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Ah, Legos. The colorful bricks that have been a staple of childhood for generations. But once you become a grown-up (whatever that means), you realize that you need a new fix to keep your Lego addiction going.
Enter the Lego Minifigure. Those adorable, tiny, easily-swallowed-by-toddlers plastic people that bring your Lego creations to life. Over the years, Lego has released countless minifigures, ranging from pirates to astronauts, knights in shining armor to killer clowns.
But if you love a specific Lego Minifigure can you buy it separately or are they only sold in sets?
Many Lego minifigures can be bought separately on Lego’s website via their “Bricks & Pieces” service. However, most licensed individual minifigures can not be purchased via that method and can only be purchased used on the secondary market such as on eBay, Amazon, or BrickLink.
In the rest of this article, we’ll explore the wild and wacky world of Lego minifigures so you can become an expert in no time.
Brief History of Lego Minifigures
Lego minifigures first burst onto the scene in 1978, and the world of toy collectors has never been the same. The first figures were simple, smiley-faced little fellows decked out in uniforms of police officers, firefighters, and construction workers.
Now, after more than 40 years, Lego has released over 6,000 unique characters. It’s no longer just your run-of-the-mill professionals: Minifigures have evolved into a diverse assortment of occupations, animals, and mythical creatures.
Who knew the Lego world was so rich with variety?
- First introduced in 1978.
- Over 6,000 unique minifigures released.
- Evolving from basic professionals to a vast array of occupations, animals, and mythological creatures.
Importance of Lego Minifigures in Different Lego Sets
If you’ve ever watched a child play with Legos, you know that the Minifigures are often the stars of the show. Sure, they might build a cool spaceship or a towering castle, but it isn’t complete until they populate their creation with little plastic people.
Heck, I remember when I was a kid, and my brother and I had an ongoing storyline involving a Jedi knight, a cowboy, and a pirate who had to team up to save the world. The point is, Minifigures bring your Lego creations to life, giving your bricks personality and purpose.
Some important details:
- Minifigures as stars of the show: They lend character and purpose to your Lego creations.
- Personal touch: Customizing your Lego builds with minifigures brings an added degree of imagination and creativity.
- Childhood memories: Many of us have our own amusing stories involving Lego minifigures (bonus points if you have a pirate-cowboy-Jedi mashup).
Rising Popularity of Collecting Lego Minifigures
As it turns out, I’m not the only one who has a soft spot for these charismatic little plastic people. The demand for Lego Minifigures has skyrocketed in recent years, thanks in no small part to the expanding roster of available characters.
As a result, entire communities have formed around the hobby of collecting minifigures, with some individuals boasting collections numbering in the thousands. All of this begs the question: where can you find these precious collectibles, and how can you go about buying them separately from Lego sets?
Key points to keep in mind:
- Increasing demand: Growing collector community.
- Expanding roster of characters: Greater variety makes collecting more appealing.
- Exclusivity and rarity: Certain minifigures can only be found in specific sets or conditions, making them highly sought after.
Can You Buy Lego Minifigures Separately?
For those of us seeking to build our Minifigure collection without buying an entire Lego set, we have a few options that are available. There are official Lego stores, various online sources, and even third-party vendors to help satisfy your Minifigure addiction.
So, can you buy Lego minifigures separately? The short answer: absolutely!
Official Lego Stores and Their Options
The most obvious place to start your quest for Lego minifigures is at an official Lego store. They often have a Build-a-Minifigure station, where you can assemble your own custom Minifigure from a wide selection of parts.
Additionally, select stores offer pre-built minifigures for sale separately from sets. This can be a great way to score some popular and exclusive characters without breaking the bank.
Some highlights of the official Lego store experience:
- Build-a-Minifigure stations: Create your own custom minifigures.
- Pre-built minifigures: Both popular and exclusive characters available.
- No need to buy an entire set: Get your desired minifigs without spending a fortune.
