LEGO's enduring appeal has expanded beyond children, captivating teens and adults alike. The complexity, functionality, and variety of LEGO sets have also dramatically increased. Sets now range from playful builds to elaborate display pieces and even home décor items.
The sheer volume of available LEGO sets, however, presents challenges: locating desired sets and securing them at reasonable prices. This is largely due to LEGO's practice of retiring sets, even popular ones, to accommodate new releases. This fuels a resale market with inflated prices—often 2-3 times the original cost.
The inherent cost of LEGO is also a factor, consistently rising over recent years. Consider the 7541-piece Millennium Falcon, released in 2017 at $800 (exceeding the typical 10 cents-per-piece rate), now priced at $850.
Strategic shopping can mitigate these challenges. Here's a guide to the best places and times to buy LEGO sets in 2025:
Online LEGO Shopping Destinations
LEGO Insiders Program### LEGO Store
4See it at LEGOThe Best Discounts### Amazon
2See it at AmazonAccepts LEGO Insider Points### Target
1See it at TargetExclusive Deals### Walmart
0See it at Walmart
The official LEGO Store boasts the broadest selection, easily searchable by theme, price, release date, and rating. Its responsive customer service and LEGO Insiders program (offering perks like early access and exclusive sets) are significant advantages. The points system—converting every dollar spent into 6.5 points, redeemable at a rate of 130 points per dollar (effectively 5% back)—is particularly attractive, especially during double-points events.
Amazon, Target, and Walmart offer alternative online options, providing modest discounts but lacking the points system and exclusive sets of the official store. The LEGO Store typically charges full price except for occasional inventory clearances.
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Ultimately, careful comparison-shopping is key. Weigh the benefits of a discount at Target (which accepts LEGO Insider points, albeit less favorably) against the full price at the LEGO Store with its future discounts and exclusive offers.
Finding Retired Sets Online
Unofficial marketplaces like Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook are the only sources for retired sets, but expect significantly higher prices. Direct communication with sellers, haggling, and thorough price comparisons are crucial.
In-Store LEGO Shopping
While in-store selection may be less extensive than online, the personal experience and ability to physically examine sets are appealing to many. LEGO Stores offer the same Insiders program and points system, plus interactive features like building stations. Target and Walmart also carry LEGO, and Gamestop and Barnes & Noble offer select sets. Discounts are less common in smaller stores, but remain a possibility.
Recently retired sets might surprisingly still be found in brick-and-mortar stores, though this is not guaranteed.
LEGO Sale Events
Beyond standard box-store discounts, LEGO sales are infrequent. However, key dates to watch include May 4th (Star Wars Day) and March 10th (Mario Day), often featuring double Insider points. Year-end clearance sales at box stores, particularly around Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Days, also present good opportunities.
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