How to Find the Best Deals on LEGO: A Guide for Smart Shoppers
If you're like me and love building with LEGO (whether for yourself or your kids), you know it can be a pricey hobby. But don’t let those high retail prices discourage you—there are plenty of ways to find great deals on LEGO sets, from hidden gems in sales to creative discount strategies. Here's a guide to help you stack up savings like bricks and maximize your collection.
Timing Is Everything: Know When to Buy
Retailers often have sales around holidays, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and after Christmas. Watch for these sales to snag some great deals. Additionally, new LEGO sets are often released at the start of the year and mid-year, which means older sets will be discounted to make room for new inventory.
Pro Tip: January and August are prime months for LEGO discounts as retailers clear out stock to make room for new sets.
Check Multiple Retailers
Don’t just stick to one store—compare prices across various retailers, both online and in physical stores. Here’s a list of great places to check regularly:
Amazon: With frequent flash sales and fluctuating prices, Amazon is a great place for deals. Use tools like CamelCamelCamel to track price history.
Walmart & Target: Both stores regularly offer discounts, and Target’s RedCard can save you an extra 5% on every purchase.
LEGO.com: While LEGO’s own store rarely has steep discounts, they often have exclusive sets and seasonal sales. Plus, signing up for the VIP program can earn you points toward future purchases.
Costco: If you're a member, Costco occasionally stocks LEGO sets at lower prices, especially during the holidays.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on daily deal websites like Slickdeals or Brickseek, which track the best LEGO offers across multiple stores.
Look for Retired Sets
LEGO discontinuing a set (retiring) can lead to price drops right before it vanishes from store shelves. As retailers clear out the remaining stock, prices can fall dramatically. However, once a set is retired and in demand, it becomes harder to find and prices can skyrocket. If you’re eyeing a specific set that’s nearing retirement, this is a good opportunity to grab it at a discount.
Pro Tip: Use resources like Brickset to track when sets are expected to retire.
Second-Hand Market
If you’re open to buying used LEGO sets, the second-hand market is a treasure trove. Many collectors and families sell their gently used sets on sites like:
eBay: Auctions often lead to great deals, especially on bulk sets or older collections.
Facebook Marketplace: Local deals can help you avoid shipping costs, and you might find someone looking to offload a collection at a bargain.
BrickLink: This marketplace is a hub for LEGO enthusiasts and often has competitive prices on hard-to-find sets and individual bricks.
Pro Tip: Always double-check the condition and completeness of a set before purchasing used. Buying partially built or mixed sets can be cheaper but will require some sorting!
Buy in Bulk
One of the best ways to build up your LEGO collection is to buy in bulk. Some sellers bundle random LEGO bricks or parts from multiple sets. You won’t always get instructions, but for a true AFOL (Adult Fan of LEGO), these bulk purchases can add variety and spark creativity.
Pro Tip: Use LEGO’s own Pick a Brick feature on their website if you're after specific pieces. While not always the cheapest option, it’s perfect for completing a set or finding rare bricks.
Coupons and Cashback
Make use of coupon apps and cashback services to save even more. Websites like Honey or Rakuten will automatically apply coupon codes or give you cashback on your purchases.
Pro Tip: Stack coupons on top of store sales for even bigger savings! Target, for instance, allows you to use Cartwheel offers, RedCard savings, and manufacturer coupons at once.
LEGO VIP Program
If you’re a frequent LEGO shopper, signing up for the free LEGO VIP program is a no-brainer. You earn points with every purchase, which can later be redeemed for discounts. The program also gives early access to certain sets and exclusive rewards.
Pro Tip: If a big set is on your radar, wait for double VIP points events, which typically happen a few times a year. This can get you back up to 10% of your purchase in points!
Watch for Gift with Purchase (GWP)
LEGO often runs promotions where you can get free sets or exclusive items when you spend over a certain amount. These GWP deals can add a lot of value, especially if you were planning to buy anyway.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the LEGO store calendar or sign up for the LEGO newsletter to be notified of upcoming GWP offers.
Hunting for the best LEGO deals takes a bit of patience and timing, but it's definitely worth the effort. Whether you're looking for that one special set or just want to bulk up your collection, these tips will help you build your LEGO collection without breaking the bank. Keep your eyes peeled for deals, plan your purchases wisely, and soon you'll have a world of bricks at your fingertips!
Happy hunting!
Build, Display, Repeat.
