Learning Express Toys

I was actually next door at a book shop and spotted some «Beanie Boos» in the window and thought I’d check it out for my daughter who is slightly obsessed with these little stuffed animals. I went in and it is really an adorable shop with lots of educational toys and items you can customize with your child’s name on it. I was super excited that the beanie boo’s were almost HALF the price of the same ones at Toys R Us– which I think Toys R Us is price gouging during the holidays.
So it’s safe to say I was pretty stoked and bought two of them instead of one. I also found another item my daughter likes and bought it as well. As I went to the checkout, the staff member asked me if I would like them to wrap the gifts, as I was getting ready to say no (because I assumed there would be a fee involved), the staff member let me know they would wrap it free of charge. I was also pleasantly surprised when I got home and opened my bag that they wrapped each one individually instead of putting them altogether. It was a nice touch and most of us have enough to wrap this time of year that the free gift wrap was much appreciated.
I also should say that as I was waiting for them to wrap my gifts they informed me they do free custom personalization on certain items in the store. They had wooden princess name plates (some sports ones for boys too) — storage boxes, ornaments, etc. that they would put my child’s name on it for free with purchase. I found the prices to be very reasonable as is– so the inclusion of the customization was a nice touch. Since this was an impromptu visit, I spent more than intended, but each item was worth the price for sure. No price gouging here. I will definitely plan ahead to make this one of my stops for gifts for children in the future. This shop was a pleasant surprise during the holiday season as I felt their prices were right in line (if not more affordable) than other big box stores in the area. I highly recommend.

Awesome store! Lots of great products for children. Staff is very nice & helpful. Prices are ok.

4 Stars for inventory — Lots of interesting toys for kids under 10
5 Stars for free gift wrapping — A great big plus for busy parents with busy schedules
1 Star for service — Employees are too busy chatting among themselves and chatting up their «favorite» customers to acknowledge your existence, let alone help you pay for your transaction. (This includes the owner, yes the older male owner too)
Over the years I have tried to support the little guy in town but it’s not worth it. I get better treatment and pay less for the same items at Walmart (yes Walmart!), Target, Toys R Us, Costco and a myriad of other stores in the area.
Just no real reason to ever shop here again…

I visited Learning Express with the hopes of finding some wooden toys for the baby. With my oldest we would visit the small local toy shops that stocked well made, wooden toys designed/​manufactured in Europe and the US. Sadly those shops have closed. I was hoping LE would fill the gap but I was sorely disappointed.
Upon entering I was greeted warmly and directed to the toys in her age group. I noticed the birthday boxes in the back. A sort of wedding registry for kids. You pick what you want and put it in the box for people to buy. Good in theory but I would avoid since putting registry information for your kids party will make you look cookoo.
I digress… They have a great selection of toys. Lots of Legos and Melissa and Doug. Sadly they did not carry the brands I was looking for. No Haba, Hape, Janod, Plan. The baby section in General was lacking. I wanted simple wooden toys that encourage creativity. Not be seen. Most baby toys were plastic and required batteries. Off to Building Blocks for me!

The toys are good quality and are great for kids of all ages. I came here today to buy a birthday gift for my daughter’s friend. Unfortunately, no one greeted me when I entered the store. The women behind the register were not the most friendly. There was an older man employee who walked around asking customers if they needed help, but walked right by me without saying a word! I felt so uncomfortable in there, I just grabbed my gift and had to let the lady behind the counter know that I was ready to buy my items. I bought my stuff and got out of there. I would have bought more stuff for my kids, but due to lack of good customer service I will not be back for a while.

Customer service does still exist! We frequent this store often. The pricing isn’t usually something that makes me feel like I am getting a great deal, but they do send coupons to the house and have sales, and for every dollar you spend, you accumulate points that build to discount a future purchase.
We go in there for birthday presents and when we have no idea, the ladies all help us with either finding something interesting for the age group or ideas based on what’s new in the store.
When they see my hands are full, they take the packages to the counter for me and even ask if they should start wrapping the presents for me.

So sad… we shopped here today to buy gifts for some upcoming birthday parties, and I thought I was shopping in an oh-​so-​cool music store. The clerks had better things to do than say hello, thank you, or can I help you. They sat quietly in the back and acted like they were hiding. The woman who answered the phones was rude. I’ll go again, but to another location.
The toys are great though! They carry activities which are creative and open-​ended, so the child actually finds them interesting. No barbies. A few brand names, Thomas, Brio, etc. Lots of art. Mostly good quality stuff. Just don’t try it in Naperville.
1÷13÷06 update: it’s all about the people. Tonight we went again and the staff on duty ROCKED! Great service and really nice. They go from the previous two stars to four.