American Science & Surplus Gift & Greeting Card

Business Description

American Science & Surplus, located in Park Ridge, IL, is a one-of-a-kind store that offers a wide range of products that are both fascinating and practical. With a mission to have fun while discovering and learning, this store prides itself on carrying an eclectic range of products, many with a science or educational tilt to them, while others are simply handy or amusing.

What sets American Science & Surplus apart from other stores is their dedication to value. Whenever possible, they carry surplus items at prices well below retail. They love closeouts, inventory overruns, mis-manufactures, and items whose time has not come, and offer them to customers at unbeatable prices.

The store supplies an impressive array of unusual and hard-to-find items to the hobbiest, tinkerer, artist, experimenter, home educator, do-it-yourselfer, and bargain hunter. Customers have used American Science and Surplus items in homemade cars, sculptures, precision instruments, homemade telescopes, costumes, model railroads, window dressings, holiday decorations, and countless science projects.

Pat Meyer, who started at American Science & Surplus sweeping floors, continues to grow the business with the same passion and dedication as its founder, Mr. Al Luebbers. The store's history is rooted in Mr. Luebbers' fascination with optics. He noticed a company next door to the plant where he worked was throwing away reject lenses. He asked them if he could buy the rejects and they said, "No. But you can have them if you will haul them away." Al and his wife Buddy took the lenses, cleaned and polished them at their kitchen table in the evenings and offered them for sale. They placed an ad in Popular Science offering ten lenses for 50¢ and began to receive orders. Al figured that if they changed the ad to "Ten Lenses for $1" people would think they were better lenses and buy more. So he did. And they did. And the business was launched as American Lens & Photo.

Visiting American Science & Surplus is more than just a shopping trip; it's an experience that's worth the trip. The store has become a destination for customers looking for unique and interesting items. With a team dedicated to making every customer's visit enjoyable, American Science & Surplus has become a go-to destination for people looking for fun, educational, and practical products.

Gift Ideas for American Science & Surplus

If you're searching for a unique and thoughtful gift, American Science & Surplus is the perfect place to find something special. From quirky gadgets to educational toys and everything in between, this store has something for everyone.

For the science enthusiast in your life, consider gifting a telescope or microscope, or a set of chemistry lab equipment. These items are perfect for exploring the world around us and discovering new things.

For the artist or crafter, American Science & Surplus offers an impressive selection of art supplies and craft kits. From canvas and paints to wood carving tools and jewelry making supplies, there are endless possibilities for creative expression.

If you're looking for a gift for a child, American Science & Surplus has a great selection of educational toys and games that are both fun and educational. A set of snap circuits or a DIY robot kit will provide hours of entertainment while teaching valuable STEM skills.

For the practical gift giver, American Science & Surplus offers a wide variety of handy and unique gadgets. A solar-powered phone charger, a foldable camping stove, or a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter are all practical yet thoughtful gifts.

No matter what you choose, the team at American Science & Surplus is dedicated to helping you find the perfect gift. With their passion for discovery and invention, this store is the perfect place to find something truly special that will inspire and delight the recipient.

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