Author: 
It’s 2022, are you buying these things at IKEA? They have things that are even cheaper than the dollar store…and cooler, because they’re Swedish. What on this list are you buying?
This post may contain affiliate links. See our full disclosure policy HERE.
IKEA. It’s like a shopper’s wonderland! If you’ve never been, you really don’t know what you’re missing. You can literally make an entire day’s trip out of shopping that store, complete with child care and a sit-down lunch.
Never been? Check out my First Timer’s Guide to IKEA!
There are a lot of things you should be buying at IKEA instead of wasting your money on them elsewhere. Here is my list of 15 things you should be buying at IKEA in 2022.
I’ll list what we know them as in English, and then the Swedish name for them in parentheses next to it, to make them easier to find.
ARE YOU OBSESSED WITH IKEA LIKE ME? JOIN MY FACEBOOK GROUP FOR IKEA HACKS AND TIPS!
15 Things You Should Be Buying At IKEA
Baby Items
The first thing on my list of 15 things you should be buying at IKEA baby items. These are SERIOUSLY underrated and the world needs to know about them! Do you see that high chair for $15?!
We have been using that high chair for several years, and it’s still in excellent condition! You can also get a comfy seat cover for it for $8 as well.
They have everything from receiving blankets and crib sheets, to beautiful toys, books, and even cribs and furniture!
Dish Sponges (SVAMPIG)
Dish sponges get gross, a lot, at my house. It’s the classic case of, kid spilled something on the floor and used my dish sponge to clean it up. Anyway, even if you buy the cheap ones, they can be an expensive product! Y’all, you can get a 3-pack of REALLY NICE scrub sponges at IKEA for $0.99! We always stock up when we go. They’re honestly the best sponges I’ve used.
These are on Amazon!!!!! Find them HERE!
Paper Towel Holder (TORKAD)
If you’re anything like me, you just want a simple paper towel holder to hold the dang paper towels. I just want to keep them away from the kid and the baby (and the cat) so they don’t end up shredded and all over my kitchen. You can get a simple, sturdy paper towel holder for only $2.99 at IKEA! I freakin’ love that! I’ll take two! I did, actually, I bought two…
CHECK OUT THE 13 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW THEY SOLD AT IKEA HERE!
Front Door Mats (TRAMPA)
If you want a heavy duty rug that will last a long time and endure all of your family’s foot traffic with ease, this is the rug you need! They’re plain, so you can customize them in any way you want. They all have a nice rubber backing, and they are HEAVY. Well worth the $10, in my opinion, and a hidden gem for sure.
Smaller door mats are less than $5!
Area Rugs
We moved not too long ago, and I looked into buying an area rug. I didn’t realize that I would need to trade my first-born child for a large area rug, so I quickly abandoned that idea.
Then I went to IKEA and they had a TON of really nice, large rugs, for $50+! That was a price I felt comfortable paying, considering I have small children, and it was inevitable that cookies would be smashed into the rugs, and drinks would be spilled.
Shower Curtains
I have no idea why shower curtains can be so expensive. If you want something besides a plain, cheap design, you end up having to pay $20+! Well, unless you get them at IKEA. They have some really neat patterns and colors, and many range in prices from $8-$10!
Tupperware (PRUTA)
This is the ABSOLUTE NUMBER ONE THING on our list of 15 things you should be buying at IKEA! This tupperware is sturdy, dishwasher safe, and the different sizes are perfect. No super tiny ones that NO ONE USES, and no super giant ones that NO ONE USES.
It’s only $5.99 for a seventeen-pack of these, and I buy some every time I’m there! These make awesome gifts for wedding showers, house warmings, college students, etc. You can also get them on Amazon HERE.
Bath Mats (TOFTBO)
I love those super soft, absorbent bath mats. IKEA sells them in super fun colors (and also neutral colors for those of you who have boring bathrooms), in a large size, for only $7.99!
These are so absorbent, that I can step out of the shower, soaking wet, onto the rug, and just a few minutes later, can step onto the rug with socks on, and not get them wet! That’s amazing! They also have a longer, thinner version for $12.99 as well.
