Etsy: Bug and Beluga Quarter Keeper

Last Updated on September 24, 2019

EDITOR’S NOTE: This product was given to us in exchange for an honest review. You can read our full disclosure policy here.

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Quarters are a crucial part of the Aldi experience. Because Aldi requires one to access a cart, having a quarter on hand is really important. Some people keep one in their car, but we think a better option is to keep a quarter holder on your keychain. In fact, we would argue that a keychain quarter holder is an essential accessory.

Aldi does occasionally sell such a product as an ALDI Find, but we found it to be poorly made and hard to use. Fortunately, there are a number of other options out there. Some of the best of those options come courtesy of Etsy, where one can find a number of handmade options crafted by small businesses.

One such storefront is Bug and Beluga. Bug and Beluga is based out of Harvest, Alabama, a small town in the northern part of the state not far from Huntsville. The owner, Jill Underwood, sells some 200 different products on Etsy, including a fair number of quarter holders made especially for Aldi shoppers.

Bed and Beluga Aldi Quarter Keeper

Just a few of Bug and Beluga’s options. Click to enlarge.

While there is a variety of quarter holders available on the storefront, we were able to try out two of the more popular ones: a heart-shaped quarter holder and a holder inspired by the classic Aldi logo. (Although it’s not obvious from the photo, the Aldi logo version comes in both a flat color and a glitter version.) The Aldi logo version runs $6.25, while the heart keychains run from $5.95 to $6.50 depending on the color and material. All versions currently ship in the U.S. for $3.10.

Both versions are made entirely out of vinyl. In addition, both have a snap enclosure so you can easily remove it from the included keychain and snap it onto a different keychain or loop if you want.

We spent several weeks using the Bug and Beluga holders, and our experience has been unanimously positive. The build quality on both versions feels good, and the quarters slide in and out relatively easy. Putting the quarter in is as simple as pushing, and removing the quarter isn’t too hard, either. To get the quarter out, we recommend experimenting with it when you first get it; we found that with practice we got a lot better at it. Compared to the official Aldi holder, it’s no contest: the Bug and Beluga versions are much easier to use.

Bed and Beluga Aldi Quarter Keeper

The Bug and Beluga holders, side by side with the official Aldi holder.

It’s a small point, but we also appreciated how relatively thin these quarter holders were. They stay about the same thickness even with the quarter in, which helps to minimize the bulk. They’re not obtusely big to begin with — especially the Aldi logo version — but their thin profile makes them fit better on a keychain.

The durability looks good, too. Based on extended use we expect these to last for a long time.

From The Designer:

We asked the creator, Jill Underwood, what inspired her to create the keychains. Here’s what she said:

I am a proud stay at home mom to three children. I will have been married, to my best friend, for ten wonderful years this year.

I created the Etsy shop Bug and Beluga as a creative outlet. Little did I know that my “creative outlet” would help provide for my family. I am so thankful for the love I have received from the Etsy community over the past few years.

I create many items, but the most popular are the many different keychains I offer. Out of the 100+ keychains I create the Aldi quarter holder is one of my most popular items. I am an Aldi shopper myself and when I came across this design, I knew it would be a hit. Aldi has a special place in its shoppers’ hearts because of their amazing prices and quality items. The quarter holder is such a novelty item for the Aldi lover and a useful and inexpensive gift for a friend or loved one. I offer different Aldi keychain designs and color choices in the hopes that any Aldi lover will find the one that fits them best.

The Verdict:

If you’re looking for a keychain holder with a bit of style, the Bug and Beluga keychains are worth a try. They look nice, have a thin profile, and are easy to use. Based on our use of them — and given that they’re made of vinyl — we have a feeling that they’ll last a while.

If you’re interested in these keychain holders, you can find them on the Bug and Beluga storefront here.

About Joshua

Joshua is the Co-founder of Aldi Reviewer. He is also a writer and novelist. You can learn more about him at joshuaajohnston.com.

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