Lego Minifigures Series in Blind Bags
For the thrill-seekers and mystery lovers out there, look no further than Lego’s Minifigures Series. Sold in opaque “blind bags,” each pack contains a single, random Minifigure with a possibility of 16 unique characters per series.
Not only does this add an element of surprise to your minifigure collecting, but it’s also a fun way to discover new and unusual characters. Just be prepared to deal with duplicates, as the random nature of these blind bags means you might end up with three Mohawk-wearing punk rockers in a row (not speaking from personal experience).
Blind bags: what you need to know:
- Lego Minifigures Series: 16 unique characters per series.
- Sold in opaque bags: Embrace the mystery!
- Be prepared for duplicates: What you get is entirely up to chance.
- Discover unexpected and quirky characters: Great for expanding your collection.
Lego Minifigures Separately in Small Sets
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the full-scale Lego sets that come with hundreds of pieces and hefty price tags, don’t worry – there’s a solution for you! Lego offers smaller sets (think impulse-buy territory), which are more affordable and often come with one or more minifigures.
These sets are perfect for building your Minifigure collection without breaking the bank or turning your living room into a Lego wasteland.
Important details about small sets:
- Economical solution: Perfect for budget-conscious collectors.
- Comes with one or more minifigures: Adding to your collection without a significant investment.
- Compact and easy to build: Keep your living space clutter-free (ish).
Lego Online Shop for Individual Minifigures
For those of us who prefer shopping from the comfort of our own homes (no judgment here), the Lego online shop is a treasure trove of individual minifigures for purchase. Not only can you find popular characters, but you can often snag special-edition and exclusive figures not available in stores.
Just be prepared for a hefty shipping fee if you’re only buying one or two minifigs – but hey, that’s just the cost of doing business in the digital age.
Lego online shop pointers:
- Wide variety of minifigures: From popular to exclusive figures.
- Special edition and hard-to-find characters: Grow your collection with unique pieces.
- Shipping fees: Factor in the extra cost of getting your minifig right to your doorstep.
Popular Lego Minifigures That Can Be Bought Separately
With thousands of Lego Minifigures available, it’s easy to become inundated with options. To help you focus your collection, we’ve rounded up a few categories of popular minifigures that can be purchased separately.
In this section, we will discuss:
- Exclusive Minifigures from specific Lego series
- Classic Minifigures from well-known Lego themes
- Licensed Minifigures from popular franchises
Exclusive Minifigures from Specific Lego Series
There are certain Lego series where individual minifigures are highly sought after due to their limited availability or exclusive release. These may include Minifigures from the Lego Ideas series, like the Exo Suit set that features unique space-themed Minifigs.
Additionally, certain Lego Creator Expert sets have exclusive Minifigures, like the T-Rex from the Dinosaur Fossils set. While typically part of larger sets, these Minifigures can sometimes be found for separate purchase through various channels.
Highlights of exclusive Minifigures:
- Limited availability or exclusivity drives demand
- Typically found in specific Lego series, like Lego Ideas or Creator Expert
- May require some searching/effort to acquire outside of a full set purchase
Classic Minifigures from Well-Known Lego Themes
Sometimes it’s the more timeless, classic Lego themes that hold the greatest appeal. Themes such as Lego City, Ninjago, and Technic often feature minifigures that are perfect for collectors seeking a nostalgic touch.
For example, the Rocket Stunt Bike set within the Lego City Stuntz subtheme comes with a unique stunt rider minifigure wearing a rocket suit – a great addition to any collection.
Classic Minifigure highlights:
- Timeless and nostalgic appeal
- Found in well-known Lego themes like Lego City or Ninjago
- Perfect for collectors who enjoy a more traditional Lego experience
Licensed Minifigures from Popular Franchises
Lego has long been collaborating with popular franchises to create themed sets, and with them come numerous licensed Minifigures to add to your collection. Superheroes, Star Wars, and Harry Potter are just a few examples of these collaborations, and individual Minifigures from these franchises can be quite coveted.
