Top LEGO Set Purchase Spots for 2025

Over the past decade, the popularity and demand for LEGO have soared. What was once a building toy for children has expanded its audience to include teens and adults. The sets themselves have evolved, offering greater detail, utility, and variety.

Some sets are designed for interactive play, while others are crafted for display as dioramas or high-end collectibles. A growing segment of sets serves as lifestyle accessories, such as wall decorations, plants, and flowers, seamlessly integrating into living spaces.

With hundreds of LEGO sets available for purchase, spanning various piece counts, themes, and price points, 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." LEGO retires all its sets, even popular ones, to make way for new releases. This practice has fueled a thriving resale market, where merchants often sell sets at 2-3 times their original price.

Moreover, LEGO sets are inherently expensive and have become increasingly so over the years. For instance, the 7541-piece Star Wars Millennium Falcon, launched in 2017 at $800, now costs $850, significantly exceeding the typical '10 cents per piece' rate of most LEGO sets.

To navigate these challenges, it's crucial to be a smart and meticulous consumer. Here are the best places to shop for LEGO sets in 2025, along with optimal times to find deals.

Where to Buy LEGO Sets Online

LEGO Store

4See it at LEGO!

The official LEGO Store offers the widest selection, easily sortable by theme, price, release date, and customer rating. It boasts responsive customer service and the LEGO Insiders program, which is free to join and offers numerous benefits. Members can purchase sets before they are available to the general public, receive free sets as spending incentives, and access exclusive sets not available from third-party retailers.

The LEGO Store's point system is particularly appealing: every dollar spent earns 6.5 points, with 130 points equating to $1, effectively giving you a 5% return on your purchases. Additionally, there are times during the year when you can earn double points, enhancing the program's value.

Amazon

2See it at Amazon!

Amazon, along with the online storefronts of Target and Walmart, are other excellent options. While they lack the point system and exclusivity of the LEGO Store, they often provide modest discounts on most 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.

Target

1See it at Target!

Target accepts LEGO Insider points, though at an exchange rate that may not be as advantageous as at the LEGO Store.

Walmart

0See it at Walmart!

When choosing where to buy, consider whether you prefer a 10% discount at Target.com or paying full price at the LEGO Store for future discounts and exclusive sets.

Where to Buy Retired Sets Online

For retired sets, unofficial online marketplaces like Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook are your only options. Be prepared for higher prices, and always contact the seller directly to negotiate and compare prices for the best deal.

Where to Buy LEGO Sets in Stores

Brick-and-mortar stores offer another shopping avenue. While they may not have the same diversity of sets as online, many prefer the personalized attention and the ability to handle sets before buying.

The in-person LEGO Store mirrors the benefits of its online counterpart, including the LEGO Insiders program and its point system. These stores also offer interactive experiences, such as LEGO building stations and minifigure customization areas.

Target and Walmart have dedicated LEGO sections, and their offerings should be compared to the LEGO Store's inventory on a case-by-case basis. Gamestop occasionally stocks gaming-themed LEGO sets, while Barnes and Noble sells lifestyle sets, smaller impulse buys, and Harry Potter sets, aligning with the franchise's status as one of the best-selling book series in history. Although discounts are rare at smaller outlets, it's worth checking.

One last note: For recently retired sets, physical stores are your best bet. Even after LEGO officially retires a set, third-party retailers may still have stock. While it's unlikely, it's possible to find these sets in stores.

When Do LEGO Sets Go on Sale?

LEGO sets rarely go on sale due to high demand, with LEGO preferring to retire sets rather than discount them. However, there are specific times to watch for sales.

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

Look for clearance deals at box-stores, particularly at the beginning of the year when LEGO retires old sets and launches new ones, prompting retailers to refresh their inventory.

The holiday season, especially Black Friday and Cyber Monday, offers deep discounts. Amazon Prime Days in July and October are also good opportunities for LEGO deals. Stay alert for any upcoming sales events that might feature LEGO discounts.