“Pre pandemic I used to go play dnd at the adventure league event. I miss that. The energy seems to have shifted as I don't believe the people running the event are the same. Definitely where I go for dnd books and dice still, and its fun to walk around to look at things. I loved observing the warhammer event. It looked like every one who participates in the events enjoys them a lot. Its a great hub for the nerdy members of the community!”
“What a creative and friendly space. I dropped off my coffin Art piece for the 10th Annual Beautiful Souls show. Had a lovely conversation with Executive Director Teresa. I can't wait for the opening, Oct 13th, to meet the other artists. I highly recommend stopping by!”
“So happy I visited here! It's the perfect stop for wall-to-wall horror memorabilia and horror art from real local artists. Best of all, the staff are incredibly kind, friendly, and knowledgeable about horror movies as well. Looking forward to my next visit!”
11:30AM - 7PM
2504 N California Ave, Chicago“An excellent selection of gunpla (and other model kits), model building supplies, import toys and snacks - it's 4 of the 6 reasons you left the house today. To top it off they are friendly and super helpful. I wanna go back tomorrow!”
“Bric-A-Brac Records is fantastic! Here's a poem for how great they are! Looking for a record Stop on in to Bric-A-Brac! Selections so good you'll have a heart attack! Beatles to T-Rex Oh goodness what's next!? Stop on in today!”
10AM - 6PM
2780 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago“When I returned to Chicago for the first time in a long time, I found that Lincoln Avenue was abandoned, but Rotofugi was still alive and well.This store has character products, making it feel like you're in Harajuku.There are also Hello Kitty and Japanese products, but now the store mainly sells goods made by an Italian called Tokidoki with Japanese influences.The clothes are cute too.A while ago, there was an event by an artist in New York, and I bought a painting.I hope that someday it will be as valuable as Basquiat.”
“This is the 3rd place I’ve been looking for and the closest thing I have found to my nostalgic 90’s comic book store I grew up with. A place where staff- get this actually interact with you. It’s refreshing- they have great stock, the name is badass, & the vibes are great.I love that the first time I was in the store and Wes Anderson’s, Fantastic Mr Fox was playing and the quote “But In The End, He's Just Another Dead Rat In A Garbage Pail Behind A Chinese Restaurant." was muttered in the background. I chuckled and contained on to enjoying every moment I was in there. Keep it up guys!”
“I have shopped here for my granddaughters for years and they always have a very large selection of education and fun toys. Gift wrapping is for free and the prices are very reasonable. Because the Cicadas are coming I bought bug magnifying glasses and journal. Great customer service. Thanks Vernon‼️”
11AM - 6PM
814 N Ashland Ave, Chicago“This is such a special and even magical place, right out of a movie. I love the vintage stamped ceiling and the quirky, beautiful ornaments in the shape of every kind of animal— have an octopus, zebra, lion, and more. A wonderful place to pick out a thoughtful gift from a local small business, especially when you don’t know what to get or for the person who has everything.”
“Great place to dump your trash toys . They may even give you a few bucks for them if you are lucky ? . Cool independently owned vintage store aka not so small businesses . So many amazing things and memories all in one place . Bigger then it looks from outside. Make sure to look everywhere .”
10AM - 6PM
1112 W Madison St, Chicago“Fantastic toy store with reasonable prices, excellent variety, and a unique selection of interesting finds! Over the holidays, I went in shopping for 5 kids ages 1-8 and walked out with something for each of them. 10/10 recommend - especially their books selection!”
“My husband and i sort of wandered in (i didn't think it was open since you can't tell from the street) but we got buzzed in and WOW was it worth it, an amazing collection, some of which my husband recognized from his childhood with plenty of toys and models with all sorts of themes. GREAT stock of Horror stuff and a super friendly lady at the counter. We will absolutely be back, this place is a hidden gem and well worth the trip on a rainy Satuday afternoon.”
10:30AM - 5:30PM
1600 W Montrose Ave, Chicago“shopped today after not visiting for several years (we don’t live nearby, the panny, etc) and it was better then ever! the store has expanded, the range of sizes was great, and the deals were excellent. the selection of new toys, gifts, and craft sets was also really cool. plus the customer service is unparalleled! we’ll be back soon.”
“This place was STACKED, absolutely jammed with great stuff. I could've been in there for a longer time, but they were doing good business that day so I had to get in and out. I got way more than I thought I'd want to get. The prices are exactly what I had in mind. The owner was really friendly. Extra points (six stars, if I could) for his kindness to my dog. I just happened to be walking by and didn't have anywhere to put him and he's too little to tie up. I asked the owner if I could just hold onto my dog. The owner said yes, of course, and was super-nice and funny about it. I'll be back sans dog to spend more time in there. Thanks so much.”
