Top LEGO Set Purchase Spots in 2025

Over the past decade, the popularity and demand for LEGO has soared to new heights. What was once a simple building toy for children has evolved into a beloved hobby for teens and adults alike. The sets themselves have become more intricate, versatile, and varied, catering to a broad spectrum of interests and purposes.

Some LEGO sets are designed for interactive play, offering a fun and engaging experience. Others are crafted as display pieces, serving as detailed dioramas or valuable collectibles. A growing segment of the market includes lifestyle accessories such as wall decorations, plants, and flowers, seamlessly integrating into home decor.

With hundreds of LEGO sets available across various themes, piece counts, and price points, potential buyers often face two main challenges: finding the desired set and securing it at a reasonable price. A primary reason for these issues is that LEGO retires all its sets—even popular ones—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.

Moreover, LEGO sets are inherently expensive, and prices have been on an upward trend for several years. For instance, the massive 7541-piece Star Wars Millennium Falcon, launched in 2017 at $800, now retails for $850, significantly exceeding the typical '10 cents per piece' benchmark of most LEGO sets.

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

Where to Buy LEGO Sets Online

LEGO Insiders Program### LEGO Store

4See it at LEGOBest Discounts### Amazon

2See it at AmazonAccepts LEGO Insider Points### Target

1See it at TargetExclusive Deals### Walmart

0See it at WalmartThe first and most obvious place to shop for LEGO online is the official LEGO Store, which boasts the widest selection, easily sorted by theme, price, release date, and customer rating. LEGO's customer service is highly responsive, and the LEGO Insiders program offers numerous benefits. It's free to join, allowing you to purchase sets before their general release, receive free sets as spending incentives, and access sets exclusive to the LEGO Store.

The most appealing feature of the LEGO Store is its point system, where every dollar spent earns 6.5 points, with 130 points equating to $1. This effectively gives you a 5% return on your purchases, which can be redeemed for future buys. Additionally, there are periods throughout the year when you can earn double points, enhancing the program's value.

Other top online options include Amazon, Target, and Walmart. While they don't offer the point system or exclusivity of the official store, they often provide modest discounts on their LEGO sets. In contrast, the LEGO Store typically maintains full retail prices, except during select sales aimed at clearing out inventory as a set's lifecycle ends.

Thus, it's crucial to weigh your options. For example, would you prefer a 10% discount at Target.com, which accepts LEGO Insider points but at a less favorable exchange rate, or pay full price at the LEGO Store for future discounts and exclusive perks?

Where to Buy Retired Sets Online

For those seeking retired sets, unofficial online marketplaces such as Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook are your go-to sources. Be prepared for higher prices and always communicate directly with sellers, negotiate, and compare prices to secure the best deal.

Where to Buy LEGO Sets in Stores

Physical stores offer another avenue for purchasing LEGO sets. While the selection might not be as vast as online, many prefer the personalized attention and the ability to inspect sets before buying.

Visiting a LEGO Store in person provides the same advantages as shopping online, including access to the LEGO Insiders program and its point system. LEGO Stores also offer interactive experiences such as building stations and minifigure customization, where you can create your own unique characters.

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 carries lifestyle sets, smaller impulse buys, and Harry Potter sets, aligning with the franchise's immense popularity.

One last note: If you're after a recently retired set, your best bet is brick-and-mortar stores. Even though LEGO officially retires sets, third-party retailers may still have them in stock. While it's a long shot, it's worth checking.

When Do LEGO Sets Go on Sale?

LEGO sets seldom 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 sales occur.

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

Clearance deals at box-stores are more common at the beginning of the year, coinciding with LEGO's retirement of old sets and launch of new ones, prompting retailers to refresh their inventory.

The holiday season, particularly Black Friday and Cyber Monday, offers deep discounts. Amazon Prime Days in July and October are also excellent opportunities to snag LEGO deals. Always be on the lookout for upcoming sales events that might feature LEGO sets at reduced prices.