IKEA is known for affordable housewares but we think their selection of kid’s toys and linens are the best-kept secret in shopping. The latest line of kids gear, from cushions to plush animals to tea sets, is here and we picked our top faves. Bonus: These are all shoppable online so you don’t have to make that trek to the big store near you. Read on for our picks. 

MÅLA 10-Piece Cardboard Town

A sweet set for your architect, these little cardboard templates are easy to color, fold, and build a magical small town of their own. The price is so affordable, you can get more than one. Great for travel! 

Shop it here. $3.49

SPORTSLIG Ball Storage and Goal

This foldable, soft toy goal can help your inner soccer star shine, or get ready for some serious toddler/knee hockey. Turn it on its side for toy storage. 

Shop it here.$24.99

SPARKA Soft Soccer Ball

This mini plush ball is just one of several new soft ball toys that go great with the indoor goal. Kids can stay active on those indoor-only days without (too much) danger of smashing things in the house. 

Buy it now, $1.49

LEDDJUR Elephant Set

The new plush parent-and-baby elephant set is about as snuggly as they come. 

Buy it here, $12.99

UNDERHÅLLA Abacus

Learn to count with the colorful, wooden abacus that makes a calculator look boring. 

Buy it now, $9.99

KURA Bed Curtain in Market Stall

Transform your child’s bed into a play area with the new canopy in a market-stall pattern and get ready to play store with all the resident stuffed animals. Fits the KURA bed. 

Get it here, $24.99

UNDERHÅLLA 40-Piece Wooden Building Block Set

These wooden blocks are the kind of toy you think: why didn’t I buy these sooner? The 40-piece Montessori-inspired set offers you endless combos and hours of multi-age entertainment. 

Buy them here, $11.99

MORRHÅR Plush Leopard

When you—we mean they—really need a snuggle, this oversized leopard toy does just the trick. 

Buy it here, $17.99

MJUKHET Soft Panther

Okay, there is definitely a cat theme with IKEA's latest catalog. The cat lover in all of us wants this little soft toy curled up next to us during storytime or any time. 

Get it now, $ 6.49

DUKTIG Tea Set

Make your own wonderland with this durable three-piece playset. 

Get it now, $6.99

SÖT BARNSLIG Hippopotamus

Sometimes, you just need a tiny, pink, plush hippopotamus in your life. Especially one that clocks in under $1. 

Get it here, $0.99

MÅLA Easel

The newest IKEA easel, the affordable MALA line is just what you need for those rainy, creative days. 

Get it here, $19.99

KARISMATISK Room Divider

Got siblings? Or maybe your home office is also your kid’s room/living room/bedroom? This colorful room divider will designate separate spaces but can be folded up in an instant. 

Buy it here, $59.99

BARNDRÖM Cat Cushion

​​Who wouldn’t want a cat-shaped cushion complete with a stash pocket? Goes great with the new green cat throw pillow and new green cat twin duvet and pillowcase set, too. 

Buy it here, $11.99

KARISMATISK Flower Rugs 

This set of three flower rugs is just what your little plant lover wants to brighten their space all winter long.

Buy them here, $89.99

BELDRINGE Dala Horse Doormat

Make sure they wipe those muddy little feet with this adorable Dala-horse doormat. 

Get it here, $12.99

STARTTID Backpack

This classic kid’s backpack style now comes in two new colors: the black and red pattern seen here and a leopard print. 

Buy it here, $12.99

ISKÄRNA Table Light

If you’ve got a DEVO or Blue Man Group fan in your house, have we got the lamp for you.

Get it now, $29.99

SÖTAST Koala Set

What’s better than one stuffed koala? A pair! This parent-and-child koala set is soft, cuddly, and sweet as can be. 

Buy it here, $14.99

VÄNKRETS Cushion in Pale Green Banana 

Add a little whimsical support to any bed or play area with this long, lumbar-style pillow in the new pale green banana pattern. And don’t miss the matching duvet and pillow-case set.  

Get it here, $17.99

BARNDRÖM Duvet Set in Forest Animal

IKEA debuted a few new twin duvet and pillowcase sets this fall but this one might be our favorite, with its minimalist forest style. 

Get it here, $17.99

BARNDRÖM Duvet Set in Heart

But then again, we also totally heart this twin set, too.  

Get it here, $9.99

NÄVLINGE Desk Light

At first glance, this light looks slightly boring, but it’s a great little minimalist desk lamp or reading light that can focus the light directly on the page.

