LEGO's popularity has exploded over the past decade, captivating not only children but also teens and adults. The sets themselves have evolved dramatically, boasting increased detail, functionality, and variety. Some are designed for imaginative play, while others are exquisite display pieces, serving as dioramas or valuable collectibles. A growing trend sees LEGO sets integrated into home décor as wall art, planters, and floral arrangements, seamlessly blending playfulness with lifestyle.
With hundreds of LEGO sets available, spanning diverse themes, piece counts, and price points, potential buyers often face two challenges: locating their desired set and securing it at a reasonable price. A major contributing factor is LEGO's practice of retiring sets, even popular ones, to make way for new releases. This fuels a thriving resale market where prices are often inflated by two or three times the original retail cost.
The inherent cost of LEGO is another reality. Consider the massive 7541-piece Star Wars Millennium Falcon, released in 2017 for $800—already exceeding the typical "10 cents per piece" average. Today, that same set commands around $850. However, savvy shopping can mitigate these challenges.
Here’s your guide to the best places and times to buy LEGO sets in 2025.
Where to Buy LEGO Sets Online
LEGO Store: The official LEGO Store offers the broadest selection, easily searchable by theme, price, release date, and customer rating. It boasts responsive customer service and the LEGO Insiders program (free to join!), providing benefits like early access to sets, free sets as purchase incentives, and exclusive sets unavailable elsewhere.
Amazon: A reliable alternative offering modest discounts on many sets.
Target: Another strong contender, accepting LEGO Insider points (though the exchange rate may not always be optimal).
Walmart: Similar to Target, offering competitive pricing and occasional deals.
The LEGO Store's points system is particularly attractive: every dollar spent earns 6.5 points, with 130 points equaling $1 (essentially a 5% reward). Double points events further enhance its value. While Amazon, Target, and Walmart lack this system, they often offer discounted prices, sometimes surpassing the LEGO Store's occasional sales.
Where to Buy Retired Sets Online
For retired sets, unofficial marketplaces like Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook are your only option. Be prepared for higher prices; direct communication with sellers, haggling, and thorough comparison shopping are essential.
Where to Buy LEGO Sets in Stores
Brick-and-mortar stores offer a hands-on experience, allowing you to examine sets before purchase. The in-person LEGO Store mirrors the online store's benefits, including the Insiders program and interactive features like building stations. Target and Walmart also carry LEGO, while GameStop and Barnes & Noble offer select sets (often gaming-themed or lifestyle sets, respectively).
Retired sets might surprisingly still be found in brick-and-mortar stores, even after official retirement.
When Do LEGO Sets Go on Sale?
Beyond standard box-store discounts, LEGO sets rarely see significant price reductions. However, key sale periods exist:
- May 4th (Star Wars Day): Double Insider points on Star Wars sets.
- March 10th (Mario Day): Deals often partnered with Nintendo.
- Year-End Clearance: Box stores clear out retired sets at the start of the year.
- Holiday Season (Black Friday, Cyber Monday): Deep discounts are possible.
- Amazon Prime Days (July & October): Look for LEGO deals.
Remember to always compare prices and consider the value of the LEGO Insiders program before making a purchase.