IKEA is known for genius storage solutions, affordable furniture, and cost-efficient kitchenware. Parents of college-age kids truly have it MADE with this one-stop-shop for setting up a new home or apartment, and newly-weds can definitely create a gorgeous home on a limited budget without having to beg for grandma’s 1978 tweed couch! But what you may not know is that the Swedish-based megastore is filled with tons of hidden gems, and I feel like it is my civic duty to share what I have discovered! From children’s toys to chip-clips, and from straws all the way to house plants, you may be surprised what made my list!
STARTTID Backpack. At only $7.99, this makes an excellent “extra” backpack to carry to church, grandma’s house, or on a road trip. Add a monogram to make it extra cute!
BEKVĀM Step Stool. Available in unfinished Birch (so you can paint to fit your needs) or in a few different stains, this $19.99 solid wooden two-step stool is excellent to have on hand for kids and adults alike to access hard-to-reach areas.
DUKTIG Play Kitchen (accessories sold separately). This wooden play kitchen is sure to be a hit with your kids, and when it is priced at only $79.99, it will be a hit with your bank account as well! Don’t miss all of the cute accessories that go with it!
PYSSLA Beads (otherwise known as Perler beads). I have yet to find a better price on Perler beads (only $5.99 at IKEA), and stock up every time I go. They work with any of the traditional Perler shapes/forms, or you can buy a set at IKEA as well.
KALAS Kids’ Plates/Cups/Plasticware. These kids’ plates, bowls, cups, and plasticware are THE BEST! If they accidentally get lost outside or ruined with paint, you won’t think twice because they are just so. stinkin. inexpensive! I am fairly certain my kids will be eating on these plates until their stomachs outgrow them.
ANTILOP High Chair. Whether you are looking for an extra high chair for grandma’s house or one for your own home, you will love only having to spend $22.99 for a high chair (with safety belt) and detachable tray! Best part? You can put it outside and hose it off!
SODA Drinking Straw. I told you some of these would be random. But I couldn’t NOT share these straws! For only $1.99, you get 200 fluorescent “bendy straws,” as my kids call them. They work great, and the price can’t be beat.
FANTASTICK Napkins. These large, square napkins come in pretty much every color under the sun and are thick and durable. I always like to pick some up for birthday parties and around the holidays!
SPRUDLA or TOPPKLOCKA Children’s Apron. Whether you have a chef-in-training or a budding artist, these aprons are a must-have for keeping your little ones clean. At only $4.99 – $6.99, these make really fun gifts for children’s birthday parties when you add an embroidered name!
BEVARA Chip Clips. Only $2.99 will get you 30 chip clips in a variety of sizes. We use these on pretty much everything in our kitchen and have figured out they work great on your toothpaste tube!
ISTAD Freezer Baggies. These are, quite possibly, my most favorite random IKEA find. Each box comes with two different sized plastic zip-style baggiges, and there are three different options to choose from. If you have never had access to a 1.5-gallon zip-style bag, your life is forever changed!
DRAGON Coffee Spoons. If you are even half the coffee lover I am, these will just make you happy. At only $4.99 for a six-pack, these little guys are the perfect size for stirring your favorite mix-ins and enjoying your daily cup.
KLIPSK Bed/Lap Trays. Ranging from $9.99 to $12.99 depending on color, these foldable lap trays are perfect for movie nights, homework, and even LEGO® bricks! Add a vinyl name to a tray, a coloring book, and some markers, and you have an awesome, customized gift option!
FÄRGRIK Coffee Mugs. These $0.99 coffee mugs are gorgeous as they are, but they also work with easy DIY customization! I made these adorable monogrammed mugs for the entire staff at my son’s school for less than $100. How’s that for awesome?!
FISKBO Frames. These colorful picture frames come in a myriad of different sizes and make for an adorable wall collage of your children’s beautiful artwork!
UPPEHÅL Votive Candle Holders. When hunting for glass votive candle holders for party decoration, I discovered IKEA had the best price ($1.99 per four-pack) by almost HALF of what competitors charge! Don’t forget to grab votive candles or tea lights while you are there!
Houseplants (RAVENEA and Others). I know IKEA is not the place you would expect to pick up houseplants, but you can find some beautiful ones at excellent prices! From large potted palms and fiddle-leaf figs to smaller ivy plants and bonsai trees, you can find a wide arrange of live greenery to add some warmth to your home. Prefer the artificial stuff? They have that, too!
Succulents. Whether you are looking for small or large succulents, IKEA offers a wide range at very competitive prices. Check out the fun array of glass vases to complete the look.
FIXA 17-Piece Tool Kit. This is the perfect compact starter tool kit — complete with a screwdriver set with interchangeable tips, a hammer, wrench, and pliers. Great for setting up a new apartment or for keeping in the car! Check out the entire FIXA series while you are at it.
PLASTIS Ice Cube Trays. These fun, shaped ice cube trays will spark your kids’ creativity in the kitchen! You can choose from flowers, starfish, or fish. Make regular ice cubes or play around making Jell-O® shapes!
KYCKLINGKOTTBULLAR Chicken Meatballs (GLUTEN FREE). Although not every store carries these, I have not had any problem finding them at either DFW location. Finding gluten-free, pre-prepared meatballs isn’t easy, and these are the perfect solution to any I-forgot-to-cook-dinner evening!
Do you have a favorite IKEA find? Share it with us!
