LEGO® Bulk Buys vs Individual Sets: What’s Best for Your Collection?

If you're a LEGO® fan, you’ve probably faced this dilemma: should you go all-in on bulk LEGO® buys or stick with individual sets? Both approaches have their merits, and choosing between them can be tricky. Whether you’re a casual builder or a hardcore collector, it’s worth weighing the pros and cons of each option to make the best decision for your collection.

Let’s dive into the advantages of bulk LEGO® buys vs. individual sets and see which one suits your LEGO® bricks style!

Why Bulk Buy LEGO® Bricks?

LEGO® brick bulk buys are like hitting the jackpot at a LEGO® parts treasure hunt. You never know what you're going to get, but you know it’s going to be good - especially if you're a creative builder.

1. Cost-Efficiency: Build Big Without Breaking the Bank

One of the biggest reasons LEGO® fans love buying bricks in bulk is the price. Buying a large amount of LEGO® bricks in one go can be much cheaper than purchasing several smaller, individual sets. If you’ve ever tried to hunt down rare pieces or build something massive, you know how quickly the cost can add up. Bulk buys are a cost-effective way to get a ton of bricks, especially if you don’t care whether you’re getting them in their original boxes.

For example, if you love making your own custom builds, like recreating famous landmarks or designing your dream LEGO® city, bulk buys are perfect. You get more pieces for your money, allowing you to go bigger and bolder.

2. Unlimited Creative Freedom

Ever wanted to let your imagination run wild without worrying about sticking to a set plan? That’s where bulk LEGO® bricks shine. When you buy LEGO® parts and pieces in bulk, you get a huge variety of bricks in different sizes, shapes, and colours. This is especially great for fans of MOCs (My Own Creations), where the possibilities are endless.

With a bulk LEGO® haul, you can piece together castles, spaceships, or whatever wild design pops into your head, without being constrained by the instructions or themes of individual sets. You are the master builder here!

3. Fill in the Gaps in Your Collection

Even the most well-stocked collection can be missing a few essential pieces. Maybe you're working on a giant project and realise you don’t have enough roof tiles or specific connectors. LEGO® bricks bought in bulk help you fill in those gaps effortlessly. You’ll have more of the random, often-needed pieces, so when inspiration strikes, you're ready to build.

4. An Eco-Friendly Choice

If you're conscious of reducing waste, buying second-hand LEGO® in bulk is a smart move. By choosing pre-owned LEGO® bricks, you’re not only saving money but also giving these beloved bricks a new lease on life. Plus, LEGO® pieces are built to last, so you’re still getting the same quality bricks while helping reduce plastic waste.

The Case for Individual LEGO® Sets

On the flip side, if you’re a collector or someone who loves the challenge of building a specific LEGO® masterpiece, individual sets are likely your best bet. Let’s look at why individual LEGO® sets might win out for you.

1. Theme-Based Collecting: Dive Into Your Favorite Worlds

If you’re a fan of LEGO®’s themed sets - like Star Wars, Harry Potter, or Ninjago - individual sets are where it’s at. These sets bring detailed models and beloved characters to life. Every brick is accounted for, and you get a finished model that’s ready for display.

Whether you're building the Millennium Falcon or a Hogwarts castle, individual sets deliver the experience of bringing iconic worlds to life brick by brick.

Plus, many collectors love the satisfaction of having an entire series or themes. If you’re working on completing a theme, like collecting every version of the LEGO® Star Wars spaceships or assembling all the LEGO® Ninjago dragons, sticking with individual sets is a must.

2. Display-Ready Models for the Win

Let’s be honest, some LEGO® sets are so beautifully crafted that they deserve to be displayed as a centrepiece. Many individual LEGO® sets are designed with display in mind, from iconic landmarks like the LEGO® Architecture series to detailed models like the LEGO® Creator Expert sets. The instructions guide you through building these works of art, and when you’re done, you’ll have a stunning model to show off to friends, family, or fellow LEGO® enthusiasts.

3. Exclusive Minifigures & Pieces

LEGO® sets often include unique minifigures or rare pieces that are not available elsewhere. Whether it’s a special-edition Darth Vader or the unique parts that come with a LEGO® Technic car set, these pieces can be highly valuable to collectors. This exclusive appeal is a huge draw for those who appreciate the rarity factor and want to complete their collection with something truly special.

4. Building Experience: Follow the Path to Success

There’s something uniquely satisfying about following a step-by-step guide and seeing a specific model come to life in front of you. Individual LEGO® sets offer this structured building experience that is perfect for builders who enjoy the sense of accomplishment from finishing a model exactly as the designers intended. It’s like completing a puzzle, but way more fun!

What’s Best for Your Collection?

Now, which should you go for - bulk buys or individual sets? The answer really depends on what kind of LEGO® fan you are!

• Go for LEGO® Bulk Buys if: You’re a creative builder who loves making custom creations, you’re looking for a cost-effective way to get lots of pieces, or you want to fill out your brick collection without caring too much about packaging or specific themes.
• Opt for Individual LEGO® Sets if: You’re passionate about specific themes, love having display-ready models, or want to collect rare minifigures and pieces. If you enjoy following detailed instructions and the feeling of completing a model just as it was designed, individual sets are perfect for you.

Of course, the ultimate LEGO® collection often involves a combination of both. Bulk buys are great for adding versatility to your collection, while individual sets offer that special, curated experience that LEGO® is famous for.

No matter which path you choose, the joy of LEGO® building is that there’s no right or wrong way to build. Whether you're diving into a bulk box of bricks or meticulously assembling a themed set, every build is an adventure.

If you're looking for a place to buy or sell LEGO®, check out WeBuyBricks for great prices, creative bundles and tips on expanding your collection.