It's no exaggeration to say that 2022 has been an exciting year for new elements introduced in the LEGO® DOTS theme. Throughout the year, we've seen the introduction of the charms system, bowed bricks for constructing frames, as well as stitch-on and adhesive patches.
Products in this article were provided by LEGO®; the author's opinions are their own.
LEGO® DOTS 41949 Bag Tags Mega Pack - Messaging
US$29.99/ £24.99/ 29.99€/ AU$39.99
228 parts
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Before the year ends, it's worth examining the overlooked bag tag plates that were initially introduced in March. The bag tags appear in two lengths, with the shorter (80390) measuring just over eight-and-a-half studs long, four studs wide, and one plate tall.
The longer of the tags (79996) is just over ten-and-a-half studs long. Like the other bag tag, it is four studs wide and one plate tall.
Somewhat disappointingly, the bag tags are made of regular hard ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), rather than the flexible TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) that is used elsewhere in the LEGO DOTS theme for bracelets and stitch-on patches. This limits potential usage somewhat, though it also opens up a few new options, as will be seen later.
At a glance, the only immediately obvious connection points are the studs found on the recessed face of the tags. The studs are arranged in 3 x 6 and 3 x 8 arrays, respectively. However, some experimentation reveals that the rounded edges found along the perimeter of the studs are 3.2 millimeter in diameter, allowing them to accept a clip connection at a slight angle.
When introduced in March, the large bag tag was only available in Vibrant Coral (6383150) and Medium Azure (6371614). Since then, it has also appeared in Bright Bluish Green (6400066) in 41961 Designer Toolkit - Patterns, and Bright Red (6393931) in 41964 Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse Back-to-School Project Box.
Similarly, the small bag tag originally only available in Cool Yellow (6371615) now comes in White (6393933) in 41964 Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse Back-to-School Project Box.
With such an odd element, finding uses proved a tough but rewarding challenge. Inspiration for this MOC came from the ridged edge of the bag tag and presence of a hole in the front, which bore semblance to a plastic winter sled. As it happened, the large bag tag was the perfect scale to act as a sled for a miniland figure!
Editor: Chris Baginski
READ MORE: LEGO® Super Mario™ review + MOCs: 71411 The Mighty Bowser
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The lack of flexibility compared to the bracelets or stitch-on patches is probably a good thing for their intended purpose—from my experience, keychains or bag tags are liable to get knocked around a fair bit when you pick up or put down your bag, and as such a solid plastic tag (with a nice border like this has) is more likely to hold onto those small Dots pieces than a flexible one would!
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