Sales and Deals Countdown

A few details on some deals that are coming to an end very soon...

First up we have the exclusive Sensei Wu key chain from LEGO.com on orders over $75 USD/CAN or 50 GBP. To date this is the only way to get this Spinjitzu master as a key chain. Offer ends at the end of the month. I never confirmed if the key chain was automatically added to the order, or if you needed a code (it doesn't indicate that you do at LEGO.com). Please make certain it's added before you checkout. (US| Canada| UK)

Speaking of deals ending on January 31st, the 10% voucher/coupon code for FireStar Toys is set to expire. FireStar Toys has a wide variety of LEGO minifigures and custom accessories, so much in fact that you can mix and match products from different custom houses without all those extra shipping charges. Did you like the BrickTW items featured in today's review? Firestar doesn't yet carry those items, but do have many of the 2010 product line available. Just use voucher/coupon code 'KV882256' at checkout to get your discount at FireStar Toys today.

The last sale comes to us from Toys N Bricks. It seems those $3 LEGO sets have been further marked down to $1! I personally checked out a local K-Mart, but no luck. Hey, with $1 LEGO sets, it's worth taking a look.

That's all for now. Happy bargain hunting!

Further Reductions at LEGO.com Sales and Deals

Toys N Bricks reports that LEGO.com has reduced prices on some items even further on their sales and deals page.

Although selection varies by region, there are still some Star Wars magnet sets available at low prices. Given that future magnet sets will be glued, this may be a good time to pick these up and score some relatively rare figs (although do keep in mind that some notice a quality difference from those that appear in sets).

Hurry on over and take advantage of these even lower prices. These deals and their supply are not likely to last very long.

LEGO Shop at Home (US| Canada| UK)

LEGO Fairy Tale and Historical Minifig Collection in NA

Toys N Bricks is reporting that set 9349, Fairy Tale and Historic Minifigure Set, is now available at the US and Canadian LEGO Shop at Home sites.

Lots of fun parts and elements to choose from. Click on through to your LEGO Shop at Home today(US| Canada| UK).

Series 3 Collectible Minifigures at AU Shop at Home

This just in from blacks bricks blog, it would seem that the Australian LEGO Shop at Home now has LEGO Series 3 Collectible Minifigures available. It seems that LEGO decided to up the price to AU $4.99 this go round.

You can see the full story a blacks bricks blog.

Community Minifigure Collection Now Available

The Community Minifigure Collection is now available in both the US and Canada on LEGO Shop at Home. No signs of the Fairy Tale and Historic Collection, but I wouldn't see any reason why it won't eventually appear.

The Community Collection retails for $49.99 USD and $57.50 CAD. You can find them both at the US and Canadian Shop at Home sites. The sets were a little hard to find, just type 'community' in the search bar on the main page.

Happy New Year and 2011 LEGO Shopping

I want to extend a Happy New Year to everyone in the Minifig Nation! I hope that everyone has both a fun and safe celebration tonight. Thanks to everyone for making 2010 a fantastic year, and hoping that 2011 is even better!

As we approach midnight in many countries, LEGO Shop at Home should begin to offer the new 2011 products including Series 3 Minifigures, Ninjago, and even the new LEGO Harry Potter Diagon Alley, just to name a few. If you still have a little bit of holiday money still burning a hole in your pocket, click over to LEGO Shop at Home today. You can find the link to your country here (US | Canada | UK).

The Ninjago Master Wu key chain offer should be affect in all three countries with orders of a sufficient size ($75USD & CAN | 55 GBP). I received a LEGO 2011 Catalog in the mail yesterday. The catalog mentioned that code 'SW51' needed to be used at checkout to receive the keychain; however, the information on the website does not mention the code. Just be certain that the key chain has been added to your order before finalizing check-out.

Also head on over to BrickArms tomorrow morning as the Modern Combat Pack Version 2 should be available for $16 USD.

Custom Crazy should also be open for business too! I'm expecting other announcements tomorrow, so it could be a busy day.

It looks like we'll have lots of ways to bring in the new year with a bang!

