OREANDA-NEWS. IKEA today announced the launch of its third annual Soft Toy Drawing Competition, inviting children ages 12 and under* to help create its next soft toy collection. Now through October 30, 2016, children can share drawings of their very own imaginary creatures, with the chance of turning them into real soft toys. Last year, IKEA received more than 52,000 entries from around the globe, and the ten most fantastic creatures, including “Frog/pig/monkey” and “Bacterium/monster,” now make up the limited-edition 2016 SAGOSKATT collection** that will be available in IKEA U.S. stores starting in mid-November 2016.

IKEA FAMILY members can submit drawings from their young artists at info.ikea-usa.com/softtoy or at the Returns Desk at IKEA U.S. stores. Submissions can be in one of three age groups: 4 years or younger, 5 to 8 years old, and 9 to 12 years old. In mid-November, three semifinalists from each local store will be selected through an online consumer vote, each receiving a $25 gift card. The 15 drawings with the most overall votes, along with five “IKEA Picks,” will move on to the global competition. The ten winning drawings from the global competition will be made into real soft toys to make up the next limited-edition SAGOSKATT collection (available in 2017).

“Every year, we’re so inspired to see the uninhibited creativity and fantastic fun in the submissions from kids around the world,” said Diane Zoll, Loyalty Program Manager, IKEA U.S. “We love that kids are designing for other kids – after all, they are the creators of tomorrow!”

The Soft Toy Drawing Competition not only allows children to share their dreams and imagination, but they also contribute to the IKEA Good Cause campaign. A portion of sales of the 2016 SAGOSKATT collection will benefit “Let’s Play for Change,” a campaign highlighting the benefits of play for all children. For every soft toy sold during the campaign period (Nov. 20 – Dec. 24, 2016), the IKEA Foundation will make a donation of $1 to projects around the world that support children’s development & learning, sports, and more.

About IKEA
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 385 IKEA stores in 48 countries, including 42 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment.