Hi there!
Today I’m reviewing one of the best LEGO GWPs that, in my opinion, have been released in recent years.
It’s the LEGO Ideas 40788 – Friendly Snails.
The GWP was first available starting July 1, 2025, with a minimum purchase of 160 €. If the model had been released as a regular retail product, it would have had an MSRP of 24.99 €, according to LEGO. The set consists of a total of 264 pieces.
Before we take a closer look at the model, let’s briefly review its development history.
How did the set come about?
At the time, LEGO held a contest on LEGO Ideas where fans could design their own dream GWP. There were hardly any guidelines—creativity knew virtually no bounds. Except for size and the number of pieces.
The winner was ultimately the French LEGO Ideas user JAGAMAX, whose real name is Maxime Strullu.
His original design was called ” Autumn Snails ” and had a much more distinct autumnal style. LEGO then revised the model slightly and eventually released the version we know today as ” Friendly Snails.”
I think this revision turned out really well.
Let’s take a closer look at the set
Of course, the two large snails immediately catch your eye.
In the foreground is a large brown snail with its eyes wide open. The printed snail shell is particularly beautiful—and thankfully, it wasn’t just a sticker.
There are numerous small details surrounding the snails. Among them are autumn leaves, a small puddle of water, several bees, and some undergrowth.
In the background lies a large fallen tree trunk. The second snail is crawling along it in its dark blue shell. Behind it is a small trail of slime—a truly charming detail.
If you turn the model over, you’ll also discover a small bush and a rock. So the back wasn’t just left blank either.
The entire diorama is framed by a black border, making it ideal as a small display model for a shelf.
Measuring 7 cm high, 13 cm wide, and 13 cm deep, the set is a comfortable size and, despite the modest number of pieces, is surprisingly detailed.
Technical Details
- Name: Friendly Snails
- Set Number: 40788
- Parts: 264
- Minifigures: none
- MSRP: Free gift (€24.99)
- Unit price: N/A (available free of charge as a GWP)
- Dimensions: 7 cm high, 13 cm wide, 13 cm deep
- Recommended age: 18+
- Estimated construction time: about 30 minutes
- Release Date: July 1, 2025
- Special Feature: LEGO GWP (Gift with Purchase)
- Current resale price: approx. 35–45 €
My Conclusion
To be honest, I’m absolutely thrilled with this set.
The entire diorama has been lovingly crafted from every angle and is full of tiny details. No matter what angle you view the model from, you’ll discover something new everywhere.
The box also looks exceptionally high-quality for a GWP and is significantly larger than what you’d typically expect from many other free gifts.
Personally, I think LEGO could have easily sold this model as a regular set for €24.99. I would have bought it right away without a second thought.
On the secondary market, it’s now also clear just how popular the GWP has become. With a little luck, you can still find one for around 35 €. However, many deals are already in the 40–50 € range . If you’re still looking for one, you should therefore compare the various platforms. It’s now getting rather difficult to find new sets for under 35 euros. Used sets, of course, are a whole different story.
This set also has a very special personal significance for me.
My mom gave it to me as a birthday present last year, along with another LEGO set. For that reason alone, it will always hold a special place in my Collection.
I’ve built a lot of LEGO GWPs by now. Some of them turned out really well.
But to me, Friendly Snails is definitely one of the best LEGO GWPs of all time.
Now, of course, I’m curious to hear your thoughts.
Do you have this GWP, too?
What do you think of this model? Do you find my enthusiasm understandable, or maybe even a little over the top?
Feel free to write it in the comments!
And for the best LEGO Deals, you can check here: Exclusive LEGO Deals for Young and Old
Author: Dante