Diagon Alley Now Available at UK Shop at Home

It would seem that the UK Shop at Home site has just released the LEGO Harry Potter set 10217, Diagon Alley, ahead of schedule (perhaps to get some additional sales on the books before years end?) This is a LEGO exclusive, so unless you have a bricks and mortar LEGO store near you, this may be difficult to come by.

Retailing at 132.99 GBP. The set comes with 11 minifigures including exclusives of the Weasley Twins and Mr. Olivander. I still can't tell from the pack shots if the Gringott's Goblins have facial print, but I would be surprised if otherwise.

Pick up the new Diagon Alley set at Shop at Home today!

Quick Hits: All Quiet on the LEGO Front

Now that the hustle and bustle of the holidays has largely passed us by, it seems relatively quiet in the Minifig Nation. There are a few items of note, however...

BrickForge is revamping their forums with a new 'skin' and some new forum topics. Armothe and company are working to make their corner of the minifig and customization community as useful as possible. If you haven't checked out the BrickForge forums, now might be a great time.

I've been trying out some new layouts for the pages in an attempt to improve the interface (especially as we keep adding more product reviews and interviews). If you run into any issues or have any difficulties, please just drop me a line.

The site is now a LEGO affiliate for the UK and Canada, as well as the US. A somewhat anticlimactic announcement, as I'm sure many thought we had affiliations in these countries already. What does this mean for you? I'm hoping it means we will have more specific news on sales and deals with Shop at Home in Canada and the UK. The tricky part? Well, the way affiliate sales work is that you link to Shop at Home via our site, but you must do so through special links we provide. So instead of everyone hitting a single link from our site and ending up in their country's Shop at Home store, you have to make certain you hit the link that goes with your home country. Confused yet?! I'll be working on finding ways to make the process as seamless as possible. In the meantime, I appreciate any an all support our readers provide.

On that note, there is a new promotion being offered at LEGO Shop at Home. Orders above $75 USD and CAD will be eligible for a free Master Wu key chain from the NinjaGo line. UK shoppers need 'only' to spend £50 to participate in this promotion. You can find out more by following your country's specific link (US | Canada | UK). Do note that for the time being the banner at the top of the page only 'works' for US customers.

I'm hoping for more news in the coming days. We should expect quite a bit of news come January 1st, as there are new, exclusive products available at Shop at Home, and some planned activities at the custom houses. More as it becomes available...

Cygnet
Minister of Information
Ugly Duck Command Center
Minifig Nation

Huge 50% Off Sale Now at LEGO.com

Did ya get some LEGO gift certificates or a check from grandma? You may want to run down to the LEGO Shop at Home Sales and Deals page as they have several sets at 50% off right now! These deals aren't likely to last so hurry! Just click the banner at the top of the page and look for 'sales and deals'.

We now return you to the 24 hour marathon of 'White Christmas'...

Series 3 Soon, 2011 Star Wars Now at LEGO.com

Will dropped me a line to let me know that Series 3 Collectible Minifigures are soon to be available at LEGO Shop at Home on January 1, 2011. It does appear that $2.99 USD is the new MSRP, as these are listed as such (I knew they had to pay for that back torso print somehow). There will be a limit of 16 figures per order.

I'm also seeing the 2011 LEGO Star Wars sets are now appearing for sale.

Head on over to LEGO Shop at Home now and check them out! You can find the figures by clicking the 'New In Shop' link and then 'Minifigures'. The Star Wars products can be found by clicking the relevant links on the same page.

Happy LEGO Star Wars 2011 Eve!

...at least that's the rumor flying around the interwebs right now. Sometime tonight (12/20) or tomorrow (12/21) the 2011 LEGO Star Wars sets will be available via LEGO Shop at Home in the US and Canada. Also on tap are a few City and Hero Factory sets.

Since it can be a bit tricky to navigate, I've included a link to LEGO Shop at Home to hopefully make your journey a bit easier. I would recommend checking the new product page periodically if you want to catch these while they are hot.

Right now LEGO is saying that you can get delivery by December 25th, if you order (express) by noon on the 23rd.

If you would like to help, click through via our site before your buy. You can do so via the link above or the LEGO banner at the top of the site page.

Good luck!

