The LEGO craze shows no signs of slowing down. What began as a children's toy has captivated teens and adults alike, with sets evolving in complexity, functionality, and variety. From playful builds to intricate display pieces and even stylish home décor, LEGO has expanded its reach into various aspects of our lives.

With hundreds of sets available, spanning diverse 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—even popular ones—by LEGO 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 cost.

The inherent cost of LEGO is another factor. Consider the colossal 7541-piece Star Wars Millennium Falcon, released in 2017 for $800 (already exceeding the typical 10 cents-per-piece average). Today, it commands around $850, highlighting the increasing price trend.

Strategic shopping is key to navigating these challenges. Here's your guide to finding the best LEGO deals in 2025, covering the optimal places and times to shop.

Where to Buy LEGO Sets Online

LEGO Store: The official LEGO store offers the broadest selection, easily searchable by theme, price, release date, and customer rating. Excellent customer service and the LEGO Insiders program (with its numerous perks) are additional benefits. Enjoy early access to sets, free sets as incentives, and exclusive items unavailable elsewhere. The points system—where every dollar spent earns 6.5 points, redeemable at a rate of 130 points = $1 (effectively 5% back)—is a significant advantage, especially during double-points events.

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

Target: Accepts LEGO Insider points (though the exchange rate may not always be favorable) and often provides modest discounts.

Walmart: Another solid option with occasional discounts.

Ultimately, comparing prices and rewards across these platforms is essential. Weigh the potential 10% discount at Target against the full retail price at the LEGO Store, considering the future discounts and potential free exclusive sets earned through the points system.

Where to Buy Retired Sets Online

For retired sets, unofficial marketplaces like Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook are your only options. Expect higher prices; direct communication with sellers, haggling, and thorough price comparisons are crucial for securing the best deals.

Where to Buy LEGO Sets in Stores

Brick-and-mortar stores offer a hands-on experience. The in-person LEGO Store mirrors the online store's benefits, including the Insiders program and interactive features like building stations. Target and Walmart also carry LEGO, while GameStop and Barnes & Noble offer niche selections (gaming-themed and lifestyle sets, respectively). Discounts are less common at smaller retailers, but it's worth checking.

For recently retired sets, physical stores might hold leftover inventory, offering a slim chance of finding them at regular prices.

When Do LEGO Sets Go on Sale?

Beyond standard discounts at large retailers, LEGO sales are infrequent. However, specific periods offer increased opportunities:

• May 4th (Star Wars Day) and March 10th (Mario Day): Double Insider points are often offered on related sets.
• Beginning of the Year: Clearance deals are more common as retailers refresh inventory after LEGO's annual set releases and retirements.
• Holiday Season (Black Friday, Cyber Monday): Expect deeper discounts.
• Amazon Prime Days (July & October): Keep an eye out for potential LEGO deals.

By combining smart shopping strategies with awareness of seasonal sales, you can significantly improve your chances of finding your dream LEGO set at a price that fits your budget.