International LEGO Day gives us the perfect excuse to celebrate one of the most brilliant inventions ever built from the ground up. The humble LEGO block – small in size but mighty in creativity, with the power to inspire ideas and construct entire worlds from a handful of bricks.

From its origins in Denmark to its now-legendary interlocking design, LEGO has been shaping curious minds for generations. What looks like simple play is, in reality, a masterclass in learning. Problem-solving, spatial awareness, patience and teamwork are all meticulously woven into those brightly coloured bricks that invite us to build, dismantle and rebuild, again and again. No instruction manual required.

Which is just one reason LEGO has found a natural home in classrooms as well as playrooms. Teachers have long recognised its value as an educational tool, helping learners of all ages explore maths, engineering and creativity through hands-on play. It’s learning without the hard sell – engaging, intuitive and memorable precisely because it’s enjoyable.

And then there’s creativity for creativity’s sake. Whether you followed the instructions to the letter or proudly produced something entirely ‘unique’ (often with questionable structural integrity), LEGO has always encouraged us to think beyond the ordinary. Castles, spaceships, cities and creatures that defy known biology – if you can imagine it, LEGO helps us bring it to life on any available surface.

Of course, no celebration would be complete without acknowledging one universal truth: we have all experienced the sharp reminder that comes from stepping on a stray LEGO block. It’s a rite of passage, really – a shared moment of pain that connects builders everywhere, balanced by the joy of creating something remarkable from a pile of pieces.

While we – AquAid – haven’t yet used LEGO to build our water coolers; the water dispensed from our coolers is for drinking, see – staying well hydrated does play its part. Drinking water supports cognitive function, focus and creativity, helping us continue building amazing LEGO creations at any age, whether at work, in school or after hours.

And a final thought: perhaps it’s time to suggest a modest LEGO supply near the office water cooler. After all, what better way to refresh the mind while refilling your water cooler bottle than with a little creative construction?