The Best Places to Buy LEGO Sets in 2025

Over the past decade, the popularity of LEGO has skyrocketed, transforming from a simple building toy for children into a beloved hobby for teens and adults alike. The range of LEGO sets has grown tremendously, offering not only traditional play sets but also intricate dioramas, high-value collectibles, and lifestyle accessories like wall decorations, plants, and flowers that seamlessly blend into home decor.

With hundreds of LEGO sets available, ranging in piece count, theme, and price, potential buyers often face two main challenges: finding the desired set and securing it at a reasonable price. A common issue is that many sets become "retired" as LEGO phases them out to make way for new releases. This practice has fueled a thriving resale market, where sets can be sold for two to three times their original price.

LEGO sets are inherently expensive, and prices have been on the rise. For instance, the 7,541-piece Star Wars Millennium Falcon, which debuted in 2017 at $800, now costs $850. To navigate these challenges, savvy consumers can take advantage of the best shopping strategies and times to snag deals on LEGO sets.

Where to Buy LEGO Sets Online

The official LEGO Store is the prime destination for LEGO enthusiasts. It boasts the largest selection of sets, which can be sorted by theme, price, release date, and customer rating. The store's customer service is top-notch, and the LEGO Insiders program offers numerous benefits. Joining this free program allows members to buy sets before they're available to the public, receive free sets as spending incentives, and access sets exclusive to the LEGO Store.

One of the most attractive features of the LEGO Store is its point system. For every dollar spent, members earn 6.5 points, which can be redeemed at a rate of 130 points for $1, effectively offering a 5% return on purchases. Additionally, there are times throughout the year when members can earn double points, enhancing the value of the program.

For those seeking discounts, Amazon, Target, and Walmart are excellent alternatives. While they lack the exclusivity and point system of the LEGO Store, they frequently offer competitive prices on many sets. Shoppers must weigh the benefits of a modest discount at these retailers against the long-term savings and exclusive perks provided by the LEGO Store.

For retired sets, unofficial marketplaces like Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook are the go-to sources. These platforms often come with higher prices, so it's crucial to contact sellers directly, negotiate, and compare prices to secure the best deal possible.

Where to Buy LEGO Sets in Stores

Physical stores offer a tangible shopping experience, allowing buyers to interact with sets before purchasing. The LEGO Store's in-person locations provide the same benefits as their online counterpart, including the LEGO Insiders program. These stores also offer interactive experiences, such as building stations and customizable minifigure stations.

Target and Walmart have dedicated LEGO sections, and their inventory should be compared to the LEGO Store's offerings. GameStop and Barnes & Noble also carry LEGO sets, with the latter focusing on lifestyle sets, smaller impulse buys, and popular themes like Harry Potter. While discounts are rare at smaller outlets, it's always worth checking for deals.

For recently retired sets, brick-and-mortar stores are your best bet. Even after official retirement, some retailers may still have stock, so it's possible to find a discontinued set in-store.

When Do LEGO Sets Go on Sale?

LEGO sets are seldom discounted due to high demand, with the company preferring to retire sets rather than reduce prices. However, there are specific times when deals are more likely. LEGO celebrates Star Wars Day on May 4th by offering double Insider points on Star Wars sets, and Mario Day on March 10th with similar promotions for Nintendo-themed sets. Keep an eye on these and other anniversaries related to popular franchises for potential savings.

Clearance deals at big-box stores are more common at the beginning of the year, as LEGO retires old sets and introduces new ones, prompting retailers to clear out inventory. The holiday season, particularly Black Friday and Cyber Monday, along with Amazon Prime Days in July and October, are prime times for deep discounts on LEGO sets. Stay vigilant for any upcoming sales events to maximize your chances of finding great deals.