Over the past decade, LEGO's popularity and demand have skyrocketed, transforming from a children's building toy into a beloved pastime for teens and adults alike. The evolution of LEGO sets has been remarkable, expanding in detail, utility, and variety. Today, LEGO offers sets designed for play, intricate dioramas meant for display, and even lifestyle accessories like wall decorations, plants, and flowers that seamlessly blend into home decor.
With hundreds of LEGO sets available, spanning various piece counts, themes, and price points, potential buyers face two main challenges: finding the desired set and securing it at a reasonable price. A common hurdle is that many sets become "retired." LEGO retires all its sets, including popular ones, to make way for new releases, fueling a secondary market where sets are often sold at inflated prices, sometimes 2-3 times their original cost.
LEGO sets have always been on the pricier side, and costs have been rising over the years. A prime example is the 7541-piece Star Wars Millennium Falcon set, which launched in 2017 at $800—a price well above the usual '10 cents per piece' standard for LEGO sets. Today, this iconic set is priced at $850.
To navigate these challenges, it's essential to be a smart and meticulous consumer. Here’s a guide to the best places to shop for LEGO sets in 2025, along with optimal times to snag deals.
Where to Buy LEGO Sets Online
LEGO Store
The official LEGO Store offers the broadest selection, easily sortable by theme, price, release date, and customer rating. With responsive customer service and the LEGO Insiders program, which is free to join, you gain access to numerous benefits. These include the opportunity to buy sets before their public release, receive free sets as spending incentives, and access exclusive sets not available from third-party retailers.
One of the most appealing features of the LEGO Store is its point system. Every dollar spent earns you 6.5 points, with 130 points equating to $1, effectively giving you a 5% return on your investment, redeemable on future purchases. Additionally, there are periods throughout the year where you can earn double points, significantly enhancing the value of the program.
Other reputable online options include Amazon, Target, and Walmart. While these platforms don’t offer the same exclusivity or point system as the LEGO Store, they often provide modest discounts on their sets. The LEGO Store typically maintains full retail prices, except during specific promotions aimed at clearing out inventory near the end of a set's lifecycle.
Where to Buy Retired Sets Online
For those seeking retired sets, unofficial marketplaces like Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook are your go-to sources. However, be prepared for higher prices. It's advisable to contact sellers directly, negotiate, and compare prices across different platforms to secure the best deal possible.
Where to Buy LEGO Sets in Stores
Brick-and-mortar stores offer a tactile shopping experience, though the selection might not be as diverse as online. The in-person LEGO Store mirrors the benefits of its online counterpart, including the LEGO Insiders program. Additionally, physical LEGO Stores often feature interactive elements like building stations and a minifigure customization area.
Target and Walmart have dedicated LEGO sections, while GameStop sometimes carries gaming-themed sets. Barnes & Noble also stocks LEGO products, including lifestyle sets, smaller impulse buys, and Harry Potter-themed sets, leveraging the franchise's enduring popularity. Discounts at these smaller outlets are less common, but it's always worth checking.
One last note: For recently retired sets, physical stores can be a goldmine. Just because LEGO officially retires a set doesn't mean third-party retailers immediately follow suit. You might find discontinued sets still on shelves, offering a chance to snag them at regular prices.
When Do LEGO Sets Go on Sale?
LEGO sets generally don't go on sale often, given their high demand and the company's preference to retire sets rather than discount them. However, there are strategic times to watch for sales:
- May 4 (Star Wars Day): LEGO often doubles Insider points on Star Wars sets.
- March 10 (Mario Day): LEGO partners with Nintendo, offering similar deals on Mario-themed sets.
- Clearance Deals: Early in the year, when LEGO retires old sets and launches new ones, box-stores often clear out inventory.
- Holiday Season: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Days in July and October are prime times for deep discounts.
By staying informed about these sales events, you can maximize your savings on LEGO sets and enjoy the building experience without breaking the bank.
