How LEGO prize draws work: insider tips for new entrants

Hello there, fellow LEGO enthusiasts! Tom here, from FreePrizeDraws.co.uk. Now, I’m not running competitions myself, but I’ve got my eye on all the best ones out there for winning LEGO. Whether you’re a seasoned comp-er or brand new to the world of prize draws, I’m here to give you the lowdown on how LEGO prize draws work and how you can increase your chances of snagging some brilliant sets for free.

Let’s face it—there’s nothing quite like the thrill of winning a shiny new LEGO set. My wife, Linda, likes to tease me about my “plastic brick empire,” but let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want an extra bit of LEGO magic in their life, especially for free? So, if you’ve ever dreamt of bagging that dream set without spending a penny, read on for some cracking tips.

What exactly is a LEGO prize draw?

Let’s start with the basics. A LEGO prize draw is just like any other competition, but the prize on offer is a LEGO set (or several!). These draws are usually hosted by websites, social media pages, or even LEGO fan groups who want to share the love of our beloved bricks. All you have to do is enter, follow the competition rules, and cross your fingers!

The great thing about these prize draws is that they’re often completely free to enter. Some might ask you to complete a quick form or answer a simple question, while others will require a social media like, share, or follow to get in the running. Easy stuff!

How to spot genuine LEGO prize draws

The first thing I’ll say—and this is important—is that not all LEGO prize draws are created equal. There are loads of legitimate, fun competitions out there, but sadly, there are also a few dodgy ones. So how do you know you’re entering a real competition?

  1. Check the source: Always look for prize draws hosted by trustworthy websites or well-known LEGO communities. If you’re unsure, do a quick search on the company or page hosting it. A legitimate draw will usually have clear terms and conditions.
  2. Avoid asking for money: If a prize draw asks you to pay to enter, be cautious. Most genuine LEGO giveaways won’t ask for payment (unless it’s part of a larger competition site with paid draws, which can still be legit, but always do your research).
  3. Read the rules: Real prize draws will have clear rules, including the start and end dates, the number of winners, and how winners will be contacted. If this info is missing, consider it a red flag.
  4. Look for a free entry route: In the UK, it’s a legal requirement for prize draws to have a free entry route if there’s a paid option, so keep that in mind if you come across a paid competition.

Where to find LEGO prize draws

Now that you know what to look for, where can you find these cracking LEGO prize draws? Well, you’re in luck! I spend far too much time trawling the web for the best comps, so here are my favourite places to look:

  • Social media: Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are all gold mines for LEGO prize draws. Keep an eye on official LEGO pages, toy retailers, and LEGO fan groups. Hashtags like #LEGOgiveaway or #LEGOcompetition can also help you find active comps.
  • Dedicated competition sites: Websites like Loquax, ThePrizeFinder, and Competition Database regularly list LEGO prize draws (among others). Just filter for “LEGO” or “toys” and you’re set!
  • Toy stores and retailers: Many LEGO stockists run their own competitions. Keep an eye on the websites of retailers like Argos, Smyths, and John Lewis—they love a good giveaway!
  • LEGO fan sites and forums: Sites like Brickset or Eurobricks sometimes host or highlight LEGO prize draws. You’d be surprised at the little gems you can find in the LEGO fan community.

Timing is everything

Much like finding the perfect brick when you’re deep into building (seriously, why do those 1×1 tiles always vanish when you need them?), timing is key when entering LEGO prize draws.

  • Keep an eye on deadlines: Some comps run for just a day or two, while others might last a month. Be sure to note the end date and set yourself a reminder to enter before the competition closes.
  • Enter early: This one’s up for debate, but I reckon entering early can be a good strategy. It helps you avoid the last-minute rush, and some competitions might even limit entries based on time.

Increase your chances of winning

Now, I can’t give away all my secrets (Linda’s already threatened to spill the beans to my grandkids about my secret stash of rare minifigs), but I can offer a few tips to up your odds of winning LEGO comps.

  1. Enter regularly: The more competitions you enter, the higher your chances of winning—it’s that simple. I’ve entered hundreds over the years, and while I don’t win every time, I’ve had my fair share of successes (including that beauty of a LEGO Saturn V).
  2. Follow the rules to the letter: I know it sounds obvious, but make sure you follow the competition instructions exactly. If they ask for a retweet, don’t just like the post. Miss a step, and your entry might not count.
  3. Engage with the host: For social media comps, engaging with the brand or person hosting the draw can sometimes give you a little edge. A friendly comment or a genuine like on their posts might help you stand out.
  4. Watch out for bonus entries: Some competitions offer bonus entries for sharing or tagging friends. It might seem like extra effort, but those bonus entries can really boost your chances.

Be patient (and persistent)

One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to be patient. You won’t win every LEGO prize draw you enter, but the key is persistence. Keep entering and stay positive—your win will come. After all, isn’t part of the fun in the anticipation? Every competition you enter is another chance to add to your collection.

Keep track of your entries

Here’s a little nerdy tip from yours truly: keep a list of all the competitions you’ve entered. It might sound a bit much, but I find it helps, especially if the competition has a delayed draw. Just a simple spreadsheet will do the trick. I like to note the closing date, the prize, and how I entered. That way, I can follow up if needed or remind myself when to expect results.

What to do if you win

Ah, the moment of victory! If you’re lucky enough to win a LEGO prize draw, you’ll usually be contacted by email or through social media (depending on where you entered). Make sure to respond promptly and follow any instructions to claim your prize.

Be aware that some competitions might ask for proof of entry or age (especially if it’s a big prize). Don’t be alarmed—this is totally normal and helps ensure the competition is fair and legal.

Also, a cheeky note: don’t expect to get your hands on the prize immediately. Sometimes it can take a few weeks for the prize to be shipped, but trust me, it’ll be worth the wait!

Final thoughts

LEGO prize draws are a brilliant way to grow your collection without spending a fortune. Whether you’re after a small set to build with your grandkids (just don’t let them near your prized modular buildings!) or a massive collector’s edition, there’s a prize draw out there with your name on it.

So get out there, start entering, and most importantly, have fun with it. Winning a LEGO set is always exciting, but remember—it’s all about enjoying the build, brick by brick. Best of luck, and may the LEGO odds be ever in your favour!


Happy building!
Tom (a LEGO lover with far too much time on his hands)

Image by Michael Schwarzenberger from Pixabay

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