Series 3 Profiles and Bios Now at LEGO.com

The Series 3 Collectible Minifigure Bios have now been added to the Collectible Minifigure Microsite on LEGO.com. Included with the bios are the nice, rendered pics of the figs too.

Might this mean that Series 3 will hit Shop at Home shortly?

UPDATE: There's a 'check price' button on the microsite (you can see it in the picture above), but it's a dead link for now. Further proof that these may be on sale online soon.

(Via LEGO.com)

New Items Available on LEGO Shop at Home (US)

Some of the 2011 LEGO sets that have been trickling out to retailers like Toys R US have now arrived at LEGO Shop at Home. Thanks to Huw at Brickset we know the following sets have been added:

• 7285 - Police Dog Unit
• 7286 - Prisoner Transport
• 7287 - Police Boat
• 7288 - Mobile Police Unit
• 7498 - Police Station
• 7279 - Police Minifigure Collection
• 7976 - Ocean Speeder
• 5766 - Log Cabin
• 5764 - Rescue Robot
• 5765 - Transport Truck
• 7977 - Seabed Strider
• 7978 - Angler Attack
• 5929 - LEGO® Castle Building Set
• 5930 - LEGO® Road Construction Building Set
• 5931 - My first LEGO® DUPLO® Set
• 5932 - My First LEGO® Set
• 5933 - LEGO® Airport Building Set
• 8221 - Storming Enforcer
• 8301 - Urban Enforcer
• 8302 - Rod Rider
• 8303 - Demon Destroyer
• 8304 - Smokin. Slickster
• 5761 - Mini Digger
• 5762 - Mini Plane
• 8227 - Dragon Dueler
• 8228 - Sting Striker
• 8231 - Vicious Viper
• 7305 - Scarab Attack
• 7306 - Golden Staff Guardians
• 7307 - Flying Mummy Attack
• 7325 - Cursed Cobra Statue
• 7326 - Rise of the Sphinx
• 7327 - Scorpion Pyramid
• 6051 - LEGO® DUPLO® Play with Letters

No NinjaGo, Star Wars, or Collectible Minifgures (yet), but there's still plenty to choose from! Although the 'Brick Friday Weekend' offers are no longer valid, you can still get free shipping on orders $99 USD. Hurry, as LEGO can't guarantee shipment by Christmas unless you order by noon on December 14th. Click the logo above and visit the 'What's New' page for more details.

Last Day for LEGO 'Brick Friday Weekend' Offers

Today is the last day for the LEGO 'Brick Friday Weekend' deals. Shop at Home customers will receive free shipping on orders of $49 or more. Not only that you are eligible for 10% off on orders of $149 or greater.

Lots of discounted items in the Sales and Deals section, including 50% off LEGO Universe. You will also get a free LEGO Universe Rocket set when you purchase the game online.

A big thanks to everyone who has made a purchase through the site this weekend. The commissions we make on these sales, help grow 'The Duck' for bigger and better content. Just click on the LEGO logo above or the banner at the top of the side bar and get shopping.

Quick Hits: Turkey Day Edition

Some quick bits of news before many of you enter an all-day haze of tryptophan and football...

Arealight now has their sci-fi helmets and jet packs in the new colors of red, blue, and tan. They just put them up today, so check them out.

There's been a sighting of a new LEGO Pharaoh's Quest battle pack sighted by Brickhorizon. Three mummies, a khopesh, scarab shield, horus helm, wings, and a sarcophagus. What more can you ask for (well an Anubus Warrior for one...but I digress). Check out the full review on Brickhorizon.

Don't forget that the LEGO Brick Friday event starts tomorrow. If you plan on buying gifts through LEGO Shop at Home this season, please stop here first and click through to help support 'The Duck'.

That's all for now. Have a great Thanksgiving and if you don't know what I'm talking about...have a great Thursday...I guess.

Cygnet

Minister of Information

Ugly Duck Command Center

Minifig Nation

LEGO Shop at Home Black Friday Weekend Deals

LEGO just sent out to it's affiliates details on the various deals it hopes to offer via LEGO Shop at Home to US customers starting 'Brick Friday'.

