Thongs Got A Scandi Makeover!
To celebrate 50 glorious years of meatballs, BILLY bookcases, and relationship-testing flatpack builds in Australia, IKEA has done the most IKEA thing imaginable: created the world’s first-ever flat-packed flip flops – or should we say FLIP FLÖPS.
“It’s our way of saying thank you – and a reminder that after 50 years, we’re just getting started,” says IKEA Australia CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer, Mirja Viinanen.
These limited-edition sandals are real, wearable, and they’re free.
What Are IKEA FLIP FLÖPS?
Think: classic Aussie thongs, but with a playful Scandinavian twist and a DIY spin. These FLIP FLÖPS come unassembled (because, of course, they do), with a simple three-step assembly. Even comes with a tool to help you click the straps in place.
They’re the ultimate product to mark five decades of IKEA’s presence Down Under. The only gripe? They should have been called “thongs”, Aussies comment on social media.
How to Get Your Feet in a Pair
@adrianwidjy If you want this #limitededition #flipflops go to @IKEA Australia for more info! Thank you for sending me this adorable and cool #ikeafinds #ikea #sandals ♬ elevator – yawn.
IKEA is giving away over 3,000 pairs of these iconic FLIP FLÖPS – but you’ll need to move fast (or at least faster than you do when assembling a MALM dresser).
Here’s what to do:
1. Become an IKEA Family Member.
2. Enter the giveaway right here.
3. Cross your fingers and wait for your flat-packed thongs to arrive.
The giveaway runs from 13 May to 3 June 2025, and we don’t know if they’ll ever be re-issued anytime in the future or anywhere else in the world – so don’t miss your shot. The giveaway is only open to residents of Australia.
A Look Back: 50 Years of IKEA Down Under
From its first store in St Leonards, Sydney, in 1975 to becoming a national home-design icon, IKEA has been a part of Aussie life for years. The numbers prove it:
- 87% of Aussies have visited an IKEA at least once in their lives.
- On average, an Aussie owns 2.8 pieces of IKEA furniture
- 1 in 3 Aussies (33%) confess to “borrowing” IKEA pencils all the way home
- 41% have battled flat-pack frustration.
- 5% have gone on a date at IKEA
From its humble beginnings, IKEA today operates 10 stores across Australia and employs more than 3,900 co-workers. In 2024, IKEA welcomed more than 17 million store visits, recorded over 105 million website visits, and sold over 72 million products.
Don’t Miss the Birthday Bash
IKEA Australia is not just dishing out free FLIP FLÖPS – they’re going full party mode. On 31 May–1 June, pop into your local IKEA for:
- 50% off POÄNG chairs (from $49.50!)
- 50-cent hot dogs
- More surprises to be announced
IKEA has always been about clever design, quirky charm, and making everyday life a little more joyful. The FLIP FLÖPS are a cheeky, clever thank-you from a brand that’s been helping Aussies furnish their homes for 50 years.
Want more clever IKEA news and hacks? Keep scrolling IKEAhackers – we’ve got you covered like a well-placed BILLY in a narrow hallway.