Buy it here, $16.99

SUNDVIK Convertible Changing Table & Dresser 

IKEA

We love multi-use furniture that grows with your kid and this new changing table is just such a piece. Plenty of storage for diapers and wipes, and when the diaper stage is over it converts into a chest of drawers. 

Get it here, $189

Other IKEA Picks Our Editors Love

JÄTTELIK Soft Dinosaur Toys

Whether your kiddo wants a triceratops, or is more of a brontosaurus kind of kid, this new line of dinosaur toys will be their new old best friend in no time. 

Comes in triceratops, velociraptor, brontosaurus and stegosaurus. $5.99/each

MÅLA Framed Drawing Boards

IKEA

Go next-level with that refrigerator art and make it wall-worthy with these framed drawing boards. $1.99/each

MÅLA Felt Tip Pen

IKEA

Refresh that supply of dried-out pens with this affordable set. $2.99/24 pack

Solar System Mobile

Give your kid her first glimpse at what the universe holds with this soft, fuzzy mobile that’s perfect for hanging above her changing table. Made from 100% polyester.

Buy it here, $5.99.

Velcro Tag Game

Finally, it’s okay for your kids to throw stuff at each other. This new tag-like game is designed for two players, comes with two velcro vests and felt balls that kids can belt at one another. It can also be played indoors or outside. This could be the solution to all those sibling squabbles, amirite? Recommended for kids ages 6 and up.

Buy it here, $14.99.

—Amber Guetebier with Gabby Cullen

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All images courtesy IKEA

The summer swelter is nearing its end. Before your kids trade swimming for studying, you’ll need to stock up on the essentials (especially if you are remote learning this year). That’s where your fave Swedish retailer comes in. Along with the must-have meatballs and lingonberry sauce, an IKEA study table, IKEA desk and other school-ready picks can make the summer-to-school transition the best time of the year. Keep reading to see our favorites.

RÅSKOG Utility Cart

IKEA

Organize your child's workspace with the IKEA RÅSKOG utility cart ($29.99). Fill the bins with pens, pencils, paper and every other school supply your student needs. 

MÅLA Paper

IKEA

Make your child's crafting dreams come true with this assortment of rainbow hues ($4.99). The paper pack comes with different colors and different sizes too!

LUSTIGT Caddy

IKEA

Store your child's fave art supplies in IKEA's LUSTIGT craft caddy ($17.99). Not only can they keep crayons, markers and pens in the box, but there's also an A4-size paper storage tray in the bottom. 

MÖJLIGHET Headset and tablet stand

Tidy up those cords with this cute stand ($3.99) that comes in a variety of colors. 

VÄGGIS Noticeboard

IKEA

Forget about Pinterest for a moment. This noticeboard allows your child to pin their favorite artwork, reminders or anything else IRL. And it's only $5.99!

MICKE Desk

IKEA

The simple IKEA desk ($99.99) fits almost any room. Combine it with other IKEA units or keep it as is for a minimalist work station. 

NÄVLINGE LED wall/clamp spotlight

Let their work shine bright this school year with this clip-on lamp ($17.99).

STARTTID Pencil Case

IKEA

So you say your kiddos need something cute to carry their pencils in? This pick ($1.99) is an adorable option.

HEMNES Desk

IKEA

If your child needs more storage space, this HEMNES desk unit ($449) is ideal!

OBERGET / BLYSKÄR Desk Chair with Pad

IKEA

Now that your child has a desk, she needs somewhere to sit. The OBERGET / BLYSKÄR chair ($34.99) is easy on your back-to-school budget, adjustable and cute! Comes with different colored pads to match your decor.

FLISAT Desk

IKEA

With three different heights, this children's desk ($79.99) is an adjustable option your kiddo will enjoy for years to come. 

VIMUND Desk Chair

IKEA

Kids can get comfy in this ergonomic junior chair ($69.99). 

KUNGSFORS Magnetic Clip

IKEA

The KUNGSFORS clip ($4.99 for three) is perfect for organizing your child's school papers, artwork or other papers. Or use them to leave little reminder notes behind!

MÅLA Chalk

IKEA

Little artists will get a kick out of these bold colors. Your child will get nine pieces of chalk in a pack for $2!

MÅLA Colored Pencils

IKEA

If your pint-sized Picasso is all about drawing, this 10 piece pack ($4.99) has a rainbow of colors to create with. 

