Aldi is bringing back its popular wooden toy range next month, with the collection set to land in stores on Sunday May 17 as part of its Specialbuys line-up. The budget retailer expects the range to be a sellout hit once more, after customers cleared local supermarkets in record time last October.
Shoppers can expect garden toys including a new mini BBQ, a covered sandpit, an outdoor easel and a messy play picnic bench, along with roleplay accessory sets priced from £9.99. The £34.99 mud kitchen, featuring a bread oven, washing up rack, double burner stove top and utensil holders, is likely to be the most sought-after item.
Last time around, the mud kitchen was a standout favourite, with some queuing well before opening time to secure their sets. Social media users shared clips of crowded stores and trolleys piled high, describing the frenzy as 'madness' and 'carnage'. TikTok was inundated with 'haul' videos from those who got their hands on the most sought-after pieces.
Aldi urged shoppers to be quick, as like all Specialbuys, once they're gone, they're gone. The supermarket also announced it would be using the launch to hunt for its first ever wooden toy tester, with children aged three and above invited to apply. Parents or carers need to send a one-minute video to woodentoytester@aldi.co.uk by May 5, including their child's name, age, location, why they'd be perfect for the role, and what make-believe meal they'd whip up in their play kitchen.
Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK, said: 'The nation's love for our Wooden Toy range is undeniable and our littlest shoppers are our most important critics. We're excited to appoint our first ever Wooden Toy Tester, to capture their experience and find out what makes the perfect playtime set-up.'
