Cheap LEGO is a must in parenting, and knowing how to seek it out is an important skill every parent needs to master.
LEGO is one of this year's top toys mainly because it has mass appeal, it even holds its own against Play Mobil (as we show in our recent LEGO vs Play Mobil comparison article) When LEGO was invented, it was aimed at children, but now you could be as likely to buy it for your child as you are for a partner, parent or friend. While the most expensive LEGO set is not for the faint of heart (spoiler it's almost £500) finding cheap LEGO isn't just about having a LEGO discount code to hand. It's about knowing which retailers tend to offer discounts and the websites that can help you narrow down the cheapest price and check whether you're actually getting a bargain.
If you're looking for a gift, here we explain the kind of cheap LEGO deals you can find right now, where to look to find cheap LEGO, and the LEGO alternatives that all parents should know.
Our pick of the best cheap LEGO deals available right now
LEGO under £25
Harry Potter LEGO
Disney LEGO, including Moana, Frozen and Star Wars
Where to look for cheap LEGO
Great deals on LEGO sets (particularly end-of-range sets) can often be found at the larger supermarket stores like Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s, while Argos, The Entertainer, Amazon and Smyths Toys also regularly offer discounts. To ensure you don’t miss out, it’s worth signing up to retailer newsletters for updates on sales and promotions.
Meanwhile, Brickset.com is a comprehensive LEGO database and community site that provides detailed information about LEGO sets. You can register for a free account and although it doesn’t sell LEGO sets directly, it can help you determine where you can get the best price.
Personal finance expert at financial website Wealth.co.uk, Luke Eales, says: “Brickset has information on all sets from past and present, including retail price and the typical price they sell for online now. If you sign up for an account, you have the ability to keep tabs on all the sets you own and see what their current value is.”
If you’re happy to buy secondhand, it’s also worth checking out sites like Vinted, eBay, Gumtree or local Facebook buy-and-sell groups to see if you can pick up a bargain. On the other hand, if you’re buying new, keep your eyes peeled for promo codes on sites like Vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk to save money. These usually only work on full priced (not sale) items.
Is it worth signing up to a LEGO VIP loyalty scheme?
If you regularly buy LEGO from the official LEGO store or website, you might want to sign up to the LEGO VIP loyalty scheme - known as LEGO Insiders.
Founder and editor of pop culture blog Merch Mates, George Patient, explains: “It's a free program where you earn points for every pound spent on LEGO products, either in LEGO stores or online at Lego.com. These points can then be redeemed for discounts on future purchases. Additionally, VIP members often get early access to new sets, exclusive promotions, and special gifts.
“If you are a LEGO enthusiast or have children who are, the LEGO VIP loyalty program can provide significant benefits and savings over time.”
Just be aware that making your purchase through the LEGO website won’t necessarily mean you’re getting the cheapest deal - even if you’ve earned reward points to give you a discount.
Cheap alternatives to LEGO
There are a number of cheaper alternatives to LEGO, including Mega Bloks and K’nex. You can also pick up a range of unbranded building blocks on Amazon. These all offer similar interlocking bricks, but retail at a lower price.
However, in return, the quality and compatibility might not be quite as good as you’d find with Lego, as Merch Mates’ George Patient explains: “The bricks might not fit together as snugly, the colours might not be as vibrant, or the sets might not be as detailed and imaginative. It could be a false economy if you are looking for a long-lasting and high-quality product, as LEGO sets are known for their durability and often increase in value over time.”
However, if you’re more concerned with saving money over the intricacies of the sets, these cheaper alternatives are still worth considering.
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