Glasses
If you need glass cups, they have a HUGE selection. Different colors, designs, and sizes, for cheap. Cheap is one of my favorite words, so you’ll see me get really excited about it when I find stuff that’s good quality and also cheap!
Lint Rollers (BASTIS)
These are great lint rollers! Plus, they’re only $0.99. You can also get a 4-pack of refills for the lint roller for only $2.99! Yes, please!
Umbrellas (KNALLA)
These umbrellas are HUGE. You can actually fit more than one person under them, which is a bonus that most umbrellas don’t have. Plus, these umbrellas only run like $3-$4! Which is good, because we bought two, and they’ve both disappeared. How do you lose two giant umbrellas?
Kid’s Dishes (KALAS)
One of the most used things on my list of 15 things you should be buying at IKEA in 2022 are their kid’s dishes. These dishes are no-nonsense, sturdy, colorful plates, bowls, and cups. They’re all the perfect size and are dishwasher safe. They come in a six-pack for only $2.49 and we use them a LOT around here.
These are on Amazon!! Best kid’s dishes we’ve ever used!! Go find them on Amazon HERE.
Whisks (KONCIS)
I get too excited about good quality kitchen utensils. This is the best whisk I’ve ever used, and it’s only $4.99. I just really love it, okay? You’ll understand when you buy one.
Fabric
I also have a fabric obsession. As in, I have a whole dresser full of fabric that I haven’t used yet, and don’t have a plan for. I like to add to my collection every time I go to IKEA.
They have the weirdest, and coolest fabrics that you can cut for yourself, for $5-$10/yard! Some of it is really nice, thick fabric too. Eventually, I’ll make a bag out of the fabric I got on my last trip, and will post a tutorial for you all, but, that day is not today.
Photo Frames (VAXBO)
The photo frames I linked you to specifically holds a collage of eight pictures. They are super heavy, and sturdy, and they hold 5″x7″ photos.
Want to read more on IKEA?
- 13 things you DIDN’T know they sold at IKEA – did you know about these?
- First Timer’s Guide to IKEA – if you’ve never been, this will prepare you!
- IKEA on Amazon – I made a list of all my fav IKEA finds on Amazon here.
- IKEA Obsessed? – Me too! Join my IKEA Hacks and Tips group on Facebook HERE.
The next time you head to IKEA in 2022, make sure to add these items to your list! They’re some of my favorites, and they’re good quality products! Eat some Swedish meatballs for me while you’re there too! Besides these 15 things you should be buying at IKEA, what would you add?
I’m a senior, widow. For years have been buying so much from Ikea, my most favorite place. I learned to buy their furniture, checking the info they provide, to be sure of materials made from. For heavy pieces I get help at the store to load into my car, at home I open cartons in car and carry new furniture in piece by piece, then assemble in spot where it will sit!
There’s no back order, no waiting for delivery, no dealing with delivery folks. I don’t have to hire extra help to unload, move, or assemble! A widow’s dream!
Also love their standup computer desk, carts, kitchen items, plants, outdoor furniture, children’s stuffed animals and can’t leave store without fruit jams/spreads or cookies! It’s an almost 2 hour drive, one way, part in Houston traffic, but worth every mile.
Thank you for your 15 item list! Will add to my own.
I love their measuring spoons and cups (have 3 sets of each!), the scissor sets (have 2 or 3 sets of those!), the plastic cutting boards (put one on my wood board when chopping onion or garlic or raw meat), their pillows, picture frames, bath sheets, live plants, salt and pepper grinders… Gah, so many things!!!
I love Ikea. I don’t like to shop, but I could spend hours in that store. We moved 3 yrs ago. My old house was 15 mins from an Ikea, now I am 3 hrs from the nearest one. I miss it. When I visit my son in the Baltimore, MD area, I have to go and shop.
Thanks so much for you list. I will have order for delivery (it won’t be the same).
Sad that it looks like Missouri only has Ikea in St. Louis and KC (actually KC, Kansas, but close enough!). Come on, Joplin & Springfield, get with the program! I loved reading this and all the comments, now I want to wander around in an Ikea!
