking, some reviewers note it looks less realistic than other Botanical sets like the Orchid or Bonsai Tree. Still, its bold flowers and oversized foliage make it a statement piece, which keeps demand high among collectors. It’s the kind of set that non-LEGO people notice on your shelf and say “wait, that’s LEGO?”
Current Value and Growth
The aftermarket has been growing steadily since retirement, though the pace has slowed a bit compared to the initial post-retirement spike. Used copies run in the $115–$150 range depending on completeness, and sealed boxes are hovering around $240. It’s on pace to keep climbing, but don’t expect the wild jumps you see with licensed themes — Botanical sets appreciate more like a slow, reliable houseplant. Which, honestly, is kind of poetic.
How To Find a Bird of Paradise in 2026
If you missed the Bird of Paradise at retail, you’re not alone — it sold out faster than most Botanical sets, partly because it was the collection’s flagship and partly because LEGO fans are absolute maniacs about anything that looks good on a shelf. Here’s where to look now that it’s retired.
BrickLink is your best bet for a fair price. Sealed copies typically list between $200 and $250 depending on the seller’s location and shipping costs. Used copies in good condition run $115–$150, which is honestly not bad for a retired set with this kind of display presence.
eBay works too, but watch for inflated Buy It Now prices. Auction listings tend to settle closer to actual market value. Set up a saved search with email alerts for LEGO 10289 and you’ll catch the occasional deal from someone clearing out their collection. The key is patience — this isn’t a set that’s going to suddenly become rare overnight, so there’s no rush to overpay.
Amazon third-party sellers are hit or miss. Prices tend to run higher than BrickLink, but the convenience of Prime shipping and Amazon’s return policy can be worth the premium if you’re not comfortable with marketplace transactions. Just make sure you’re buying from a seller with actual reviews — knowing how to spot fakes matters more than ever with retired sets.
One more thing: if you only want the display and don’t care about resale value, buying a used copy saves you nearly $100. The build experience is the same, and honestly, nobody visiting your apartment is going to ask whether your LEGO plant came in a sealed box.
Retired and Revered
The Bird of Paradise costs more because it is part dense display model, part large-parts showcase, and now a retired collectible. The aftermarket price is not only about bricks and design. It is also about scarcity and a growth track that has already more than doubled retail with moderate gains expected ahead. If you want to check the current value of sets in your collection, this one’s a good benchmark for how Botanical sets hold up post-retirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the LEGO Bird of Paradise so expensive?
Three factors: a high piece count (1,173) with specialized Technic molds, a dense weighted pot that uses more bricks than some entire sets, and retirement scarcity. It retired in December 2023 and sealed copies now sell for around $240.
When did the LEGO Bird of Paradise retire?
The set retired in December 2023 after roughly 30 months on shelves. It launched in June 2021 (August 2021 in North America).
What was the original price of LEGO Bird of Paradise?
The original retail price was $99.99 USD, making it the most expensive set in the Botanical Collection at the time of release.
Is the LEGO Bird of Paradise a good investment?
It’s been a solid performer so far — the value has more than doubled since retail, and growth has been steady. Botanical sets tend to appreciate more slowly than licensed themes, but they also tend to hold value well because of broad display appeal. It’s not going to 10x, but it’s a reliable grower.
Where can I buy a LEGO Bird of Paradise now?
BrickLink, eBay, and Amazon third-party sellers are your main options. Sealed copies typically run $200–$250 on BrickLink, while used copies in good condition go for $115–$150.
Will LEGO re-release the Bird of Paradise?
There’s no indication of a re-release. LEGO has continued expanding the Botanical Collection with new designs rather than bringing back retired ones. Once a set is gone, it’s typically gone for good.
