$1 from each soft toy sold at IKEA Australia to be donated to WWF-Australia to protect endangered wildlife
IKEA Australia is proud to launch SANDLÖPARE, a new children’s collection inspired by the adventurous African savannah. Designed to spark curiosity, creativity and care for wildlife, the collection encourages families to learn about endangered animals through play and storytelling.
As part of IKEA’s commitment to conserving wildlife and biodiversity, the launch of the SANDLÖPARE collection aligns with a new partnership between IKEA Australia and WWF-Australia. For every soft toy that customers buy between 13 October – 30 November 2025, IKEA Australia will donate $1AUD to WWF-Australia to support its vital work to regenerate nature and protect endangered wildlife right here in Australia.
“At IKEA, Sustainability is at the core of everything we do — from the materials we select in our products to the partnerships we foster,” said Renea Robson, Country Sustainability Manager, IKEA Australia. “Our collaboration with WWF-Australia underscores a shared commitment to protecting biodiversity and inspiring the next generation to care for the planet. The SANDLÖPARE collection is a playful yet powerful way to connect families with nature and conservation, and we’re proud that for every soft toy purchased, $1 will go to support WWF-Australia care for real animals.”
“Australia’s wildlife and wild places are truly unique, but we’ve fallen short in protecting them. We have the world’s worst mammal extinction rate and every year more animals join our threatened species list. Thankfully it’s not too late to change course. This partnership with IKEA will support our work to protect Australian animals and restore the habitats they need to thrive,” said Nicole Forrester, WWF-Australia’s Chief Regenerative Officer.
All SANDLÖPARE soft toys are made from 100% recycled materials, including filling, fabric, thread and reinforcements. Each toy undergoes rigorous testing to ensure safety, durability and washability—ready to withstand the wild adventures of everyday play.
According to the recent IKEA Play Report 2024, only 51% of children are satisfied with the time they have for play, and 54% of parents wish they had more time to play with their children. With 29 imaginative products, SANDLÖPARE transforms everyday spaces into wild adventures—where stools become zebras, rugs slither like snakes, and quilted mats and storage trunks turn bedrooms into savannah campsites.
The collection also shines a light on lesser-known endangered species, helping children and parents discover the wonders of wildlife through engaging design and storytelling. By integrating conservation themes into play, IKEA aims to foster empathy and awareness for the natural world.
“We know what these soft toys go through when they come to a home—biting, chewing, pulling, and plenty of muddy play. That’s why we’ve designed them to be both tough and cuddly,” says Jorge Omar Santoyo Henaine, Product Design Developer at IKEA of Sweden AB. “The giraffe’s neck was a challenge—it had to stay firm after multiple washes but still feel soft. We’re proud of the result.” Since 1997, all IKEA soft toys have featured embroidered eyes instead of beads—a safety innovation that also enhances their expressive design. “For a soft toy animal, everything is in the eyes,” Jorge adds. “The placement of a single white dot can change the emotion entirely. Now, our toys are both safe and full of personality.”
The SANDLÖPARE collection is now available at IKEA in-store and online across Australia from 3 October 2025, with donations to WWF from 13 October – 30 November 2025. To learn more about the collection and check for availability at your local store, please visit the IKEA website.
To learn more about IKEA Australia’s partnership with WWF-Australia and how your purchase of any IKEA soft toy supports wildlife conservation, visit here.
