Coming in at 175 pieces, the Monkey King (40381) is a neat little set from the BrickHeadz lineup. It debuted in 2020 at $9.99.
Dollar for dollar at $0.057 per piece, this is one of the better deals in BrickHeadz.
LEGO exclusives like the Monkey King tend to fly under the radar at first, but their limited availability makes them interesting long-term holds.
Key Features
175 pieces — Compact and purpose-built — great for a quick session
LEGO Exclusive — Only available through LEGO channels, adding scarcity value
$0.057 per piece — Strong price-per-piece for this theme
Monkie Kid collection — Sought-after corner of the BrickHeadz lineup
From 2020 — Modern LEGO design and packaging quality
Theme Background
As a 2020 addition to BrickHeadz, part of the Monkie Kid subcollection, the Monkey King slots into the more affordable side of BrickHeadz. Brickheadz is part of LEGO's broader product lineup, and at $9.99 this set is priced accordingly. At $0.057 per piece, it punches above its weight on value.
Collectors following BrickHeadz specifically should note the Monkie Kid subtheme — it's a category that tends to draw attention and hold value, especially as sets in this tier age out of production.
Why This Set Is Special
300% above retail. Now trading at $39.99, up 300% from $9.99 RRP — a 39% annualized return over 4.2 years since retirement.
Strong part-out value at 1.9x — Parts are worth $19.32 vs $9.99 retail (1.9x ratio). Theme average is 1.7x.
LEGO Exclusive — Only available through LEGO.com and official LEGO stores — limited distribution that typically drives stronger post-retirement appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions
[{"q": "How many pieces are in the LEGO Monkey King (40381)?", "a": "The LEGO Monkey King (40381) contains 175 pieces, making it a smaller set."}, {"q": "How much does the LEGO Monkey King (40381) cost?", "a": "The retail price (MSRP) for the LEGO Monkey King (40381) is $9.99 in the United States. Regional pricing is \u00a39.99 in the UK, CA$12.99 in Canada, \u20ac9.99 in Europe. This works out to $0.06 per piece. That places it in the top 25% of BrickHeadz sets for value \u2014 you get a lot of pieces for the price you pay. As a LEGO exclusive, this set is only available directly through LEGO stores and LEGO.com."}, {"q": "Is the LEGO Monkey King (40381) a good investment?", "a": "The LEGO Monkey King (40381) shows favorable investment potential based on several factors. Key investment signals include: limited distribution as a LEGO exclusive, excellent price-per-piece value. BrickHeadz sets have historically been among the best-performing themes for post-retirement appreciation. As with any LEGO investment, buying at or below retail price maximizes potential returns. Use the BrickBucks price tracker to find the best entry point."}, {"q": "What age is the LEGO Monkey King (40381) suitable for?", "a": "The LEGO Monkey King (40381) is recommended for ages 10+. This strikes a nice balance between complexity and accessibility, suitable for older children and teens building with or without supervision."}, {"q": "How big is the LEGO Monkey King (40381)?", "a": "The LEGO Monkey King (40381) measures approximately 9.1cm \u00d7 12.2cm \u00d7 7.8cm (W\u00d7H\u00d7D). It makes for a great display piece that won't take up too much shelf space."}, {"q": "Is the LEGO Monkey King (40381) still available?", "a": "The LEGO Monkey King (40381) retired on December 31, 2021 and is no longer available at retail. You can find this set on secondary markets including Amazon, eBay, and BrickLink. Retired BrickHeadz sets often trade at a premium above their original retail price, with demand typically increasing over time as sealed inventory decreases."}, {"q": "Where can I buy the LEGO Monkey King (40381)?", "a": "The LEGO Monkey King (40381) is retired and only available on secondary markets. Check Amazon, eBay, and BrickLink for current listings. Use the BrickBucks price tracker to compare prices across retailers and find the best deal."}]
