One of the things I love about blogging is that it helps me to discover new things – in this case, that we live near an ALDI store!
I grew up shopping at ALDI stores in Europe, and when we moved back to the US I was very disappointed to search and find that there wasn’t one near us. Looked for it, didn’t find it, stopped thinking about it.
Fast forward six years to a Mom Central campaign email, and I ran an internet search and there is NOW an ALDI within driving distance of our home! ALDI is an awesome place to find great products at amazing prices – like these gingerbread houses, that came with everything – tray, candy, frosting, and house pieces – for $5.99, the kind of price where each kid got their own house. That’s three-year-old Lily’s house above (Mike put some of the frosting on it for her).
Not close enough to shop there all the time, but a decent driving distance! We stocked up on delicious European chocolates, great cheeses (Specially Selected Havarti, anyone?), and Café Bistro Glazed Gingerbread (thankfully only a seasonal item, because I find it highly addictive).
This is five-year-old Johnny’s house. He went for the abstract decorating approach. One side of the house is completely blank. In part because he also went for the “eat most of your candy while decorating approach”.
ALDI also have more typical grocery items – amazingly priced milk, grapes, tomatoes, salad – pretty much everything you need. And (my favorite part of the store, growing up), a section of the store with household items and toys, where what you see is what you get and if you want it buy it quick! I loved all the interesting things you could buy there. When we went they had a slow cooker that came with a fondue melting pot for $19.99. In high school I once bought two needlework tablecloths there – I finished one, and am still working on the other one!
Six-year-old Emma went for a traditional look – and did a great job, with zero help! I think I would live in her house!
Do you shop at ALDI? What’s your favorite thing to buy there? Are you decorating gingerbread houses this year?
I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for ALDI. I received a gift certificate to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.
MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.
Well, as you know in Austria it’s called HOFER and our nearest one is 8 min. by car. I really like their organic range here (like chicken, which is most affordable here!)and wholewheat/wholefood products. We discontinued receiving any sort of advertisement via postal delivery years ago and one of the only advertisements I sometimes miss receiving is from Hofer (Aldi). :) This year, though, I somehow managed to ask around at just the right time to get their deal on electric Christmas lighting! I was thrilled. And sometimes I stock up on post-its and envelopes, laminating pouches, etc. or socks for the kids. :)
Sounds like a great store. The shopping is definitely one thing I miss from my trips to Europe.
These are cute!
My daughter brought home one she made at school with a milk carton and graham crackers, I thought that was a nice idea : )
I adore your gingerbread houses!
We don’t have one near here, but it sure does sound cool!
We don’t have ALDI in Africa but in Texas we have one just down the road. It has the cheapest cereal!
Their prices are pretty awesome :)
I adore ALDI and even went through the interview process for a management position there, until I found out the crazy insane hours they were expecting me to work for the crazy insane salary. :)
Our nearest ALDI is a 5-hour plane flight away, but we shopped there often in London. So happy for you that you can drive to one!
I was so excited to find one within driving distance!
Did you know I no longer get emails when you reply to my comments? Not sure if it’s something changed on my end or yours…
Thanks for letting me know. I will look into it.
We have Trader’s Joe – it’s kind of a local brand of the same store. We love it and shop there quite often. We’ve seen an exact same gingerbread kit there :)
I’ve never heard of Aldi but it sounds like a great store!
I think there’s one in Medford, if you want to check it out :)
Those are cute! Abby and Dave will make their gingerbread house this weekend. It’s a yearly tradition.
We have a few Aldi’s around here. I’ve been once and wasn’t impressed. However, so many people love it. I may have to try again.
It’s a quirky store, so what you get changes a lot depending on when you go…