The Best Places to Buy LEGO Sets in 2025

Over the past decade, the popularity and demand for LEGO have soared to new heights. What was once primarily a building toy for children has now captivated teens and adults alike. The sets themselves have evolved, offering greater detail, utility, and a wider variety of themes.

LEGO sets cater to different needs: some are designed for interactive play, while others serve as stunning display pieces, such as dioramas or high-end collectibles. Additionally, a growing segment of sets functions as lifestyle accessories, including wall decorations, plants, and flowers, seamlessly integrating into home decor.

With hundreds of LEGO sets available for purchase, spanning various piece counts, themes, and price points, potential buyers often face two main challenges: locating the desired set and finding it at a reasonable price. A common issue is that many sets become "retired." LEGO regularly retires its sets, even popular ones, to introduce new products. This practice has fueled a thriving resale market where sets can be marked up to 2-3 times their original price.

Moreover, LEGO sets are inherently expensive and have been increasing in cost over the years. For instance, the massive 7,541-piece Star Wars Millennium Falcon, launched in 2017 at $800, now retails for $850, significantly above 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 Insiders Program### LEGO Store

4See it at LEGO The 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 is the first and most obvious choice for purchasing LEGO sets online. It boasts the widest selection, easily sortable by theme, price, release date, and customer rating. The store also offers responsive customer service and the LEGO Insiders program, which is free to join and comes with numerous benefits.

Members of the LEGO Insiders program can purchase sets before they are released to the general public, receive free sets as spending incentives, and access sets exclusive to the LEGO Store. The most appealing feature is the point system, where every dollar spent earns 6.5 points, and 130 points equate to $1, effectively giving you a 5% return on your purchases. Additionally, there are specific times during the year when you can earn double points, enhancing the program's value.

Other reliable online options include Amazon, Target, and Walmart. While these do not offer the point system or exclusivity of the LEGO Store, they often provide modest discounts on most sets. The LEGO Store typically maintains full retail prices, except during select sales aimed at clearing out inventory near the end of a set's lifecycle.

For 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 to negotiate and compare prices for the best deal.

Where to Buy LEGO Sets in Stores

For those who prefer shopping in person, brick-and-mortar stores offer another avenue. While the selection might not be as diverse as online, many enjoy the personalized attention and the ability to physically inspect sets before buying.

The in-person LEGO Store is an excellent choice, mirroring the benefits of its online counterpart, including the LEGO Insiders program and its point system. LEGO Stores also provide interactive experiences, such as building stations and minifigure customization areas where you can create your own unique character.

Target and Walmart have dedicated LEGO sections in their stores, and it's worth comparing their offerings with those at the LEGO Store on a case-by-case basis. GameStop occasionally stocks gaming-themed LEGO sets, while Barnes & Noble offers 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 at smaller outlets are rare, it's always worth checking.

If you're hunting for recently retired sets, physical stores can be a surprising source. Even after LEGO officially retires a set, some third-party retailers may still have stock. While it's not guaranteed, it's possible to find these sets in stores months after their official retirement.

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 of the year when you can find deals.

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

Clearance deals at box-stores are more common at the beginning of the year when LEGO retires old sets and launches new ones, prompting retailers to refresh their inventory. The holiday season, particularly Black Friday and Cyber Monday, is ideal for deep discounts. Amazon Prime Days in July and October also present solid opportunities for LEGO deals. Stay vigilant for any upcoming sales events to snag potential LEGO bargains.