Children have the purest, wildest, most fascinating imaginations. Because of this, they often have the most creative minds of us all.
Earlier this year, the IKEA Foundation started working on their charity program, Soft Toys for Education. Through donating a portion of the profits it receives from the sales of its recurring plush toy line, the foundation aims to help children in third-world countries.
However, this year was the first time that they've decided to invite children to design the toys for its line. In an amazing contest, they picked 10 winners whose drawings have been made to come alive.
Similar to how toy company Budsies works to turn children's artwork into toys, IKEA's program not only stimulates children's creativity of expression, but also nobly raises awareness about important children's causes all around the globe.
Scroll down to see each of the toys come alive, and let us know what you thought of this IKEA project in the comments below!
Every year, the IKEA Foundation donates $1 for every soft toy sold in the months of November and December. Select stores participate in this program, and the cumulative donation goes to UNICEF and Save the Children, a nonprofit international charity organ
Winners: Maja, 8, and John, 5, of Norway
The donations from the Soft Toys for Education effort are spent purely on children's educational projects. This program has been going on for 12 years, but this year, IKEA decided to make toys that were completely designed by children.
Winner: Karla, 10, of Croatia
With thousands of submissions, the jury narrowed the list down to the top 10 winners.
Winner: Albert, 7, of Romania
'I can imagine that many kids will love this 'cuddly monster.' The toy is very likable, you want to touch it and play with its hands,' said Koen, 10, of the Netherlands, designer of the toy below.
Winner: Koen, 10, of the Netherlands
Over the past few years, the program's donations have helped improve education efforts in Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Winner: Dora, 7, of the UK
They have primarily helped schools work with their teachers to create welcoming environments to students from ethnic minorities, and those with special needs.
Winner: Terrence, 6 of Malaysia
Using the funds, Save the Children has helped train more teachers, and has seen the rate of corporal punishment drop 58 percent from 2012 to 2015.
Winner: You-Chen Wu, 6, of Taiwan
Equally as important, the contest has encouraged creativity and boosted confidence in children all around the world. Not only have they made their own dream toys come alive, they have also had the opportunity to share their visions with other child
Winner: Thymeo, 4, of Belgium
'I think they will like its happy color, the fact that it's soft, its long nose and toes,' said Stella, 6, of Cyprus, of her design below.
Winner: Stella, 6, of Cyprus
To date, the cause has reached over 11 million children living in poverty, and has helped to give them a better education.
Winner: Rosita, 4, of the Canary Islands
Since launching the charity program in 2003, the IKEA Foundation has donated over $90 million to children's causes around the world. We hope this effort continues to thrive and aid children in need!
Please SHARE if you thought these toy designs were absolutely adorable, and if you fully support the charity efforts that IKEA has spearheaded!
