Over the years, Lego® has evolved from a popular children's toy to a viable investment opportunity. Several factors contribute to this trend, including a thriving collector's market and the potential for significant returns. However, the value of a Lego set isn't universal across all themes. Selecting the right theme for investment requires careful consideration of factors such as the set's fan base, included minifigures, licensing details, target audience, and collector value. With insight into the Lego EOL investments sets 2023, investors can have an edge in their investment strategies.
Understanding the nuances of Lego themes and their respective values is a cornerstone of smart investing in this area. Some of the best Lego sets of all time come from themes that hold high value in the collector and investment markets. The purpose of this article is to discuss the top 6 Lego themes for investing in 2023.
Whether you're a collector looking to expand your portfolio or an investor seeking an unconventional but profitable investment opportunity, this guide will provide valuable insights into the Lego investment landscape. By delving into these promising Lego themes, you can make informed investment decisions and potentially secure substantial returns.
1. Lego® Star Wars Theme Sets with Valuable Minifigures
The Lego® Star Wars theme, known for its valuable minifigures, has a particular allure for collectors. As one of the most famous movie franchises of all time, the Star Wars saga boasts a fan base that spans generations. Catering to this vast audience, the Danish brick manufacturer Lego produces Star Wars sets for different age groups, making it a rich source of some of the best Lego sets from movies.
High collector value through exclusivity
Certain Lego® Star Wars sets, such as the 75274 TIE Fighter Pilot Helmet, have never been replicated before, making them highly collectible. Return on investment can be as high as 500% over the original RRP of $59.99.
High detail sets like the Ultimate Collector Series (UCS) add to the collector value. The set was rarely sold below RRP and was sold exclusively through Lego.
Profitable Lego® investment sets of the Ultimate Collector Series
UCS sets, such as the Lego® Star Wars 75331 UCS Razor Crest, are primarily purchased by collectors with high spending power, making them particularly suitable for investments.
The allure of these sets is further enhanced by the inclusion of popular Star Wars characters as minifigures. Unique to this model are three exclusive minifigures, each contributing to its collectible value. These distinct figures have a combined worth of approximately $130-$150, augmenting the set's potential for a return on investment.
2. Modulars from the Lego® Creator Expert Theme
The Lego® Creator Expert theme is particularly attractive to investors, and the modulars from this theme are particularly interesting. With a typical market life of about 2 to 3 years, these sets often increase in collectability after retirement. In fact, no modular building has decreased in value after its retirement. The Lego Creator Expert 10278 Police Station is a prime example.
It allows collectors and Lego enthusiasts to add a meticulously designed police station to their Lego city. This set's detailed design and intricate hidden features - including an evidence locker, jail cell, interrogation room, and case board with related clues - add to its appeal and increase its potential value as an investment. The authenticity and sophistication of the set, coupled with its potential to be retired and thus become a rare find, make it a promising prospect for investors.
3. Exceptional Sets of the Lego® Ideas Theme
Lego® Ideas sets are uniquely created from designs submitted by Lego fans. The types of sets are very diverse. On the one hand, there is a variety of licensed sets, which depict scenes from well-known movies and series. On the other hand, there are sets in the form of creative buildings. Another special feature are the minifigures, which are often an exclusive part of the sets.
Two standout sets are the Lego Ideas 21338 A-Frame Cabin and the Lego Ideas 21330 Home Alone. Both sets offer rich details and evoke a sense of nostalgia, making them attractive Lego investments.
The Lego Ideas 21338 A-Frame Cabin is a perfect representation of a peaceful forest home. Rich in detail, the set allows builders to get away from it all and immerse themselves in nature, albeit on a small scale. Building this detailed Lego brick version of a classic A-frame cabin provides a unique and satisfying building experience. For reference, see Lego Ideas 21310 Old Fishing Store. With an original retail price of $149.99, its market value has now reached approximately $400.00, representing a significant increase in value of 166.70%.
Our second recommended set from the Lego Ideas theme is 21330 Home Alone. This set is an exact replica of the famous house from the classic 1990 movie "Home Alone". In particular, the set includes 5 exclusive minifigures representing popular characters from the movie, making it even more desirable for collectors and fans of the movie. The nostalgia evoked by this set is palpable, and with McCallister's house packed with instantly recognizable details and delightful features that recreate hilarious scenes from the movie, it brings a level of engagement and fun that enhances its investment appeal.
4. Lego® Architecture Sets for Investment
The Lego® Architecture theme attracts a unique mix of demographics, including not only classic Lego collectors but also architecture enthusiasts and globetrotters looking for souvenirs of different cities. These sets are particularly appealing to adults, a factor that makes the theme particularly attractive to Lego investors. The set range in this theme is impressively broad, with sets of different sizes and price ranges, offering a variety of investment opportunities.
