Category: Toys

Shop Small Challenge #297: Moore Toys & Gadgets

It looks like a rainy weekend ahead, and the forecast calls for chilly temperatures next week. This sounds like the perfect opportunity to prepare for much colder weather that’ll be here far too soon. I’ve already moved my pup’s evening walk earlier because it’s dark by 8:00. While shorter nights could mean chilling on the... Read more »
By Stefanie Rock,
September 18, 2015 at 5:31 pm • 

Shop Small Day 275: Naperville General Store

In this age of technology, it’s nice to remember the “simpler” times too. You don’t find too many stores that focus on nostalgia, that’s why it’s fun to wander in one of Naperville’s newest stores: Naperville General Store. Old barrels are filled with fun candies from when we were kids, plus nostaligic pop, and plenty... Read more »
By Stefanie Rock,
December 30, 2013 at 8:32 pm • 

Shop Small Day 273: Go Green Baby

It’s just a week until Christmas. All wrapped and ready or doing the mad holiday scramble? If you still have little ones on your list, avoid the mall and stop by Go Green Baby. Not only are you going to find unique toys and games, you’ll also be helping out the planet. Owner, Heidi, carries... Read more »
By Stefanie Rock,
December 17, 2013 at 10:23 pm • 
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Shop Small Day 270: North Pole Magic

Although it’s wildly popular, Elf on a Shelf creeps me out. I have enough neurosis on my own, I don’t need to catch its creepy eyes out of the corner of my eye. But, I do like the idea of the elf. So, several years ago (I wish I could remember who recommended them), we... Read more »
By Stefanie Rock,
December 10, 2013 at 3:03 pm • 

Shop Small Day 267: Small Business Saturday

Anthropologie enthusiasts will love the cozy home feeling of <a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/shop-small-2013/2013/05/day-129-room-363/" target="_blank">Room 363</a>. Fabulous clothing, decor, and hand-crafted items.
Had your fill of Black Friday craziness? If you’ve waited all year for Small Business Saturday to shop small, thanks for finally joining us! Time to shop local and bring some love to our neighborhood stores. Throughout the year I’ve found some incredible shops for everyone on your list. You could, quite easily, finish all... Read more »
By Stefanie Rock,
November 29, 2013 at 11:02 pm • 

Shop Small Day 234: September Updates

Wow! Almost 10 months into this challenge of shopping small. Although I’m not ready to even think about Christmas and cold weather, I am looking forward to buying holiday gifts from some of the amazing stores I have found throughout the year. Not to mention new ones that I’ve heard are opening soon. There are... Read more »
By Stefanie Rock,
September 29, 2013 at 10:12 pm • 
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Shop Small Day 196: The Chalkboard

If you’re a teacher in the area you’ve probably been to today’s shop several times. Although my teaching days are long over, there are still plenty of great things to find at The Chalkboard As you’d expect from a teacher store, there are plenty of classroom decorating boarders, banners, and essentials. There are also shelves... Read more »
By Stefanie Rock,
July 30, 2013 at 9:24 pm • 

Day 59: I have found Diagon Alley!

UPDATE (9-28-13): Wandering Dragon has outgrown their original space! They have moved about a block away. Their new location is 15032 S. Des Plaines Ave., Plainfield. On the 59th day of this 365 day challenge, I have found one of the most fascinating small businesses. Walk up the “secret” side staircase into what feels like... Read more »
By Stefanie Rock,
February 28, 2013 at 8:17 pm • 

Day 49: Where the toys are...

Even though I have two kids, I can probably count on one hand the number of times I’ve been in Toys R Us.  It’s insanely overwhelming: too big, too crowded, and way too many choices. That’s why this toy store is right up my alley. Of course, it also helps that they also carry great... Read more »
By Stefanie Rock,
February 18, 2013 at 8:00 pm • 
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