Linda Belnik with son, Joshua, who wants a Lego Star Wars Death Star costing £400, (Picture: SWNS) A mum who took her seven-year-old son to a grotto says she was left reeling when Santa promised he would get a toy costing £400. Linda Belnik, 35, claims the Westfield Father Christmas talked about getting son Joshua, seven, Star Wars Death Star Lego set. She said that he told her son: ‘See this white phone? I will call the elves now and get them to make it for you.’ However, Westfield said that their Santas are trained not to promise specific gifts. Mrs Belnik continued: ‘I was stood there cringing. I couldn’t believe he’d promised such an expensive toy. Santas usually tell kids they’ll see what they can do, not promise anything. She said she was left cringing (Picture: SWNS) ‘It doesn’t matter if he wants a teddy bear, or a pony, he can’t promise something to a kid. As a parent, I had made the decision he would not be getting the set as it costs so much.
It’s put me in a really awkward position.’ Linda said did not cause a scene as she had Joshua and five-year-old twins Jasmine and Jasper with her and did not want to ruin their image of Christmas. ‘I couldn’t ask to see Santa’s manager in front of my children,’ she added. Joshua is now confused, with mum saying he’s not getting the present – while believing Santa said he is. Linda added: ‘Santa has no idea what anyone’s financial situation is. It is wrong he’s promising toys. It sets kids up for disappointment if parents can’t afford it. Joshua with brother Jasper and sister Jasmine (Picture: SWNS) ‘I had already told Joshua he is not getting the present, so that’s why it’s even more upsetting as he now truly believes he is. He’s walking around saying Santa said he will get the toy.’ Linda complained to Westfield shopping centre in White City, West London, after getting home. As a gesture of goodwill, Westfield offered a free ice-skating package for the family.
But Linda, a building company director from Camberley, Surrey, said: ‘It doesn’t help explain to my son why he’s not got his present on Christmas Day.’ Westfield said: ‘All grotto staff are trained and follow script guidelines which, under no circumstances, include the promise of specific gifts. ‘The Santa has over 20 years’ experience and has not promised specific gifts to the child. Westfield is committed to providing the best experience for children and families.’ Linda last night stood by her and her son’s version, saying: ‘That’s what he said, end of.’One of the little known secrets about LEGO is that you, the individual, can buy bricks directly from LEGO, and so price out builds. Note that this is different than buying pre-designed sets from LEGO.Prices range from around $0.07 to $0.15 per standard brick. If you assume that a decent Death Star consists of 1 million bricks, then $70,000 to $150,000 of material plus labor would be the answer.
Adjust your cost up or down, depending on the size of the replica you want to make.Now, the pedants will quibble that the cost shown at the link are what LEGO sells to consumers; their own costs for manufacturing that inventory are of course lower; you could, if you want, apply a discount to those above costs, say 50% or more (I don’t know what their margins are).Incidentally, you may want to reach out to LEGOs social media team and see if they’re interested in answering this question. I know that this guy used to run social media there: Lars SilberbauerLEGO Star Wars Death Star (75159) Free Store Pickup Available in 5-10 days: Select a store Gift wrap is not available for this item. Reenact amazing scenes from the Star Wars saga with the Empire's ultimate planet-zapping weapon the Death Star! With over 4,000 pieces, this fantastic model has a galaxy of intricate and authentic environments, including a superlaser control room, Imperial conference chamber, hangar bay with moving launch rack and Lord Vader's TIE Advanced with space for Vader inside, Emperor Palpatine's throne room, Droid maintenance room, detention block, trash compactor, tractor beam, cargo area, turbo laser with spring-loaded shooters and seats for the 2 Death Star Gunners
, and 2 movable turbo laser towers. This fantastic set also includes 23 iconic minifigures and 2 Droids to ensure hours of Star Wars battle fun.The LEGO Star Wars Death Star (75159) Features:Weapons include 3 Lightsabers, 4 blasters, 3 blaster pistols, 4 blaster rifles, 2 force pikes, 2 Force Lightning elements and a bowcasterLoad up and fire the turbo laser's spring-loaded shooters to keep the rebels at bayManeuver Lord Vader's TIE Advanced into position and prepare for launchHelp Leia escape from the detention block and swing to safety with Luke across the chasm!Measures over 16 inch (41 centimeter) high, and 16 inch (42 centimeter) wideToys'R'Us is Destination: Star Wars - Your Source for The Force! We've got the hottest Star Wars toys including action figures, collectibles, electronics & more here! Weapons include 3 Lightsabers, 4 blasters, 3 blaster pistols, 4 blaster rifles, 2 force pikes, 2 Force Lightning elements and a bowcaster Load up and fire the turbo laser's spring-loaded shooters to keep the rebels at bay
Maneuver Lord Vader's TIE Advanced into position and prepare for launch Help Leia escape from the detention block and swing to safety with Luke across the chasm! Measures over 16 inch (41 centimeter) high, and 16 inch (42 centimeter) wide Product Dimensions (in inches):23.0 x 19.3 x 7.5 Shipping Info:This item can be shipped to the entire United States including Alaska, Hawaii, and all U.S. territories including Puerto Rico This item can also be shipped to APO/FPO addresses and to P.O. Boxes in all 50 states Due to shipping restrictions, Ship Charges will be separate from other items in your order This item will ship by itself This item is sold in our stores Orders placed for Store Pickup will receive online pricing and promotions In-stock status is approximate and may not reflect recent sales Not all items are carried at all stores. Please click the "Select a store" link to check product availability Displaying reviews 1-3Awesome set Was this a gift?:NoThat's no Moon, It's a Space Station Was this a gift?:YesThat's no moon.