To help its charity 'Soft Toys for Education,' IKEA is producing toys designed by kids throughout the world. 10 winning entries were transformed from a simple children's drawing into a soft and cozy plush stuffed toy. The creations are now on sale, and for each toy purchased, IKEA will donate one euro to children's education projects through UNICEF and Save the Children.
Since starting the charity, IKEA has donated over $90 million to global children's causes. Many of the entries are creature-like drawings that are tremendously recreations by the retail giant. Even imperfections like uneven eyes and crooked mouths were kept true to original designs. Many of the toys are quite impressive and although they are designed by kids, they would fit right in any toy store.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Kid-designed Products
- Companies can involve children in the product design process, creating unique and relatable products for younger customers.
- Charity Collaboration
- Partnering with a charity can increase brand awareness and social responsibility while helping to raise funds for a good cause.
- Imperfect Design
- Embracing imperfections in product design can add character and appeal to products.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Toy Industry
- The toy industry can involve children in the product design process and partner with charities to increase brand awareness and support important causes.
- Retail Industry
- The retail industry can adopt a socially responsible approach and collaborate with charities to help raise funds for important social causes.
- Education Industry
- The education industry can benefit from the funds raised by charity collaborations and actively seek out socially responsible companies as partners.