For example, the rare and valuable Comic-Con exclusive Black Suit Superman Minifigure from the DC Super Heroes theme has been known to fetch a pretty penny on the collectible market.
Licensed Minifigure fun facts:
- Based on popular franchises, such as superheroes, Star Wars, or Harry Potter
- In-demand due to the crossover appeal of Lego collectors and fans of the franchise
- Can include rare or valuable minifigures that become hot items on the collectible market
Lego Minifigures Series: A Collector’s Goldmine
For those looking to jump headfirst into collecting, the Lego Minifigures series is an absolute goldmine. Releasing several new series per year, each with 16 unique characters, these blind bags offer the chance to scoop up a diverse array of Minifigures and grow your collection rapidly.
In this section, we’ll explore everything there is to know about these collectible wonders.
Overview of the Lego Minifigures Series
Beginning in 2010, Lego introduced their Minifigures Series as a way for collectors to chase after unique and exclusive figures in a fun, blind-bag format. The series contains a mix of generic, themed, and licensed characters, offering a bit of something for everyone.
Some series, like Disney, Harry Potter, or the Lego Movie, feature characters specifically tied to their respective franchises.
Main takeaways for the Lego Minifigures series:
- Began in 2010 as a blind-bag collectible format
- Mix of generic, themed, and licensed characters for diverse collecting
- Some series directly tied to popular franchises, like Disney or Harry Potter
How to Find Rare and Sought-After Minifigures
The key to finding rare or in-demand Minifigures often comes down to timing, patience, and a bit of luck. With each new Minifigures series released, collectors rush to scoop up the most sought-after characters – which may only have a limited quantity in each display box.
Staying informed on release dates and watching for hints or spoilers on upcoming characters can give you a leg up in the hunt.
Tips for finding rare Minifigures:
- Timing is important: Know when new series are released to be among the first in line
- Stay informed: Follow Lego news, forums, and social media for hints and spoilers
- Swipe, trade, or buy online: Patience and determination can lead you to the desired minifigures
Guide to Identifying Minifigures in Blind Bags
While the introduction of barcode scans by Lego in recent Minifigures series has taken some of the guesswork out of blind bag Minifigure hunting, true collectors may still want to improve their “feel” skills.
This involves carefully feeling the blind bag contents to identify the included minifigure based on the shape of its accessories or parts. With practice and a good guiding reference, aspiring detectives can enhance their accuracy and reduce duplicate purchases.
Feel skills 101:
- Carefully feel the blind bag’s contents for unique accessories or parts
- Practice and patience will improve your accuracy
- Use online guides, images, and forums to help with identification
Investment Potential of Collectible Minifigures
One of the unique aspects of Lego Minifigure collecting is the potential for certain minifigures to increase significantly in value over time. For instance, the Comic-Con exclusive Black Suit Superman mentioned earlier can fetch a high price on the secondary market.
This isn’t guaranteed for every figure, and many factors impact investment potential, such as rarity, demand, and condition. But for some collectors who enjoy the thrill of the hunt, it can provide an extra layer of excitement to the hobby.
Remember for investment potential:
- No guarantee, but some minifigures may increase in value
- Factors influencing value include rarity, demand, and condition
- Extra layer of excitement for some collectors who enjoy the thrill of the hunt
Third-Party Sources to Buy Lego Minifigures Separately
While it’s always ideal to buy directly from Lego or authorized retailers, sometimes your desired Minifigures can’t be found through these channels. In such cases, turning to third-party sources may be necessary.
In this section, we’ll explore the best places to look when seeking individual Lego Minifigures from an unofficial source.
Bricklink: A Lego Marketplace
One of the largest and most popular Lego marketplaces, Bricklink connects sellers and buyers to make their Lego fantasies a reality. Bricklink provides a thorough catalog system that makes searching for and finding the specific Minifigures you desire a breeze.
