IKEA Soft Toys: Klappar Leopard

The IKEA Foundation’s Soft Toys for Education Campaign
2012 Holiday Gift Guide Selection
   Every year, staring in early November and running through late December, the IKEA Foundation runs the Soft Toys for Education Campaign.   For every soft toy sold, one Euro is split between UNICEF and Save the Children for educational projects in almost 40 countries!  Since the campaign began back in 2003, over $61 million in donations have been made, helping eight million children around the world through over 70 programs.  Last year, in the US alone, IKEA raised over $1 million through the sale of soft toys during the campaign!    Together, IKEA, UNICEF and Save the Children make a difference for millions of children by reducing malnutrition and infant disease, improving literacy, and improving  the education of the most disadvantaged children.   All of this, from the purchase of adorable soft toys!
    UNICEF works all over the world and has saved more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world.  They provide children with clean water, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more.
   Save the Children is the leading independent organization for children in need with programs in 120 countries including the United States.  They work to support projects which improve the lives of the most marginalized children’s health, education and economic opportunities.

   This year, IKEA’s Soft Toys for Education Campaign began November 4 and is running through December 29th.  They have a wonderful selection of soft toys for children of every age, ranging from every type of stuffed animal imaginable to finger puppets to infant gyms and mobiles, rattles, building blocks, play food sets, dolls and play books, and so much more!  The prices are amazing as well for these precious toys, ranging from $0.49 to $19.99.

   I chose the wonderfully soft and cuddly Klappar Leopard Soft Toy.  When it arrived I was astounded by its size, thinking it would be much smaller! Instead, this soft and cuddly leopard is around 2 feet long, a little bit over 3 feet if you include its tail! It is made with all new material, mainly polyester fiber, and is incredibly soft and squishy!  It’s eyes and whiskers are fabric, not the hard plastic ones found on some stuffed animals.  There are no visible stitches, and it appears to be very well made!  It is very cute and I cannot wait to give it to my niece for the holidays!

   To see the wonderful selection of Soft Toys available, click HERE.  If you do not have an IKEA near you, you can always shop online through the IKEA website.  So while you are doing your holiday shopping for your children, go ahead and help other children in need as well!  Two gifts in one, the best being they are all gifts of love!

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