Embarking on a creative journey, IKEA, the world's leading home furnishings retailer, has launched its annual soft toy competition. This initiative, now in its 16th year, is not just a contest but a celebration of imagination, art, and the joy of play. Let's delve into the world of IKEA's soft toy competition, its impact, and how you can participate.
IKEA Soft Toy Competition: A Brief History
The IKEA soft toy competition was first introduced in 2005 as a way to engage with customers and foster creativity among children. Since then, it has grown into a global event, attracting thousands of participants each year. The competition is a testament to IKEA's commitment to play, learning, and creativity, values that are deeply ingrained in the company's DNA.
How the Competition Works
The IKEA soft toy competition is open to children aged 3 to 12. The task is simple yet challenging: design a soft toy that would make a perfect playmate. The toy can be of any shape, size, or color, limited only by the child's imagination. Entries are judged on creativity, originality, and how well the toy reflects the joy of play.
Each year, IKEA selects a theme to inspire the participants. Past themes have included 'A toy that makes you happy', 'A toy that tells a story', and 'A toy that helps you explore'. The 2021 theme, 'A toy that makes you laugh', is sure to spark a wave of giggles and chuckles among the participants.
Judging the Entries
The judging process is a delightful affair, involving IKEA employees, designers, and even the children themselves. The top 50 designs are selected and sent to IKEA's design studio in Sweden. Here, a panel of experts, including child psychologists and IKEA designers, whittle down the entries to the final five. The winners are then announced, and their designs are produced as real IKEA soft toys, available in stores worldwide.
The Impact of the Competition
The IKEA soft toy competition is more than just a contest. It's a platform that encourages children to express their creativity, fosters a love for art and design, and promotes the joy of play. It also serves as a reminder that everyone, no matter how young, has the power to create something extraordinary.
Moreover, the competition has a tangible impact. The winning toys are sold in IKEA stores, with a portion of the sales going towards UNICEF's work with children around the world. Since the competition began, IKEA has raised over €1.1 million for UNICEF's education and child protection programs.
How to Participate
If your child is brimming with creativity and has a soft toy design that would make the world laugh, here's how you can participate:
- Visit the IKEA soft toy competition website and download the entry form.
- Help your child draw their design on the form, making sure to include their name, age, and country.
- Submit the entry via email or post by the competition deadline (usually in March).
Remember, the competition is about the process of creation, not the prize. So, encourage your child to have fun, be creative, and let their imagination run wild!
| Theme | Age Group | Submission Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| A toy that makes you laugh | 3 to 12 years | March 2021 (check IKEA website for exact date) |
For more information about the IKEA soft toy competition, including submission guidelines and past winners, visit the IKEA soft toy competition website.
