Snickelfritz Toys — Attraction in Vernon Hills

Fun, informative, and fantastic! I cannot say enough about how wonderful Snickelfritz is, and how exceptionally kind and helpful its entire staff is as well. The store is an integral part of our lives; it’s not just the place where we buy toys. We go there to explore, to learn, to laugh, and to experience sheer joy. They treat their customers like family, responding to every inquiry at the drop of a hat, and genuinely knowing the children who end up with their carefully curated collection. When something new or neat comes in, they know exactly who would love it and to whose face it would bring the biggest smile. Heather and her staff are so knowledgeable about the market and what’s up and coming that they’ll literally tell you what you need to know to also be exposed the most innovative and educational play in existence. They’ll say helpful things like, “Oh, perhaps just hold on a couple weeks because we just made a large order for the holidays, so we’ll have tons of new stuff coming in stock.” Having a brick-and-motor toy store to actually take one’s children to is special enough nowadays, but to have practically personal consultants assisting in your purchases for your child or for gifts is so valuable. The personal attention they give also extends to their website and social media.

In fact, their social media is a particularly special gift that really bloomed in its importance during the pandemic. While we were all locked in our homes, many of us in situations with our children that were in no way normal, Heather made regular videos for the Snickelfritz store. She’s covered topics from crafts, to outdoor play, to games…anything to help parents and kids in their moments of “What should we do now?” They set up a day-of delivery system, so that anyone in the area could call or message or purchase online, and have their desired family fun in their hands in only a matter of hours—contact free. They even had really fun sales on major items, often clearing out portions of the store's stock at shockingly low prices just to get some much-needed happiness into the hands of those who needed it. Even once the store was able to open again to the public, they kept their free delivery and curbside offerings available, so that anyone, no matter the situation, could receive their “Snickel-fun.”

Perhaps most importantly, amidst a moment of fear to venture out, they made the inside of the store incredibly safe. Not only are masks required at all times, but upon entering, they come to the door to squirt hand sanitizer for you so that you don’t need to touch a thing. Pointers are available so children can point at products in a fun way, and shoppers can know that everything in the store is truly clean. They even sanitize products once they have been touched by an adult, and this unrelenting effort, while requiring an immense amount of energy from them, makes Snickelfritz even more special a place, particularly in this moment of needing to do absolutely everything in our power to protect those closest to us. When my mom came to town, after not being out of her home since March due to the severity of risk, we felt comfortable going into Snickelfritz. It allowed her a moment, the first in many months, to just be, and have the joy of picking something for her granddaughter without the detachment of a screen.

I can’t thank Snickelfritz and everyone there enough for all the joy they’ve given in my family’s life, and for even in the darkest of times, adding sparks of...

So my 19 month old daughter had a Douglas horse lovey she’s had since she was a newborn. It was the first gift I ever got while pregnant. It was definitely her favorite comfort item - she refused every other toy or lovey. We lost it sadly and I was freaking out because they stopped manufacturing that version of it! A friend recommended this site, it was the only one online that had it, and I ordered it. Shortly after, I was contacted by a local mom in one of my Facebook groups who said she had it and would give it to us. So i contacted this toy site, explaining the situation and asking to cancel my order and they responded within 12 hours and cancelled it and issued a refund! I can’t speak on actual products from the store (yet!) but the customer service is fantastic! I’ll definitely order through them again if need be. Just wanted to give a shoutout to Heather and her great customer service! I’ll definitely come back and review if I ever end up ordering anything from...

I LOVE SNICKELFRITZ! Love supporting a long time, local family! Their selection is above no others, as it sparks creativity and learning. Kids need toys to develop their imaginations at a young age. As a teacher, mom, and aunt of many littles ones, I don’t shop for them anywhere else. The staff is wonderful and bends over backwards to help you find the perfect gift for any child. I’m thankful that they are being extra cautious with COVID protocols, not only for their customers, but for their families. I know it was difficult for Heather not to have little ones in the store when this all started, so she came up with a brilliant compromise for the kids to pick things out they want, and keep everyone safe! Ten stars my friend! Way to go...