7 quirky items we found while price-checking in the ‘aisle of shame’ at ALDI & Lidl

With $58, an ALDI shopper could buy a gallon of milk, a loaf of bread, a dozen eggs and a 10-foot round above-ground swimming pool.

That’s not to say that the typical ALDI customer would have “31-inch tall inflatable pool” on the grocery list. The point is, if the need were to arise for the Funsicle QuickSet Pool — the “easiest & fastest way to instant backyard fun” — rest assured, Triangle shoppers: ALDI’s got you covered.

But wait, there’s more. Plenty more of these nontraditional supermarket items, in fact, span aisles at both ALDI and its rival, Lidl.

While The News & Observer’s service journalists were doing the Lord’s work, scouring Raleigh’s grocery stores to discover the best prices of dozens of food items, we browsed what some have called the “Aisle of Shame” at Germany-based chain ALDI and its equivalent at Lidl.

Here are a few highlights from our visits to the stores at 4031 Wake Forest Road and 4308 Wake Forest Road. (Note: Can’t find these particular items at an ALDI or Lidl near you? Please remember that the retailers change the Aisle of Shame offerings weekly, so something equally cool likely hit the bins.)

For the pet parents

While you’re busy smothering yourself in SPF this summer, your poor doggo is left without any sun protection. Well, no more!

Enter Heart to Tail pet hats. These bucket hats come in different sizes to fit different breeds, with holes cut out for ears. They’re decorated with bright colors and happy little prints such as strawberries and lemons — the perfect accessory for a picnic in the park, a trip to the farmers market or a Fourth of July pool party.

Price: $3.99 at ALDI

For the gadget-loving chef

You’re assembling a cobb salad. Greens chopped. Tomatoes diced. Cheese sprinkled. Eggs … sliced?

Crofton’s egg accessories make it simple to get eggs boiled and evenly sliced every time.

They are designed in the most appropriate way — which is, of course, white and egg-shaped, with a little face, including an orange beak.

Price: $2.49 per egg-sessory (sorry, had to do it) at ALDI

For the ladies who lounge

That heading is just for the alliteration. The Livarno Home hammocks with stands are for all who lounge — not just the ladies.

These sets will work in your yard, on your deck or at your next campsite.

The stands are made of powder-coated steel poles and have floor-protecting end caps. No tools are needed for assembly, but they’re made to disassemble, too, and be packed into a carrying case, much like a portable folding chair.

Price: $39.99 at Lidl

For the DIYers

Finally, you’ve decided to take the plunge and start that home improvement project you’ve been mulling over for months, since you saw how easy it was for that lifestyle blogger on Instagram.

All you need is a few supplies. And you may even be able to pick them up during your next grocery run.

Need to spruce up the backyard? Paint the dining room? Install those new house numbers? Lidl sells several Parkside tools including an electric hedge trimmer, handheld paint sprayer and rotary hammer.

Prices: hedge trimmer $34.99, paint sprayer $29.99, rotary hammer $39.99 at Lidl

For the little helpers

Maybe you love it, maybe you hate it, but mowing the yard is just one of those things you have to do.

If you have some little ones running around who are still years away from the angst, there’s a good chance they want to spend some time around the adults, doing what the adults do.

The Bee Happy bubble lawn mower lets the kids “help” with the yard work. They can push around their own mower, except instead of grass clippings shooting out, bubbles will float out.

Price: $12.99 at ALDI

This story was originally published June 19, 2024 at 5:55 AM.

Renee Umsted

The News & Observer

202-383-6008

Renee Umsted is The News & Observer’s Affordability Reporter. She writes about what it costs to live in the Triangle, with a consumer-focused approach. She has a degree in journalism from TCU.