Aldi is bringing back its popular wooden toy range next month, and after customers cleared local supermarkets in record time last October, it is expected to be a sellout hit once more. The budget retailer confirmed the returning collection will land in stores on Sunday, May 17, as part of its Specialbuys line-up.
Shoppers can expect garden toys galore, with the selection featuring a new mini BBQ, complete with essential BBQing tools and grill hood, a covered sandpit, an outdoor easel, a messy play picnic bench, and roleplay accessory sets priced from £9.99. However, it is the £34.99 mud kitchen, featuring a bread oven, washing up rack, double burner stovetop, and utensil holders, that is likely to have most parents scrambling to the middle aisle. Last time around, it was a standout favourite, with some queuing well before opening time to secure their sets.
On 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 lucky enough to get their hands on the most sought-after pieces, while those who missed out asked people in other areas to grab items and post them across the country. Abi Fincham, who spent £270 in the October drop, said the hour-long queue she faced was well 'worth it', urging people to 'run don't walk' to their local Aldi.
Announcing news of this upcoming drop, Aldi urged shoppers to be quick on the uptake when the toys hit shelves, as like all Specialbuys, once they are gone, they are gone. The supermarket also revealed it would be using the launch to hunt for its first ever wooden toy tester, with children aged three and above invited to apply. In return for giving feedback on performance and fun factor, the successful applicant will receive a selection of Aldi's summer wooden toy range for free. To enter, parents or carers need to send a one-minute video to woodentoytester@aldi.co.uk, including their child's name, age, location, why they would be perfect for the role, and what make-believe meal they would whip up in their very own play kitchen. The competition closes on May 5.
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, guaranteeing lots of giggles and fun.'
Aldi's Wooden Toy range for summer 2026 includes: Mud kitchen (£34.99), Wooden sandpit with roof (£34.99), Messy play picnic bench (£34.99), Wooden shop front (£29.99), Wooden outdoor BBQ (£24.99), CH table with chairs (£24.99), Outdoor wooden easel (£24.99), CH wooden bookshelf (£19.99), Shop front/roleplay accessories (coffee shop, florist, village shop, post office, theatre or vet) at £14.99 each, Mud kitchen accessories (stainless steel or wooden pots and bowls, baking set or veggie prep set) at £9.99 each, and BBQ food accessories (hot dog box, meat box, BBQ burger box or veggie box) at £9.99 each.
