Top Spots for LEGO Purchases in 2025

Over the past decade, LEGO's popularity and demand have skyrocketed. What was once a simple building toy for children has evolved to captivate teens and adults alike. The sets have grown in complexity, utility, and diversity, ranging from play-focused models to intricate dioramas and high-end collectibles. Additionally, LEGO has ventured into lifestyle accessories, such as wall decorations, plants, and flowers, seamlessly blending into home decor.

With hundreds of LEGO sets available across 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 issue is that many sets become "retired," a practice LEGO uses to clear space for new releases. This retirement leads to a thriving resell market where prices can be marked up significantly, often two to three times the original cost.

LEGO sets are inherently expensive, a trend that has intensified over the years. For instance, the 7541-piece Star Wars Millennium Falcon, launched in 2017 for $800, now retails at $850, far exceeding the typical '10 cents per piece' rate of most sets. To navigate these challenges, it's crucial to be a savvy and diligent consumer. Here's a guide to the best places to shop for LEGO sets in 2025 and the optimal times to snag deals.

Where to Buy LEGO Sets Online

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 first and most obvious place to shop for LEGO online is the official LEGO Store, which offers the widest selection, easily sortable by theme, price, release date, and customer rating. The store provides responsive customer service and features the LEGO Insiders program, which is free to join and offers numerous benefits. Members can purchase sets before they're available to the public, receive free sets as spending incentives, and access exclusive sets not available through third-party retailers.

The most attractive feature of the LEGO Store is its point system. For every dollar spent, you earn 6.5 points, with 130 points equating to $1, effectively providing a 5% return on your investment, which can be redeemed for future purchases. Additionally, there are specific times during the year when you can earn double points, significantly enhancing the program's value.

Other top online options include Amazon and the online storefronts for Target and Walmart. While they lack the point system and exclusivity of the official store, they often offer modest discounts on most sets. The LEGO Store typically maintains full retail prices, except during select occasions when it's clearing out inventory near the end of a set's lifecycle.

For those seeking retired sets, unofficial online marketplaces like Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook are your go-to sources. Be prepared for higher prices and always contact the seller directly, negotiate, and compare prices to secure the best deal possible.

Where to Buy LEGO Sets in Stores

Brick-and-mortar stores offer another shopping avenue. While they may not match the online variety, many shoppers prefer the personalized attention and the ability to physically handle sets before buying.

The in-person LEGO Store mirrors the benefits of its online counterpart, including the LEGO Insiders program and point system. Additionally, these stores often feature interactive attractions like LEGO building stations and a minifigure station, allowing you to create custom figures.

Target and Walmart have dedicated LEGO sections in their stores, which should be compared to the LEGO Store's inventory on a case-by-case basis. GameStop occasionally offers gaming-themed LEGO sets, while Barnes and Noble stocks lifestyle sets, smaller impulse purchases, and popular Harry Potter sets, aligning with the franchise's status as one of the best-selling book series in history. Although discounts are less common in smaller outlets, it's always worth checking.

If you're hunting for a recently retired set, physical stores can be your best bet. Even after LEGO officially retires a set, third-party retailers might still have stock. While it's not guaranteed, it's certainly worth exploring.

When Do LEGO Sets Go on Sale?

Outside of regular discounts at big-box stores, LEGO sets rarely go on sale due to high demand. LEGO prefers to retire sets rather than discount them. However, there are specific times throughout the year when you can find deals.

LEGO celebrates May 4 (Star Wars Day) by offering double Insider points on Star Wars sets. Similarly, on March 10 (Mario Day), in partnership with Nintendo, LEGO provides similar incentives. Keep an eye on notable anniversaries, especially those linked to third-party franchises.

Look for clearance deals at big-box stores, particularly at the beginning of the year when LEGO retires old sets and introduces new ones, prompting retailers to update their inventory. The holiday season, especially Black Friday and Cyber Monday, offers deep discounts. Amazon Prime Days in July and October are also excellent opportunities for LEGO deals. Stay alert for upcoming sales events to maximize your savings on LEGO sets.