Among the highlights of this theme are the city skyline sets. An example of investment performance in this theme is the Lego Architecture 21047 Las Vegas Skyline. This set retired in December 2020 and has since experienced an appreciation of approximately 75% from its original retail price of $39.99.
The 21056 Taj Mahal is an interesting investment set from the Lego Architecture theme. Recognized as one of the 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal set appeals to a wide range of people. Lego collectors, architecture enthusiasts, travelers, and history buffs alike will find this set captivating. An important factor to consider with Lego Architecture sets, including the Taj Mahal, is the significance of the discount on the original retail price for subsequent appreciation. A favorable discount typically falls between 35% and 50$ off the RRP, which can have an impact on the set's future market value.
5. High Collector Value of Lego® BrickHeadz
When discussing the best Lego® themes for investing, the Lego BrickHeadz theme undeniably stands out. This theme is a hit among Lego collectors, with its unique charm derived from small, affordable sets that make the process of completing a collection an achievable goal. The appeal of these sets extends beyond Lego enthusiasts, as many of the BrickHeadz are licensed characters from popular franchises such as:
- Harry Potter
- Disney
- Star Wars
- Stranger Things
- Lord of the Rings
This diversity of representation broadens the fan base, making these sets not only collectibles but also adorable memorabilia for fans of the respective franchises.
In terms of Lego themes for investing, the Lego BrickHeadz 40553 Woody and Bo Peep set is a notable choice.
The Woody and Bo Peep characters, from the widely recognized "Toy Story" animated film franchise, have a diverse and extensive fan base that spans multiple age demographics. The exclusivity of the set, which is primarily marketed by Lego and rarely included in sales, adds to its investment appeal. Savvy investors and collectors can add significant value to their collections or investment portfolios by purchasing this set, especially when combined with benefits such as Lego VIP points and GWPs.
6. Lego® Harry Potter Theme with a Huge Fan Base
The Harry Potter franchise, undeniably one of the best Lego® themes for investing in, has left a remarkable mark on our culture since the publication of the first book in 1997 and the premiere of the first film in 2001. This enduring fame has created a significant demand for related Lego sets, making the Harry Potter theme a sought-after investment. Released in the same year as the first film, the first Harry Potter theme Lego set created a wave of enthusiasm among fans and collectors. These sets, steeped in nostalgia and brimming with details from beloved films, appeal to a large, loyal fan base, increasing their potential as investment opportunities.
A prominent example of this theme is the Lego Harry Potter 75978 Diagon Alley, a notable offering among the Lego sets with the most minifigures.
Exclusively distributed by Lego, this set includes 17 minifigures, 15 of which are exclusive to this set. This set meticulously recreates London's most magical shopping street from the Harry Potter films, providing an immersive building experience for fans ages 16 and up.
Each storefront in this set is teeming with intricate details from the movies, creating a rich and immersive building experience. Spanning over a meter in width, the set accurately captures the bustling atmosphere and scale of the wizarding world's primary supply center, revealing enchanting interiors, unique features, and familiar characters behind its majestic facades.
The Lego Harry Potter 75978 Diagon Alley set offers a faithful recreation of the iconic location from the beloved film series, capturing the magical shopping street in intricate detail. This set includes an extensive selection of exclusive minifigures, a feature that greatly enhances its appeal and value for collectors and investors alike. To maximize the value of this investment, prospective buyers are advised to consider collecting Lego VIP points when purchasing this set and to take advantage of GWPs to secure the best possible price.
Our Conclusion: The best Lego® themes for investing
Lego® Creator Expert theme's modular sets, distinguished by a unique city-building concept and adaptability, offer an equally attractive investment opportunity. Lego Ideas, featuring fan-submitted designs transformed into unique sets, resonates strongly with adult Lego enthusiasts, positioning it among top investment-worthy Lego themes. Lego Architecture, appealing to a diverse audience encompassing Lego collectors, architecture buffs, and globetrotters, expands its market potential and investment appeal.
Themes like Lego BrickHeadz and Harry Potter, known for their licensed characters and expansive fan bases, draw attention from collectors and investors, reinforcing their status among the best Lego themes for investment.
Investing in Lego requires a deep understanding of several elements, ranging from the size and passion of the fan base to the type and exclusivity of the minifigures included, to the rarity of the sets. By focusing on these six themes, investors, whether novices or veterans, can make informed decisions that can potentially yield significant returns on their Lego investments.
With wise investment, these themes have shown significant value appreciation over time. Attention to detail, including proper care and following cleaning Lego instructions, can help preserve the investment value of these sets.
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