Five things you should always buy at Ikea and the items to get elsewhere
SHOPPING at Ikea can easily become stressful and confusing if you don't know what you're looking for.
But don't worry - we've come up with a handy list to make your trip short and successful.
The typical layout of an Ikea store means you get to see all the mock room designs, showing off products "in action", first.
But this shop floor "trick" might make you over-spend as you pick up all the front and centre goodies on display.
You're better off waiting until you can shop around ALL the products to compare prices, sizes and more for your budget.
To find your nearest Ikea, just search using the store locator tool on its website.
read more in shops
Don't forget about added delivery costs either if you're ordering home.
And definitely don't buy anything because it's cheap - make sure you actually wanted it first, or you're just spending extra money.
Remember you can still shop around elsewhere to compare prices too - use either Google Shopping or PriceRunner for a quick check.
But, otherwise, here's five things you should pick up at Ikea, and the items to get elsewhere.
Five things you should always buy at Ikea
Kallax shelves
If you're heading to Ikea then you're probably in the market for some furniture.
Most read in Money
An Ikea fan favourite is the Kallax shelf.
The shelves are as simple as you can get from the Swedish furniture store, resembling a basic wooden frame, but that means they'll do the job in just about any room.
Of course like plenty of other stock from the flat-pack giant, the shelving units come in an array of colours too, to suit every home.
But the best bit of the kit is that its backless design - unlike any regular cupboard or wardrobe - means you can use it to find inventive ways of dividing a room to strategically gussy up a small space.
So if you only live in a small property or studio space you get two rooms for the price of one Ikea storage unit.
Owners say the shelves are quite sturdy too which means you'll get more bang for your buck in terms of longevity, and saves you a trip to the hardware store for replacement screws, and more.
They can cost from £29.
Blackout curtains
Ikea also stocks a massive range of home furnishings, from rugs and bedding to curtains and more.
But your curtains don't have to simply be just an aesthetic feature in your home - they could even help reduce your bills if you buy the right ones from Ikea.
This is because they create a thicker layer of air between your window and inside space - they'll also keep the sun out if you like a lay-in in the morning.
It means it'll be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer months too.
And you can buy the nifty product from Ikea from just £12.
Tupperware
Ikea even stocks the little bits to FILL your cupboards once you’ve got the flat-pack kit assembled and erected on the wall.
Tupperware, therefore, is a must-have from the store.
The cheapest plastic tub on offer that we can spot costs just £5.
With food prices rocketing on the supermarket shelves, it’s more important than ever to save on your grocery bill.
Storing your leftovers for later in your new Ikea Tupperware could help cut down on waste and save on your food bill.
You can even freeze it to make it last that but longer too.
Something second-hand
Ikea runs an scheme both in-store and online called the Circular Hub, which aims to fight waste while also offering you products cheaper than usual.
It's the rebranded "bargains corner" of the store, where old and returned stock is resold at a fraction of the price.
So if you don't mind furniture that's been in another home or out on the shop floor, you can save up to half on the price.
You can check online for your nearest participating store.
Part of the same scheme is the "As is" section, which hosts ex-display items, which might already be constructed too - great if you're not confident with DIY.
Some of the furniture might have a few cosmetic imperfections, but all items should be functional and safe to use.
Lunch for the family
Never go shopping when you're hungry, that's what they say.
Well, at Ikea, you don't have to.
The superstore warehouses each have an Ikea restaurant, which is usually situated around halfway around the shop - making it the perfect pitstop on your trolley dash.
It means you don't have to fork out much for the family's lunch either.
A plate of meatballs for example, costs from £4.50.
And your little ones can enjoy a meal and a drink all for 95p at the moment too.
The items to get elsewhere
Toys and plush animals could be a waste of money if you're shopping at Ikea.
When you're furnishing your home, IKEA’s selection of affordable décor can be a lifesaver.
The only downside is that their items are mass-produced, so the store can't be a source of distinctive, one-of-a-kind pieces.
And they can be pricey eye-catching pieces that trick you - or your kids into begging you - to buy.
Do you need that huge plush bear, when you're trying to budget for a sofa? Especially when it's your first home, and money is tight.
You're better off holding your horses until one of the major supermarkets or stores like Argos host one of their massive toy sales.
The budget retailers will often reduce the price of hundreds of products so the kids have plenty to chose from at a low low price.
You're also better off leaving the grocery shopping for the supermarket too.
As well as all its home furnishings AND the onsite café you can stock up the freezer with foodie goodies toward the end of your shop.
But you'll find that the cost of these goods is a little pricier than at your local grocery store.
Meanwhile you can take advantage of loyalty schemes at the rival food stores, like Tesco's Clubcard prices that give you an instant discount on your shop, while Ikea doesn't.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
We also reveal the do's and don'ts of deal hunting at Poundland, including what and what not to buy at the budget store.
And there's some products you need to leave firmly on the shelf at Wilko too.
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The Sun Online Money team?
Email us at money@the-sun.co.uk