Each month, The Lego Store releases a calendar of in-store and online promotions. A PDF of September’s calendar can be downloaded here. The online promotions offer extra VIP points and bonus items for specific purchases and early access to more in-demand sets.
It’s a good idea to join the Lego VIP Loyalty Program as much of what is discussed in this article will require this free membership.
August 6 – September 30th describes the in-store building promotion. This is a fun bin of Lego elements designed to excite you about the theme of the moment. Nothing to take home, but a chance to see some of the elements you might find in your next set.
September 11 – 12 are the dates for the VIP Monthly Mini Model Build. You must have a VIP account and the builder(s) must be between 6 and 14 years of age. Registration opens online here on the 15th of the previous month. Slots begin at 3:00 pm and continue on to closing. These models can be taken home and the program is free. If you make a monthly habit of this one you can grow an eclectic little collection in no time.
The third or fourth Monday features my favorite Lego program: Minifigure Swap Monday! This is also for ages 6-14, but a guardian can participate as long as he or she is polite with the staff and lets the children do the real choosing. This is a free program in which children can refresh their minifig collection by trading with the store’s (and sometimes an employee’s) grab bag of minifigs. A “minifigure” consists of five elements: head, torso, legs, headpiece (hat/hair/helmet/etc.), and accessory (anything carried in its hand or on its back). You do not have to stick to a theme for your offering, but this is a generous program and please consider that other children may be excited to find what you have left. Don’t bring in dirty, scratched, or broken elements.
We were rather fortunate on our last trade and walked away with a couple brand new Harry Potter/Fantastic Beasts minifigs as well as Superman’s dad!
September 19 features an exciting build-and-take magic wand. You do not need to be a VIP member, but you do have to stop in the store or call (Christiana Mall Lego Store: 302-453-1897) to register beginning September 1. On weekdays, build times are usually 5:00 pm-7:00 pm. On weekends, the events often run 10:00 am-12:00 pm. Registration for these build-and-take events always opens on the 1st of the same month. Ages 6-14.
The Lego Life Meetings offer a chance to build the September Mini Model Build, make it your own creation, and enter it in a contest to win one of two $50 Lego Store gift cards. These events cost $10 per child ages 6-14. Registration opens on the 1st of the previous month (August 1st in this case).
August 13 – October 7 describes another in-store building promotion. This one is a little different and a bit more fun as you can display your creation right in the store.
Almost all of these programs are free. Yes, they’re designed to get you in the store and buy something; however, if you regularly visit the store and don’t buy your children something, they will learn that a lot of enjoyment can be had without opening mom or dad’s wallet.
God bless and happy building,
Jason