I’m with you! Springfield needs one REALLY badly!
Same with Virginia- we have to drive to Norfolk or Springfield areas to get our IKEA goods. Richmond needs one!
Their French Press! It’s under $15 and just as good as the $40 ones. We have at least three in rotation and buy one or two more every time we go to IKEA. (We once got down to one, and they were out of stock… the horror! We must avoid that at all costs!) we also pick up a spare garlic press… just in case or for presents. They really are the best.
Great addition! Thanks for sharing!
Great list, thanks! I would also add, garlic press!Over the years, I have purchased garlic presses Anywhere in the range from $1.99 to $32.99. The IKEA press at$6.99 is the best and last forever. I have bought these for stocking stuffers for all six of my adult kids And as housewarming gifts for all kinds of people. You just cannot live without a good garlic press!
Oh, that’s really good information to have! Thanks for sharing!!!
I work at IKEA and I have to give you another tip!
The plastic mats for drawers – VARIERA (they´re 49SEK) are super useful. Tired of cleaning your kitchen shelves or drawers? Well, if you have the plastic mats you can just take them out, rinse them and they´re clean instead of vacuuming or wiping. I use them in all cabinets in my kitchen and it makes cleaning so much easier.
Another super product is the VARIERA holder for plastic bags which you can use for basically anything from storing wrapping papers to news papers!
Thanks for sharing your awesome tips!!! I LOVE VARIERA! I use them to hold my wrapping paper, but you’re right, there are so many uses!
I second that. That garlic press is just the best in the world. I have mine for 13 years now, good as new, strong enough even to press ginger into my orange juice. Can’t live without it. I’m a cook and cook at many different places and kitchens and there are some crazy “smart” designs out there – simply not working. The one and only garlic press 😀
Everything but the closest IKEA from me is 3 hours away! 😭I almost caused a pileup on the freeway when I mistook a distribution center for an IKEA. PLEASE, PLEASE build one in Bakersfield or Fresno California. Peoples lives depend on it. 😜
Hahaha… I feel the same way about my area! My closest one is three hrs away!
I love their selection of house plants. And I’m addicted to the Bestå system of cabinets. If you plan well, you get a wonderful, high-end looking room on a budget.
My husband and I always walk through the as is section. Lately, it has been a bit high priced but we have found some great stuff here and there. We got a desk for maybe 15 bucks, lamps for 5, random kitchen stuff…. oh and the random board selection. We have picked up large boards for around 5 bucks. I have one that I do puzzles on and 1 in my office as a make shift desk on top of a shelving unit.
And frozen yogurt…. it is kinda like a date night. Get froyos, check as is section, zigzag through random sections.
I love the froyo comment – haha! Yes! Last time I was there I got colored stain for like $1.89 from the as is section! Love it!
Thank you for this amazing list! Also we love IKEA for batteries they are super reasonable in price and I swear they last longer than any other brand. With a toddler and all the toys he has that need batteries. We now live 45 minutes from one since the Oak Creek, WI opened this week. Otherwise we were driving about 2 hours.
Dang it! I’ve always wondered about the batteries and assumed they were junk and passed on them. *Adds batteries to next IKEA list* I was JUST there two days ago! You’re lucky to have one so close to you!
The coffee in the blue wrapper is great, the kind they sell in the restaurant. I love the dishes, have the 365 sets and they are fantastic. Batteries, light bulbs are a good find. I love their dish towels.
And the furniture is legos for adults!
Dang it! THey had a sale on coffee last time I was there and I ALMOST bought it. Adding it to my list for next time! Thanks for sharing!
I love all the bath towels too. And the terry bathrobe for $22.00. It’s like a spa bathrobe. Plus my 6 year old granddaughter sits in the table heigrit kids chair at our dinner table. Under 30.00
Great list! Also toilet brushes, window curtains, dairy-free chocolate bars, waterproof mattress covers for every bed in the house, mattresses, the basic $20 desk (we have 2), train set, potty chairs (one for upstairs, one for downstairs, one for the car), bed slats for every bed, wall trofast for every kid, front opening picture frames for kids art, trays, silverware canisters for putting dirty silverware in so it’s neat when it’s time to do the dishes, wrapping paper. That’s just off the top of my head.
