In 1981 LEGO released 10 Basic sets across 2 subthemes. The largest Basic set from 1981 was
577 Basic Building Set with a piece count of 384 and a retail price of $37.99. The current estimated value of all these Basic sets from this year is about $1,334.48.
The LEGO Basic theme, which began in the 1970s, was designed to be a more general, non-thematic series of sets. Unlike the themed sets that revolve around specific stories, characters, or concepts (e.g., space, city, or pirates), the Basic theme provided a collection of standard LEGO bricks and pieces, often in a variety of colors. The goal was to encourage free building and creativity without the confines of a specific theme or narrative.
1981 LEGO Sets
In 1981, LEGO continued to expand its thematic range to cater to the diverse interests of its global audience. This year saw the introduction of the LEGO Fabuland theme, designed for younger builders transitioning from DUPLO to regular-sized LEGO bricks. The Fabuland sets stood out due to their unique anthropomorphic animal characters and simple builds, offering stories that blended town and country life. Alongside this, the established Town and Space themes received new additions, bolstering LEGO's offering for fans of those lines.