Are non-food Aldi Finds frugal or wasteful?
Aldi, my favorite discount grocery store, offers fantastic prices on food.
But they also have an aisle dedicated to seasonal products, which are called Aldi Finds.
(There are also some food Aldi Finds, but they're not the main event.)
These appear on a rotating weekly basis in a seasonal fashion (pool floats in July, wrapping paper in December), so there's always something interesting and new to look at.
Some frugal people love Aldi Finds, while some consider them to be a frugal fail.
As a rule, I try not to buy non-food items at grocery stores, but Aldi is an exception for me sometimes!
Aldi Finds usually have great prices.
With a few exceptions, most things I've seen in this aisle are significantly discounted from what you'd find at a store like Target.
Aldi Finds are super well-timed.
Aldi doesn't carry potting soil year round, but you can get it at planting time.
You won't find wrapping paper all the time, but they've got you covered at Christmas.
I've loved almost all of my Aldi Finds purchases.
A few examples...
My cast-iron skillet is still in use after many years.
Joshua and Lisey love their insulated water bottles.
My hydrangeas are almost all from Aldi, and they're doing great.
I got some chairs and outdoor tables from Aldi to use around our fire pit and then were half of what I'd have paid elsewhere.
Thanks to Aldi, Zoe finally got to realized her dream of having a Christmas yard blow-up, and the price was a quarter of what I found on Amazon or at Home Depot.
And there are dozens of other examples I could trot out too.
What Aldi Finds should you not buy?
I think there are a couple of categories here.
Appliances (at least for me!)
I had a bad experience with a dehydrator at Aldi (I did return it for a refund), and so I'm just a little nervous about buying small or large appliances there, such as a grill.
I would rather get something tried and true for an appliance because even if I can get my money back if an item is terrible, that's just a lot of waste to be responsible for.
I'd rather buy, for instance, a grill that I know for sure is going to stand the test of time.
(Our Weber grill is AMAZING and we've had it for about 20 years.)
I did just buy a fabric shaver at Aldi (it did a great job on my pilled leggings!) so we'll see how that holds up.
It has a three year warranty, and I'll keep you posted as to how it holds up.
Gift items
Around the holidays, Aldi often has private label gift sets of items like lotions or candles.
While I personally would not be offended at receiving an off-brand gift, a lot of people would.
So if you choose to buy someone a gift from Aldi, make sure you know that your recipient will not feel like you are being stingy.
I mean, maybe those body washes are just as nice as the ones from Bath and Body Works, but for some people, the off-brand nature of the label will be off-putting.
Things you don't actually need
If you are the type of person who walks out of Target with 15 things you didn't plan to buy, then the Aldi Special Finds aisle is not for you.
Walk through quickly and keep your eyes straight ahead. 😉
If you are slightly more trustworthy around impulse items, then feel free to look around but DO always ask yourself if the item is at least one of the following:
- useful
- long-lasting
- something that will bring you or someone in your house a lot of joy
If so (and assuming you have the money), go for it.
If not, put it back on the shelf and save yourself a handy 100% on that purchase.
Aldi finds fall into the “always peek, rarely purchase” category for me. I like to keep my eye open for household items that would be useful, but I usually walk away from that aisle empty-handed. However, I do shop at an Aldi in a fairly rural town, and I have noticed that a lot of the finds get marked down even further once the end of their season approaches. Always worth a walk through if you have the time/self control. 🙂
We have had our Aldi grill for 5 years so far!
I have come to love Aldi, but I noticed that a few name-brand things--bottled water for the hurricane season, deodorant, shampoo, etc.--are higher priced than at Walmart. When there is an Aldi brand,I definitely go for it. I especially enjoy the detergent, napkins, candy, cheese, butter, breads--just the same as the expensive stuff! You are the one who got me Aldi aware, so thanks,Kristen. I have also bought a few specials including a 5 dollar leather clutch purse.
