Collection list
Featured Finds
Collection list
Art Deco 10k White Gold Vintage Carved Shell Cameo Ring
What’s Your Story
The Energy of Things Can
Create a Vibe
Invoke Emotions
Express Your Style
Vintage Finds That Tell Your Story!
Whatnots & Whimsies Hand Selects Each Item From Our Community of Consignors
Passing On Their Heirlooms & History.
When you purchase vintage items from Whatnots & Whimsies you not only give the gift of sustainability to our planet but you also help a retired neighbor create an additional source of needed extra income!
Give the gift of nostalgia or purchase your own heirlooms to pass down!
Whether it’s Granddad’s pocket watch or Grandma’s mixing bowls. We are Curators of Memories. All of our items have a Story to Tell.
Let’s Write Yours!
About
About Whatnots & Whimsies
Hi, I’m Fran, Frankie, Francine, Francesca or Frannie, depending on the nick name you give me!! Twenty two years ago, I was a single mom of three working a corporate job driving over an hour to work when I decided I needed to find a way to spend more time with my sons and enjoy my local community. A rainy weekend garage sale that profited $1500 and my family’s love of thrifting gave me the courage to leave corporate and open my own vintage store. I was able to enjoy watching my sons grow up and had the freedom of setting my own hours. With a community of consignors that I have helped create an extra income for, we have provided our costumers with sustainable shopping for almost 22 years. We are curators of memories. All of our items have a story to tell. Let’s write yours!
What Our Customers Have To Say!
Positive feedback
$83.54 sale on Oct 4,
Quality, Wait time, Customer service, Environment
Great finds and staff!😁❤
Positive feedback
$34.95 sale on Sep 29,
CO
Very friendly atmosphere & employee!
Positive feedback
$36.34 sale on Aug 26
Environment, Wait time, Quality, Customer service
Perfect gift items!
Positive feedback
$43.40 sale on Mar 14
Other, Quality, Wait time, Customer service, Environment
Incredible customer service, amazing finds, and reasonable prices. Definitely coming back!
Positive feedback
$92.22 sale on Mar 7
Quality, Customer service, Environment, Wait time
The best people run this place. Selection and prices are fantastic!! A must see when visiting Elgin, IL.
Positive feedback
$49.91 sale on Feb 12
Quality, Customer service, Other, Environment
Very knowledgeable on all old items and history. Very personable staff, friendly.
Feb 8, 2020 via Email | Whatnots & Whimsies
SN
Awesome place to shop. Very friendly a informative about various things in the store.
Positive feedback
$160.58 sale on Jan 27, 2020
Environment, Wait time, Quality, Customer service
I had a wonderful experience here! The woman working was incredibly kind and helpful and took the time to talk to me about each item I was looking at. She was very knowledgeable about her own products and antiques in general. I cannot wait to go back!
Positive feedback
$108.50 sale on Dec 2, 2020
Environment, Customer service
Had fun looking through this antique store. Nicely kept and friendly owner.
Positive feedback
$62.93 sale on Nov 13, 2020
Other, Environment, Wait time, Customer service, Quality
You know that woman that runs the place is really kind of special. Stay healthy, please!!
Positive feedback
$65.32 sale on Dec 8, 2019
Environment, Wait time, Customer service, Quality
Great shop. Even better prices 😊
Positive feedback
$22.13 sale on Oct 5, 2019
Quality, Customer service, Environment
Friendly, inviting, and so much to lo at!!!
Positive feedback
$54.25 sale on Aug 12, 2019
Quality, Customer service, Other, Environment, Wait time
the entire collection of items in the shop.
Positive feedback
$6.94 sale on Apr 13, 2019
Environment, Wait time, Quality, Other, Customer service
It was a very chill experience, I’m coming back for a bell
Positive feedback
$27.12 sale on Apr 1, 2019
Other, Quality, Wait time, Customer service, Environment
Great shopping venue. Fun little store and very nicely arranged. Hope to come back again next time I am in Elgin!
Positive feedback
$147.56 sale on Mar 30, 2019
Environment, Customer service
Great place
Positive feedback
$24.96 sale on Mar 15, 2019
Customer service, Environment
thank you for donation item to fundraiser for TLC Pregnancy center in elgin
Positive feedback
$54.25 sale on Dec 1, 2018
Quality, Customer service, Environment
I will be sure to come back! Picked up some great gifts!!
Positive feedback
$58.59 sale on Sep 7, 2018
Environment, Wait time, Quality, Other, Customer service
Pretty little hand crank sewing machine I purchased from your shop. Remember, you carried out to the car for me.❣️
Positive feedback
$16.28 sale on Aug 24, 2018
Quality, Wait time, Customer service, Environment
Love all of the vintage kitchen
Positive feedback
$50.61 sale on Jul 15, 2018
Other, Quality, Wait time, Customer service, Environment
Very Fun!!! Great stuff and displayed beautifully!!
Positive feedback
$54.12 sale on May 13, 2018
Other, Environment, Customer service, Quality
Great shop and great shop owners. I really enjoyed stopping in there and having a look around at the many affordable and unique items. I ended up purchasing some great vintage jewelry and purses.
Positive feedback
$63.87 sale on Mar 31, 2018
Other
I was amazed by the things and treasures this place has I didn’t buy too much just a few items for my kitchen renovation but definitely I will recommend this place to my friends
Positive feedback
$12.12 sale on Nov 29, 2017
Environment, Wait time, Quality, Other, Customer service
Affordable pricing.
Positive feedback
$97.42 sale on Jan 9, 2017
Quality, Wait time, Customer service, Environment
It was a wonderful experience!
Positive feedback
$55.42 sale on Nov 26, 2016
Environment, Wait time, Quality, Other, Customer service
Clean,well organized.Friendliness over the top!
Positive feedback
$35.71 sale on Oct 6, 2016
Quality, Customer service, Environment, Wait time
Fun to shop; large variety of merchandise and customer care is excellent.
Fran is such a wonderful person and I love shopping at her shop. So many different things to choose from, including, but not limited to Antiques, mid-century modern, vintage clothes, furniture and knick-knacks