About Us

Whatnots & Whimsies

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 which we 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!

Review #1

$83.54 sale on Oct 4, 

Quality, Wait time, Customer service, Environment

Great finds and staff!😁❤

 

Review #2 

$34.95 sale on Sep 29,

CO

Very friendly atmosphere & employee!

 

Review #3

$36.34 sale on Aug 26

Environment, Wait time, Quality, Customer service

Perfect gift items!

 

Review #4

$43.40 sale on Mar 14

Other, Quality, Wait time, Customer service, Environment

Incredible customer service, amazing finds, and reasonable prices. Definitely coming back!

 

Review #5

$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.

 

Review #6

$49.91 sale on Feb 12

Quality, Customer service, Other, Environment

Very knowledgeable on all old items and history. Very personable staff, friendly.

 

Review #7

Feb 8, 2020 via Email | Whatnots & Whimsies

Awesome place to shop. Very friendly a informative about various things in the store.

 

Review #8

$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!

 

Review #9

$108.50 sale on Dec 2, 2020

Environment, Customer service

Had fun looking through this antique store. Nicely kept and friendly owner.

 

Review #10

$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!!

 

Review #11

$65.32 sale on Dec 8, 2019

Environment, Wait time, Customer service, Quality

Great shop. Even better prices 😊

 

Review #12

$22.13 sale on Oct 5, 2019

Quality, Customer service, Environment

Friendly, inviting, and so much to lo at!!!

 

Review #13

$54.25 sale on Aug 12, 2019

Quality, Customer service, Other, Environment, Wait time

the entire collection of items in the shop.

 

Review #14

$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

 

Review #15

$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!

 

Review #16

$147.56 sale on Mar 30, 2019

Environment, Customer service

Great place

 

Review #17

$24.96 sale on Mar 15, 2019

Customer service, Environment

thank you for donation item to fundraiser for TLC Pregnancy center in elgin

 

Review #18

$54.25 sale on Dec 1, 2018

Quality, Customer service, Environment

I will be sure to come back! Picked up some great gifts!!

 

Review #19

$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.❣️

 

Review #20

$16.28 sale on Aug 24, 2018

Quality, Wait time, Customer service, Environment

Love all of the vintage kitchen

 

Review #21

$50.61 sale on Jul 15, 2018

Other, Quality, Wait time, Customer service, Environment

Very Fun!!! Great stuff and displayed beautifully!!

 

Review #22

$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.

 

Review #23

$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

 

Review #24

$12.12 sale on Nov 29, 2017

Environment, Wait time, Quality, Other, Customer service

Affordable pricing.

 

Review #25

$97.42 sale on Jan 9, 2017

Quality, Wait time, Customer service, Environment

It was a wonderful experience!

 

Review #26

$55.42 sale on Nov 26, 2016

Environment, Wait time, Quality, Other, Customer service

Clean,well organized.Friendliness over the top!

 

Review #27

$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