What to buy in Ikea

[Pufflemum]

Im off to Ikea today for the first time. My primary aim is a new sofa and cupboard for the playroom. Are there any other must have items I should pick up whilst I am there? Thanks

Cheap roll of paper for colouring for DC's and their felt tip pens are great. Storage boxes are also fantastic, white with metal edges.... & I challenge you not to come home with a bag of tea lights and a very cheap vase!!

Crocodile shaped rubber bath mat
Clippy things for closing bags of stuff
Kids art supplies

My dc LOVE going - think they enjoy running through the pretend rooms and climbing furniture

Mini Daim bars. Natch.

In my experience you will pick up about ten things you didn't realise you needed beforehand. You will only realise this in the queue to pay and panic. You will then be pleasantly surprised at the till.

Enjoy!

Don't buy the ice cube trays. They are a PITA.

It's mandatory to buy tea lights on your first visit.

Just too many things! As soon as you walk through especially the marketplace you'll realise you need about 5000 things.

Don't be scared the first time.... Just follow the trail and don't take shortcuts until you know where you are going. Also know the size of your vehicle so you don't buy anything too big as delivery can be expensive.

Eat meatballs for lunch or dinner too!

I've gone off their meatballs since they were detected with traces of horse dna.. stick to the mini Daim bars I say.

What I've found fine in there... venetian blinds, eyelet curtains, office chairs save for the ultra cheap ones, Poang chairs (DH hates them, I disagree), bedside cabinet. What I would not buy again is Ikea beds or mattresses. Had 2, neither were very comfortable or durable and I finally got rid of creaky bed frame which would not fit other brands.

What I absolutely love are beech Billy bookcases. I have loads!
Expedit bookcases and Lack shelving. Pax wardrobes. Bonde display cabinets. Some desk system I've forgotten the name of. My house is a shrine to Ikea!
And agree, the dcs love playing in the room sets!

Fanny, I think we may be Ikea twins. My living room is about 90% Ikea - Kivik sofa, Besta storage...

Leksvig is much missed in our house.

Is there an Ikea Fans' thread on MumsNet?

Haha yes there should be. I love the stuff. I think for the price the quality is good, all of our stuff has lasted for years. And it's easy to put together, no huffing and puffing from dp because I can do it on my own!