If you’re scratching your head over what to get the little ones for Christmas, never fear. Aldi has opened an online toy shop filled with affordable present ideas.
In what seems to be a wise business move following the closure of Toys R Us stores this year, Aldi has launched a temporary online toy store selling more than 200 items including wooden play sets, teepees and outdoor toys like scooters, trampolines and slides.
And with Christmas now being exactly two months away, the retailer has released its 10 must-have toys, with a wooden kitchen taking the top spot.
Aldi said there has been a significant move towards classic toys that nurture children’s development, which has prompted more of a focus on selling retro and branded toys that encourage imaginative play.
As a result, it predicts a wooden kitchen complete with a brick-effect back splash, clock, utensil holder, sink and mini microwave will be the best-selling toy this Christmas, priced at £29.99.
In second place is an electric scooter which is more expensive at £69.99, however still cheaper than others on the market which can range from £80 to over £200.
A wooden play shop and theatre (£29.99) will also be highly sought after, the retailer predicts. It’s set up like a traditional puppet show but also doubles up as a market stall with shelves to sell fruit and vegetables when you turn it around.
The toy features a striped grocer’s blind and a mini blackboard to display prices on the shop side, as well as a retractable curtain on the theatre side.
Other Top Toy Predictions
4. Fur Real Toys – £19.99.
5. Wooden Dolls House – £29.99.
6. LEGO – £6.99.
7. Barbie – £14.99.
8. Rocking Horse (or Unicorn) – £29.99.
9. Hatchimal Owlicorn – £29.99.
10. Teepee – £39.99.
Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying at Aldi UK, said: “Christmas is such a magical time and this year we’re proud to spread some festive cheer by offering our biggest and best range of toys yet.
“We also know how stressful Christmas shopping can be, which is why our team of experts have been hard at work to try and take as much of the stress out of Christmas as possible by hand-picking the latest must-have toys for our customers.”
Aldi’s October Toy Event is available in stores and online via the Aldi Toy Store from 21 October, but as with all special buys once they’re gone, they’re gone.