We cannot say enough good things about SMASH Toys…read more They took our order over the phone, then came in on a day they were closed so someone could pick it up. And as if that wasn't already incredible, they wrapped the gift for us, too. All of this was done with one simple goal in mind: to help make a kid's Christmas dream come true. Mission accomplished. Thanks to their kindness, flexibility, and genuine care, we are officially the coolest aunt and uncle on the planet, and that's a title we don't take lightly. This is what a local business looks like when it's run with heart. SMASH Toys didn't just sell a toy; they delivered joy, generosity, and a Christmas memory that will last forever. If you're shopping local and want service that goes so far above and beyond it feels unreal, this is the place. The Eagle Has Landed!

Ladies and gentlemen, Boys and girls,…read moreCome with me and you'll be, In a world of pure imagination..... Walking into Smash Toys made me feel like Charlie in the Chocolate Factory and I had the Golden Ticket. Every toy I remembered as a kid is in here. You will be overwhelmed by the nostalgia of your youth. From old toys to new, Smash Toys has it all. But seriously Johnathan has a great shop filled with new toys everytime I have come in. The store is a awesome treat and I have a blast talking to him about the toys from the 80s... Also If you have toys to sell skip the ebay hassle and outrageous fees cause you will get a good deal on your stuff. Trust me I know. Don't give you money to a greedy corporation... And if you are from out of town make this a place to visit and take some time to relive the glory days we had as kids.

I can't believe i refused to tag along with my husband and kids.....its a delight for all STEM…read morestudents and nerd parents who are very hands-on and love to create stuff--enjoyed checking out the various aisles and playing with the gadgets. The kids at the counter seemed knowledgeable and helpful. Prices were very reasonable as well. I will certainly come back

This place is a hoot!  I dropped in here after a nearby lunch just to see what this place was like…read moreafter seeing a review, and having never been in their predecessor Chicago store of some 25 years on the northwest side of Chicago.  This store has been in Uptown Park Ridge for only about a year now, and for being on a busy commercial strip, they keep a low and quiet profile and are kind of easy to pass by and skip, because that's what I did for a year apparently! I was going to rate the store 4 stars, but I gotta give it 5 just because it's really a one of a kind shop.  They have all kinds of eclectic, random, fun, goofy, and also educational stuff and gadgets.  It's all supposed to have a bias towards science and education though.  Random things like military helmets, plastic wheels of various sizes, telescopes, microscopes, old typewriters, a Big Foot crossing sign, beakers and flasks, science kits, goofy models, toys, and trinklets, rubber mice, plastic ants for your next picnic, and whatever.  It's a great store for getting that unique geeky gift for someone, and also a place where inquisitive kids and adults alike can putz around and learn and laugh as well. They have their own convenient parking lot.  Their only other stores are in spread-out Geneva IL and Milwaukee WI.  Their prices ranged from cheap to modest from what I saw. The staff seems appropriately on the geeky side, but also friendly.  I met staffer Deborah and she showed me the signs depicting the company's history (since 1937!), and also informed me that coincidentally just two days ago they were featured on WGN-TV's Around Town morning show.  Here is the clip: https://wgntv.com/video/around-town-american-science-and-surplus/8385863/ Deborah told me after this TV clip, there was a big demand for their Bubble Blaster, which she happily demonstrated for me, and they sold out and had to restock their supply!  They also occasionally have free science party nights (next one is Feb 24 from 6:30 - 9pm) and those sound like a hoot for the kiddos.  I didn't buy anything this time, but do plan on bringing the grand-darlings back to putz around and probably walk away with who knows what next time lol.

Wow! Tucked inside the Golf Mill Mall near the movie entrance is a gem - one of a kind gamers…read moreparadise that sells comics, games, action figures and best of all holds card and game tournaments in the back of the store. It's really a gamers paradise and you can find here rare comic books, vintage games and toys that will delight both children and adults. The store is neatly organized, and very well lit - qualities conducive to a good treasure hunt.

Today I had the worst, most embarrassing experience I've ever had. I had a worker there yell across…read morethe store at me to stop flipping the comics around. Ti be nicer to the books. Ive been collecting for 40+ years. I know how to flip through books. I wasn't being rough with them. At the end ofvthe day, she can say whatever she wants to whomever she wants. Where i take issue, is the yelling across the store at me, and embarrassing me in front if other patrons, when at the root if it, I did nothing wrong. This was the worst service of any kind I've ever experienced. The staff there couldn't have been more rude and unprofessional to someone. I've been coming here for 15 years. Never again, and I don't recommend this place to anyone else.

