LEGO's enduring appeal has expanded beyond childhood, captivating teens and adults alike. The complexity, functionality, and variety of LEGO sets have also dramatically increased. Sets now range from play-focused designs to elaborate display pieces and even home décor items like wall art and plants.
However, the sheer number of LEGO sets available presents challenges: finding the desired set and securing a fair price. This is often due to LEGO's practice of retiring sets, even popular ones, to make way for new releases. This retirement fuels a robust resale market where prices inflate significantly, sometimes doubling or tripling the original cost.
Adding to the challenge is LEGO's inherent cost. The price per piece has steadily increased over the years. Consider the 7541-piece Millennium Falcon, released in 2017 for $800, now priced at $850 – a clear example of this trend.
Smart shopping strategies can mitigate these issues. Here's a guide to the best places to buy LEGO sets in 2025, along with ideal times to find deals.
Online LEGO Shopping Destinations
LEGO Insiders Program### LEGO Store
4See it at LEGO
The Best Discounts### Amazon
2See it at Amazon
Accepts LEGO Insider Points### Target
1See it at Target
Exclusive Deals### Walmart
0See it at Walmart
The official LEGO Store is the primary online source, boasting the largest selection, easily searchable by theme, price, release date, and customer ratings. Excellent customer service and the LEGO Insiders program (a free rewards program) add significant value. Benefits include early access to sets, free sets as purchase incentives, and exclusive sets unavailable elsewhere.
The LEGO Store's points system is particularly attractive. Each dollar spent earns 6.5 points, with 130 points equaling $1 (effectively a 5% discount). Double points promotions further enhance the program's value.
Amazon, Target, and Walmart offer alternative online options, providing modest discounts on most sets, although they lack the points system and exclusive offerings of the LEGO Store. The LEGO Store typically charges full price except for occasional inventory clearances.
AnswerSee ResultsUltimately, careful comparison is key. Weigh the benefits of a potential 10% discount at Target (Insider points redemption may not be advantageous) against full price at the LEGO Store, considering future discounts and potential free exclusive sets.
Finding Retired Sets Online
Unofficial marketplaces like Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook offer the only avenue for acquiring retired sets. Expect significantly higher prices. Direct communication with sellers, negotiation, and thorough price comparisons are essential.
In-Store LEGO Shopping
While in-store selection might be smaller than online, the personal experience and ability to physically examine sets are appealing to many. The LEGO Store offers the same benefits as its online counterpart, including the Insiders program and interactive features like building stations.
Target and Walmart's LEGO sections provide alternatives, requiring individual inventory comparisons with the LEGO Store. Gamestop and Barnes & Noble also offer LEGO sets, though discounts are less likely.
A final note: brick-and-mortar stores might offer recently retired sets that online retailers have already removed from their inventory.
When to Hunt for LEGO Deals
Beyond standard box-store discounts, LEGO sets rarely see price reductions. However, specific times offer better opportunities:
- May 4th (Star Wars Day) and March 10th (Mario Day): Double Insider points are common.
- Year's Beginning: Clearance sales at box stores are frequent due to inventory refresh following new releases.
- Holiday Season (Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Amazon Prime Days): Significant discounts are possible.
