Just a decade ago, adult LEGO enthusiasts were a small, dedicated community. LEGO primarily focused on children, with special Creator Expert sets like modular buildings being rare treats for Adult Fans of LEGO (AFOLs).
However, LEGO has masterfully transformed its image over the last ten years. These iconic interlocking bricks are no longer just for kids; they’ve become a popular and sophisticated hobby for teenagers and adults alike. While classic modular buildings remain, LEGO now offers impressive scaled replicas of movie props, intricate working amusement park rides, and even detailed luxury car models. These aren’t meant for traditional ‘play’ but rather for the satisfying challenge of building and the joy of displaying impressive creations.
While this expansion of LEGO products is exciting, it often means higher prices due to increased piece counts and licensing fees for popular themes like Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Nintendo, and Minecraft. These retail prices can make some sets quite expensive for the average buyer. But don’t worry, it doesn’t mean you have to stop buying LEGO entirely; it simply encourages more thoughtful and strategic purchases.
LEGO maintains its premium pricing by often retiring sets instead of marking them down. However, clever shoppers know there are specific times throughout the year to find great deals, allowing you to get more bricks for your buck and maximize your building enjoyment.
Unlock Savings with Double Insider Points
In August 2023, the LEGO VIP program evolved into LEGO Insiders, a free loyalty rewards program available on LEGO’s official website. While membership offers perks like early access to exclusive sets, the biggest benefit is earning Insider points on purchases made through the official website or physical LEGO stores. Currently, the LEGO Store often runs promotions offering double points.
Typically, in the United States, every dollar spent earns 6.5 points, which can be redeemed for future purchases at a rate of $1 for every 130 points. This means a $300 purchase would usually yield $15 in rewards (5% back). However, during special double Insider points promotions on selected sets, that same $300 purchase would net you a generous $30 in rewards. These exciting promotions are usually announced a few days before they go live, so it’s wise to monitor LEGO’s social media channels to catch them.
Prime Opportunities: Annual Sale Events to Watch
Black Friday and Cyber Monday Madness
LEGO consistently participates in the year’s largest shopping extravaganza: Black Friday. The official LEGO Store has previously confirmed Black Friday deals running from late November into early December. While specific offers change annually, past events have included substantial Insider Point bonuses. Keep an eye out for these seasonal discounts.
Score Big on Amazon Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day stands as one of the year’s premier sales events across countless categories, and LEGO sets are certainly part of the action. If you’re planning a LEGO purchase, be sure to watch for deals during Prime Day, which typically spans two days in mid-July each year. Prime members can access fantastic LEGO discounts. Interestingly, the LEGO Store itself has sometimes joined in on Prime Day savings, often featuring deals on sets geared towards adult builders.
Don’t Miss Prime Big Deal Days
While not quite as massive as Prime Day, Amazon also hosts a significant sale event before Black Friday, known as Prime Big Deal Days. This typically occurs in mid-October and has featured impressive discounts on popular sets, such as the LEGO Super Mario Piranha Plant in previous years.
Holiday Weekend Bargains
Beyond the major shopping holidays, three-day weekends can also be excellent opportunities to discover LEGO discounts from various retailers, and occasionally even the official LEGO store. Sales often coincide with federal holidays like Presidents’ Day, Labor Day, and Memorial Day, making them worthwhile times to hunt for deals on a variety of sets.
Explore Other Retailers for Deals
Beyond the official LEGO stores, many third-party retailers also carry a vast selection of LEGO sets. Major stores like Amazon, Target, Walmart, Barnes and Noble, and Best Buy are great places to check, especially during their own Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions.
Sweeten the Deal with Gifts With Purchase (GWPs)
Keep an eye out for ‘Gifts With Purchase’ (GWPs), which are complimentary sets you receive when spending a specific amount of money. The required spending threshold varies, but previous promotions have included enticing items like a SEGA Genesis controller set for purchases over a certain value.
New GWPs are introduced regularly, often monthly or even bi-weekly. If you’re not in a rush for a particular set, it’s always a good strategy to check the current GWP offerings. This way, you can decide if it’s worth making your purchase now to grab an extra bonus set, or if waiting for a more appealing GWP is better.
Celebrate Star Wars Day: May The 4th Be With You!
Star Wars Day, celebrated every May 4th, is a consistently fantastic occasion for finding outstanding LEGO deals. This date often marks the debut of LEGO’s highly anticipated Collector Series replicas for the year. In the past, specific Star Wars set purchases have even qualified for an incredible 5x Insider points bonus.
The key takeaway is to stay informed and vigilant. While LEGO sets can be pricey, incredible deals are out there. By planning your purchases around these strategic times and events, you can fully enjoy your LEGO hobby without the financial strain often associated with collecting high-quality sets.