Now employee owned but still as quirky and fun as ever. Whether looking for school poster supplies, periodic table coffee mugs, science kits, crime scene tape, multi-function tools, or other odds 'n ends, I triple-dog-dare you to spend more than 10 minutes there and walk out empty-handed! Pro Tip kid stuff to the right. read more

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Well, where do we start.. I have been a customer since the store was on Northwest Hwy by Nagle. Miss that store in the worst way! The items were great and the prices were extremely reasonable. After all we are talking about surplus... (pennies on the dollar buyouts). Every time the store relocated it went further into the abyss. I kept saying to myself, they are going to price themselves right out of business! The straw that broke the camels back was the PR store on Northwest Hwy. So many items were priced at or ABOVE retail. I remember one of my last purchases a plastic organizer box... only to find one even better @ Harbor Freight (full retail)...for LESS money. Good bye, good riddance, good luck. read more

I've been shopping at AS&S since before I lived in Chicagoland (used to order from their catalog; kids, that was the paper version of the internet), but wanted to stop in when I was in Geneva today since the company has been having a hard time according to their social media. I was happy to see so many people in here! If you're shopping for random stuff, this is the place for it: craft supplies, games and toys, bottles and jars (including itty bitty ones, which I bought), marbles, strange holiday overstock, neon signs, science experiments, a billion electronic parts...you name it. For sheer weirdness this store can't be beat but I legitimately do buy practical items here too. Stop in and support this long time local favorite! read more

American Science & Surplus - Beaker & Bunsen (& Kermit!) waiting to greet you! - Toy Stores Near Me - West Chicago, Illinois

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Pocket microscope, 6000 lumens light bulb, pink cat neon LED wall light, tiny baby rubber ducky, and sea monkeys are among millions of things you will see here. Great for people of all ages. You'll find things here you didn't know you needed and things you never knew existed. The product names are descriptions are entertaining to read. Products are reasonably price, some outright bargains and they even have a section of things they sell cheaper than on Amazon. The people here are welcoming and friendly. .|\---/| | o_o | .\_^_/..2023 read more

Amazing array of stuff. Friendly staff too. Easy to park here. Better budget some time, this store may take you awhile. read more

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Dedicated to all this science....and surplus. There is something for everyone here at this amazing store. From microscopes, beakers, vials of all sizes, eye droppers, fake eyes, Petri dishes, corks, black light, or that one thingymabob that you don't know the name of but definitely need. Well look no further, because this is your place! When it used to have its old location in Jefferson Park, I was devastated when they moved but fortunately, they only moved and never went away. Are you worried about these items breaking the bank? Nah, With most items being dirt cheap, your next project is just around the corner. Come here, and get lost in all the vastness that is American Science and Surplus. read more

I always have some half-finished project going that requires an oddball piece. I used to visit the old Chicago location on Milwaukee a few times a year for supplies, but hadn't been there in a couple years. I was sad to hear it closed in 2021 and moved to Park Ridge. They moved to save money on their lease. It's weird that commercial rent is lower in an upscale suburb like Park Ridge compared to a Jefferson Park strip mall on Milwaukee. In any case, after checking their website for the part I needed, I found out they have other locations, including this one about 40 minutes drive from home, so I decided to check it out. Through some trick of the eye, this store seems a bit smaller than the old one, but I don't think it really is. I will say the look and feel is exactly the same, with all of the same stuff from the other location. Electronic parts, testing equipment, tools, science supplies, kids toys, etc. They have all the little hand written signs on stuff with puns and jokes about whatever is for sale. I need an old 5-pin automotive stereo plug that was common in the 1960s, but they didn't have this. I did find a killer deal on a mini file set, a tweezer set, and a couple other things I remembered I needed or just decided I couldn't live without. Service was really friendly and cheerful. I get the feeling people like working here. read more

Didn't have my part. DID look hard for it. DID have crazy hold music. DID seem friendly and helpful, yet bummed that he couldn't help me more. Go there! read more

One Erlenmeyer flask, please. This place has LOTS of reviews, so I won't repeat. I went seeking citrine; but instead I found tiger eye and a purple plugin chandelier. The best items imo were the boxed science kits. They sell: ant farm, crystal-growing kit, make a working clock from a lemon, plastic anatomy learning tools (I really wanted the brain $15), sun photography, build a birdhouse, etcétéra. You should go. read more

