I can't recommend this store enough. I ordered two tins and a box of a French Provence tea that I…read morecouldn't find anywhere else, they were reasonably priced, and the whole experience was wonderful. As soon as they realized one of the tins was out of stock, they emailed me. The note was sweet and apologetic, and they even included another tea in my package as a gift, which I really appreciated. What really stood out, though, was how my order arrived. Each tea was carefully wrapped and tied with a bow. I order a lot online, and it's been a while since I've received something packaged with that much thought and care. It was such a simple touch, but it made the order feel special. From start to finish, they were thoughtful and genuinely cared about their customer. I will definitely be ordering from them again.

This store is a wonderful sensory adventure...especially if you are a kitchen gadget nut, like…read moremyself. I can't walk out of this place emtpy-handed because of the beautiful baubles they have to make me feel like a gourmet chef. I also absolutely adore the gorgeous knitting/crocheting supplies in the back half of the story. it is visually an adventure to take in all of the rich colors and textures. When visiting Fairfield, I find it difficult to resist this shop. Treat yourself and go in for a peek. You will love it!!!

This is a great bookstore. They have lots of beautiful books and lots of book accoutrements. If I…read morewasn't flying home in three hours, there were lot of books i'd like there. It's a very cool place.

I don't know how I've never gotten around to reviewing my hand down FAVORITE bookstore in town but…read morehere I am. Support this gem of hidden literary treasures! The owners are the sweetest people, the cats are adorable, and they have a vast and diverse selection of reads for a fraction of the cost. Used books in fabulous condition - not to mention all types of bookish gifts, toys, and tarot cards. Can't say enough - it wouldn't be Iowa City without Haunted!

it's a very nice store the kids toys and clothes are cute and they have a lot of jellycat optionsread more

Finally, a beautiful, well-curated baby and kids clothing, toy and accessory store has come to…read moredowntown Iowa City! (They're coming up on their one year anniversary) I don't even have kids but have long said this is the type of store missing from downtown's retail roster and frequently shop here for the little kiddos in my life. SELECTION: A large assortment of baby, toddler and older children onesie's, shorts, bibs and hats compliment unique and hard-to-find toy brands, including wood toys, pillows, books and wall decor. Great gender neutral, feminist, LGBTQ and Iowa items. New items are constantly being added, including local pieces. The space is beautiful, airy and bright. SERVICE: Staff, including owner Macy Krall, are always very helpful and extremely welcoming. I don't have kids myself so it can be hard to pick smart choices. PRICING: Very affordable. I recently purchased more than half a dozen items for a friend's newborn and spent just over $120. The books and small accessories are especially extremely well-priced.

A small bit terrific you and children's book store with unique items. Local interest titles sit…read moreside by side with interesting picture, board, and activity books. Nostalgic toys (remember Spirograph?) are on sale along with vintage recreations (train whistles), plush animals, and newer toys. Friendly service.

I love that this toy shop has been an Amana staple for years and years. This is a great stop for…read morekids of all ages. Unique novelty items (big plastic fingers, anyone?), games, puzzles (they sell my favorite brand of all-time White Mountain), personalized items (think keychain with your name on it, but amped up and put on a toy semi-truck), books, baby items, dinosaur stuff, princess/unicorn stuff and so much more. They had a small section dedicated to Bob Ross, so I bought an ornament for our tree. Reasonably priced. Staff was much more friendly this time around. Highly recommend.

I am a mom of a comic loving eight year old…read more One Saturday we decided to treat him to a comic of his choice, so of course we popped into Daydreams Comics. I was insanely surprised by their section. They have books for babies to adults that encompasses far more than Marvel or DC. There's something for everyone and I feel ashamed I assumed it wasn't! My son was set on Deadpool. (Because why not. He's not allowed to watch it, so why not assumed he could read it? SMH.) Rather than argue a losing battle with my little, we asked the employee at the register his thoughts on that. He very kindly said that, while it was up to his parents, all of the Deadpool literature in the store was a bit grown up and that he was a few years off. He offered some other options and our kiddo walked out with an X-Men X-Villan book that was perfect for his age/reading level. Shout out to that kind and knowledgable employee. Pricing is on point. Staff is wonderful. Selection, again, goes beyond a typical 'comic book' store. This gem has been around for over 30 years and it is no wonder. Open daily, pop in!

Customer service was incredibly kind and helpful, selection was great, I really liked it!read more

The staff is friendly and knowledgable. Their minds are like lasers, dissecting my questions with…read morea surgeons precision.

