The Gift Barn of Soergel Orchards — Local services in Franklin Park

My family & I had a very strange experience at the gift barn at Soergel’s over the weekend, 5/4/2024. We love visiting Soregel’s and have frequented the Gift Barn a few times, we usually buy a birthday gift or toy for my children there. This time during our visit an employee hovered over us the entire time. She asked us to put away our food (an apple) which we were happy to do, then she proceeded to follow us up to the toy area and angrily scowl at my children and my husband and I as we looked at the toys, trying to decide what to buy. There were several, a dozen maybe printed signs that asked patrons not to “play” with the toys but my children were simply looking at the toys, they were being gentle and careful as to not break anything, they were stuffed animals so I don’t see how it would be a problem to pick them up, look at them and set them back down. The employee seemed VERY stressed by our browsing. So as to calm the situation, we decided to leave. I doubt we will ever be back again in the future as I thought it was so odd to be treated in such a way, in a toy store where children should be allowed to look around freely to decide what they want to buy. Perhaps the store shouldn’t sell toys if it is such a point of contention for the employees.

I’m sure we’ll be back to Soregel’s but I would not and will not recommend the Gift Barn to anyone I know nor will we...

3.5 stars. This gift shop sells merchandise such as honeys, candles, drinkware, books, children’s toys, nesting dolls, and many other types of gifts. For years, I have shopped here off and on. During my most recent visit, I selected one chocolate bar to purchase. At the checkout, my husband gave cash to the cashier, and she was supposed to give us a few dollars of change, but she did not, and she returned to reading a book. He asked for the change, she gave the few dollars to us, and she said sorry. The chocolate bar was fresh and...

A small but densely packed gift shop that fits in well with the rest of Soergel Orchards . Lots of local businesses on display with foods, decorations, books, toys, fashion accessories, and more. Most items seemed overpriced (compared to other places that sell the same items, or compared to buying from the local businesses themselves) but not egregiously so. Overall, I'd say it's good for a quick browse; maybe you'll walk away with a gift or at least some gift ideas to...