IKEA has turned 50 in Australia, and like any good birthday bash, there’s cake (well, meatballs), nostalgia, and a quirky gift to unwrap.

To mark the milestone, the Swedish furniture giant has dropped a surprise that’s as tongue-in-cheek as it is perfectly on brand: the world’s first flat-packed flip flops. Introducing the FLIP FLÖPS – a hyper-limited, three-step-assembly fashion statement that might just be IKEA’s most Aussie launch yet.

From the first store in St Leonards in 1975 to the flatpack empire it is today, IKEA has become a household name in Australia. But now, it’s IKEA’s turn to say tack (that’s ‘thank you’ in Swedish). As part of its golden anniversary celebrations, IKEA is inviting Australians to join the party across all stores from Saturday 31st May to Sunday 1st June. Expect throwback deals like 50% off POÄNG armchairs, 50-cent hot dogs, and plenty more surprises in-store.

And about those flat-pack thongs? They’re not just a gimmick – they’re a nod to Aussie summer culture and IKEA’s design DNA. Minimal, functional, and cheeky in all the right ways. FLIP FLÖPS are sure to become collector’s items – and a new test of relationship strength if assembling in pairs.

IKEA Australia CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer, Mirja Viinanen, says the anniversary is about more than furniture – it’s about recognising the role IKEA has played in helping Aussies create spaces that reflect who they are.

“IKEA has been providing low-cost, high-quality furniture to Aussies since 1975, and we believe the impact we’ve had on Australian life has been immeasurable.”

Whether it’s becoming a rite of passage for first-home renters or a bonding battleground for couples, IKEA is no longer just a store—it’s an experience. And clearly, one Aussies don’t want to quit. Find out more infor here.