With 343 pieces, the LEGO Heartlake Vet (3188) is a fun, focused build. It launched in 2012 under the Friends banner at $44.99. It comes packed with 2 minifigs — always a nice bonus for collectors.
The $0.131 per piece price point is on the premium side, though the build quality matches.
The Heartlake Vet is a solid entry in the Friends range — nothing flashy, but well-built and fun.
Key Features
343 pieces — Compact and purpose-built — great for a quick session
2 minifigures — Adds play value and aftermarket appeal
$0.131 per piece — Strong price-per-piece for this theme
Heartlake City collection — Sought-after corner of the Friends lineup
2012 release — Part of LEGO's modern era with strong design standards
Theme Background
LEGO's Friends theme is a powerhouse in the LEGO lineup with serious collector following, and the Heartlake Vet is a 2012 release that lands in a great entry point into the Friends theme at $44.99. The $0.131 per piece is in line with Friends averages.
Within Friends, the Heartlake City sets have carved out their own niche. If you're tracking Friends for investment or just collecting, the Heartlake City releases are usually among the more interesting ones to watch.
Why This Set Is Special
This is a standard release in the Friends lineup without standout collector characteristics based on current data.
Frequently Asked Questions
[{"q": "How many pieces are in the LEGO Heartlake Vet (3188)?", "a": "The LEGO Heartlake Vet (3188) contains 343 pieces, making it a smaller set."}, {"q": "What minifigures come with the LEGO Heartlake Vet (3188)?", "a": "The LEGO Heartlake Vet (3188) includes 2 minifigures. Minifigures are a key value driver for LEGO sets \u2014 exclusive or rare minifigures can appreciate significantly in value on their own, sometimes commanding high prices on the secondary market."}, {"q": "How much does the LEGO Heartlake Vet (3188) cost?", "a": "The retail price (MSRP) for the LEGO Heartlake Vet (3188) is $44.99 in the United States. Regional pricing is \u00a339.99 in the UK, CA$49.99 in Canada. This works out to $0.13 per piece. The higher price-per-piece reflects the use of specialized or larger elements, licensed branding, or premium packaging."}, {"q": "Is the LEGO Heartlake Vet (3188) a good investment?", "a": "The LEGO Heartlake Vet (3188) shows moderate investment potential based on several factors. Friends sets have historically been among the best-performing themes for post-retirement appreciation. As with any LEGO investment, buying at or below retail price maximizes potential returns. Use the BrickBucks price tracker to find the best entry point."}, {"q": "What age is the LEGO Heartlake Vet (3188) suitable for?", "a": "The LEGO Heartlake Vet (3188) is recommended for ages 6\u201312. The build is designed to be approachable for younger builders while still providing an enjoyable experience."}, {"q": "How big is the LEGO Heartlake Vet (3188)?", "a": "The LEGO Heartlake Vet (3188) measures approximately 48.0cm \u00d7 28.2cm \u00d7 6.1cm (W\u00d7H\u00d7D) and weighs 0.82kg. It makes for a great display piece that won't take up too much shelf space."}, {"q": "Is the LEGO Heartlake Vet (3188) still available?", "a": "The LEGO Heartlake Vet (3188) retired on December 31, 2013 and is no longer available at retail. You can find this set on secondary markets including Amazon, eBay, and BrickLink. Retired Friends sets often trade at a premium above their original retail price, with demand typically increasing over time as sealed inventory decreases."}, {"q": "Where can I buy the LEGO Heartlake Vet (3188)?", "a": "The LEGO Heartlake Vet (3188) is retired and only available on secondary markets. Check Amazon, eBay, and BrickLink for current listings. Use the BrickBucks price tracker to compare prices across retailers and find the best deal."}]
