First off, this post wasn’t sponsored by Ikea—we just wanted to share a recent pilgrimage. We like the store (especially after their renewable energy announcements), and a trip there often reveals a lot about our priorities. Some people examine a purse or closet to learn about someone; for us, the trunk of the car after an Ikea run is highly revealing.
This was the scene after a recent visit. It was our first time back since my parents moved away from the area with the nearest Ikea (about a 90-minute drive), so we stocked up more than usual. Not knowing when we’d return made us grab a few “just in case” items while we were in the neighborhood visiting friends. Here’s what came home with us:
1. Two Retur recycling bins repurposed as shoe cabinets for the laundry room. These were among the main reasons for the trip and they fit perfectly in the space.
2. Boxes that will be assembled into an Effektiv file cabinet for the office. We’re still finishing that project, but the components are tucked away and ready.
3. Cute disposable napkins in green for large family gatherings. They’re handy for times when we’ve run out of cloth ones and want a cheerful, low-effort option.
4. A new door mat. Long story short: rainy night plus a full-bladdered chihuahua who hates getting wet meant the old mat was effectively ruined. We tried rinsing it out, but it was still “marked” by the dog. The replacement is holding up so far and seems to be immune to Burger’s habits.
5. Two woven planters. We’re suckers for natural textures and are working on adding more indoor plants to the house, so these were an easy choice.
6. A blanket that looked perfect visually for the living room but turned out a bit scratchy. We washed it a couple of times but it has not softened to the point we’d cuddle up in it for long. It still looks great on the sofa, so we might use it as an upholstery cover for an ottoman or layer it with a softer throw for winter.
7. A light kit. We keep a spare for projects—right now it’s intended for a paper lantern we picked up earlier for the playroom. We’re worried Ikea will discontinue that style, and at $3.99 it felt smart to pick up a backup.
8. Several white frames. We’re slowly filling the house with more photos—baby, dog, family—and white frames have become a go-to. They’re useful to have on hand for new prints and spontaneous gallery walls.
9. A white duvet cover for the bedroom. We’re still deciding if it’s the right fit, so it’s sitting in its packaging. Ikea doesn’t accept opened bedding, so we’re taking our time making a final call. At $50 for a king and two shams it’s a good deal, but we want to be sure.
10. Toys for Clara: a soft farm-animal set (she adores farm animals) and a soft tool set (we’re trying to encourage an early love of practical play). She absolutely loves them—especially the goat and the little ruler—so the purchase was a win even if it adds to the toy pile.
We also picked up a few store-only extras that didn’t end up in the trunk. For instance, I signed up for the Ikea Family rewards card on a whim after getting a catalog email. The in-store kiosk made it easy to grab a card, and the perks include small treats like a free coffee or tea on each visit. It was worth it for a quick beverage break, even if we had to wait while it cooled enough to sip.
On this trip the Ikea Family card also scored us a free ice cream cone. That small win felt almost comical given how much we spent on everything else—Clara’s appreciation was clear when she smeared ice cream all over her face.
Do you have recent shopping trips that reveal something about where you are in life? Maybe a grocery run for a party, or a spree at a home store as you renovate? Lately our receipts read like a map of projects—some Target trips in the past, but more time spent at Lowe’s and the ReStore as renovation season continues.
Psst—We (finally) picked this week’s random giveaway winner. Click here to see if it’s you.