Some of our most unique Christmas gifts this year came from one of our favorite stores – American Science & Surplus. It’s the perfect place for makers like us!

It’s a place like no other, and it’s very hard to describe. They describe it best on their About Us page …

Here at American Science & Surplus we are fascinated by discovery and invention. And we are dedicated to having fun along the way. We offer an eclectic range of products, many with a science or educational tilt to them, others simply handy or amusing.

They’ve been around since 1937, starting in Chicago and expanding to Milwaukee in 1981. We first visited their Milwaukee location in 2016. Our visits since have not typically been with a specific goal in mind. Instead, we like to be “open to the possibilities” that await us. They have lots of things to interest makers as well as novelties of all types.

A couple of fun items which were gifted from AS&S were the Rebel Without a Utensil Switchblade Spork (where have you been all my life??)

and the Coin-Snatching Kitty bank.

If you aren’t close enough to visit one of their brick and mortar locations (they aren’t just worth the trip, they ARE a trip!), you can shop online, and sign up for their catalog and email.

Follow them on Facebook or Twitter and be sure to subscribe to their YouTube channel where you can see cool videos featuring their products like the Desktop Horse Racing Derby.