'I went to Aldi at 8am to find Kevin the Carrot - and was surprised at what I saw' - Rachel Williams

With December only a couple of weeks away now, many major retailers have been getting into the holiday spirit by releasing Christmas-themed merchandise. One such retailer is Aldi, with the German supermarket chain officially bringing back its beloved Kevin the Carrot range of plush toys. If you've not been living under a rock, then you'll

With December only a couple of weeks away now, many major retailers have been getting into the holiday spirit by releasing Christmas-themed merchandise.

One such retailer is Aldi, with the German supermarket chain officially bringing back its beloved Kevin the Carrot range of plush toys. If you've not been living under a rock, then you'll be aware just how popular this collection proves with families.

Officially landing in the supermarket's famed middle aisle this morning, Thursday, November 16, from 8am, I wondered if there would be a repeat of previous years where shoppers have queued from the early hours of the morning.

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Aldi certainly seemed to think so, as the budget grocer recently announced that it had imposed a strict limit of two plush toys per customers. Considering they have previously sold out in record time and then showed up on eBay for three times their price, I couldn't exactly disagree with the limit.

Did I manage to find the full collection in store?

When this morning arrived, I was very much expecting the worst. Would I have to wait out alongside the masses in the freezing cold? Or, would the odds be ever in my favour as I had to race other eager fans to the middle aisle - look, that aisle is already popular, so I wouldn't be surprised.

Nevertheless, when I popped down to my local Aldi, based at Aberdeen's Beach Boulevard, I can safely say this was not the case. In fact, it seemed like a regular morning at the supermarket, with only a few other shoppers in at the same time as me.

However, just because there were no massive queues (so far), that doesn't mean that you can walk out with as much merchandise as you want, as there were signs in place that for the maximum of 2 toys per customer limit.

As for the merchandise itself this year, it was heavily advertised in store and I managed to find Kevin and his friends at the very top of the Specialbuys aisle. Luckily, there was still a lot left in stock when I was there, so some families might find they have more luck this year.

From adorable Christmas tree decorations (£2.99) to crafting kits (£2.99 that allow fans the chance to create their very own character from the advert, there was everything a Kevin super-fan could want for Christmas.

If you're a fan of this year's advert and its characters, then you'll be pleased to hear that my Aldi was filled to the brim with £3.99 plush toys based on the characters. There was also a large Jumbo Plush Kevin for £19.99, and he looks perfect for anyone who is a major fan (I know there are a few of you out there.)

I was also quite tickled with the Scottish Kevin that seemed that was wearing his own little kilt. It was pretty cute and I was fairly tempted to take him home with me.

Now, while the aisle was stocked full of the new Christmas merchandise, there was one item I found that was missing - the Special Golden Kevin that is said to cost £6.99. Whether the supermarket has taken the story of the classic film to heart, meaning there will only be a few to find, I am not sure, but it was the only item I could not find.

It's also worth mentioning that Aldi's Kevin merchandise will only be in stores this year, after the supermarket closed its online Specialbuys operations earlier in 2023. So, like all Specialbuys, you might want to be quick before they are gone.

What did I make of the Kevin 2023 Christmas collection?

Well, overall, I'm just glad that I didn't walk into a Hunger Games-esque situation that shoppers have reported in the past.

Aside from the fact that I am clearly not a lucky winner when it comes to the special Golden Kevin, I think Aldi and Kevin fans will have their pick of toys this year. From the new plushee-style characters to the adorable Christmas tree decorations, you can purchase something as a gift for a loved one, or even as a treat for yourself.

Not to mention, there will also be £3.99 3D Kevin mugs arriving in stores from next week, Thursday, November 23, and they look ideal for sipping your favourite hot chocolate on Christmas morning with.

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What characters were featured in Aldi's Christmas 2023 advert?

If you're a fan of the loveable root vegetable, then you'll know that the Christmas merchandise is based of Aldi's hit festive advert, with this year's inspired by the childhood classic, "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory."

Previous years has seen the supermarket base its festive campaign on other popular childhood films that include Home Alone and A Christmas Carol, with the merchandise given fans the chance to bag some of their favourite characters.

Dubbed "Kevin and the Chocolate Factory", the supermarket's festive ad for 2023, which launched last week, featured Kevin and his friends as they visited William Conker's magical gravy-filled Chocolate Factory.

Accompanied by Grate Grandpa, Kevin embarks on his tour of the festive goodie-filled factory, encountering mischievous characters on the way including adorable dancing Plumty-Dumptys and a Spoilt Little Sprout.

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