Do your due diligence and check seller ratings, as well as shipping costs, to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Bricklink basics:
- Community-driven Lego marketplace for both sellers and buyers
- Thorough catalog system: Easy searching for desired minifigures
- Check seller ratings and shipping costs to ensure an optimal experience
eBay and Online Auctions
For those who love the thrill of hunting for a steal, eBay and other online auction sites can be treasure troves of Lego Minifigures. Listings may vary in quantity and quality, so be prepared to sift through plenty of options to find what you’re looking for.
As always, make sure to evaluate seller feedback and shipping costs to get a fair deal.
eBay essentials:
- Hunt for Minifigure steals among diverse listings
- Quality and quantity may vary, so patience is key
- Evaluate seller feedback and shipping costs for a positive buying experience
Amazon and Other E-commerce Platforms
Online retail giants like Amazon occasionally offer individual Lego Minifigures for purchase. While it may not be as specialized as Bricklink or as thrilling as eBay, these platforms can still yield fruitful results for collectors.
Keep an eye out for sales, deals, and discounts, and be prepared to sift through a mix of official and third-party sellers to find the Minifigures you desire.
Amazon and e-commerce pointers:
- Occasional presence of individual Lego Minifigures
- Look out for sales, deals, and discounts
- Be prepared to navigate a mix of official and third-party sellers
Social Media Marketplaces and Facebook Groups
With the rise of social media, connecting with fellow collectors has never been easier. Facebook groups and social media marketplaces offer platforms for users to buy, sell, and trade Minifigures. This community-driven approach can lead to rarer finds and more unique purchasing experiences.
As always, use caution when participating in online transactions and ensure you’re protected as a buyer or seller.
Social media marketplaces and Facebook groups:
- Connect with fellow collectors for buying, selling, and trading opportunities
- Community-driven: Can lead to rarer finds and unique purchases
- Exercise caution in online transactions and protect yourself as a buyer or seller
Custom Lego Minifigures and Accessories
For some collectors, the appeal lies in creating something truly unique. Custom Lego Minifigures and accessories offer a way to let your imagination run wild, with independent designers providing completely original parts and pieces that can enhance your collection.
In this section, we’ll discuss where to find and how to evaluate custom minifigures and accessories.
Custom Minifigures and accessories:
- Independent Lego minifigure designers
- What to look for in a high-quality custom Minifigure
- Purchasing custom minifigure accessories
Independent Lego Minifigure Designers
Independent designers, such as Citizen Brick or Minifigs.me, are specialists in creating custom Lego Minifigures and accessories. These talented individuals craft unique designs and high-quality custom parts, taking Lego creations to a whole new level.
It’s important to research the credibility and reputation of independent designers to ensure you receive a quality product.
Finding independent designers:
- Research online for established, talented creators
- Check out designers like Citizen Brick or Minifigs.me
- Evaluate credibility and reputation to ensure a quality product
What to Look for in a High-Quality Custom Minifigure
When seeking out custom Minifigures, there are a few key factors to look for to guarantee quality. Verify that the custom parts are made with materials that closely match official Lego parts, ensuring durability and compatibility.
A top-notch custom Minifigure should have detailed and accurate printing for a polished appearance. Finally, consider the designer’s reputation and feedback from other customers to make an informed decision.
Qualities of a high-quality custom Minifigure:
- Compatible materials with official Lego parts
- Detailed and accurate printing
- Positive reputation and customer feedback
Purchasing Custom Minifigure Accessories
In addition to custom Minifigures, many independent designers also offer unique accessories to further personalize your Lego creations. From custom-printed weapons and armor to creative headgear, there’s a world of possibilities to explore.
Similar to custom Minifigures, ensure that the accessories are made with compatible materials and feature high-quality printing, and always consider the designer’s reputation and customer feedback prior to purchasing.