TJENA Desk Organizer

IKEA

Keep your kiddo's desk clear with this organizer ($4.99). 

 

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: IKEA

 

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If you love everything about IKEA, including how it smells of meatballs and deals, you’re in for a treat! To celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the IKEA U.S. Family Program, the beloved Swedish retailer is releasing a limited edition HUVUDROLL Meatball scented candle! And if you’re an IKEA Family member, you can enter to win one as part of a “Store in a Box” package starting August 6.

The Store in a Box promises “the best, most recognizable pieces of an IKEA store to bring home,” including the meatball candle. If the cute blue packaging is any indicator, you’ll definitely want to toss your name into contest consideration. Plus that candle is a must-have!

IKEA is also running a number of deals to commemorate the anniversary. You’ll score $50-$100 off BRATHULT sofas, 40% off SISSIL cushion covers, 25% off SILKEBORG, MEJRUP and VEDTOFTE rugs and 20% off select FNITTRIG plant pots, among other discounts. Visit the website for the full list of deals, including in-store only offerings.

Finally, if you shop August 14-15 and spend $100 or more, you’ll receive one of the signature big blue bags to take home! Move on over, back-to-school shopping, because IKEA is making a real power move!
—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of IKEA

 

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Whether it’s located on an accent wall, behind the door or you’ve dedicated and entire corner of your home to it, a family command center (aka: the place where everyone goes to stay in the know) is the key to staying organized. Never get caught heading to practice on the wrong day or showing up late a meeting again thanks to these clever, essential items every family needs.

Modern Farmhouse Family Command Center

To define the space, @MImodfarmhouse used wallpaper on a small accent wall and then added all the essentials for a family command center. Dry erase calendar? Check. Baskets to maintain clothing madness? Check. An envelope to hold letters and other small essentials that come in and go out of the house? Check check check. To get the look, scroll below. 

Get the Look

Target

Clear calendar; buy it here, $25.99.

Black chalkboard paint; buy it here, $22.59.

rettel note roll command center
Amazon

Note paper roll; buy it here, $29.99.

family command center organizations
Target

Wall hook organizer, buy it here, $24.

Decorative Family Command Center

Baskets, shelves and a chalkboard calendar has set up Hello It's Bailey Jo's family command center for success. While some families opt for a more utilitarian look, we love that this version blends seamlessly into the style and decor of the rest of the house. Scroll below to shop a similar look.

Get the Look

Chalkboard calendar
Target

Black chalkboard calendar, buy it here, $15.99.

Home Depot

Wall-mounted baskets, buy it here, $11.92

Bright & Colorful Family Command Center

Organizing family command center
Casey Brodley for Oh Joy!

Rainbow bright stripes separate each family member's own personal drop zone in Oh Joy!'s DIY family check-in station, guaranteeing an awesome and organized start to each day. Handy cubbies down below wait with necessities, and magnetic walls above hold keys, lists, and reminders. We love that you can mix this one up to fit your family's needs, from picking your fave colors to adding extra cubes for storage. Check out all the step-by-step instructions at Oh Joy!

 

Get the Look

Colorful paint, buy it here.

white cubbies target
Target

White cubby, buy it here, $19.99.

Fast & Simple Family Command Center

The Crunchy Mommy

Put together this family command center in less time than it takes to deliver a pizza to your front door. This color-coordinated scheduler has all of the essentials—a place to put loose papers, a handy message board, a calendar—without the sweat or expense some others require.

Get the Look

Corkboard
Target

Corkboard, buy it here, $8.
 
 

clipboard
WalMart

Pink Clipboard, buy it here, $9.

 

file folder
WalMart

Black file folder, buy it here, $3.
 

One & Done Family Command Center

memo board
Ikea

Ikea's Svensas magnetic white memo board is the secret ingredient that can take your family command center from good to great. These affordable magnetic boards can be hung horizontally or vertically, and they're big enough to hold everything from your child's most recent masterpiece to field trip permission slips. Hang one over a desk and put a calendar plus to-do list on it, or put one over the shoe bins in your mudroom. 

Buy it here, $10.

Modern & Simple Family Command Center

The Home Edit

The brilliant organizational wizards at The Home Edit put together this modern simple command center that you can fit just about anywhere. A rolling cart is reimagined as a family catch-all while a whiteboard calendar tracks important dates and a rolling wicker basket makes a perfect drop zone for loose papers and preschool backpacks. Check out The Home Edit's tips to create your own command center.

