The Oakbrook Build A Bear Workshop will always hold a special place in my heart. I've been…read morecollecting BABs since I was born (my parents started the tradition) and over the years, I've come to know the brand inside and out. Out of all the locations I've visited, Oakbrook consistently delivered the very best experience. Scott, Joire, Precious, and the rest of the staff always went above and beyond, treating me with patience, kindness, and genuine care. They remembered me, knew my preferences, and ensured that every animal was stuffed to perfection, making each visit feel special rather than transactional. The store itself always felt exciting and fresh, with ample well stocked selections. Even though Build A Bear's pricing is more on the explosive side, the team's unmatched service made every purchase feel completely worth it. Even though I'm no longer a child, every single visit I felt replicated the experience that I remember and love. This store truly represents the heart of what Build A Bear should be. Thank you.

Great selection and they have Halloween costumes for the dolls. The staff were friendly and greeted…read moreus when we came in.

Swallow Stories is my most favorite independent bookstore I have ever visited. Mariam and her team…read moreare absolutely amazing, she anticipates my next book need before I even realize I need it, is incredibly helpful in ordering my books in-store and helping me find exactly what I need. Every time I walk in I find new things to put on my TBR list, from local authors to unique indie books, popular reads, Christian fiction, fantasy/romance, and the most perfect kids books, she's got it all! Definitely make sure to check out the local artists she has as well! There's pottery and ceramics, mosaics, hand crafted bookmarks, wood pins, stickers, crochet plushies, and so many more unique little things. She also has the most perfect and unique bookish cards for any occasion! One small update from previous reviews - the store IS wheelchair accessible! They have a ramp next to the door they are happy to put out for anyone that may need that! Swallow Stories immediately became part of my weekly routine from the first time I visited, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Shop local, and support this amazing bookstore!!

If you visit Lisle or Lombard, you need to visit Swallow Stories!! Mariam is an incredible owner…read moreand hostess. Swallow Stories is much more than a book store - it's a community gathering place. She hosts a junk journaling event complete with typewriters from Typewriter Chicago which is such a treat! She also hosts and supports local authors which is appreciated. The selection is great and the cost reasonable.

Owner, Mike, is friendly and entertaining - and a record-holding juggler! He must be a good boss…read morebecause his (also friendly and helpful) staff has not changed in the years I've been shopping here. The team is great at suggesting collaborative or competitive games for your friends and family--whatever your budget. The selection is always changing, so I pop in frequently to see what's new and to ask him to teach me how to play the game! When they don't have what I want in stock, they can often order it for me. This most recent visit we played *Oh My Pigeon* as I was seeking games that could be fairly easily explained to foreign visitors.

This toy store is probably the best squishy hunting place out there.The manager MR.MIKE is one of…read morethe kindest people.He is very helpful too.He knew exactly what i was there to get.I would DEFINATELY recommend this store.The prices are pretty good and good valued. ADDIE FROM KNOXVILLE TENNESSEE

Wonderful selection of books for a wide variety of ages and if you're not sure what you're looking…read morefor the staff is wonderful at assisting and even ordering it for you! The bookstore offers more than but experiences for the community too. awesome place to check out when in Lemont!

This is the most horrible book store I've ever visited!!! This is the second time I've gone there…read morethinking the first time the employee was having a bad day. This is supposed to be a child friendly place that makes children excited about books. Unfortunately that's not the case in this store. The employees glared at my granddaughters while they looked around ready to pounce if they touched anything. Unfortunately my second and last visit had the same awful vibe. 0 STARS

I mean seriously, how many candle making studios do you know of? This was such a unique and fun…read morebusiness owned by Natasha, such an incredible gal! Be Nude Candle Co is the most perfect place for birthday parties, bachelorette parties, or literally any fun event you wanna do. I can't even begin to tell you how much everyone loved making their candle here and how amazing this whole establishment is. Natasha and her daughter were beyond informative, funny, personable, helpful, and were just such great hosts. Natasha walked us through the whole process from start to finish and gave us such creative freedom, all while helping with every step. The place itself is spacious and PERFECT for events for 10-20 people. The sunflower wall with the swinging seat is such an adorable addition to the place (perfect for cute pics, too!), along with the grassy wall with the lit up #BEnude sign. The actual candle making was something I will 100% do here again - we got to be little scientists for the day and we all loved it. From mounting your wick, to creating your scents and color of your candle, to pouring it in your vessel, the whole process was enjoyable and creative. I seriously can't wait to come back here for another event. Be Nude Candle Co is one of the best businesses out there!

This space is amazing! I never thought that I would absolutely love candle making and I do…read moreThe owner was so approachable and so hands-on with us. My group and I had an amazing time. There's so many selections of candle, scents and vessels and you can just let your creative juices flow endless Those two hours went by too quickly and I wanted to stay and chat and enjoy this wonderful spot. This activity surely can be bonding time . It could be a fun girls night out. It could be a fun couple's night bridal shower, birthday party, baby shower gifts, whatever you wanted to be We love the cool setup and we were running around all over snapping pics and she was so nice and kind to even create some memorable Instagram boomerangs for us as well. I definitely will tell , my friends and family to patronize this business and I hope to see this black-owned woman business flourish

So fun! Paint your…read moreown pottery shop in Plano. I went with several friends and their little ones. Great for all ages 5+ I would guess. Prices include glaze & firing. Pottery is already in bisque form, so just paint away. It's usually ready to pick up a week after you finish. I did some really cute small stuff bc I had to bring back on a plane. I will post pics later.

Today, we celebrated my daughter's 11th birthday here. I had a party of 12 kids. The back party…read moreroom is a decent size, it was able to accommodate the kids and some adults. There was a table for gifts and a table for snacks and drinks. We had an attendant that got the kids set up with the tools and paints they needed. The kids got to pick from really cute pieces to paint. We had the from for 1:45 but since there was no party booked after ours we got sit in there for two hours. My daughter had a great time and I would recommend them as a place to have a party. I wish that they would have written Happy Birthday on the chalk board in the room though. It still said merry Christmas lol.

Amazing stuff!! The couple that owns the store is knowledgeable and very congenial! Merchandise…read morechanges a lot too! Prices are really reasonable. Give it a shot...you won't be disappointed!

Friendly staff and largest selection of hot toys in area. They're responsible for at least half of…read moremy collection and I would highly recommend.

(A review for a kid's birthday party) If you're tired of the…read moresame old kid's birthday party spots... the Kid Empires, Ball Factories, and Get Airs... then check out Whim. The kids are going to love it! We had my daughter's 8th birthday party here recently and all the kids had so much fun! Gretchen, the owner & host, has a cozy studio and checks all the boxes for a party: she has decorations, provides coloring sheets, and has the perfect balance of fun, understanding, and authority that keeps the kids on task and having fun. While booking the party you get to pick the project (from a few choices). Day of she walks/teaches the kids through every step of the creation. After, she fires the clay and you pick it up! It was such a delightful experience having a birthday party here that I will be recommending it to others as much as I can. Thank you for the great time, Gretchen!

Fiancé and I decided to get two take home clay kits for a date night. We had a blast! Can't wait to…read moredo another! Gretchen is very informative, responsive, and professional!