Top Spots for LEGO Purchases in 2025

Over the past decade, the popularity and demand for LEGO have soared tremendously. What was once a beloved building toy for children has now captured the hearts of teens and adults alike. The evolution of LEGO sets is remarkable, expanding in detail, utility, and variety to cater to a diverse audience. Some sets are crafted for interactive play, others serve as stunning display pieces, such as dioramas or high-end collectibles. Additionally, a growing segment of sets has transformed into lifestyle accessories, including wall decorations, plants, and flowers, seamlessly blending into modern living spaces.

With hundreds of LEGO sets available for purchase, spanning various piece counts, themes, and price points, potential buyers often face two significant challenges: locating the desired set and finding it at a reasonable cost. A primary reason for these issues is that LEGO retires all its sets, even the popular ones, to pave the way for new releases. This practice has fueled a thriving resale market where merchants can inflate prices by 2-3 times the original cost.

Moreover, LEGO sets are inherently expensive and have been trending upward in price over recent years. A prime example is the 7541-piece Star Wars Millennium Falcon set, which launched in 2017 for $800—a figure well above the usual '10 cents per piece' benchmark. By 2025, the price has risen to $850, underscoring the ongoing cost increase.

To navigate these challenges effectively, being a smart and meticulous consumer is key. Below are the best places to shop for LEGO sets in 2025, along with optimal times to seek out deals.

Where to Buy LEGO Sets Online

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

The most appealing aspect of shopping at the LEGO Store is its point system. For every dollar spent, customers earn 6.5 points, and 130 points equate to $1. This translates to a 5% return on your investment, which can be saved and redeemed for future purchases. Additionally, there are specific times during the year when you can earn double points, further enhancing the value of the program.

Other top online destinations include Amazon, Target, and Walmart. While these retailers do not offer the point system or exclusive sets found at the LEGO Store, they often provide modest discounts on most of their LEGO inventory. In contrast, the LEGO Store typically charges full retail price, except on select occasions aimed at clearing out inventory near the end of a set's lifecycle.

When deciding where to shop, it's crucial to weigh the benefits. Would you prefer a 10% discount at Target.com, which technically accepts LEGO Insider points but at a less favorable exchange rate? Or would you opt to pay full price at the LEGO Store in exchange for future discounts and exclusive sets?

For those in search of retired LEGO sets, unofficial online marketplaces like Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook become essential. Be prepared for higher prices, but don't hesitate to contact sellers directly, negotiate, and compare prices to secure the best possible deal.

Where to Buy LEGO Sets in Stores

For those who prefer the in-store shopping experience, brick-and-mortar locations offer a tangible alternative. While the variety of sets might not match what's available online, many enjoy the personalized attention and the opportunity to inspect sets before buying.

Visiting a physical LEGO Store mirrors the online experience, with the added benefit of the LEGO Insiders program and its point system. In-store, you'll also find interactive attractions like LEGO building stations and minifigure stations, where you can customize your own minifigure from hundreds of parts and accessories.

Target and Walmart have dedicated LEGO sections in their stores, offering a range of sets to evaluate against the LEGO Store's inventory. Gamestop may carry gaming-themed LEGO sets, while Barnes and Noble offers lifestyle sets, smaller impulse buys, and popular Harry Potter sets, reflecting the franchise's status as one of the best-selling book series in history. While discounts at these smaller outlets may be rare, it's always worth checking.

If you're hunting for recently retired sets, brick-and-mortar stores could be your best bet. Even after LEGO officially retires a set, some third-party retailers may still have stock. While finding such sets is a long shot, it's not impossible.

When Do LEGO Sets Go on Sale?

LEGO sets rarely receive discounts outside of regular markdowns at box-stores, as the demand remains high, and LEGO prefers to retire sets rather than reduce their prices. However, there are specific times during the year when you can find deals.

LEGO celebrates May 4 (Star Wars Day) by offering double Insider points for Star Wars set purchases. Similarly, March 10 (Mario Day) features partnerships with Nintendo and similar promotional deals. Keep an eye on notable anniversaries, especially those linked to third-party franchises, for potential savings.

Always look for clearance deals at box-stores, particularly at the beginning of the year when LEGO retires old sets and launches new ones. This period prompts third-party retailers to refresh their inventory, often at discounted prices.

The holiday season, particularly Black Friday and Cyber Monday, is ideal for securing deep discounts. Additionally, Amazon Prime Days in July and October provide solid opportunities for LEGO deals. Stay vigilant for any upcoming sales events that might offer LEGO discounts.