Get the Look

organize
Bed, Bath & Beyond

Rolling Cart, buy it here, $30.
 

Sorting basket
Pottery Barn

Sorting bin, buy it here, $99.
 

Rustic Tech Charging Station

Driven by Decor

Give an old letter sorter new life with an electric jolt. This rustic charging station will keep cords corralled and electronic devices ready to go. It's stylish enough that you won't mind seeing it on your counter and big enough that it'll hold all your devices. Go to Driven by Decor to find out how you can create your own custom charging station.

Get the Look

charging station
Wayfair

Buy it here, $43.

 

Secret Family Command Center

Coffee, Pancakes, and Dreams

A family command center doesn't have to take up space in the kitchen, laundry room or mud room. We love that Jaclyn of Coffee, Pancakes, and Dreams used a wall that leads to the basement to work as her family's command center. With chalkboard paint, clipboards to hold chore charts and a shiny envelope awaiting loose papers, the command center put things in their place. Check out the step-by-step on Jaclyn's blog and as a bonus, get a set of free printable chore charts.

 

Get the Look

chalkboard paint
Home Depot

Chalkboard paint, buy it here, $12

 

clipboards
Staples

Pack of clipboards, buy it here, $9.
 

—Oz Spies & Andie Huber

 

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If you live in Illinois, Maine, New York, or Wisconsin, check your blueberries! The FDA announced that Dole is recalling clamshell packages of fresh blueberries due to potential cyclospora contamination. It’s a parasite that can cause intestinal infection, including vomiting, diarrhea and severe abdominal pain.

The berries were packed between May 28 and June 9 and you can identify a problematic package by the UPC code or the product lot code (see the FDA release for the full product lot code list). Four UPC codes are affected:

  • 0 71430 01154 6
  • 0 71430 01151 5
  • 07143001150 8
  • 071430011155 3

If you find a package with one of these codes in your home, discard it immediately. No other Dole products are affected by this recall. If you have any questions, you can call the Dole Consumer Center at 1-800-356-3111, which is open 24 hours a day.

Fortunately, no illnesses have been reported yet in association with the recall.

—Sarah Shebek

Feature photo courtesy of the FDA

 

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IKEA’s redesigned classic blue FRAKTA tote is back! In honor of Pride Month, you can shop the limited edition STORSTOMMA Bag in two sizes. 

The large bag ($2.99) is perfect for your IKEA shopping trips, while the smaller version ($.99) is great for everyday use. Even better, IKEA is donating 30% of all sales of the bags (and ENEBY rainbow speaker covers) to GLSEN, Inc., which works to ensure K-12 students have a safe place to learn, free from bullying and harassment. 

Rainbow tote

Donations will come from all sales from Jun. 1 through 30, 2021, up to $50,000.

“LGBTQ+ inclusion is an issue very close to our hearts and we want people of all sexual orientations and gender identities to feel at home – not just at IKEA, but everywhere,” said Samantha Giusti, Chief of Staff & LGBTQ+ Co-Worker Resource Group Co-Chair, IKEA Retail U.S.

Rainbow tote

Don’t wait to grab your STORSTOMMA bags, they’re limited edition! You can find them at your local IKEA or at IKEA.com.

—Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of IKEA

 

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When it comes to home improvement projects, they don’t have to be complicated or require multiple trips for supplies. In fact, for these beginner design projects, you most likely already have the materials you need lying around, plus, they’re so easy, kids of any age can lend a hand (or two). The best part? You’ll get an interior design upgrade while spending some quality time with your kiddos without spending a ton of cash. Talk about a win-win scenario. Keep reading to see them all.

DIY Tissue Paper Covered Pots

DIY-striped-tissue-paper-wrapped-pots
Tell Love & Party

Brown terracotta pots can be so, well, boring. Give those beloved plants a brag-worthy container with materials you most likely already have laying around your house—think scissors, tissue paper and glue. Who would have thought that these basic materials could have you and your kids quickly transforming those ho-hum planters into their very own design statement?

Good to Know: While you can use plain white glue, grab Mod Podge if you can. It's an all-in-one type of glue that not only acts as a binding agent, it also seals and finishes your projects, makes them waterproof, and safe for outdoor use.

Project length: A few hours to let the coats of glue dry between applications.

Click here for the full how-to.

