It's no secret the world loves LEGO (after all, every person on earth owns an average of 86 bricks). But apparently the toy is not only fun to play with, but also a decent financial investment. Every year since 2000 the average LEGO set has increased in value by 12% — which is higher than the 9.6% gold has appreciated in the same timeframe.

Products that are in highest demand are specialized sets (like Star Wars editions or tourist attractions like the Taj Majal in India) or discontinued items. But according to Ed Maciorowski, founder of the popular LEGO auction site BrickPicker.com, even standard LEGO sets have increased in value.

While we don't recommend hitting up the toy store to buy every box on the shelf, it's clear investing in a few select sets might be worth your time and money. If you do take the plunge, Maciorowski says in order to get the top price for your investment, you should keep your toy in the box to prevent damage. (So hope you weren't actually, you know, planning to play with them.)

That said, here are the most expensive sets on the market — and a few enthusiasts who just couldn't resist building the model for themselves first:

1. Ultimate Collector's Millennium Falcon: $510 in 2007, now $4,041

2. Cafe Corner: $134 in 2007, now $3,123

This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

3. Taj Mahal: $298 in 2008, now $2,753

This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

4. Death Star II: $372 in 2005, now $2,270

This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

5. Imperial Star Destroyer: $249.99 in 2002, now $2,185

This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

[via Time

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io