Blåhaj

Blåhaj (Swedish pronunciation: [ˈblôːhaj] ; lit. 'blue shark'; colloquially anglicized as , or ) (sometimes called IKEA shark ) is a plush toy manufactured and sold by the Swedish company IKEA. Modeled after the blue shark and made of recycled polyester, the toy has become a globally popular internet meme since the late 2010s. For example, it has become a cultural icon in countries like Russia and China, played a symbolic role in Switzerland's same-sex marriage referendum, and found special significance within the transgender community. It has also been used as a mascot by IKEA in some regions.

Product description

Blåhaj is a stuffed toy resembling a blue shark. Both the outer fabric and the hollow fiber filling are made out of polyester, and in addition, the filling is 100% recycled. It is available in two sizes – a large 1-meter (39+1⁄4 in) version and a small 0.55-meter (21+3⁄4 in) version – and can be machine-washed at 40°C (104°F). Its name is derived from the Swedish word blåhaj, meaning 'blue shark'.

IKEA plush toys, including Blåhaj, are designed with embroidered eyes rather than the commonly used plastic ones. This design is primarily a safety measure to eliminate the choking hazard that detached plastic eyes pose to young children. Additionally, IKEA states on its website that this method enhances the toy's durability, ensuring it can better withstand play and washing over a long period.