12 - 5PM
1276 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago“This was an unexpected quirky store . Lots of trinkets and ideas kids created and were sold in this store, along with different creative books. Overall a very unique and fun store to be surprised. Right next to Shuga Records on Milwaukee Ave.”
10AM - 6PM
3109 W Logan Blvd, Chicago“Excellent selection of toys for babies to older kids. Some educational products as well. Huge selection of Calico Critters! Great selection of stuffies! Friendly, knowledgeable staff ready to assist you in getting the right items for your kiddos or for party gifts!”
“This is my go to spot for baby shower and first birthday gifts. You’re always guaranteed to find something from their selection of baby clothes and toys. I appreciate their return policy and adore their gift wrapping!! I also love how they highlight local designers.”
“Play had a game in stock that I wanted to get for my granddaughter but I couldn’t get there for a couple of days and they had only one of them in stock. The clerk said that they would gladly hold it for me until I came in a couple days later. When I came in to pick it up the game was set aside for me in back of the counter with my name on it and as always they were very friendly and offered to wrap the toy as a gift if I wanted. Their service and selection is consistently excellent and that is why Play is my first choice for toys, games, and books. I further believe that small businesses, that provide relevant products and services, and deliver excellent customer service, are important in building the foundation of a healthy and viable community. Play is one of those excellent additions to our community and they have earned my business. I would highly recommend!”
12 - 5PM
6029 N Northwest Hwy, Chicago“This store is magical and amazingt My mother's Annie Wynn Mickens had this beautiful 1950 Baby Doll that loved.
Her name is Baby Annie. My mother love love her so much.I took Baby Annie today to get her hair service. And I pick up some jewelry and some beautiful outfits to add to her collection. My mom went home to be with Lord so I will take good care of Baby Annie!!”
“Such a fun little shop! There is something quirky for everyone in here, perfect for gifts for sure. Little games, fun stationary, puzzles, mugs, tote bags, andersonville paraphernalia they got them all!”
“Always well stocked and excellent customer service. The staff is knowledgeable. I usually go with their recommendations on what to get for birthday gifts and they are always a big hit.”
10AM - 7PM
1921 W 47th St, Chicago“The store had a variety of Mexican candy, piñatas, games and more! Customer service was awesome! Thanks Chelly for helping with party ideas! I hope to return soon!”
“From mom and baby meet up, to story time with Elsa, to hosting/attending birthday parties, Waterlemon is the spot! It’s a super cute boutique for the kids to play but also for moms to hang out. I had my daughter’s second birthday party here and it was so easy and the staff were so helpful! I’ve bought my daughter the cutest tutus, books, and toys so if you just want to go stop in and shop, they have the cutest gift options.”
“Its so nice and cozy in there, and there's a wide variety of candy choices for incredibly cheap. Your able to get multiple pieces of candy for a $1.50. The owner of the store is so nice and sweet, and she overall makes the place so much better. For sure my new favorite candy place, and I will be going again. I recommend this place to any candy lovers.
Kid-friendliness: the owner is a literal sweetheart to any kids. I love her so much.”
“I love this store! I’m amazed at the variety of toys and books they manage to fit in there, for every age. Such a fun visit with friendly staff, and my son loves to play with the train set they have set up in there.”
10AM - 6PM
730 Lake St, Oak Park“Eric, thank you. This is a gem that we had driven by countless times saying that we needed to "check it out". I am so happy that we did today. We walked away with a really nice haul of board games too. Can't wait to be back to keep finding little hidden games and puzzles here.Side note, it is extremely satisfying to find a toy store that is not packed full of cheaply made shelf fillers. This store has quality items and hard to find games and puzzles. We will be supporting this place for a long time.Thank you for answering my questions today.”
11AM - 5PM
1028 North Blvd, Oak Park“This place is so cute and great for kids! They have so many items and pretty affordable prices. It is a small store so it can get busy and crowded, though. For my girlies: they have sonny angels behind the counter near the register, so you have to ask an employee if you want one! Check their Instagram to see when they restock.”
10AM - 6PM
3625 95th St, Evergreen Park“I don't go there often, but this it is great to know it is there in case I need it. I mostly get books for grades there. Top notch service from the ladies that work there.”
10AM - 6PM
110 N Marion St, Oak Park“They have a great selection of clothing, but most of it is on the pricier side. Good for special occasions! I love that they carry the Molo brand--my kid used to love wearing Molo until she started getting pickier about what she wore. The great thing about Sugarcup is that they also have a basement full of discounted and gently used clothing, which is great when you don't feel like spending full retail pricing.”
“Was very busy and hard to get help but after being there an hour with my kids I finally got help and was able to Purchase the slotcar I wanted/needed to race with my friend I'll definitely be back. They got a good little hidden selection of slotcars unfortunately they don't know enough to help other people ,with questions or carry new tires for the slotcars.”