American Science & Surplus - Toy Stores Near Me - West Chicago, Illinois

Hands down one of the best stores in all of Chicagoland. Unique, full of strange odds and ends, and good prices. New science experiments for all ages, used military goods (ie WWII gas masks), electronics, etc. I even found a nice telescope here. Its a strange place to just visit, even if you dont buy anything. And the staff were always kind, too, which is a plus. Go visit! read more

I used to go to this store, as a kid, growing up in the City (Chicago). I have fond memories of this place. When my daughter and I happen to drive past it, I just had to stop to show her. I was a little nervous. It was going to be less than stellar, but it reminded me so much of my childhood, in a good way there's lots of fun and different things to look at, and my child is very creative and also into science, so we spent a pretty penny -but we also bought a ton of stuff. The guy at the front desk was delightful and as he rifled through pages and pages to find the pricing on all the different small toys we bought, he didn't seem to be rushed or bothered, even though the store was warm, and he commented that they only had one air conditioner working. It was like 90 out. It always puts a smile on my face, when dealing with personable employees. Especially when they have a reason to be irritated, yet show the complete opposite. I have been to plenty of places where the employees ruined a good time, by showing their disdain or by not offering any kind of help, this was definitely not the case. read more

The reviews say enough about the shopping. I am always looking forward to the high amusement factor provided by the long term employees. They are the great combination of art and science. I finally caught the "sign artist" (photo added) drawing yet another great piece of entertaining and theoretically informative merchandise description. Enjoy walking around and reading the multi-leveled humor and varying subtleties of double entendre. All of the employees are "the hep kids" from Science & AV Club. Grand experience- always grab a basket on the way in, plan for at minimum one hour. read more

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Thank you for hosting the eclipse watch gathering today at your store. The food truck was a little slow but they weren't expecting the large turnout and there were only two people making sandwiches. It was awesome that you had telescopes set up so observers could see it better. I was happy to be part of that viewing community at your store! read more

Always loved this place. It's totally an adventure. Way cool stuff and you could spend hours here just walking down the aisles reading their cool descriptions about things that sometimes they have no idea what in the heck it is. I always walk away with some interesting or much-needed items. I love the unique array of things that they carry from army supplies to Dental Supplies to things for science things for kids light bulbs pens cool crafts. You name it they carry it. Love love love this place read more

This place has such a wide variety of offs and ends that I spent a good hour just browsing. Their labels and signs for the products are hilarious as well. My favorite one was for a racoon trap and the sign said trash panda trap with a drawing. If you tinker, like science, arts and crafts or just all around Knick knacks this place is awesome. read more

I absolutely love American Science and Surplus! AS&S is one part mad-scientist toy store and one part educational fun/hobby store. A great place for adults and kids alike...and you don't have to break the bank to get a bag full of fun, interesting, and/or educational goodies. If you are babysitting or have children, bring them here- it's worth the drive if you don't live in the area. My husband and I spend at least an hour if not more in this store each time we go, and we don't have children. It's also great place to gather supplies for Halloween costumes- this year my husband purchased many items for his, go figure, "mad scientist" costume here. We also scored some crazy goggles - one pair is for welding and another is supposed to be Chinese Snow Goggles. Say what? Yup, Chinese Snow Goggles...this place has everything! Rubber insects? Check. Beakers and test tubes? Check. Disco Ball? Check. British Postal Worker Vest? Youbetcha! They have more wires and thingamabobs than you can shake a stick at. And it probably goes without saying, but if there is a science project to do this store is a must. Their staff is quirky but very friendly and helpful. They also have a fun and informative website for your home browsing pleasure, www.sciplus.com. So come on over and get your sci on! read more

You would be hard pressed to find a store like this, even in a major city like Chicago. We've been going here for years and always seem to walk out with something completely different. From art supplies, to off-cuff toys, to last night's purchase..a rock hammer of all things. The best thing about American S&S is that their stock rotates, so you'll likely find new stuff with each visit. For those in the know..they do have a catalog as well. It's nice to peruse but it doesn't compare with being at the store. If you're looking for something unusual, items for a school project, gag gifts, general supplies and containers, Scouts, geocaching, electronic parts and components, etc, give this place a look! read more

Love this place. If you have an imagination or curiosity this place is fun. I wish I had a place like this growing up. I would have been a Maker for sure! read more

Great selection of a super wide variety of all kind of great stuff. Almost everything has a little descriptive tag. The staff is super nice and helpful. You can tell that the all really enjoy working there. It is a science geeks paradise. I knew about American Science and Surplus from there catalog. And I was pleasantly surprised when I happened upon their store when I was at a figure skating tournament for my wife. The store is really big and kept we entertained while my wife was skating. Even my teenage daughter, who finds NOTHING her dad does entertaining, was throughly enchanted by the store read more

