Meatballs, stepping stools, art supplies and more. What doesn't this place have? We've rounded up the best kids' stuff to buy at Ikea—and it's all $10 or less. Start the car!
Photo: Courtesy of IKEA
At just $3 a pop, you don’t have to feel guilty if you forget this cup at the park. In fact, you should just buy multiple sippy cups now in preparation. This durable cup has large handles, which make it easy for tots to drink by themselves. Börja training cup, $3, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaThis little boat—with two detachable cups, including one with a showerhead-trickle bottom—is a lot of fun to play with and will help your baby improve her fine motor skills. Småkryp three-piece bath toy, $5, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaA sweet foldable dollhouse is perfect for portable play. It features four rooms decked out in—what else?—classic Ikea furniture. Dolls and accessories available separately. Spexa, $5, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaThere’s no need to buy fancy cups and plates for your baby! Instead, invest in these fun ones from Ikea that won’t break, no matter how many times they’re thrown from a highchair. Even if you don’t have kids, colourful plastic dishware is a good thing to have in your arsenal for picnics and beach days. There are bowls, plates and cups available in packages of six (plastic cutlery comes 18 per pack). Kalas plastic dishware, $2 per set, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaNeed anything from Whole Foods, Mom? This sweet felt basket comes with everything you need for a gourmet meal, including eggplant, bowtie pasta, fresh fish and Swiss cheese. Once you’re done shopping, bring it back to that classic Duktig kitchen. Låtsas 11-piece shopping basket set, $10, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaSure, you could buy those white plastic hooks...or you could spruce up your space with this colourful trio. Hang them low enough for your little one to reach so he can hang up his own coat for once! OK, cute hooks won’t guarantee that your kid will actually hang up his coat (sorry!). Krokig wall hooks, $4 for a pack of three, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaThis lamp is only $4! Ikea set out to make the cheapest lamp in the world, and they somehow did it. This light is simple in design, so it will match any room. We recommend a lower-watt bulb so that it sets the perfect atmosphere for storytime before bed. Did we mention that it’s only $4? Tvärs, $4, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaAdmit it: Sometimes you go to Ikea just for a cheap dinner out. Don’t worry: We do it, too. Those classic meatballs are available in the freezer section, near the checkout, and are made from only natural ingredients. Don’t forget to grab a package of Gräddsås gravy ($2)! Köttbullar frozen meatballs, $10, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaDon’t worry: Ikea thought of everything for your nursery—and it’s crazy affordable. This pretty plush mobile will give your little one sweet dreams when he looks up at his little friends hanging out in the clouds and stars. Himmelsk mobile, $10, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaThese aren’t just any old plastic beads; they’re little gems that you can place on forms (sold separately) and melt to create cool works of art. Or, you know, you could string them on necklaces or glue them to stuff. Pyssla beads, $9, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaGreat for adding a little personality to your little one’s room, this also makes a great back pillow and is surprisingly comfy for sitting on the floor and watching TV. Fjädermoln cushion, $10, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaLay these rugs down to add warmth and texture to any room. They’re handwoven from recycled bed linens and are great for those cold basement floors. They would look terrific decorated with a massive collection of Lego and Shopkins. Tånum rugs, $8 each, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaIt’s sweet dreams in this cozy little sleep sack. Drömland, $10, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaMaybe Katy Perry was onto something when she asked us if we ever feel like a plastic bag because, with this full smock, all signs point to yes. This easy pullover is a great way to isolate messes during crafts and mealtime. Kladdig bib, $7, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaThis classic stool is great for helping kids reach the sink to brush their teeth and wash their hands. They’re so cheap, you’ll want one in every room with a sink. Försiktigi children’s stool, $7, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaAdd a pop of colour to any room while hiding toys and dirty laundry with this sturdy storage bin. Släkting storage bag, $10, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaYou can never have too many stuffies, said every kid ever. Ikea has you covered with a large assortment in different price ranges. Starting at $2, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaWe were pleasantly surprised to find these charming wooden trucks for only $10. The tractor comes apart, so little diggers can configure new ways to play with it. Lillabo, $10 for three, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaBecause you can never have enough washcloths. These simple ones are made from 100 percent cotton. Krama, $6 for a pack of 10, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaIkea is a great place to pick up craft supplies, such as washi tape. It comes in fun patterns and colours and is very forgiving, peeling with ease off paper, walls, skin—you know, all the usual places that kids stick adhesives. Sprudla, $5 for a set of three, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaIkea has your back when it comes to easy school lunches. This three-pack is dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Pruta, $2 for three, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaMade from fruit purées, these itty-bitty fruit snacks are organic and contain no colourants. Snack on, baby! Munsbit fruit snacks, $2 for a 50 g pack, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaAdd some soft lighting courtesy of this simple ceiling fixture. It’s a cheap way to spruce up a room. Lysboj ceiling lamp, $8, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaArt is a serious pastime, so offer your little Picasso this 10-pack of stubby pencils—perfect for small hands to grasp. Måla, $6 for 10, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaHow cute is this shape sorter? Colourful plastic shapes fit into the holes of this sweet wooden house’s roof. Mula, $10, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaIt’s fun to have your own special towel. This one is no exception, with a whimsical pattern printed onto sustainably grown cotton. Lönnern, $9, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaThere’s a cute collection of colourful hangers at Ikea. Heck, there are packs of nice wooden hangers for adult closests, too. They really do have it all. Bagis, $3 for a pack of eight, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaThis roll goes with a tabletop dispenser (which, sadly, is out of our $10-or-less budget for this roundup), but it can be used without one, too. Lay out a big sheet on the floor and have little ones colour or collage. You can even use decorated sheets to wrap gifts or just put the masterpieces up on the wall. Måla drawing roll, $6, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaWhere’s the best place to buy squishy-soft candy? Glad you asked. It’s the Ikea bulk-candy section, which features the finest candies Sweden has to offer. Ain’t life sweet? Lördagsgodis, $3 per pound, ikea.ca
Photo: IkeaRead more:
25 best things to buy at Ikea for kids
IKEA hacks: 10 budget-friendly furniture DIYs
7 storage solutions for the new year
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Amy is a freelance writer and editor based in Toronto, Ontario. Her work can also be found in publications like Chatelaine, Toronto Life and The Globe and Mail.