DIY heaven! With the January Jumpstart contest fully underway, it's the perfect time to introduce American Science & Surplus. This store is the Uncle Fun for the Bunsen Burner crowd. But don't let the name fool you; they sell more than test tubes.
You're sure to find science-inspired goodies here: everything from dentistry tools to high-end telescopes. But they also carry craft supplies, party favors, containers for nearly anything, motor parts, and strange, wacky things. If you know exactly what you're looking for, visiting their website is an easy option. Yet if you have some time to kill and want to be inspired to create, re-purpose, or fix-up, the store is your best bet. We don't mean to nag but there is only one weekend left before the Jumpstart deadline...
We found tons of interesting items that would fit into the realm of home decor. There is a whole section of cheap rocks, fossils, and stones (perfect for centerpieces or flower arrangements, on left). Of course, as a science store, they are obligated to carry anatomical posters (on right).
One of our favorite things about AS&S is their containers. They carry glass, plastic, ceramic.... Whether you need a travel-sized shampoo bottle or a jar for your "moonshine," they've got it here and it'll cost a whole lot less than your neighborhood pharmacy (on left).
If tinkering is your thing, AS&S is full of stuff for gear heads. Besides the casters and motory parts seen above, AS&S carries odds and ends to take care of most electrical, plumbing, or bike-without-a-chain situations.
Besides the containers, our second favorite thing about American Science & Surplus is their randomness. We spotted sausage packaging tape ($5/roll), the cutest hot pink jewelery box, these "Russian action figures" (on left), and a whole box of decorative birds for only $3.25.
I'm already in love with this website because they describe the itty-bitty ziploc bags as the "size that gnomes would store their leftovers in"
http://www.sciplus.com/category.cfm/subsection/7
the pyrex jars labeled bandages, guaze and tongue depressors would be great in my bathroom
view vertigo's profile
I've perused the website several times, but I didn't realize there was a store- it looks way more fun...
view Jess2nola's profile
I have loved AS&S for several decades. Most. Fun. Shopping. Ever.
view HelOnWheels's profile
Oooo, I wish I could go to the actual store! I guess I'll make do with the website...
view jennifer in sf's profile
Oh my god flashback! I forgot all about them ... we used to shop their catalog like 15 years ago ... I still have a bunch of mini film projectors I give people for gag gifts.
view ridge_van_winkle's profile
in my family they're called the "Squishy Eyeball Store" due to many purchased there over the years. They had commercials one year (12-15 years ago) with the camera zooming in on random strange things and the voice-over saying "buy! buy! buy!"
Also, I once bought Ralph Kramden pencil toppers/erasers in a rainbow of colors.
view eat more lemons's profile
not the same commercial, but: http://youtube.com/watch?v=hOftIFehtxE
view eat more lemons's profile
My boss got me fighting nun figurines. They must have EVERYTHING. :D
view Marbargarbo's profile
Oh my goodness...My dad loves this place. When we were little, if we were really good, we'd get to drop by on our way to our grandparent's house. heh.
view stephiesandwich's profile