Quite possibly the coolest surplus store in existence. It's delightfully weird and quirky with strange employee-built sculptures and other creations. They of course have a great selection of basic sciency-surplussy stuff: motors, transformers, electronics, latex tubing, magnets, dead frogs, test tubes, etc. and the hand written labels on each bin are hilarious. And the pièce de résistance: they are usually playing 80's punk or new wave music over the store speakers. Bravo American Science and Surplus! read more

AS&P GETS ALL THE STARS! Dude... check this out, they have some of the craziest things, some of the weirdest things, and all around, some of the coolest things! Things you didn't know you needed,, things you didn't know you wants and the thing you actually wanted. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable as well. There's something for everyone here. Great for kids who like science, great for the casual or serious hobbyist, and fun to walk around in and explore! read more

I love this place. I came here as a kid and I keep coming back. This is a weird store for weird people who like weird things. It is currently the holiday season and there are a few people on my shopping list who are impossible to shop for. American Science & Surplus is the perfect solution. There are so many unique and/or hard to find items that will satisfy anyone from strange to straightforward. The employees are very well informed. I can't believe that they know so much about even the smallest and most obscure items in this expansive store. They are very helpful and friendly. This place is an adventure and fit for the whole family. read more

Two factors keep this from being 5 stars. 1) the distance it is from me. Not sure if that "should" be a factor, but it is. 2) The wasteoids that work there. I was there Sunday 1/29/07, and, man, they even fought over who'd answer the phone. Regardless, Get there. It's a great place to look around. You're almost guaranteed to find something. read more

What a cool store! Lots of neat science stuff for young and old, beginner or advanced levels. Staff is very friendly. Prices seem very reasonable. I'll be visiting again read more

Great place to shop if you're in need of things for an art project, weird party favors, or whatever! The best part is that everything is priced relatively cheap. This is one place where you can take your boyfriend or husband and he'll have plenty of things to look at too. If you like this store you'd probably also like Uncle Fun in Chicago and Ax Man Surplus in Minneapolis! read more

Total randomonium! This is the stuff I picked up today: Coolest windup toy ever- an inchworm that "inches" Kiddie scissors with 2 pr. interchangeable pinking shear blades ($.30) Tiger blow-up toy Geology hammer-pick thing Magnifying glass w/ mini screwdrivers hidden in the handle Mini music box that plays "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" This is the first time I visited this location. It was a Groupon that brought me here (which, might I add, they accepted straight from the iPhone app, kudos). I remember going to the downtown location as a teen and this location seems like a mini-version. Nevertheless, this place is full of stuff you never knew you needed. Not really the type of place I would go looking for something very specific, but definitely the place to go if you are buying a gift for someone who has everything, if you are working on a science project or if you a nerd or a geek or a hoarder. The product descriptions on the shelves are clever. And the people watching is primo. read more

This store has everything I never knew I needed under one roof. This is the best place for off the wall DIY projects. The staff is very helpful. They have been able to help me come up with some creative ways to do things. read more

Yup. I'm a fan. After stumbling upon this store through the Yelp community, I made it my mission to check the place out. Step 1: Find out where the hell it is. Okay, Roosevelt. It's on my way to the P's house. Step 2: Find this place on my way from work in the dark. Okay, this took longer than I thought. Like several drive bys over the course of a few weeks. Step 3: Find the time to stop in. Done and done. Though it resulted in a worried call from Mom when I was about 45 minutes later than expected. Oops! There's a lot to check out! Step 4: Return as soon as possible. This place rocks. That is all. read more

A great place for boys to shop! Yes, you read correctly, my boys LIKE to shop here. They have beakers, copper wiring, stuff to make crystals, solar powered cars (the toy sized ones) and much more creative, somewhat scientific stuff. This place IS out in the sticks, so it is easy to find. It's right next to a billiard company in a strip mall. There's no abundance of strip malls clouding up your vision out there! I got great help from a teenager working there. We had our book, THE DANGEROUS BOOK FOR BOYS, which had instructions on how to make a battery and the employee helped us get the right stuff. All in all, a great way to spend an afternoon. read more

I could spend hours in this place looking for treasures. A really fun, quirky place and if you're creative, you can find a lot of useful items for very low prices. One of my favorite places to buy Christmas stocking stuffers. read more

