Queue chaos at Aldi over wooden toy event as outraged shoppers moan at eBay resellers

It's all been kicking off in Aldi today (8 October) as the annual wooden toy event landed in the middle aisle, and shoppers were desperate to bag a bargain before stocks disappeared from the shelves.

Chaos ensued as shoppers frantically tried to get ahead of their Christmas shopping by snapping up early deals on children’s toys, but were hit with a two toy limit.

WalesOnline reported bargain hunters were even pictured queueing up outside of stores ahead of opening hours, ready to snap up traditional-style playsets that only appear once a year.

Customers across the UK took to X to say that they've 'never seen anything like it.' And outrage ensued on the platform as users realised people were buying the toys to resell on sites such as eBay and Vinted at a hefty profit.

LADbible reached out for comment from Aldi, as toys reportedly sold out quickly in most stores across the country, where prices were as little as £2.99 for Montessori-themed wooden books, playsets and accessories.

It seems as though parents are clearly leaning back toward traditional, low-stimulation play with demand for wooden toy sets surging in an attempt to cut down screen times.

Recent BBC coverage highlighted government guidance surrounding screen time for children, suggesting that 'fast-paced, social media-style videos and AI toys or tools should be avoided for young children.'

Child‑development specialists are in agreement, too. Studies continue to stress that hands‑on parent–child play is 'emotionally and biologically necessary' for language development and cognitive growth.

That shift in attitude lines up almost perfectly with Aldi’s wooden toy range. This year, there was everything from a dollhouse for £34.99, a railway set for £14.99 and a brand new Aldi till set for £12.99.

If you missed out on Aldi's annual wooden toy event, all hope isn't lost. Amazon still has plenty of similar picks to help you get ahead of the Christmas countdown.

Here are some of our favourite wooden toys to shop on Amazon in time for the festive season.

Missed out on the Aldi wooden toy event? Here's where to get alternatives online

Shop now: Joyreal Wooden Car Ramp Toy - Montessori Toys for 1 2 3 Years Old, £21.99 on Amazon

Shop now: Melissa & Doug Wooden Ice Cream Toy Shop, was £39.99, now £34.99

Shop now: Jaques of London Wooden Noahs Ark Shape Sorter, was £34.99, now £29.99

Shop now: Vanplay Montessori Wooden Hammering Pounding Toy, was £23.99, now £20.39

Shop now: Le Toy Van Wooden Barista Café Shop, £49.95 on Amazon