I bought some pool toys and floats from Aldi this summer and they held up ok, but not great. I'm never really pleased with the length they last from anywhere I buy them tho. I bought an Avocado float from Bed Bath and Beyond (with a coupon of course, lol) and it slowly leaked air soon after I bought it. So I was less mad at the Aldi floats because I paid a lot less, lol.
But I recently bought some padded folding chairs and they are super nice and comfortable! We've used them several times over the last few weeks and are very happy with them. I think my husband has bought some grilling utensils from Aldi and they've held up great!
I love the Aldi Finds and have bought many of them either as gifts or for myself. We have no carpets in our house (we live in Florida so don't need them for warmth), and use a small vacuum to keep them clean. When our original one conked out, I bought a DirtDevil model that was fairly expensive, but did just an okay job. We then found one at Aldi for $18. It is fabulous and I've had it for about six years now. We bought a second just in case this one bit the dust. I accidentally threw out the filter one time, so called the 800 number on the directions. They promptly sent me a new one for $6. I gave the DirtDevil to a friend.
Agree... if it's something you genuinely need, otherwise doesn't matter if it's cheap, if unneeded don't buy it.
I often give Aldi truffles as a small Christmas gift. Recipients will say 'Ooh! Belgian chocolate!' in an excited voice. And then, dubiously, 'from Aldi'. First tasting usually settles that doubt.
They do have the best chocolate truffles. Better than the Trader Joe's version!
We love the truffles from Aldi. They are delicious. I have also given them as gifts.
I love their chocolates, but made the mistake last year of buying it for some family members that said thank you, but a side remark how they hate Aldi. Hummmmm no more Aldi gifts for them. I will stick to buying it for us and enjoying it.
I've been happy with my non-food Aldi finds, in fact, I can't think of one that I wasn't happy with. I jut bought a pastry mat there - my mother (who only shops there for baking ingredients) bought one a couple of years ago and loves it. In fact, she likes it a lot better than her Tupperware one that she had for many years. The Aldi one sticks to the counter; she used to have to tape the Tupperware one down with masking tape.
I saw the pastry mats there the other day! Great price. Those are usually quite expensive.
I am a sucker for the houseplants! I've had great results with buying houseplants from them - they are much less than houseplants from a nursery or even the grocery store and usually come in a nice pot.
Sometimes they have name brand items (like Play Doh sets, for example) which I have purchased for gifts.
Mostly though, I try to get out of Aldi without buying the items in the center aisles!
Note: they are great at accepting returns, so if you buy something and have buyer's remorse you can always take it back (in the package), or if it breaks or doesn't work they will take it back as well.
I admit to having a weakness for Aldi candles. I definitely stock up on them when they have them, which is quite often lately. They smell so good and last forever--definitely a bargain at 3.99 or 4.99.
I have candles on my Christmas list this year and specified that I want the $3.99 ones from Aldi because they're amazing and I don't want my husband to be dropping $10 or more on a candle somewhere else. 🙂
I also am a candle lover and find their $3.99 candles to be wonderful. I stock up if I find a scent I really like.
Do they have mostly made-in-China items? I avoid just browsing in my local Dollar Tree because of that. I don't object to imported items, but I do not wish to support many Chinese manufacturing practices.
I think it's kinda hard to avoid made in China items but items are being moved to other countries to be manufactured. Some of my relatives go to China for work and are appalled at the limits placed on their citizens. Last trip one of them saw a woman handing out religious cards on the subway. She was immediately taken into custody by their police. I don't like supporting a Communist country and hope we keep taking our manufacturing plants out of there. Their wages are no longer as cheap as they once were and so things are moving along with the tariffs being placed on them.
Linda: Thank you for your reply.
Being a responsible shopper is complicated!
I totally agree!
I just started shopping at Aldi after trying it out 5 or so years ago and not being overly thrilled. I feel like they've brought in more upscale items since then. I have done a few of the Aldi finds and so far so good. The 3 wick Huntington Home candles are 3.99 and the strength of the smell they give off is comparable to Bath and Body Works which are like $24. I can't really afford to be burning candles at those prices even if they are on sale for half off. $3.99 I can handle. I am now so thrilled with Aldi that my Meijer shopping has dropped off significantly. I also decided I wanted to buy stock in the company after seeing how it's becoming the "in" place to shop but sadly for me they are family owned.