What a find! There are so many doo-Hickies in this store, it boggles the mind. I have found so many things tonight that I don't need, and even more that I might need someday. I keep coming back too. There really is no adequate description for this store, so you should come in. Bring a sense of humor! read more

I love this place! I always buy a few Christmas gifts here & stop in at least quarterly to buy something that I didn't realize I couldn't live without. Staff is fun, know inventory, helpful, & willing to listen to weird requests. If you need anything from robot parts - to military surplus - to office supplies.... This is the place to go. Prices are low, inventory is good, & new stuff comes in all the time. There are also fun things like "mystery boxes" that are sealed boxes stuffed with great items & sold for a flat fee. Another added bonus is the people you get to rub elbows with at this place.... Everyone from school teachers - to survivalist types - to steam punks. One of my favorite stores! read more

I love stopping by here when I'm in the area. It's loaded with all kinds of odd-ball items. Aside from the actual science surplus stuff (beakers, test tubes, etc), there are all kinds of gadgets and toys as well. I guarantee if you walk around you will find something that sparks your interest. Check out the website to see all the crazy items this place has to offer. read more

I absolutely LOVE this place! They have anything and everything you can imagine! If you're looking for something obscure and have no idea where to begin, chances are American Science & Surplus will have what you need. It's now my first stop when I'm starting any new project. And seriously, the best place around for stocking stuffers, party favors and the like. I also ordered a quantity of glass bottles in several styles from their website. The delivery was very fast so if you're looking for a larger quantity than what's in the store, the website is a great alternative...but then you don't get to look at all the cool and bodacious stuff! And chat with the super friendly and knowledgeable staff, so what fun is that? read more

This store is super cool and to be honest, I never heard of it until recently. My bf used to come here all the time as a kid so we decided to stop by last weekend. I would say that the store is divided into 2 section, 1 being quirky ready to purchase items and the other being parts and gadgets for you to make a quirky item. I enjoyed the "ready to purchase" item section much more than the other. There were books, metal detectors, tons of science stuff (I even spied a dead frog shrink wrapped ready for dissection), tons of gifts for kids/pre-teens...just a lot of randomness. The "parts and gadgets" part of the store had boxes upon boxes of odds and ends. I think you could totally build a robot with all of this stuff! I think we spent about an hour and a half looking around at everything. I ended up purchasing birthday gifts which were a hit. If you plan on stopping by, check out their website first. There was a coupon that I failed to print out but will definitely do so before I go again. read more

Do you want a fun place to buy really neat and often useless stuff? This is the place. I am a teacher and I buy art supplies, Christmas gifts for the students, and assorted junque at this store. I have also purchased assorted parts, motors, and Plexiglas for a mobile sculpture for an art class. The prices are usually low. Don't get me wrong, they also have some very high quality scientific equipment there also, but I can't afford it. If I did need a telescope, however, American Science is the place I would go. It is a great place for gag gifts also. There are some really bizarre items. The people that run the store have a really great sense of humor. read more

This place is crazy cool! I work at a science lab nearby, and go here all the time to find anything from things to help me out at work to things to help me avoid a nuclear holocaust! Attention: This is not a store strictly fun for geeks, nerds, scientists etc. This place is fun for kids and adults who like electronics, costumes, reading, toys, lamps, fungus, chemistry, and polka. Ok, maybe not polka so much. It's a cluttered mess of entertainment and education. I usually go with nothing in particular in mind, and leave 2 hours later, sometimes with something, sometimes with every thing. It's like free amusement to browse. Just check it out... c'mon... I know you can do it! read more

I love this store. I have no use for most things in the store but my husband (an EE) is in heaven. I do enjoy their random items, my personal favorite being the facial hair kit. A mustache, goatee, eyebrows and side burns made out of plastic hair-like material. Awesome! A really neat place to find all sorts of odds and ends for cheap prices. read more

Where else can you get eyedroppers for 10 cents, rubber chickens and a telescope? I love this place, I try not to go too often because I wind up with a boat load of crap, defintely a fun place for the kids. They have stones, crystals, etc. read more

Yes, they have odd stuff. I often buy suplies for crafting there -- like microscope slides for making ornaments and using on scrapbook pages. I also get some practical items, like the glassware brushes which are great for cleaning out any kind of narrow glassware at home. I also like to surf their site. Distance is the only thing that keeps it from being a 5. I live south and east of there, and have to take 88 for part of the way. Yech! read more