Living in what used to be Sycamore Mall, on the east side of town, The Hobby Corner is a great spot…read moreto find radio controlled items, games, models, puzzles, trains, tools, rockets, educational sets and all sorts of cool toys! It's got a wide variety of items. I popped in on a Saturday evening and perused the shop. There are so many unique items, all priced appropriately. I was impressed to overhear a regular customer pop in and chat with the staff. There is definitely a sense of community at this shop. My daughter saw a daffodil Lego set and was thrilled have it purchased for her. (You're welcome.) It's cool that they have board game night (Thursdays) and that you can come play a board game yourself anytime during the day. On the same note-- if you have an old board game you can sell it here. You can now sell your used games in our store. To do this simply follow these few steps. You set the price and once it is sold you get 80% of that price as store credit. The coolest thing about The Hobby Corner is that they will order anything for you if you can't find it in the store-- at NO additional cost!

I dont know why im the first to write a review about this place. If you're a girl who loves unique…read morejewelry and other accessories, then this place is for you! This is a great place to buy gifts for your girl friends or even lil kiddies. This is one of two stores in Iowa. It's located inside the Old Capital Building, the other (a larger store) is located at Mount Vernon. I loved wasting time at Silver Spider as I wait for my next class. I wasted many hours looking at all the trinkets, bags, jewelry, and much much more! You won't leave the store disappointed and always look forward to your next visit. I heart Silver Spider

A note from a loyal Silver Spider serial shopper... a repeat customer, to say the least…read more This is a supremely cool and eclectic one stop gift shop oozing with character in the Old Capitol Mall. Don't know what to get that special someone in your life? Seriously, do yourself a favor and just take a stroll through this adorable store. The possibilities are endless. In college I'd stop in any time I had time to burn between classes. I've gotten sunglasses, jewelry, clever magnets, coffee table books, clothes, a wallet, hats, children's finger puppets... the list goes on and on. As a non-student resident now, I relish the times I can pop in and explore. I've never gone in looking for something and left disappointed. Honestly, I've probably ALWAYS left with the treasure I had in mind and then some.

I've had many great experiences in this store in the past! They have an awesome selection,…read morereasonable prices, and a great vibe. However, during my last visit, there was a new employee who I felt was unreasonably and disproportionately rude. I wanted a figurine behind a glass wall, and when he unlocked it, I reached toward the one I was going to purchase. This made him extremely upset with me and he made passive aggressive comments like I was trying to steal or something, when I really didn't think I was too unreasonable. I also wanted to buy a couple mini figures that I put up on the counter to pay for, and I guess he didn't ring them up or something, because when I left the store with everything I THOUGHT I purchased, he screamed after me, took them out of my hand saying "Those aren't free!" and took zero accountability on his end for the mistake. I probably won't returning.

Holy VINTAGE?! I was…read morewalking around the Old Capitol Mall the other day and as I neared the spot that used to house The Silver Spider (darn you, pandemic!)-- I was pleasantly surprised to see it not vacant! Alas, Bartertown Toys. They're open 11-7pm, on the daily. Bartertown Toys and Collectibles, started as a pop-up store last December. It sells toys, collectibles, and comic books. As I walked in on a Friday afternoon my six-year-old was wide eyed. Staring gleefully at action figures, Star Wars paraphernalia, Sega and Nintendo games. Oh my gosh and comic books. My daughter also enjoyed the my little ponies and other treasures. There's something for everyone. If you're struggling with what to get a (big or) little kid in your life-- Bartertown Toys is the place to go.

Why drive all over S.E. Iowa for a gift, when there is an amazing selection right here in…read moreWashington? Step inside the doors and you have arrived in a set of boutique shops. Items available are clothing, baby items, kitchen gadgets/goodies, greeting cards, food items, art, and a plethora of rotating displays. The owners are so welcoming and helpful. Do yourself a favor and frequent this gem of a store on the Square of Washington, Iowa.

From the owner: The Village offers 6 unique shops in one location. The facades of these shops reflect a…read moreturn-of-the-century small Iowa town with brick, wood or shingled fronts with awnings and flower boxes. Each shop is individually owned and offers a wide variety of goods from a women's clothing & jewelry boutique to home decor, kitchenware, whole bean coffee, chocolates, team apparel, kid's clothing, toys, greeting cards, novelty gifts, doll clothes and much, much more!

Neat little gift shop with some of the most unique items anywhere. They have a whole section…read morededicated to rock and roll gifts. Toys for the kids and yes Poo~Pourri for those moments you need to be inconspicuous. Note pads for the nurse on your life or a cute picture for Grandma. These guys have some really quality item you won't find anywhere else.