Best place to buy Lego kits?

[pjsmom30]

Hi,

I am new to Legos, and my boys are asking for them for their birthdays coming up in April. I know there was a BOGO 1/2 at TRU but that didn't help me since I only want one set at this point. They either want the large fire station, or the large police station. I was at the Lego store yesterday and they were $80 and $90 respectively.


Thanks in advance for any ideas and help!

[chays]

Why don't you get the fire station, etc and get a bucket of extra parts?

[billysmommy]

We tend to get our Legos at the Lego store and sometimes at Target if they're on sale. TRU prices them higher to start with so their sales aren't always the best.

The Lego store offers rewards points and every time you spend $100 you get a $5 gift card. Plus they have the pick-a-brick wall and you can get some really cool single pieces.

[o_mom]

Legos are a toy that rarely goes on super sale. I was extremely shocked to find a set for 50% on clearance at Target last month and the only reason it was there was because it was a return. They almost never make it past 15-25% off at Target.

For the larger sets, it is pretty hard to find any sales for buying just one, most are the BOGO 1/2 off type. If you are in the Midwest, the best deal I have found on single sets is when Meijer has their coupons for $5 off $20, $7.50 off $30, $10 off $40 etc. I was able to use one for a set at Christmas. I don't know how often they run those - a few times a year, maybe.

The other time they are priced well is at the warehouse clubs at Christmas. Costco had the Helicopter Transport, reg $40 for $30 and Sam's had two sets that are normally $30 for $21. That is clearly seasonal, though, and not going to help you right now. I will say, though, if you see them at Costco/Sam's, get them ASAP. They run out quickly - we missed the Costco one because I hesitated. You can always return if you change your mind, but the toys are seasonal and once they are gone they don't restock.

If you think they are going to stick with Legos for awhile, you could buy both at the TRU sale (saving $40) and put one away until the holidays.

[alien_host]

I'm not sure if Borders carries the Fire Station, but you generally are able to use a 30 or 40% off coupon at Borders on Lego. The selection is fairly limited but it's worth checking if you have one near you.

For the best "retail"/non-sale price, the Lego Store, Target and Walmart seem to carry items at "msrp" or what lego.com sells it for.

Sometimes you can get it for a bit cheaper on Amazon, put it in your cart and watch it (and double check the price on lego.com).

I personally like buying sets at the Lego Store. They also have monthly coupons. For March you get a small pick a brick bucket for free if you spend $75. That is a $7.99 value. Plus as billysmommy said, you earn points towards a reward. If you go to the Lego Store, ask them for the "March Calendar" and the coupon is on the sheet, sometimes they have them by the checkout counter.

[kayte]

Do you have a USToy/Constructive Playthings near you? They often have their Legos (and the have a huge selection) 20% off (they seem to alternate with Playmobil). Plus sometimes you can use their $5 off $25 coupons in addition to the % discount (sometimes it excludes them and sometimes it doesn't).