Yes! Love the wrapping paper! I had to cut my list down because it could be a thousand things long if I listed everything I love from there! Thanks for your additions!
PLS PICTURES
I am so excited. They just built the first IKEA in Wisconsin and guess what? I love literally 5 mins away. Omg I am nonstop searching what to buy what they have. I am so excited. Thank you I wrote down the items you all suggested.
Oh, I’m so jealous!!!!!!
IKEA is my happy place!!!!!
I absolutely love their knives and magnetic strips for the kitchen wall. Great value and keeps my knives out of my drawers and no big bulky knife block either!! Priceless!
Great idea! I will have to check that out!
Half of our house furnitures come from IKEA too. Beds, wardrobes, livingroom couch and chairs, kitchen closets and tools/equipments… etc… One of my favourite things from IKEA when the children were small (toddlers) was the big transparent rubber writing pads. They worked super under my childs plate at any time for a meal, and with their big size they protected the table under very well. Easy to clean too. Is transparental and has no pictures on it, but you can easy put a colourful drawing under for your child to look at. I also always buy all kinds of candles at IKEA. Big tea candles, small tea candles, bigger thick candles etc. And napkins and carpets and… TULIPS! (They’re lovely! and cheap too). If there’s anything we need we go to IKEA first to see what they have.
I’m also a sucker for IKEA furniture! I’m going to have to look for those transparent mats!!! Thanks for sharing!
Don’t forget the pillow covers, the candles and the skillets. They are great!!
Great additions!!
The kids dinnerware for sure, and also the big white kids step stool. Easy to clean, right height. I have one in all three baths.
Hi from the uk
Some people have no idea how great ikea is, my husband will come shopping as long as he’s promised a plate of meatballs!!
Always buy their version of ziplock bags, I know it’s plastic, but in our parry of the uk we have a garbage insinorator where we send our rubbish, that then provides electricity for 1000’s of homes
I LOVE that info about the baggies! Thanks so much for sharing!
And yes…all the meatballs!
I’d add their throw pillows and covers. I used to waste a ton of money on throw pillow in target because you can’t clean them without ruining them! For eight bucks you can get a cute removable cover for you throw pillows that can go easily into the wash when they get nasty!
Great idea! They always have the best selection for those too!
Goin to Ikea tomorrow and plan to spend AT Least 3 hours browsing!! I have an obsession with their down comforters and crazy fun duvet covers! Light and squishy soft and warm!!!
I’m so jealous! Have fun!!!
I LOVE IKEA! I just went last weekend and wish I had seen your list before! Seriously, half of my stuff came from there. I didn’t even realize they had band-aids! It’s going on my list for the next trip for sure. (Yes, I have an ongoing, revolving IKEA list on Wunderlist. Lol)
Thanks again!
Now you have a reason to go back! Glad there are other IKEA-holics out there like me – haha!
Thanks for that post! I completely agree with you about all the items you listed and I would also add two more: I really love their white chunky candles and all their paper napkins in fun colours and motifs! Happy IKEA shopping!!
Oh my word – the napkins. And the wrapping paper! Have you seen their funky wrapping paper?! Love it!
I’m actually iso leopard print gift wrap with silver glitter black print. Does Ikea have that?
I don’t think so, but Hobby Lobby had something similar I used for Christmas!
BATTERIES!!! And Ikea chocolate!
Oooh the chocolate! Have you tried the coffee?
Thank you! This is one of those “must buy at IKEA” lists that I actually find useful. I appreciate it! 😀
Glad to hear it! It’s all the stuf I love (let’s face it, that store is awesome!!!)
Also the three packs of scissors (if they still have them) not sure on the cost but they are around $5, for three pair, we use them for everything throw them in the dishwasher and they last forever, also the huge packs of tea lights are a great deal
SCISSORS! Genius. Now I’m going to have to look for them. Thanks for adding!