The Best Places to Buy LEGO Sets in 2025

LEGO's popularity has exploded over the past decade, captivating not only children but also teens and adults. The sets themselves have become incredibly diverse, ranging from playful builds to intricate display pieces and even stylish home décor. From elaborate playsets to stunning dioramas and collectible masterpieces, the options are vast. A growing trend sees LEGO sets integrated into living spaces as wall art, plant holders, and more.

With hundreds of sets available, spanning various themes, piece counts, and price points, finding the perfect LEGO set at a reasonable price can be challenging. A major hurdle is the retirement of sets. LEGO regularly retires sets, even popular ones, to make way for new releases. This practice fuels a robust resale market, where prices often inflate to two or three times the original retail price.

The inherent cost of LEGO is another factor. Prices have steadily increased in recent years. Consider the iconic 7541-piece Millennium Falcon, released in 2017 for $800—already exceeding the typical "10 cents per piece" average. Today, its price hovers around $850.

Smart shopping strategies can help you navigate these challenges. Below, we'll explore the best places to buy LEGO sets in 2025 and the optimal times to snag deals.

Where to Buy LEGO Sets Online

LEGO Store: The official LEGO Store boasts the widest selection, easily searchable by theme, price, release date, and customer rating. Excellent customer service and the LEGO Insiders program (with its numerous perks) are added benefits. You can access early releases, receive bonus sets, and enjoy exclusive items unavailable elsewhere.

Amazon: A reliable option offering modest discounts on many sets.

Target: Offers modest discounts and accepts LEGO Insider points (though the exchange rate might not always be ideal).

Walmart: Another solid option with occasional discounts.

The LEGO Store's points system is particularly attractive. Each dollar spent earns 6.5 points, equivalent to $1 for every 130 points—effectively a 5% reward. Double points promotions further enhance its value.

Amazon, Target, and Walmart, while lacking the points system and exclusive sets, often provide discounts, making them competitive alternatives. The LEGO Store usually charges full price, except during specific sales or inventory clearances.

Ultimately, comparing prices and benefits is key. A 10% discount at Target might not outweigh the long-term savings and exclusive sets offered by the LEGO Store's points system.

Where to Buy Retired Sets Online

For retired sets, unofficial marketplaces like Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook are your only option. Be prepared for significantly higher prices. Direct communication with sellers, haggling, and thorough price comparisons are crucial.

Where to Buy LEGO Sets in Stores

Brick-and-mortar stores offer a hands-on experience, although the selection is usually smaller than online. The in-person LEGO Store mirrors the online store's benefits, including the Insiders program and interactive features like building stations.

Target and Walmart's LEGO sections provide alternatives, but a case-by-case comparison with the LEGO Store's inventory is recommended. Gamestop and Barnes & Noble also carry select LEGO sets, though discounts are less common.

For recently retired sets, brick-and-mortar stores might offer a slim chance of finding them, as retailers don't always immediately remove retired items from shelves.

When Do LEGO Sets Go on Sale?

Beyond standard box-store discounts, LEGO sets rarely see price reductions. However, specific times offer better opportunities:

• May 4th (Star Wars Day) and March 10th (Mario Day): Double points promotions often occur, especially for related themes.
• Beginning of the Year: Clearance sales are more frequent as retailers refresh their inventory following LEGO's new releases and retirements.
• Holiday Season (Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Amazon Prime Days): Expect deeper discounts.