Years ago someone gave me a Bath & Body Works candle holder with a candle... Turns out that the Aldi candles for perfectly in the holder! So now I get to enjoy the candle holder with my $3.99 candles inside.
I also got a good cast iron skillet, like you! Love it! A couple of months ago I scored a really nice stainless steel tea pot that is so cute and solid! That’s my fave!
I am an Aldi Nerd (my Aldi love runs deep) and have been super happy with most of my Aldi Finds purchases. Some of the best have been candles, kids socks, shoes/boots, garden seeds (SO many seeds for fifty cents), child gardening set, umbrellas (especially the kid ones - those are solid!), a sherpa blanket, wrapping paper, cold brew coffee maker, baby sleep sack, and laminator. I'm sure I'm forgetting some. 😉 I'm also enjoying my fabric shaver and hope it lasts!
That being said, I have purchased a sweatshirt that fit super awkwardly (returned it) and jeggings that I don't really love the fit of. So I refrain from buying clothes there for the most part. Pretty much all of my kids' clothes are from yard sales or hand-me-downs so I don't buy their clothes there either, but all of their socks are from Aldi and if they get brand-new shoes they're probably from Aldi. (A week or two ago I got flats for my daughter for $7. A year or two ago at Christmas I was looking for flats for her and couldn't find them anywhere in town for less than $20.)
This post reminds me that it's Wednesday and I can now check the app to see what's coming in next week's Aldi Finds...
I agree on the clothing--Aldi is not the place to get that (except for kid's raincoats--I had good luck with those when mine were little). Their folding camping table was a fail for me, as was the salad spinner.
With that being said, I've had good luck with folding camping chairs and I LOVE my Aldi version of a Silpat baking mat and it's 1/4 the price of the real thing! I have one of both and except for the name on them, I can't tell the difference!
Aldi has good quality chocolate if you buy their higher-end stuff (not the cheapie milk chocolate) which, technically, is a food item, so sorry if it doesn't fit in the category. Also, we LOVE their Bavarian mustard in different flavors (in the glass jars) but I have a difficult time finding them as they rarely offer them.
"If you are the type of person who walks out of Target with 15 things you didn’t plan to buy"
How dare you single me from 10 years out! 😉 Now I'm the type of person who walks out of IKEA with 15 things I didn't plan on buying (but at least IKEA is many hours away and I only go there once or twice a year.)
But yes, I always look at the Aldi finds but almost never buy them. I did get a nice enameled cast iron rectangular casserole dish earlier this year. It looks nice and can go under the broiler, which my Pyrex cannot.
Bought a Cast Iron Dutch Oven and a Roaster with the enamel interior similar to Le Crusette and I love them both. Did not pay that high price tag. Clean up is a breeze. Very pleased with my Aldi find !
I love looking at them, but I almost never buy. I’ve only bought once, when they’d marked a 32” tv down to $99 to clear it. I’d been looking for a tv for the bedroom and at that price I couldn’t resist. Works perfectly too!
I have many Aldi finds in my home. We bought the grill this summer for $99 and love it. My living room curtains and rug are Aldi finds as well as my toddler’s crib sheets and almost all the socks my kids own. If I have a need I am willing to shop around for a good deal, and if you wait long enough the thing you need will probably show up in the Aisle of Aldi Finds. I also wore an all Aldi outfit to Church last week (dress, tights, and boots) and got compliments on it. ❤️ Aldi!
Like you, it depends on what it is. Lately they have been having a lot of Nickelodeon items like Paw Patrol, that my grand daughter would love. I bought her a Paw Patrol Advent Calendar and some slippers. She absolutely LOVED the Paw Patrol sandals over the summer and wore them everyday.
I did buy some rubber floor liners for my van that my husband wants for his car, but we can’t seem to find them again. They were $5.00 each and are perfect so things don’t slide around the back of your van.
