I am a huge Ikea fan! Why cause I am a mom of young kids, I am a semi eco-nut, I am super thrifty, and it is a short drive from home.
I do have some furniture from Ikea, our king bed & a set of bunk beds, a set of book shelves, a dresser & a TV stand. Have moved many times - the master bed has taken a beating in one area - but honestly that was my darling husband getting a little aggressive w/ the disassembly I believe & otherwise - everything else is perfect. Okay, still I have a 3 bed home & finished basement so that isn't much furniture you may wonder what the heck I am doing at IKEA if not buying furniture!
Well, usually it's a meal in the Swedish café - the meatballs are always a favorite but they usually have salmon, fresh salads, tasty sandwiches, amazing deserts - the apple cake is so tasty, fresh veggies, and sides. So grab a funny tray cart on wheels and stack up your trays and go grab / order your goodies - the prices cannot be beat especially when you take in consideration how often they have the kids eat free specials, or other deals.
MONDAY
FREE breakfast until 11am 99¢
Organic Pasta with Tomato Sauce 99¢ $1.99 (11am to close)
TUESDAY
Kids Eat Free! Kids choose one combo meal valued at $2.49
WEDNESDAY
BBQ Ribs, French Fries and Cornbread $6.99 $7.99
THURSDAY
Roasted Chicken and Mashed Potatoes $1.99
FRIDAY
Hot Dog & Soda in the Bistro $1 $1.50
After they eat, if they are the potty trained variety of kiddos, go drop them off in smaland - down by the entrance on the first floor. I think they can stay and play for around 2 hours while you "shop". Guess what moms & dads - you don't actually have to shop. Bring a book if you are old school like me, or your kindle/ipad or your laptop - wifi in the café and take some "me time". Buy a cup of coffee from the downstairs café - it's a bit better & a cinnamon & enjoy the next couple of hours cause your kids will. Mine beg me to go to Ikea to eat & play. If you want, you can actually shop but you don't have to.
Then, there is all the wonderful kid stuff they sell. They make great creative play & cloth/wooden toys, great bedding/room furnishing for kids that won't break the bank. Their arts/crafts stuff is awesome, the easel & giant roll of paper is a favorite at our house & so much cheaper & well made than what you will find in toy stores. They also have some of the best storage/organization stuff - check in the storage/organization area downstairs as well.
Have babies/toddlers? Don't worry - Ikea has you covered - they have baby food for sale in their café in case your forget, a microwave for warming bottles & uncrustables for your picky toddler that has decided PB&J is the only thing they will eat & highchairs a plenty. In the restroom area near the café there is a mother's room, stocked with a rocking chair for nursing, a changing table, some play things, an attached bathroom so your toddler doesn't run away while you empty your bladder or wash your hands. The regular bathrooms are kid friendly with changing stations - all of which have diapers in case you just used your last one, stools for short people, etc. It couldn't be a more parent friendly. Oh, and all throughout the store - play areas.
So, yes, Ikea as a mom, we really love you. Thank you! read more