Top Five IKEA Favourites For Kids

It’s back!

Ikea is returning to the Maritimes, with a full size store in Halifax! Construction will start this summer, with an opening anticipated in 14 to 16 months.

I remember when IKEA was here before, sort of. (There was an IKEA in Nova Scotia for about 13 years in the ’70s and ’80s.) There’s an image of the ballpit on the front of the catalogue that’s embedded in my memory. I longed to go the store as a kid, and it was always a must-stop when living in Calgary or Toronto as an adult. Grabbing a coffee and an ice cream and browsing for hours made for great weekend morning dates!

I’m disappointed our collective Moncton pipe dream of an IKEA here dashed, but the announcement of its return to the HRM had me taking a close look around the house at just how many IKEA products we already have. In addition to the super-comfy EKTORP couch in our basement, the SULTAN guest bed, and the assorted MALM and LACK pieces around the house, our kids’ stuff is heavy on the Ikea content.

So I thought I’d share our Top Five favourite kids’ IKEA pieces – in case you’re wondering what to order first!

My all time favourite IKEA piece in our house is the CIRKUSTÄLT Children’s tent. We received this (along with a few other IKEA gems) as a gift and it’s been a staple of play for all three kiddos. It also holds a spot in my heart, as it was part of the backdrop for our first family photo session with Yorke Photography.

Next on our most-loved list is the MAMMUT table, chairs, and stools. We paid, with taxes, just under $100 for our set in 2013. It has been used and abused by three kids and their friends and, aside from a few stickers and scuffs that I haven’t yet tried to fix, it’s in a perfect working order. I love the bright colours and funky contours of this series! It’s also surprisingly easy to clean crayon off the surface, using magic ereaser.

Basically every meal our three children have eaten in our home has been with KALAS plates, bowls, utensils, and cups. I love the colours, the price, and how easy everything stacks together in one drawer, allowing the kids to be responsible for getting their own place settings ready.

The Ikea theme continues in our preschool lunches, too. We use the SMASKA lunchboxes and cups, often on special occasions.

When the kids were younger, the KLADD PRICKAR bibs were a favourite. Great coverage, easy to clean, and super cute.

There’s lots of neat baby gear online, as well as cool furniture for kids’ rooms at any age. I’d love to know what’s on your Top Five List for IKEA!

FYI: This post was in no way sponsored or endorsed by IKEA – I just really like their stuff!