But unless it’s usually something I’m looking for, I skip the items.
I was startled by your comment that some people would find an off-brand of something offensive. It is one of those things that leaves me shaking my head.
It's true, Lindsey. I still have friends that do not set foot in Aldi because it's "second class" Their loss.
We have so few stores in the part of Alaska where I live, that there are no first or second class stores! In most of the villages, there is one store. That is it. And I am old enough to have lived in a village before Amazon. But it does lend itself to some amusing results---for a fundraiser the local church youth group had some ungodly number of Big Macs flown in from Fairbanks and sold them for $10 each. They sold out in about 15 minutes.
I love them! I always look but I don't always buy!
Yes, socks by the bundle, hydrangeas and rose bushes and plant bulbs,seed packs
I don't go to Aldi often because ours is not as wonderful as yours, (terrible produce, but great cheese, brioche buns, and fancy chocolate though.), but I love, love, love my skinny velvet hangers from Aldi! I bought a box of 30 for $7.99. I also bought 2 fleece blankets for our couches which we've had for several years and were a steal - maybe $9? They are warm, snuggly and launder beautifully. Merry CHRISTmas!
I have mixed feelings about the non-food Aldi Finds. I generally just avoid that aisle!
However, we have purchased a few well-timed items:
- my son's telescope
- the best wafflemaker we've ever had (I'm so sad I didn't buy 2!) Aldi doesn't carry the same one any more. It's a thousand times better than the very pricey one we got for our wedding, which we ended up having to take to the electronic recycling - during one of our moves, one of the feet broke, and after two years of trying to help it limp along by propping it up on a cookie sheet while in use, I just got fed up with dealing with all the other issues (uneven browning due to it being a square wafflemaker with a round element in it, the tendency to overflow randomly even when we were carefully measuring batter, the fact that when it did overflow, it was exactly at the hardest-to-clean spot, etc.). The Aldi wafflemaker was a "what the hey, it's only $16" purchase about 5 years ago, and it's still going strong.
- about a dozen small colorful tongs to donate to my kids' Montessori school as a Christmas present 4 years ago, that are still in use today!
- A comfortable folding chair with built-in side table to take to baseball games and picnics. About half the cost of similar chairs at HD, and still going strong 4 years in.
I've also had some not-so-great experiences, though - gifts for the kids that weren't very durable, clothing that fell apart after just a couple of washes, a plastic folding table that is annoying to carry due to poor handle design, etc.
So generally, unless it's something I can see a very specific use for, I generally stay out of that area.
Sigh.
Aldi is said to be inching in my direction. If they ever make it here, I'll have to check out the finds. It drives me crazy that they are steadily exploding in number near my sister on Florida's east coast, but where I work, in the state capital no less, there is not even one, and none near here, either.
Love! I love all things ALDI. I do show pretty good restraint except for the FANCY HOLIDAY CHEESES!
I love Aldi for both the food and finds.
German mustard, brioche hot dog and hamburger buns are the only ones I buy. I just picked up puffy jacket for $25 and love it.
love, live, love them! fully furnished and decorated my twin daughters college dorm rooms / apartments floor to ceiling, literally!
Yes great for college students for sure. Heh any savings is great when you have all the other expenses of college.
I bought an alarm clock at Aldi's for our spare bedroom. It works well for guests and it also has USB chargers on it, which is also nice for guests. It has held up well and works perfectly for what I wanted and the price was right.
We have had two microwaves from Aldi and they have been fine. I have, however, returned many appliances I have bought. Personally I find that the crowds and bun fights for the one or two advertised appliances. Your Aldi seems more organised. I our shops they have huge metal bins and the items are stacked in them or on pallets.
I really enjoy your Aldi-appreciation!
I'm from the UK (just moved to California though and no Aldi close enough to make sense!) and my family has been buying from Aldi for decades - ski gear, computers, TV and we especially love the Jo Malone-style candles! (When I was younger they only took cash so you'd have to arrive first thing with a wad of notes to buy electricals!
