I dont know why im the first to write a review about this place. If you're a girl who loves unique…read morejewelry and other accessories, then this place is for you! This is a great place to buy gifts for your girl friends or even lil kiddies. This is one of two stores in Iowa. It's located inside the Old Capital Building, the other (a larger store) is located at Mount Vernon. I loved wasting time at Silver Spider as I wait for my next class. I wasted many hours looking at all the trinkets, bags, jewelry, and much much more! You won't leave the store disappointed and always look forward to your next visit. I heart Silver Spider

A note from a loyal Silver Spider serial shopper... a repeat customer, to say the least…read more This is a supremely cool and eclectic one stop gift shop oozing with character in the Old Capitol Mall. Don't know what to get that special someone in your life? Seriously, do yourself a favor and just take a stroll through this adorable store. The possibilities are endless. In college I'd stop in any time I had time to burn between classes. I've gotten sunglasses, jewelry, clever magnets, coffee table books, clothes, a wallet, hats, children's finger puppets... the list goes on and on. As a non-student resident now, I relish the times I can pop in and explore. I've never gone in looking for something and left disappointed. Honestly, I've probably ALWAYS left with the treasure I had in mind and then some.

I've had many great experiences in this store in the past! They have an awesome selection,…read morereasonable prices, and a great vibe. However, during my last visit, there was a new employee who I felt was unreasonably and disproportionately rude. I wanted a figurine behind a glass wall, and when he unlocked it, I reached toward the one I was going to purchase. This made him extremely upset with me and he made passive aggressive comments like I was trying to steal or something, when I really didn't think I was too unreasonable. I also wanted to buy a couple mini figures that I put up on the counter to pay for, and I guess he didn't ring them up or something, because when I left the store with everything I THOUGHT I purchased, he screamed after me, took them out of my hand saying "Those aren't free!" and took zero accountability on his end for the mistake. I probably won't returning.

Holy VINTAGE?! I was…read morewalking around the Old Capitol Mall the other day and as I neared the spot that used to house The Silver Spider (darn you, pandemic!)-- I was pleasantly surprised to see it not vacant! Alas, Bartertown Toys. They're open 11-7pm, on the daily. Bartertown Toys and Collectibles, started as a pop-up store last December. It sells toys, collectibles, and comic books. As I walked in on a Friday afternoon my six-year-old was wide eyed. Staring gleefully at action figures, Star Wars paraphernalia, Sega and Nintendo games. Oh my gosh and comic books. My daughter also enjoyed the my little ponies and other treasures. There's something for everyone. If you're struggling with what to get a (big or) little kid in your life-- Bartertown Toys is the place to go.

The staff is friendly and knowledgable. Their minds are like lasers, dissecting my questions with…read morea surgeons precision.

Living in what used to be Sycamore Mall, on the east side of town, The Hobby Corner is a great spot…read moreto find radio controlled items, games, models, puzzles, trains, tools, rockets, educational sets and all sorts of cool toys! It's got a wide variety of items. I popped in on a Saturday evening and perused the shop. There are so many unique items, all priced appropriately. I was impressed to overhear a regular customer pop in and chat with the staff. There is definitely a sense of community at this shop. My daughter saw a daffodil Lego set and was thrilled have it purchased for her. (You're welcome.) It's cool that they have board game night (Thursdays) and that you can come play a board game yourself anytime during the day. On the same note-- if you have an old board game you can sell it here. You can now sell your used games in our store. To do this simply follow these few steps. You set the price and once it is sold you get 80% of that price as store credit. The coolest thing about The Hobby Corner is that they will order anything for you if you can't find it in the store-- at NO additional cost!

