The savannah lands in Malaysia as IKEA introduces SANDLÖPARE, a new children’s collection designed to encourage curiosity and care for endangered animals through imaginative play and storytelling. To celebrate the launch, IKEA Malaysia is rolling out a series of exciting, family-friendly activities across all stores from 27 November to 7 December 2025.
Inspired by the adventurous African savannah, the collection was developed in collaboration with the Swedish wildlife conservation centre Nordens Ark. Featuring a variety of 29 products, SANDLÖPARE brings uniquely designed and affordable soft toys, textiles and play furniture that transform everyday life at home into immersive play experiences. Children get to reimagine stools as zebras, role play as a cheetah with a bath robe, or turn the entire bedroom into a savannah campsite.
“Play is how children make sense of the world, and the world of endangered wildlife is real. It could use a little help with a future generation that is aware and caring of their magnificence and how to protect them,” said Takeshi Murai, Store Manager, IKEA Klang Valley. “While we can’t bring every child to the savannah, SANDLÖPARE brings that world to their homes. At IKEA, we want every child to feel that sense of wonder, imagination and possibility, no matter where they come from.”
Making every soft toy purchase count
Building on this belief in equal access to learning and imagination, IKEA Malaysia is teaming up with Teach For Malaysia (TFM) to ensure play makes a difference beyond the home. IKEA Malaysia will donate RM1 to Teach For Malaysia for every soft toy purchased during the campaign period from 27 November to 27 December 2025.
The eligible ranges include SANDLÖPARE and all other IKEA stuffed plushies, such as the iconic FABLER BJÖRN teddy bear, KRAMIG panda, BLÅHAJ shark, BLÅVINGAD ocean animals, AFTONSPARV space-themed collections and more.
All contributions will support TFM’s Fellowship Programme, a two-year leadership development programme that recruits and places outstanding graduates and young professionals in high-need schools across Malaysia. The programme develops leaders who expand access to quality education for students while driving community-based projects alongside the schools they serve. This initiative underscores IKEA Malaysia’s commitment to giving back to the community while championing the importance of play and equal access to education for all children.
“This initiative with IKEA Malaysia allows us to deepen our work in communities that need it most. By supporting the Fellowship Programme, they are investing in future leaders who are committed to transforming classrooms and championing every child’s right to learn, explore and fulfil their potential.” said Fam Li Ying, Director of Growth in Teach For Malaysia.
This effort reflects IKEA long-standing commitment to children as part of its global sustainability agenda, which champions fairness and equality, including the protection of children’s rights in society. Around the world, IKEA supports initiatives that strengthen children’s wellbeing, livelihood and access to quality education, continuing the legacy of the Soft Toys for Education campaign that once benefited millions of children worldwide.
The SANDLÖPARE soft toys are also made of 100% recycled materials, including the filling, skins, threads and reinforcements. Testing plays a crucial role in the development of soft toys. They all undergo rigorous testing before reaching the stores. There are pull tests, testing for chemicals and durability as well as multiple rounds in the washing machine, to ensure that each soft toy keeps it shape.
A Savannah Experience in IKEA Stores Nationwide
SANDLÖPARE is now available across all IKEA Malaysia stores – IKEA Damansara, IKEA Cheras, IKEA Tebrau, IKEA Batu Kawan, and online at IKEA.my. To bring the spirit of the savannah even closer to families, IKEA Malaysia is also launching a SANDLÖPARE Safari, which includes activity points, creative play stations and an immersive safari train experience in selected IKEA stores every weekend starting from 27 November 2025 until 7 December 2025.
Families can look forward to:
- Safari Train Rides – exclusively at IKEA Damansara and Cheras
- In-store activities – across all IKEA Stores nationwide
- Savannah Colouring Corner
- Soft Toys Storage Workshop
- Keychain Workshop*
- Spot & Roar
To join the keychain workshop, be an IKEA Family member and purchase at least one soft toy. Limited slots available on a first come first served basis. For more IKEA play solutions, visit ikea.my.