I am sitting in my dining room under my ALDI ceiling fixture... It is the same as the one hanging in the stair landing.. just one hangs lower on the chain and the other is flush to the ceiling.. they were marked down $5.00 a piece... My living room, heat containing, curtain panels were a recent item the husband picked up. I did not think they were necessary.. but he wanted them and as the weather has taken a wintery turn.. I do notice the room gets warmer when the curtains are covering the window!
The shower floor/ceiling metal caddy was also a purchase with the curtains panels.. made for a pricier day than I expected.. but it replaced an old, nasty caddy and it went up super simple and is great.
But the BEST non food Aldu purchase.. was from more years ago than I can recall... but my husband and I had to divide and conquer 2 different stores to find it on a Sunday morning.... A gas GENERATOR! It was $375!! and worth every penny! We have used it multiple times during summer rain storms and winter snow storms ( especially when we were still on oil furnace/heat).... now that we are switched over to gas furnacing.. husband retrofitted the generator so he can attach it to the house and switch the gas line over in case we need the back up.. Sure it is more work than having the house already hooked up with a generator.. but it still works and we are getting our value out of it!
I really dislike the Special Finds aisle. I love our Aldi but it’s not very big, and the Special Finds space takes up almost two aisles at my store. Seems like wasted space when they could be offering a larger selection of foods.
I just bought men‘s slippers for my husband to wrap and give to me for Christmas (), and a set of measuring cups and spoons. Both were a great price and good quality, both were items I’d been looking for and Aldi just happened to have them.
I have a small set of screwdrivers and other useful tools that my Dad bought for me at Lidl - the other German store - over 15 years ago. They are used on a weekly basis and cost under $5!
Oh my goodness, YES! My husband and I love walkint through that aisle every week at Aldi seeing what new treasures they have. While we rarely buy, occasionally, we find exactly what we'd been wanting at a fraction of the cost. I've purchased stainless steel bowls, cutting boards, various chocolates and even some ladies tights. I've never been disappointed.
I absolutely love the non food aldi finds and everything about Aldi. The only thing i wish they would sell are turkey necks/ wings, ham hocks and fresh collard, mustard and turnip greens
That's some fine dining right there! Yum!
We had a fabulous trampoline from them that i got on clearance that lasted 7 years. We replaced it cause more then 2 teenage boys could be more then the 250 lb weight limit and went with a 400 lb limit instead. Kids socks have been great too.
Here in Germany, Aldi North did carry a lot more items than Aldi South 20 years ago (2 brothers, they now seem to be more cooperative and open), so moving north was great. Aldi south did not even have frozen food then!
My husband found his perfekt size and fit jeans for work for 13,- Euros, that he buys again and again.
I found great blinds, and some workout/homeclothes. And really cheap plants (I buy them from the discounted rack), and lets see, some kitchen items. All do well, but I make a list before shopping, so nearly no impulse buys.
The best thing I bought (and was suspicious too, because cheap at 4,-) was a wonderful lipmarker they do not carry any more.
I have bought tons of non Food items at Aldi. Drum grater bought a year ago still going strong as well as induction frying pans, comal pans, non stick cookie sheets, veggie dicer, grill, 4 pairs of shoes, 2 pairs of boots for kids, cast iron cookware silicone utensils, porcelain enamel pots, bakeware, etc. Their products are just as good as any name brand and I happen to love their scented candles and prefer their brand most if the time to national brands. I've had no problems whatsoever with any product I have ever purchased. The quality is iutstanding
Had a pair of Ugg-like Aldi books ($14.95) that I wore for 3 years in the New England endless winter. They were a great find.
I needed a camping table one year . . . and I walked in Aldi and found one half off. I’ve used it two years and it’s held up well. It was nicer and more compact than the one used prior even. I’m not against buying their special items, I’m just careful about what I buy 🙂
I typically have good luck with Aldi finds - the only thing that broke was a pole on my camping tent. But for $20, I wasn't too upset with the pole break. The tent works fine. I did buy a portable counter top ice maker. It is perfect for family gatherings and parties.