Painted Rainbow Fan Blades

rainbow-fan-diy
Wonderful DIY

Part science experiment part boredom buster, this spin-art-inspired project will cast rainbow rays on hot summer days. And if rainbows aren't your thing, choose a color scheme that matches your room decor—alternating black and white or blue and white stripes will look super chic. 

Good to Know: You'll need to remove the grill front of the fan, which may require a screwdriver, and you'll thank us later, but please let the paint dry fully before checking out your handiwork.

Project Length: A couple of hours to let the paint fully dry before re-assembling the fan.

Click here for the full how-to.

Handprint Alphabet Artwork

diy artwork with kids
Mommy Minutes Blog

We understand the struggle—you have a blank wall in your home that is calling out for some artwork, but you want something personal and meaningful rather than a poster print you can find on Amazon. Well, nothing is more personal than using those little hands in your home to create a colorful alphabet art piece. If the whole alphabet seems overwhelming, just pick one or a couple of your favorite letters and collage them together.

Good to Know: If you are going to complete the whole alphabet, handprint the same colors at the same time. So, if you are starting with red, handprint all the red-based letters first.

Length of Project: A couple of "letters" can be finished in under an hour, but the whole alphabet may take a couple of days to complete depending on your kid's patience level.

Click here for the full how-to.

DIY Ombre Lampshade

Remodelista

For less than $15, your kids can customize and transform a basic white lampshade into a stunning conversation piece—bonus points for matching it to their decor.

Good to Know: The trick to achieving the ombre look is to saturate the top of the lampshade with spray paint and then let the paint disperse down the shade, where it will fade to white.

Length of Project: Less than an hour.

Click here for the full how-to.

DIY Painted Game Table

DIY game table IKEA
IKEA

If you have a kid, you probably have an IKEA LACK table in your life. But this workhorse of a furniture piece (arts and crafts table, snack and dinner table) doesn't have to look like it came from a big-box store. Brainstorm with your kids about which game they love the most, and transform this piece of furniture by using self-adhesive vinyl in classic game board colors.

Good to Know: Plan to seal the vinyl with a clear topcoat to protect the vinyl from getting torn or rolling up at the edges.

Length of Project: A couple of hours to measure, adhere vinyl and seal.

Click here for the how-to. (Tip, the IKEA directions for this project default to Swedish but just click translate and you'll get the easy how-to in English). 

DIY Chair Makeover

DIY-painted-chair-makeover
Sugar & Cloth

Before you donate that used piece of furniture, see if you and your home improvement kids can breathe new life into the piece by upcycling it with this clever DIY painting project. Decide which colors and what type of design you'll use, and then with just a sponge brush and fabric paint, you'll miraculously have a new chair in the house the kids can fight over. 

Good to Know: Kids can design and cut a sponge into a shape—a star, a heart or a cloud are all good ideas—and use that to create a pattern on the chair. 

Length of Project: A few hours to let the paint dry. 

Click here for the full how-to.

DIY T-Shirt Rag Rug

DIY-tshirt-rag-rug
The Wonder Forest

This project combines all the things we love about an easy home improvement project—learning a new skill and recycling materials you already own to create something new. This t-shirt rag rug is ideal for someone who has been saving (or refusing to depart with) their t-shirts for nostalgic reasons. You can keep the color palette tight by choosing t-shirts in just two-to-three colors or you can use everything you have—there are no rules here.

Good to Know: A combination of 15 men's and women's t-shirts makes about a 30-inch rug. 

Length of Project: Depending on how quickly the braiding is done, plan for this project to take a couple of hours over a couple of days.

Click here for the full how-to.

DIY Cork Board

DIY cork board
Young House Love

Everyone needs a spot in the house to hang their favorite pictures, awards and artwork. Enlist the kids to help create their own memo board above their desk. They can help measure, cut the cork to fit the space and glue them into place. 

Good to Know: While these bloggers choose to back the cork with a wood backing to minimize pinholes in the drywall, you can skip that step if you are okay with potentially having to fix the wall down the road from overzealous pinners. 

Length of Project: Less than an hour.

Click here for the full how-to.

Ice Dye Pillows

Dans le Lakehouse

You've heard of tie-dye but have you tried ice dye? This DIY project is more like a science experiment, but whoever said home improvement and science don't mix? The cool effect is part watercolor, part marbleization, part tie-dye, and we couldn't be more excited to try this with our kids. First on our project list? A couple of throw pillows and then a plain white duvet cover. 