Starting November 26th and ending November 29th, Shop at Home customers will receive free shipping on orders of $49 or more. Not only that you are eligible for 10% off on orders of $149 or greater.

If free shipping, a possible 10% off, and the promise of hassle-free, online shopping aren't enough, the Shop at Home 'Sales & Deals' section will post five new, exculsive deals each day. I've been sworn to secrecy, as to what each daily deal happens to be, but I can tell you there's a little bit of something for everyone with deals across a variety of themes. These sales will be limited time only or while supplies last.

Sound interesting? Come shopping time I only ask that you click on the LEGO logo (above) or other banners here (see top of side bar) before shopping. Orders that originate through this site are eligible for a small commission. Those commissions will be used to 'feed the duck' and keep this venture going. So if you enjoy the content here on The Ugly Duckling, please show your support by clicking here first on your way to LEGO Shop at Home.

By the way, if you are fortunate to have a LEGO brand retail store near you, and you want to 'fight the crazies'...I mean share in the yuletide spirit of Black Friday, shoppers will receive a scratch-off card that could earn them a discount from 10% up to 50% off their purchase this November 26th.

Happy Holidays and happy (bargain) hunting...

Quick Hits: Shopping News

It seems like every year retailers push the Christmas shopping season up more and more. If Halloween isn't careful, they might start playing 'Silver Bells' in October. Christmas also means that retailers are competing for your dollars, and this year is no exception. I've already begun to see the 20/30/40% sales on LEGO, as well as the infamous BOGOs. I'm certain Amazon will start having their 'gold box' daily deals any minute now. So what is a thrifty parent or collector to do? I'm going to do something a little 'unorthodox' here. I'm going to recommend you visit other LEGO sites...

Although the command center is staffed with my minifig minions, I'm the only purveyor of news on the site (not counting Cygnetron). It's for this reason that I just can't compete with the legions of forum members who post every little sale they come across. With that said, I would recommend checking in regularly with Toys N Bricks and FBTB.net for sales in North America, Brickset for deals in the UK, and Bricks Down Under in Australia. I'm certain there are other regional sites and blogs that cover your area, but I've found 99.9% of the sales and deals come through these sites. I will continue to mention certain pieces relevant to the LEGO minifigure universe, but some of these deals can pop up fast and go out faster than I can keep up with. Also, check in with these sites directly, as RSS feeds can be delayed. So much so that certain deals may be gone by the time you see them in your feed. Now, speaking of minifig related deals...

Toys R Us (US) re-released the LEGO Star Wars Chrome Stormtrooper polybag last night...and they were promptly snatched up online (see what I mean!) The website currently lists them as being in stores, but won't do a store location search for you. Listed at $2.99 USD, this may be one of your last chances to pick one of these puppies up.

Toys N Bricks is reporting that Wal-Mart (US) is putting LEGO Prince of Persia sets on clearance. Some fantastic figures and accessories for the collector or customizer. Some discounts have placed the Desert Attack set as low as $3.00 USD! The catch? Wal-Mart must apply some scientific algorithm to determine how to price clearance items. The deals vary from store to store, but at such deep discounts, it's worth a quick trip. Thanks to Toys N Bricks for the news.

I've mentioned over the past couple days that FireStar Toys has some new product in stock including the new Hazel Fantasy custom accessories, LEGO Harry Potter minifigs, and even a new Dr. Who custom. This is currently the only place where you can pick up new Hazel Fantasy product, although they should be available soon through the Amazing Armory website and United Armory. UK based FireStar does ship internationally so there are no issues there. If you needed yet another reason to check them out, you can use coupon/voucher code 'KV882256' to get an additional 10% off your order now through January 2011.

Even LEGO.com is getting in the Christmas spirit! They continue to offer double VIP points and free shipping or orders above $99 USD through December 14th. I also noticed that you can receive an extra bonus of 50 VIP points when you buy the LEGO Kingdoms King's Castle before November 12th. So head on over to the the LEGO Holiday Gift Shop today. Do remember that an order that originates from the site earns us a small commission, which we will use to help extend services and bring new content. Just click on the banner at the top of the page or the link above.