I love Ollie's! Two…read moreof my favorite stores are Aldi and Big Lots and I get both of those vibes when I'm in Ollie's. This location opened in the fall and I think we've been five times or so. The first few times just to browse, but the last couple of times for specific items (air mattress for example). You'll find something different each time you visit. It's like treasure hunting to dig through some of the shelves. I scored some limited edition Method brand hand soap on my first visit. Snagged as many as I could and paid less than half of what I would have at Target. Yes, I get excited about hand soap. A great place to go if you need guest items - I stock up on toothbrushes, body washes, things like that. They have non-perishable food/pantry items. No fresh food. Great place for baking supplies, spices, cereal, shelf-stable items if you aren't really picky about brand names. I would love to see the pet merchandise expanded upon, but they do have an aisles worth right now. Lots of things for the home like rugs, sheets, pillows, towels. Several aisles of toys and a huge area dedicated bargain books. Kitchen, automotive, electronics, office supplies, and seasonal also. While I love a bargain, some of the items at Ollie's are not. We did find an air mattress at Ollie's, but it was much less expensive to get one from Walmart. While their books are 'bargain' prices, I'm not sure they're less expensive than the big box stores. The price tags all have an 'ours' and 'theirs' price. Sometimes there isn't much of difference. I noticed this when buying Halloween candy. I signed up for their rewards program - Ollie's Army. It's easy join and use and you get a coupon for joining. Sign up for their weekly emails, too. The company did a really nice job upgrading the outside of the storefront and appear to be maintaining the parking lot. Customer service has always been above average when we've visited. If you need assistance with something, there are plenty of employees available. Grab a shopping cart - you'll need it!

There is a reason items are cheap..... they are just that…read more The only thing I found worth taking home was a few books. The store is extremely cluttered and would be difficult to maneuver if you had any mobility issues. I will pass on this the next time.

This is a great bookstore. They have lots of beautiful books and lots of book accoutrements. If I…read morewasn't flying home in three hours, there were lot of books i'd like there. It's a very cool place.

I don't know how I've never gotten around to reviewing my hand down FAVORITE bookstore in town but…read morehere I am. Support this gem of hidden literary treasures! The owners are the sweetest people, the cats are adorable, and they have a vast and diverse selection of reads for a fraction of the cost. Used books in fabulous condition - not to mention all types of bookish gifts, toys, and tarot cards. Can't say enough - it wouldn't be Iowa City without Haunted!

I am a mom of a comic loving eight year old…read more One Saturday we decided to treat him to a comic of his choice, so of course we popped into Daydreams Comics. I was insanely surprised by their section. They have books for babies to adults that encompasses far more than Marvel or DC. There's something for everyone and I feel ashamed I assumed it wasn't! My son was set on Deadpool. (Because why not. He's not allowed to watch it, so why not assumed he could read it? SMH.) Rather than argue a losing battle with my little, we asked the employee at the register his thoughts on that. He very kindly said that, while it was up to his parents, all of the Deadpool literature in the store was a bit grown up and that he was a few years off. He offered some other options and our kiddo walked out with an X-Men X-Villan book that was perfect for his age/reading level. Shout out to that kind and knowledgable employee. Pricing is on point. Staff is wonderful. Selection, again, goes beyond a typical 'comic book' store. This gem has been around for over 30 years and it is no wonder. Open daily, pop in!

Customer service was incredibly kind and helpful, selection was great, I really liked it!read more

Sidekick is such a neat space! They have a great selection of books and tons of fun events. Their…read morecoffee and cocktails are spot on. Staff are fun, energetic, and engaging. A must see for book lovers!

A great spot for studying, meeting up with people, or just enjoying a nice cup of coffee. Wonderful…read moreatmosphere with plenty of books to browse.

Non profit 100% free trade…read moreThey bring in products from over 30 countries Street parking and walk into peddlers area Great unique gifts Ornaments, jewelry, home decor, scarves stuffed animals Moderate price

Maker to market. Shop gifts intentionally--…read morehandmade, ethical. During these unprecedented times, I find myself thinking more and more about how I spend my family's hard earned dollar. Ten Thousand Villages is a fabulous retail spot to support. While the store has over a hundred locations in North America-- they do fair trade right. Every handmade purchase directly impacts the life and community of its maker in a developing country. I hopped on their site one day during quarantine to shop with my mom in mind. The site is so, SO easy to navigate. There's a Gift Finder tab that I found extremely helpful. I opted for the Recycled Sari Flowers. No two flowers are entirely alike due to them recycling fabric. They were made in Bangladesh. (My mom does NOT have a green thumb. I feel like fabric flowers will be welcomed.) On the site, you get to see a blurb about the maker of each item. It makes you feel good to see who you're supporting with your purchase. Shop Ten Thousand Villages for any gift giving you may have. Whether it is during social distancing on their site, or at their store in the ped-mall. It is a literal treasure trove.