Have you tried IKEA for stocking fillers?

In the first in a couple of posts I have on stocking fillers, I bring you IKEA.

IKEA is a great place for great value stocking fillers, and although I can't make any promises, I seem to remember the one in Nottingham being uncharacteristically quiet in the run up to Christmas last year, an oasis of calm in the storm of Christmas shopping in fact.

Ikea are selling soft toys until Dec 23rd in aid of education projects organised by UNICEF and Save the Children, for every toy you buy a euro goes to charity.  They're great value, imaginative and great stocking fillers.  IKEA really understand how children play.  We've fallen for Bjorn bear and Mr Broccoli.

The play fruit and vegetable baskets are also lovely, both £6.99 and I really like the idea of the book TORVA, Heroes of the Vegetable Patch (£3.99) which features Mr Broccoli and friends. 

Mr Broccoli and Bjorn bear arrived on our doorstep in a box, we couldn't resist posting about them

Have you forgotten how to play?

Sometimes it's not easy to remember how to play is it? I often find myself in a rut, dragging out the same old toys and expecting my kids to get on with it, generally when I'm stressed.  Eventually something really captures my imagination or inspires me.  This week it's the IKEA Play Report.  I 'liked' the Play Report facebook page and have received some clever tips and insights into the magical world of play.

Ikea's Play Report is the largest ever global report into child development and play.  The report found 45% of parents feel they have no time to play with their children and that 26 % feel too stressed to play. And the bit that staggered me, 50% believe play must be "educational".  Of course all the children surveyed felt that play should be play and 73% would rather play with their parents than watch TV.

My mum was a play therapist and spent years teaching parents how to play with their children. I watched her in action, both professionally and with my children.  It was an education.  We all have times when it's hard to remember how to play.  We all need gentle reminders and most importantly inspiration.

IKEA sent me some toys and their impact on both parents and children has been fascinating. A good friend popped by and met and fell in love with this bunch:

Croc's rucksack immediately captured her imagination.  Over a cup of tea she came up with loads of play scenarios which she was itching to get home and try with her children.

Miss L loved the Play Report Toy Stories facebook app that allows you to tell your own stories with these characters.  We made up a story where 'Barnacle' the crocodile has a birthday party.  You can even share or print the book at the end.   The results were inventive too, Miss L decided to make Barnacle eat the calendar because he was so sad it wasn't his birthday.


Mr G and Miss L have fallen head over heels in love with the IKEA dalmation puppy. We made 'Snuffles' a bed out of a box, because to play, as the Play Report emphasises, you don't need much.  Snuffles now goes everywhere. He has a lead, a bowl, snacks and his proud co-owners are constantly sneaking him off each other.  I think we may be heading to IKEA so they can have one each.

He's mine sista!

Puppy love

Do you ever get in a play rut?  What gets you out? 

Let's make the world play more!   

Get some tips, like the IKEA Play Report