American Science & Surplus | Geneva — Local services in Geneva Township

Important PSA This store is a BLESSING for parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles and it's the ONLY store one should take kids to shop. This is a local small business and they have more than earned our support, they deserve to thrive. It's the ideal place for fledgling minds (and children of all ages). When one is surrounded by objects that catalyze learning it reinforces the reward pathways in the brain that learning is fun! Walk with your family and friends around the aisles and discover what your kids (and you) are drawn to. Every item is painstakingly curated to have some educational element even if it's completely silly. You'll learn so much by seeing what types of objects you and your children are instinctively drawn to so that you don't waste a fortune buying junk toys devoid of educational utility.

Learning IS FUN. It breaks my heart to read that the American Science and Surplus is struggling financially when they should quite literally be the most popular store in the area. It's not doomed, if you're reading this, just get in the car and go visit the store. They have far more objects for sale under a dollar than a so-called dollar store. All of us, local science enthusiasts, parents, and folks looking to find a neat gift, CAN ensure that such a good spirited business thrives in the way that it deserves.

I understand that most parents do not like to bring children to a store with the prospect that they get to purchase something (for obvious reasons). However, almost everything that a young kid might want here is pretty damn cheap. You will ultimately save a lot more money buying things you or your children get to inspect and play with in your hands than anything you order online.

On another note, let's talk about the store. I don't even know how to categorize just how sweet this place is It's is a (mad) scientist's fever dream. They have virtually everything one needs to set up a functioning laboratory if one wanted to. Just to mention a few interesting items they have; glassware, tesla coils, used parts from an MRI machine, powerful rare earth magnets, every conceivable wire, motor, or accessory you might need to create something. It's an aptly named store because it embodies the entrepreneurial and creative ideals our nation has been known for. Please folks, go to the store. Try visiting once a month. Tell your friends about it. Leave a review of your experience.

Finally, a letter to the employees:

Dear staff,

I want you to know that the only thing more invigorating than geeking out over your inventory is having exceptionally intelligent, warm and welcoming dialogues with the science enthusiasts who run the place. I'm the former executive director of a large private applied quantum mechanics research and education non profit in California and in that work I met a lot of really bright people. Yet, each time I visit I am astonished by the fact that every dialogue I've had has been as compelling as discussing the latest scientific breakthroughs by the people making them happen. From all my interactions with various staff, it's evident that everyone there is passionate about learning and that passion...

Absolutely a new re-discovered place to shop and soon to be on the banned list by my SO without proper adult supervision because I will (waste too much money here if allowed to browse by myself). Quirky assortment of off beat stuff, an electronic tinker's dream(former ham operator and tube amplifier builder) and the hugest assortment of anyplace I've ever seen of educational toys including now out of business AO Schwartz. All age groups. Do not miss thier electronic you sets including the robotics and solar ones. My youngest grand daughter 3 1/2 y/o but that STEM geek will be getting bday Christmas presents from heretofore. Accomplished my goal for Halloween to circumvent very restrictive social distancing Halloween trick or treat rules. I'm now the proud owner of working scale models of a Davinci designed trebochet and surge catapult plus an airzooka. Originally went in looking fo components for an air cannon I could hook up to an compressor. The buys will work better with less chance of Naperville PD visit for noise complaints. (Too many old cat fanciers with too...

Great friendly employees here, that make your experience fun! Endless fun and quirky things to look at, you can spend an hour or more here, EASILY!

I wanted to bring my little sister here as a fun weekend activity. She was so excited looking at everything and read all the quirky signs/price tag for each item.

There's everything from electronics to kitchen supplies here and a TON in between. Games, gadgets, toys, art supplies, fun books, experiment kits, and more more more. If you're looking for a fun family activity, this is a good spot!

They have a rewards system, no personal info required. It's a stamp card. For every $15 spent you get a stamp, and once card is filled you get $15 off your next...