Custom Minifigure accessories:
- Unique add-ons like weapons, armor, and creative headgear
- Ensure compatibility and quality of the materials and printing
- Consider designer’s reputation and customer feedback before purchasing
Pros & Cons of Collecting Lego Minifigures
Collecting LEGO Minifigures has become a popular hobby for many enthusiasts around the world. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the iconic brick-based toys or simply enjoy collecting unique and interesting figures, there are a variety of reasons why you might choose to build up a collection of these miniature characters.
In this section, we will explore some of the pros and cons of collecting LEGO Minifigures, providing insights and considerations for both seasoned collectors and those just starting out.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Fun and enjoyable | 1. Can be expensive |
| 2. Collectible | 2. Can take up a lot of space |
| 3. Expandable | 3. Can become addictive |
| 4. Promotes creativity | 4. May require additional storage solutions |
| 5. Great for display | 5. Can be difficult to find specific figures |
| 6. Can be used for various projects and dioramas | 6. Risk of losing or misplacing figures |
| 7. Can be traded or sold with other collectors | 7. Some figures may become rare or hard to find |
| 8. Provides a sense of nostalgia for adults who grew up with LEGO | 8. May not appeal to everyone’s interests |
These are just some of the potential pros and cons of collecting LEGO minifigures, and they may vary depending on the individual’s personal preferences and experiences.
Building Your Lego Minifigure Collection
Starting and maintaining a Lego Minifigure collection can be a daunting task, but with organization and strategy, it becomes an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
In this section, we’ll provide tips for starting a collection, creating a storage and display system, cataloging inventory, and networking with other collectors.
Tips for Starting a Lego Minifigure Collection
To start your collection, begin by identifying the types of Minifigures that most appeal to you. Set goals for your collection, such as acquiring specific Minifigures or completing a series.
Establish a budget and prioritize your spending to ensure both financial and emotional satisfaction. Finally, be patient and enjoy the journey – growing a Minifigure collection is a labor of love.
Getting started:
- Identify your interests and goals for your collection
- Establish a budget and prioritize your spending
- Exercise patience and enjoy the collecting journey
Creating a Storage and Display System
A well-organized storage and display system can enhance your overall collecting experience, showcase your prized Minifigures, and prevent clutter. Consider using display cases or shelves, either wall-mounted or standalone, that are specifically designed for Lego Minifigures.
Alternatively, create your own custom display using Lego bricks and baseplates. Lastly, develop a system for storing and organizing duplicate minifigures and accessories.
Storage and display tips:
- Utilize display cases or shelves designed for Lego Minifigures
- Create custom displays with Lego bricks and baseplates
- Develop a system for organization and storage of duplicates and accessories
Cataloging Your Minifigure Inventory
As your Minifigure collection grows, maintaining a catalog of your inventory becomes essential. Utilize spreadsheets, apps, or online databases to document each Minifigure’s name, set number, and acquisition date.
Consider taking photos for visual reference and to showcase your growing collection to fellow collectors. Regularly update your catalog to keep an accurate and easily accessible record of your Minifigure inventory.
Cataloging pointers:
- Use spreadsheets, apps, or online databases for record-keeping
- Document minifigure information, including name, set number, and acquisition date
- Consider taking photos for visual reference and sharing
- Update your catalog regularly to maintain accuracy
Networking with Other Lego Minifigure Collectors
Connecting with fellow collectors can be a valuable resource for acquiring new Minifigures, trading duplicates, and discussing the hobby. Utilize social media, forums, and local meetups to engage with others who share your passion.
Participate in trading events and conventions to expand your collection, and forge friendships with those who appreciate the appeal of Lego minifigures.
Networking with fellow collectors:
- Connect through social media, forums, and local meetups
- Participate in trading events and conventions
- Forge friendships with fellow Lego minifigure enthusiasts
Conclusion
Lego Minifigures have captured the hearts of countless collectors and enthusiasts, revealing a world of creativity, customization, and camaraderie. With an ever-expanding universe of characters and accessories, there’s always something new and exciting to discover.
Embrace your inner Lego-loving child and let your Minifigure collection flourish. Happy collecting!
