Over the past decade, the popularity and demand for LEGO has soared to new heights. What was once considered a simple building toy for children has now captured the imagination of teens and adults alike. The range of LEGO sets has evolved significantly, boasting increased detail, functionality, and diversity to cater to this broader audience.
LEGO sets today are designed for a variety of purposes. Some are crafted for interactive play, while others are perfect for display as intricate dioramas or high-value collectibles. A growing segment of sets also serves as lifestyle accessories, such as wall decorations, plants, and flowers, seamlessly blending into home decor.
With hundreds of LEGO sets available for purchase, spanning various piece counts, themes, and price points, potential buyers may face two primary challenges: locating the desired set and finding it at a reasonable price. A common issue is that many sets become "retired." LEGO discontinues all its sets—even the popular ones—to make way for new releases. This practice has fueled a thriving resell market where sets can be marked up to 2-3 times their original price.
Additionally, LEGO sets are inherently expensive, and their prices have been steadily increasing over the years. For instance, the colossal 7,541-piece Star Wars Millennium Falcon, launched in 2017 for $800, now costs $850—far exceeding the typical '10 cents per piece' pricing of most LEGO sets.
To navigate these challenges, it's crucial to be a savvy and diligent consumer. Here are the best places to shop for LEGO sets in 2025, along with optimal times to snag the best deals.
Where to Buy LEGO Sets Online

LEGO Store
4See it at LEGO!
The official LEGO Store offers the widest selection of sets, which can be easily sorted by theme, price, release date, and customer rating. LEGO's customer service is responsive, and the LEGO Insiders program, which is free to join, provides numerous benefits. Members can purchase sets before they're available to the public, receive free sets as spending incentives, and access sets exclusive to the LEGO Store.
One of the most attractive features of the LEGO Store is its point system, where every dollar spent earns 6.5 points, and 130 points equate to $1. This translates to a 5% return on your investment, which can be redeemed for future purchases. During certain times of the year, you can even earn double points, maximizing the program's value.

Amazon
2See it at Amazon!
Other top online options include Amazon, Target, and Walmart. While these platforms don't offer the same exclusivity or point system as the official LEGO Store, they often provide modest discounts on many sets. In contrast, the LEGO Store usually maintains full retail prices, except during select clearance sales.

Target
1See it at Target!

Walmart
0See it at Walmart!
When choosing between these options, consider the trade-offs. 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 sets?
Where to Buy Retired Sets Online
For retired LEGO 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 the best possible deal.
Where to Buy LEGO Sets in Stores

Brick-and-mortar stores offer another shopping avenue. While the selection might not be as extensive as online, many prefer the personalized service and the ability to inspect sets before buying.
The in-person LEGO Store mirrors the benefits of its online counterpart, including the LEGO Insiders program and its point system. Additionally, LEGO Stores often feature interactive attractions like building stations and minifigure customization areas.
Target and Walmart have dedicated LEGO sections in their stores, 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 & 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.
One last note: If you're hunting for a recently retired set, physical stores might still have stock. Even after LEGO officially retires a set, third-party retailers may not immediately follow suit. It's a long shot, but you might get lucky.
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 4 (Star Wars Day) with double Insider points on Star Wars sets and March 10 (Mario Day) with similar promotions in partnership with Nintendo. Keep an eye on these notable anniversaries, especially those tied to third-party franchises.
Look for clearance deals at box-stores, particularly at the beginning of the year when LEGO retires old sets and introduces new ones, prompting retailers to refresh their inventory.
The holiday season, especially Black Friday and Cyber Monday, offers deep discounts. Amazon Prime Days in July and October are also excellent opportunities for LEGO deals. Stay alert for any upcoming sales events to maximize your savings on LEGO sets.
