# Sandwich-Inspired Plush Toys IKEA's Sandwich Friends Were Based on a Child's Drawing By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2021-03-10 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandwich-friends References: [designtaxi](https://designtaxi.com/news/413337/IKEA-s-New-Soft-Toys-Based-On-Kids-Drawings-Include-Adorable-Sandwich-Friends/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+designtaxi_news+%28TAXI+Daily+News%29) [IKEA's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-loafa) SAGOSKATT range of [soft toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lamb-chop) includes playful products like Sandwich Friends, designed by kids for kids and they're based on illustrations submitted by kids who want to see the toys of their dreams come to life. The latest Soft Toy Drawing Competition from IKEA resulted in over 66,000 drawings submitted and one of the most charming new additions is a [pair of hand-holding bread slices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-chef-x-ikea). Sandwich Friends was created by nine-year-old Audrey from Canada and it offers a playful twist on a classic ingredient pairing. As part of the competition, IKEA has also brought other designs to life, including a mermaid dog, a striped cat and a smiling egg. 100% of the sales from the limited-edition soft toy range helps to "support local initiatives that promote children’s right to play," says IKEA. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 79% | Activity: 65% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Customized Kids' Toys:** More companies could encourage children's creativity by creating products based on their drawings. - **Limited Edition Toys for a Cause:** Businesses in the toy industry could create limited-edition products to raise funds for charitable causes. - **Playful Food-themed Toys:** Toy companies may consider creating products inspired by food pairings as a fun and creative twist. ### Who This Affects Most - **Toy Industry:** The toy industry can benefit from showcasing unique designs based on children's creative drawings and imagination. - **Children's Charity Organizations:** Charitable organizations may benefit from partnering with toy companies to create limited-edition products to raise funds for their causes. - **Fast Food Industry:** The fast food industry can tap into the merchandising industry by releasing playful and cute food-inspired toys to promote their brands. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Baked Goods Plushies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baked-goods-plushies.md) - [Menu-Themed Plush Items](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fish-chips-experience.md) - [Realistic Bread-Inspired Sofas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-loafa.md) - [Plush-Starring Sitcom-Style Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/life-in-stitches.md) - [Wildlife Conservation Decor Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-sandlpare.md) - [Candy-Scented Squish Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/squishi-products.md) - [Plush Sandwich Rugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandwich-rug.md) - [Charitable Pet Product Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/utsdd-collection.md) - [Kid-Powered Imagination Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-vs-ki.md)