Alas, I also live in a HCOLA where land is very expensive, which means no Aldi stores, boo! However, we have rental properties in a less expensive part of the state. Due to a poorly-timed vacancy and a toppled tree, we will be spending a week there in the middle of December. (Don't weep for me - Palm Desert in winter with a "free" place to stay doesn't suck, lol.) There are two Aldi stores along the way. We always try to time our travels so we can hit one either coming or going (or both).
Aldi Finds were not even on my radar, but thanks to y'all, they are now. We will be driving the truck this time, so who knows what we will discover? If we do strike gold, at least it will be easy on the wallet and easy to cart home. Thanks, everyone!
I too have found about 90% of "Aldi Finds" I have purchased to be of pretty quality.
As you mentioned Aldi has an aisle (mine has an aisle+½) dedicated just for those products. You also mentioned that the items they offer are on a rotating basis and since they have limited space ... they have limited stock. So, if a product doesn't sell well, they need to move that item and my experience is they will reduce the price even further until the stock has been sold.
This makes buying those appliances less risky. I wanted (not needed) a shop-vac for my basement so I wouldn't have to carry the one I have down there. A luxury. But not when they slash the price 50%. Then they go like hotcakes! Timing is essential. Quality? It's an exact duplicate of the Stanley shop-vac I have in my garage.
3 years ago I purchased a countertop infrared convection oven by Ambiano for $39.99 to replace my $75+ NuWave oven that broke. I use the Ambiano at least 5/7 times a week. Aldi periodically offers the same product at least once each year. About 2 years ago, after a couple of weeks of sales at regular price, Aldi lowered the price on the last 2 they had to $15!!! I couldn't resist! Now I have a spare stored away waiting for the one in the kitchen to conk out!
I do suppose it all depends on how far you live away from Aldi? I feel lucky in that I reside only 1.3 miles away from my Aldi so I can visit frequently and nab those "marked-down-to-move" items with insane prices.
I don't have an Aldi's but my local Outlet Grocer has none food items too.
I avoid them like the plague.
I bought a t-shirt that COMPLETELY lost its shape when I washed it the first time. There was another fail too but I can't remember what it was. (What's too painful to remember we simply choose to forget)
After being burnt twice I'm not even tempted to look any more.
I’ve taken to avoiding the aisle, but checking out the items in the app. If I see something specific that I’ve been keeping an eye out for, I’ll pick it up. We’ve had great success with ALDI finds, that candles burn evenly and completely, we’ve had an office chair of theirs for 4 years and it’s excellent. I have a few of their enameled cast iron pots and they’re all great!
My Weber Genesis Silver B is ~20 years old as well! All I've had to do is replace the grates, which I did with some aftermarket stainless steel units.
I have gotten "silpat" type baking mats that worked well. We are also still using a pizza pan with the little holes I got about 5 years ago. I hesitate to buy clothing items as you can't try them. Just love Aldi!
I found this article and all the comments to be really helpful! I often think “I don’t want to see my money go down the drain” but I’m encouraged to know it’s not all poorly made stuff. I’ll definitely be considering more things there now!
Also, I’m a big fan of their plants!
No comments??? My one recent impulse buy was for a suction cup sink sponge holder-- 7 inches long and it has 3 suction cup holders. Holds a couple of scrubbies and hasn't moved one inch.
Nix the comment about no replies. Helps to look at the actual blog first. 🙁
I love their food storage bags, just like zip-lock! Better than some off brands that I have used!
I bought 3 sets in 3 sizes of matching outfits for my little grand girls and they looked adorable and washed very well. I would never have done this at regular prices. The youngest may have the same outfits for 4 years! LOL!
We got a terrific large dog bed, too.
Ditto, cast iron dutch oven.
Flowers and plants terrifc.
Love my air fryer convection oven. Lower priced than discount stores. Decided to try it ( after all I could return it). Fast forward 8 months and it has replaced my oven, toaster and no guilt fried foods.