The Wild Child Toy Store in Wilmette, is a wonderful Toy Store. They have always met my needs as…read morewell as great Service and Quality Products. I will truly tell my friends and neighbors of my experiences and plan to come back when my Grandkids need gifts or just a treat.

I walked in and said I need a stuffed monkey and a great gift for a 10 year old girl- The sales…read morelady had the most perfect softest chimpanzee, and knew exactly what every 10 year old girl wants, I was all wrapped up and out in less than 10 minutes! This is my new go to for every birthday party!

Great service. Really good selection with lots of $1 books and $5 trades. Well layed outread more

I was in the search of a new comic book store after we moved. Buying digital comic books is…read moreconvenient and all, but it's soul sapping as well. There is something about giving your hard-earned money to Amazon that is cold. Comic books are anything but cold. I walked into this shop and immediately knew I would be setting up my pull list here. Joe was super helpful and kind. The subscription service gives you a 20% off for all trades which is a great value, better than Amazon. I can't wait for Wednesday.

Very pleased with all my orders. Thank you all for your fine collection . Your dolls came all the…read moreway to florida.

I took a doll in for her dress to be repaired 8 years ago, and it was just recently finished. They…read moregave me every excuse you can imagine over the years and didn't even bother to send me any progress photos when I requested them. They would tell me it would be done by a certain date, that date would come and go with no progress. This happened repeatedly. Absolutely the very worst customer service. Worst of all, no apologies from the owner, no compensation offered for all those years without my doll.

THe owner is very kind and helpful. He truly shares his love of set cars with others. great place…read moreto go with kids or have a smaller bday party

Stumbled across this place after eating brunch down the street. My 7 year old gives it a 10/10…read more Entertained him for a half an hour and he would have liked to stay longer.

I haven't went in there and had a great time after 4-5 times. It's got a decent selection but it…read morefalls into the category of comic book stores that just aren't welcoming. Almost every time I've been there I've heard some conversation I'm not a fan of.

ordered on line and was dreading the damaged books that have spine ticks and other forms of…read moredamaged. Instead I got beautiful books on a speedy delivery and an extra goodie surprise! I will and already am using this business again. Highly recommend.

went there to get my mother a few bday things a few months ago (Jan 2026) and the woman who rang me…read moreup very rude very nasty attitude very ugly spirt. She asked do I have an account with them I said I'm unsure maybe I'll give you my mothers number to see if anything comes up. she looks at me and rolls her eyes. I had my 6yr old child with me or I would've had a few words for her.

Horrible customer service. Was there yesterday. Spent $25 on cards. Asked the old bat that…read morerang us up to check my account for coupons. She said I had none available. NOT TRUE. has $2 off and free card. I brought the coupons in this morning and was told I could not get the free card, coupon not valid on prior purchases. WTH. DO NOT SHOP HERE. THEY ARE THE WORST HALLMARK. Go to Park Ridge Hallmark they sincerely value your business.

Maximum Distractions truly houses maximum distractions--so much so that I spent at least an hour…read moredigging through boxes to see what I could unearth. There were a good amount of back issues I was interested in, but so many weren't bagged and boarded and were definitely beginning to show some shelf wear. The bigger issues, though, is that nothing is clearly organized by series--or even publisher. There had clearly been some attempts to sort things out, but without any major success. It was frustrating to say the least. The owner was nice and happy to talk to you, and his interactions with other customers of varying sorts were very friendly as well. Sadly, there was a very offering radio station playing the whole time I was there detailing 9/11 conspiracies and whether or not Hunter Biden should be in jail. The owner said it was really just 'background noise,' but it sort of started to weird me out a bit. Regardless, i found a few books I wanted and decided to head out. At checkout, I paid with cash and wasn't charged any additional sales tax--which I always appreciate.

Pretty loaded with back issues. Cool place though somewhat disorganized. The owner definitely will…read morehelp you find something. I asked for prison related comics and he had a few recs like some Amazing Spiderman issues and some comic called The Prisoner.