LEGO's enduring appeal has broadened its consumer base beyond children to encompass teenagers and adults. The sets themselves have become increasingly intricate, versatile, and diverse. Some cater to play, others to display as collectibles or dioramas, and a growing segment serves as stylish home décor.
The sheer volume of LEGO sets available presents challenges: locating desired sets and securing them at reasonable prices. This is often due to sets being "retired" by LEGO to accommodate new releases. This retirement policy fuels a robust resale market, where prices can inflate to two or three times the original cost.
LEGO's inherent expense is another factor. The 2017 Star Wars Millennium Falcon (7541 pieces), originally priced at $800, now commands $850, exceeding the typical "10 cents per piece" pricing of many sets.
Strategic shopping can mitigate these issues. 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 offers the broadest selection, easily filtered by theme, price, release date, and customer ratings. Its responsive customer service and LEGO Insiders program (with perks like early access and exclusive sets) are significant advantages. The points system—$1 spent earns 6.5 points, redeemable at a rate of 130 points = $1 (effectively 5% back)—is particularly attractive, especially during double-points promotions.
Amazon, Target, and Walmart offer alternative online options, often providing modest discounts, though lacking the points system and exclusive sets of the official store. The LEGO Store usually charges full price except for occasional inventory clearances.
AnswerSee ResultsThe decision hinges on comparing discounts against the LEGO Store's points system and exclusive offers.
Finding Retired Sets
Unofficial marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook are the only avenues for retired sets, but expect significantly higher prices. Direct communication with sellers, negotiation, 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 examine sets before purchase are attractive to many. The LEGO Store offers the same Insiders program benefits and interactive features like building stations. Target and Walmart also have LEGO sections, while Gamestop and Barnes & Noble carry select sets. Discounts are less frequent in smaller stores, but checking is worthwhile. Brick-and-mortar stores may offer a chance to find recently retired sets.
LEGO Sale Timing
Beyond standard box-store discounts, LEGO sales are infrequent. Key periods include May 4th (Star Wars Day) and March 10th (Mario Day), often featuring double Insider points. Year-end clearance sales, particularly Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Days, offer further opportunities.
AnswerSee Results