Choosing Christmas presents can be… a lot. Especially when you’re shopping for people who range from “absolutely deserve the world” to “I barely know this person, but okay”.
This year, IKEA makes gifting easy (and affordable) with a fun, cheeky guide inspired by the naughty-vs-nice dilemma we all secretly use to rank our giftees. Whether they’re your ride-or-die, your office Secret Santa, or that one cousin who raids your snack drawer, there’s a perfect IKEA pick waiting.
The nice list
For the people who’ve earned their holiday cookies.
For your daughter who’s been begging for a room makeover: KURA RM899
Give the gift of imagination with the KURA bed — IKEA’s iconic reversible frame that grows right along with her. This low bed keeps younger kids safe and snug, but flips into a cosy loft when they’re ready for bigger adventures. One turn, and suddenly she has her very own hideout, reading nook or mini play kingdom, all within the same footprint.
It’s the kind of present that doesn’t just say “Merry Christmas”, but “I see your creativity, your personality and your big dreams… go make magic.” Perfect for the kid who’s been not-so-subtly hinting (all year) that her room deserves “main character” energy.
For your spouse who wants matching chairs for the dining table: HÖGVER RM375
You know they’ve been dropping hints — subtle, not-so-subtle and everything in between. The HÖGVER chair is the perfect “finally!” moment: timeless, elegant and instantly elevating your dining setup. A harmonious, matching dining table? Now that’s a Christmas miracle.
For your mum who always needs sauces on hand: RÅSKOG RM179
Every Malaysian mum has a sixth sense for condiments — sambal, chilli oil, kicap manis, even that mysterious homemade sauce she guards like a state secret. The RÅSKOG trolley is the perfect sidekick for her culinary superpowers: sturdy, spacious and effortlessly rollable from kitchen to dining table.
With three tiers of easy-to-reach storage, she can keep all her flavour boosters exactly where she wants them — ready for every meal, every craving and every “Eh, pass me the sauce!” moment.
For your niece who craves a great adventure: SANDLÖPARE Storage Trunk RM69
Some kids collect toys; she collects quests. This charming storage trunk looks just like a little explorer’s suitcase, perfect for packing treasures, maps and top-secret mission gear. Whether she’s “travelling” to the savannah, the tropical jungle or the moon, this trunk becomes her loyal sidekick on every imaginary journey.
For your best friend who loves feeling uplifted: RUDSTORP RM145
This sleek side table is a mood booster — light, simple and stylish. It adds a little lift (literally and figuratively) wherever it’s placed. A thoughtful gift for the bestie whose energy deserves beautiful surroundings.
For your niece who dreams of being a master chef: SILLTRUT RM299
Move over, Gordon Ramsay — there’s a new prodigy in town. With this charming play kitchen set, she can sauté, simmer and serve imaginary meals with total confidence. A Christmas gift that fuels big dreams and even bigger creativity.
THE NAUGHTY LIST
For the ones who test your patience — but hey, it’s Christmas anyway.
For your friend’s kid who loves kung fu fighting: KRAMIG RM15
They’ve kicked you, the sofa, the cat and air… mostly air, thankfully. This plush panda is soft, harmless and ready to absorb every accidental karate chop. A loving but honest gift: “Here, kick this instead.”
For that one cousin who always eats in bed: FARMARKVAST RM29
Yes, it’s a food waste bin. And yes, it’s exactly what they need. Because every time they swear they’ll stop eating under the covers, the crumbs tell a very different story.
FARMARKVAST can sit neatly on the bedside table (or, fine, the kitchen counter) to collect all the snack debris from their late-night feast sessions. It’s a gift that gently says, “Since you’re obviously not stopping… at least dispose of the evidence properly.”
For your little brother who runs away from bath time: SANDLÖPARE Hooded Towel RM60
Every family has one tiny escape artist who hears “Bath time!” and immediately sprints like he’s training for the SEA Games. This cheetah-pattern hooded towel is perfect for wrapping him up the moment you finally catch him.
Soft, cosy and ridiculously cute… even if he’s not. “Run all you want, kid — but you’re getting clean and looking adorable.”
For your colleague who keeps losing their stapler: TROFAST RM20
Every office has one: the human Bermuda Triangle where stationery goes to die. They’ve misplaced three staplers, two scissors and, somehow, a whole tape dispenser. This TROFAST bin is your diplomatic attempt at saving office supplies everywhere.
“Please… for the love of admin… put. things. in. here.”
For your grandkids who love doodling on the furniture: LÄTT RM99
Because your walls, sofa and coffee table have suffered enough. The LÄTT table-and-chair set gives your little Picassos their own canvas — one that isn’t your expensive furniture.
It’s lightweight, easy to clean and sturdy enough for every masterpiece and scribble. Draw all you want, sweeties — just not on my sofa.
For your neighbour who always borrows your plates: DAGGASTER RM23
You know the one. They knock just as dinner’s ready, asking, “Eh, can borrow plate ah?” And somehow the plate never comes back. At this point, you’ve accidentally furnished half their kitchen.
So this year, give them a DAGGASTER plate of their very own — sturdy, stylish and, most importantly, not yours.
