Cute and functional watering cans are one of many Ikea deals! /Julie Hills
When I see the big blue IKEA sign, two things pop into my mind: furniture and meatballs! But some of my favorite IKEA deals are non-furniture items in the Marketplace below the showroom, where treasures abound.
Here are 10 hot IKEA deals worth checking out.
1. Kids toys
The children’s section at IKEA makes me want to be a kid again! Some recent finds were the Mala child’s easel, with a blackboard on one side and whiteboard on the other, for $14.99 (less than half the price of the cheapest option on Amazon), the Lillabo 20-pc train set for $9.99, and really soft, plush stuffed animals from $0.99-14.99.
2. Picture frames
Saving a few dollars on a picture frame can really add up, especially if you want to purchase a collection of matching frames. For example, the 4×6 and 5×7 Ribba series frames come in black, brown, or white for just $1.99 and include a white mat for a professional look. Other frames in the series include 8×10 for $4.99, square 8×8 shadowbox or triple 5×7 frame for $9.99, and a 20×28 frame for just $19.99! By far the most professional, clean looking frames I’ve found for such bargain prices.
3. Fabric by-the-yard
Near the curtains, IKEA sells a large selection of sturdy cotton fabrics in bright, bold, fun patterns for $3.99-8.99/yard. Assuming you pick four yards of mid-priced fabric at $6/yard, a pack of their iron-on hem tape for $1.99, and a $2.99 pack of curtain clips, you’ve got a unique set of full-length curtains for around $30! Also great for reupholstering chairs, or if you have some basic sewing skills, making throw pillows and aprons!
4. Artwork
IKEA carries a large, rotating selection of artwork including posters for $8-12 and ready-to-hang canvas prints (photography, drawing, and paintings) starting at $9.99, with most selections running about $40-50.
5. Dishware
For your everyday kitchen needs, the Dinera 18-piece package (6-place-setting, includes dinner plate, salad plate, and bowl) is a steal at $29.99. Various colors are available nationwide. Individual pieces are also easy to find; my beige set has seen me through four moves, with only one bowl broken along the way, which was easily replaced for just $2. Add two additional place settings, for a total of 8, for another $12.
6. International foods
OK, so it’s mostly just Swedish. But it’s yummy! Just past checkout, you’ll find the frozen food section, with a variety of unique frozen or packaged options including chocolates, jams, beverages, desserts, and of course, meatballs! Prices are reasonable, if not a steal ($4.99 for a Torta Morck almond chocolate tart, $1.49 for the Dryck Nypon 8-oz rosehip drink). It’s nice to bring unique items home or for gifts.
7. Seasonal items
For the summer, think scented candles ($4.99/3-pk), tealight holders ($0.99 and up), and vases ($1.99 and up for glass vases in various colors). At Christmas time, IKEA offers a wide selection of wrapping paper, candles, wreaths, and other holiday-themed decor. Though I don’t remember specific pricing, watch for a large outdoor tent, or portion of the store, to be taken over with Christmas decorations in the fall.
8. Batteries
$1.99 for a 10-pack of AA batteries ($0.20/battery, vs. $0.26 and up on Amazon). AAA, C, D, and 9-volt also available.
9. Compact flourescent light bulbs
$4.99 for a 3-pack of 11w (approx 50w equivalent) bulbs.
10. Dinner!
And last but not least, when you’re done saving money on home decor, you can load up on a plate of meatballs with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce for just $3.99. The website is currently also promoting that kids eat free on Tuesdays (one combo meal per child per visit, valued at $2.99, after 11 a.m., at participating stores).
If you shop frequently, an IKEA family card can save you even more on rotating select items and get you a free cup of coffee or tea on every visit.
What do you save on at IKEA?
Let us know in the comments and we’ll add it to our list!
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Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price.
I’ve been disappointed with the quality of some of the kid’s toys. I’m actually most impressed by the kitchen cabinets! Especially if you’re picky about the doors, they can be a great deal. We have multiple IKEA wardrobes, too. The builder of our house thought that one 4′ closet was enough for two adults. Now, I’m no clothes horse, but that’s a bit crazy….
Sorry you had a bad experience, @Jenny! Do you remember which toys in particular didn’t seem worth it? And yes, I’ve lived in a house built in 1918 when the “closet” needs were much lower and IKEA has come to the rescue many times!
I never knew you could buy tape to “hem” curtains instead of sewing them!!!!! I’m so inspired to redo the curtains in our bedroom! They are old bamboo blinds and one of them doesn’t even work. Only problem is the nearest IKEA is 1+ hour away, a very long drive with little Lucy. I’m guessing a fabric store like JoAnns would also sell “hem tape.” GOing to give them a call and check!
Yes, Bargainbabe, Joann’s should sell hem tape. I’m not sure if it would hold up on something heavy like a bamboo blind but when you see the tape (double-sided sticky iron-on tape) you should get a sense if it will work for you.
@Julie Hills Phew, so relieved to hear it! I will check the Joann’s website first to see if they also sell the curtain hooks you recommended to fix up a new set of curtains. Then all I’d have to do is find suitable material, measure it, and iron on the hem tape! I wonder if an associate in store would cut to the exact lengths I need….maybe if I pop in on a slow day.
bargainbabe, if your blinds fold up like roman shades, maybe you could just hot glue fabric onto them at the folds.
Last time we went to IKEA they deducted our meal prices from our final check out price so that was nice to save about $15 from our lunch on our purchases. Keep an eye out for that deal! (It may be found through the IKEA family card loyalty program they have.)
@Nicole Thanks, Nicole!