That's all for now. Happy Holidays and let the LEGO sales and deals season begin...

Cygnet

Minister of Information

Ugly Duck Command Center

Minifig Nation

Tis' the Season - LEGO Shop at Home (US/CAN)

All this month, you've been able to enjoy double VIP points on all your purchases at LEGO brand stores and LEGO Shop at Home. Starting today and going through December 14th, 2010 you not only get double VIP points online, but now orders over $99 are eligible for free shipping. Further details (which I highly recommend reading) can be found here.

It is still unclear as to if the double VIP points offer will be in play at the 'bricks and mortar' retail stores after October, so always confirm with your local store before buying.

As we are approaching the holiday season, let me also state that online orders that originate from 'The Duck' receive a small commission (hey, I'll admit it). This is a fantastic way to show your support and help us continue to bring you the best experience we can.

All you have to do is stop here, click on the LEGO banner at the top of the blog, and then place your order as you normally would. That's it! Through the magic of the internet we get 'credit' for that purchase.

I've been notified that a few people have recently made purchases linked through the site. Each commission is anonymous (no information about you is exchanged with me), but I want to extend my sincerest thanks to those readers for thinking of 'The Duck'.

Scenes from a LEGO Store: Double VIP, Harry Potter, New Magnets

I just got back from my local LEGO Store which was relatively busy and doing a brisk business in LEGO Harry Potter, which officially launched today. I personally picked up The Burrows, Dobby's Release, and a magnet set. That's right one of the new magnet sets!

Both of the Harry Potter magnet sets (852982 and 852983) were available for sale. The store clerk also told me that the new Star Wars magnet set (853037) featuring Clone Wars Anakin, Senate Commando, and Ashoka also came in, but an enterprising young man came in a bought them all up. No LEGO Store near you? Never fear, citizen, because these items are now at Shop at Home!

Not only does LEGO Shop at Home have LEGO Harry Potter, but it also has the new Tower Bridge set, a new volley of Series 2 Collectible Minifigures, the advent calendars, the list goes on and on. You are very likely to find something to suit your tastes! Plus all through the month of October, you get double VIP points on all LEGO purchases. This amounts, roughly, to getting 10% on all purchases made on LEGO.com or at LEGO Stores across the country.

If you do plan on making a purchase at LEGO Shop at Home, I so ask you link through our site. Because we are a LEGO affiliate we  get a small commission on sales from visits that originate here. All you have to do is click the LEGO banner at the top before heading to LEGO.com or you can click through to LEGO Shop at Home here. Place your order and that's it! The money we gain from programs like these go right back into building new features and content, and all it costs you is a quick trip here beforehand before making that purchase. It's that easy! So why are you still reading this. Head on over to LEGO Shop at Home today.

UD Now an Official LEGO Affiliate

The Ugly Duckling is now an affiliate of LEGO through LinkShare! What does that mean? We'll you will notice we now have a banner ad in the top-right sidebar next to FireStar Toys (who we are also an affiliate with). The way it works is we receive a commission from TLG if you click through to LEGO.com via our site and then make a purchase. If you were already planning on making a purchase with LEGO, then this is a great way to help 'The Duck' grow.

I am, by no means, planning on retiring off of this. I do promise to use the funds to help improve our features and content. So if you appreciate the content from the site, you can help us out by adding just one quick stop here before shopping at LEGO.com. Speaking of which...

You can still pre-order the new LEGO Harry Potter sets which are scheduled to ship on or around October 1st. If you plan on waiting, you may want to sign up for a LEGO VIP card. To celebrate the launch of the LEGO Universe Online game they are offering double rewards points to all VIP members in the US! Based on their points system, this amounts to around 10% back on all purchases at LEGO.com or LEGO stores.

Since we've already mentioned our other affiliate, UK based FireStar Toys is still offering 5% off your order with no minimum spend level. Click through to their site, make a purchase, and enter the voucher code 'wg88977' to take advantage of this offer. Given their recent supply of Series 2 Collectible Minifigures and other cool custom minifig accessories from houses like  BrickArms, Amazing Armory,and Little Arms Shop , there's a lot to choose from.