Toys & play

Our children’s toys are made for brilliant adventures

Crawling around together on the play rug, hunting for puzzle pieces, cooking up a storm in the play kitchen or having a good giggle while colouring in, that’s exactly what our toys are for. Even when you’re not right there and your child wants to explore on their own, you’re in the right place: IKEA children’s toys go through rigorous testing and checks, so you can feel confident. Here you’ll find toys that are lovely to look at, well made and, most importantly, safe. From cuddly plush sharks to wooden trains, from read-aloud books to colouring supplies, and from doll’s houses to puzzles, you’ll find affordable toys at IKEA that spark imagination and creativity.

Key features and benefits of our toys at a glance (depending on the product):

• A wide range: Toys for different ages, from role play and learning toys to building blocks and soft toys.
• Learning through play: Discover toys that help support logical thinking, creativity, motor skills and social skills.
• Safety & quality: Made from durable materials and tested to strict quality and safety standards.
• Child-friendly design: Toys that always look right at home in a child’s room, from natural wood-effect finishes and soft pastels to bold pops of colour.
• Made for everyday life: Durable materials and designs that are easy to keep clean, ideal for day-to-day play.
• Easy to store: Many toys can be packed away neatly and organised with IKEA storage solutions.

Whether you’re looking for active play toys, a soft toy, or arts and crafts supplies, get inspired by our range for imaginative, energetic play. And when it’s time to tidy up again, we can help with that too – take a look at our toy storage.

What makes a children’s toy educational?

Educational toys help children develop creativity and motor skills, and support social learning too. For example, building blocks encourage spatial awareness, while puzzles help children practise focus and concentration. Role play toys such as a play kitchen or a doll’s house can also spark imagination, and with arts and crafts supplies you can get creative together. Building and crafting is even more fun at an IKEA children’s table.

Why choose wooden toys?

Wooden toys are loved for their durability and the way they feel in little and big hands. Our wooden trains, wooden blocks and other wooden toys are carefully finished and checked, so you can enjoy playtime with extra peace of mind. That way, wooden toys are a more sustainable choice, with safe fun for your child.

Children’s toys: what’s right for which age?

Babies up to 12 months often enjoy simple toys to hold, soft play mats and toys that make sounds. Toddlers aged one to three start discovering stacking games and their first building blocks. From around age three, nursery-age children tend to enjoy role play and start experimenting with arts and crafts.

What’s a great toy for three-year-olds?

At three, imagination really starts to bloom. Role play toys like a play kitchen, or a doll’s house complete with a doll’s bed and little characters, can be a big hit. Play tents invite all sorts of make-believe adventures, simple puzzles offer fun little “I’ve got it!” moments, and sand toys bring plenty of joy outdoors, whether it’s the sandpit or the seaside. Look for sturdy toys without small parts that could be swallowed, so your child can explore the world, safely and freely.

What toys does a six-year-old need?

Children who are at (or almost at) school age are often ready for a bit more of a challenge. Games that encourage strategic thinking and teamwork are a great fit now, and craft kits and creative projects can keep them busy for a good while and bring out their inventive side. Outdoor games help get them moving and make it easier to spend time outside in the fresh air more often. And when things need to slow down, a cosy play corner with soft children’s textiles creates a snug spot for reading together and winding down after all that running around.

How should I store toys?

Toys with lots of parts, especially smaller pieces, are best kept in separate storage solutions that also help children learn how to tidy up. Open, low shelving  works well for toys that get used a lot, while closed boxes keep all the little bits together. It also helps to sort them by category, so wooden toys, soft toys or arts and crafts supplies each have their own place, perhaps even their own storage basket, making it clear what goes where. That way, things feel calmer at the end of the day and the toys are ready for fresh adventures tomorrow. A nice bonus: child-friendly storage helps your little one learn to tidy up as they play.