Good to Know: This project can be messy and dusty—plastic gloves and a mask are essential for everyone involved in this project.

Length of Project: A couple of hours.

Click here for the full how-to. 

 

Rain Barrel Makeover

rain barrel
Annie Somnium

Nothing improves a home more than some good old curb appeal. But those unsightly rain barrels, while a good thing for the environment and your plants, are typically not so pleasing to look at—until now, that is. You can make your own if you don't have one already, but don't stop at just a plain old barrel. Grab the kids and paint, and decorate your container to be a bright spot—rather than an eyesore—in your yard.

Good to Know: Choose exterior paints and think about sealing the outside so your design can last season after season. 

Length of Project: A couple of hours.

Click here for the full how-to.

—Andie Huber

Featured photo: iStock 

 

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a recall for IKEA HEROISK and TALRIKA bowls, plates and mugs. Made from PLA material from renewable sources, the products can become brittle and break, which may cause hot food or liquids to leak and cause burns.

The affected products were sold in a variety of colors including yellow, pink and blue. IKEA has been notified of 123 reports of issues worldwide, including four reports of injuries, most of which were burns.

Consumers can check if their products are affected by looking at the bottom of each product. Recalled items will have a supplier number of “23348,” “Made in Taiwan” and “PLA” molded on to the bottom.

The TALRIKA and HEROISK product were sold at IKEA stores nationwide and online from Aug. 2019 through May 2021 for $4-$12. If you do have a recalled item, stop using it immediately and return to an IKEA location for a full refund.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of CPSC

 

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Get ready for an afternoon of IKEA assembly fun—no tiny hexagonal wrench needed! The Swedish furniture and home goods retailer has a self-assembly chocolate bunny just in time for Easter.

Like just about everything else at IKEA, the VÅRKÄNSLA milk chocolate bunny is an assembly-required item. While you might not need to spend the afternoon figuring out what that sweet little stick man in the 10-page illustrated instruction manual is doing with wooden pegs, a hammer and a hexagonal wrench, the bunny isn’t a buy and eat treat.

Photo: IKEA

Your kiddo will get more than just an Easter basket goody with the VÅRKÄNSLA. Instead of just a sweet treat, they’ll also get a fun-filled holiday activity too. The self-assembly bunny comes in three parts to puzzle together!

Not only is the make-your-own bunny awesomely adorable, it’s a tasty addition to your fam’s Easter candy stash. The VÅRKÄNSLA bunny is made from at least 30 percent UTZ certified cocoa. UTZ certified cocoa is harvested and produced in a way that, “Ensures sustainable farming standards and good conditions for workers.”

Nab your very own self-assembly chocolate bunny in IKEA stores across the country for $4.99.

—Erica Loop

 

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IKEA recently announced the winners of the brand’s latest Soft Toy Drawing Competition. Eleven-year-old Nick from St. Louis is the first American since 2017 to win one of the top honors in this creative contest!

The SAGOSKATT collection from Swedish retailer IKEA is a limited-edition collection of soft toys made for kids, by kids. Each year children from around the world are invited to submit their designs, featuring drawings of a would-be imaginatively awesome plush.

This year’s competition brought in more than 66,000 entries—with five chosen as the top winners. Each winner will have their drawing turned into an IRL IKEA toy! One hundred percent of the proceeds from the SAGOSKATT line are donated to local children’s right to play initiatives.

Along with 11-year-old Nick (who won for his “Bird” design), the other global winners were “Sandwich friends” designed by nine-year-old Audrey from Canada, “Cat” designed by eight-year-old Liepa from Lithuania, “Fried egg” designed by seven-year-old Zosia from Poland and “Mermaid dog” designed by nine-year-old Savva from Russia.

Jorge Omar Santoyo Henaine, Product Design Developer for Children’s IKEA, IKEA of Sweden, said in a press release, “I feel very lucky and grateful to be part of the team involved in the SAGOSKATT project. The whole concept of ’for children by children to help children’ is something that makes me extremely proud.”

Santoyo Henaine continued, “The endless creativity in kids is amazing. Each year we are impressed by the amount of unique, cool and fun creations we receive. We wish we could make all of them! When selecting the winners, we consider a lot of  important criteria, for instance, how unique, colorful and expressive the drawing is, if it can be transformed into a soft toy for mass production and if we can secure the safety requirements for the future toy.”

Find the SAGOSKATT toy line in stores and on IKEA’s website.

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of IKEA

 

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