Rotofugi Designer Toy Store & Gallery

5.0 star rating
153 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Toy Stores, Art Galleries  [Edit]

2780 N Lincoln Ave
(between Kenmore Ave & Seminary Ave)
Chicago, IL 60614
Neighborhoods: Lincoln Park, DePaul
(773) 868-3308
Nearest Transit:

Diversey (Brown Line, Purple Line)

Wellington (Brown Line, Purple Line)

Hours:

Mon-Sun 11 am - 7 pm

Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Good for Kids:
Yes
By Appointment Only:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
No
About This Business:

We offer art and framing for every budget. Nearly everything we sell is created by the shop owners.   Art of Chicago & Europe by Nancie King Mertz…   read more »

Review Highlights   

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"I bought the Street Fighter and Futurama blind boxes." (in 12 reviews)
user photo
"If you like Kid Robot, you'll like Rotofugi." (in 11 reviews)
user photo
"And I liked the "I love the smell of vinyl." (in 32 reviews)
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153 reviews in English

  • Review from MahaKali S.

    •  
    • 12 friends
    • 46 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I've been to a lot of awesome toy stores in my day, but I keep coming back to you, Rotofugi! And your new location and store-size just takes it to the next level. Truth be told, when I'm across the country for work, I still by all my designer toys from you guys. Why? Because that's just the love I got for you.
    Your prices are great, and you aren't restricted to one genre of art toys and accessories. You got a little bit of everything, and boy does it work for me.
    Never go out of business, yeah?
    HEART!

  • Review from Jenny W.

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    • 24 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here

    This place makes me feel like I'm 10 years old again, seriously. It's only downfall for me is... I'm more likely to spend more money than I should on cute vinyl trinkets for my desk. Nerds/graphic designers, beware. This is a place that carries Kid Robot, Tokidoki, and all those other fun exclusive toy brands.

    I will say it's fun to go there to check out what they have and admire their displays. Plus they have a gallery in back which is cool for us artsy folk to check out. My interaction with the staff has been minimal, but they've always been super friendly and seem like people I'd hang out with.

  • Review from Anthony M.

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    11/14/2011 2 photos 2 Check-ins Here

    I finally had the opportunity to stop in here.  This place is an adult toy store and I really liked it.  This place is perfect to find things to put on your desk at work.  Everyone has the mug..."World's Greatest Boss" but if you shop here you can get a Marsh mellow puking!!!  Now that is a perfect addition to any desk. (I know it sounds bad but it is done really tastefully...pun intended)

    It was a bunch of fun to walk around and check out the different toys.  I found a Hugh Heffner doll too.  I wonder if Hef knows...he would love it.  Attention marketing department...mail one to the Playboy Mansion.

    I also loved that one of the dolls had a brick mobile phone.  I had to try and explain to my little one that cell phones were that big.  Sad part is that the guy behind the counter also was learning from my story too.  Am I really that old?

    Great use of space...there is also an art gallery here too.  I love there new space...I remember when they were crammed in on Chicago Ave.

    So if your looking for some cool and unique toys for your desk, then this is the place!!!

  • Review from Tung L.

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    • 16 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    1/10/2012

    One of my favorite places to shop. They stay open for you, they are so nice, and the stuff they have is so awesome!

  • Review from Jillian H.

    Naperville, IL

    5.0 star rating
    12/10/2011

    Rotofugi   - If you love vinyl collectibles, blind boxes, unique gifts this is the place to shop.  I usually go here a couple of times a year.  I always find some little vinyl figure that I must have and I'm addicted to those blind boxes.  They have a large collection of ugly dolls, books, original artwork and limited edition pieces.  It's a fun, funky little shop with a wide range of prices that start at just a couple of bucks.

  • Review from Alexa T.

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    • 24 friends
    • 21 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    9/28/2011

    Hold onto your hearts because they're about to explode with cuteness.

    The storefront lined with adorable toy models might draw you in.  The stuffed animals, or stuffed personified food, might make you squeal with delight.  The sets of tiny sushi that are smaller than your fingers might make you giggle.  The funny stickers might make you want to buy them all.  

    I'm just saying these are things that might happen to you when you visit Rotofugi.

  • Review from Michael P.

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    • 53 friends
    • 70 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    9/4/2011

    About three weeks ago I was sitting in the front window at Delilah's having a beer and looking outside, into Roto's gallery window.

    When from inside the gallery this little mutt looking dog slowly waddles up to their window

    stops in the window

    looks across the street at me

    lifts its leg

    and pees on their radiator.

    Mutt gives me a wink, turns around, and walks back into the gallery.

    Stars for having a kick-ass dog wandering around after hours.

    Cool products for sale, too.

  • Review from jay s.

    Tacoma, WA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 6/15/2011 2 photos 2 Check-ins Here

    Bottom line:  While most of the vinyl toys are meant for collectors, children with discerning tastes will be well served here in the gift department with reasonably priced blind boxes, unusual plushies (check out the Pecanpals) and tees. $5 to $40 range.

    Inspiring collection of the best designer toys with something in every price range ($5 to several hundred).  Mostly new vinyl, maybe a tiny selection of vintage Japanese.  Lots of one of kind pieces and big names here.  More Secret Base than I've ever seen in one place in person.  If you have understood this review so far...you are drooling perhaps.

    If you are into graphic design or toys at all, you really must go.
    __________________________________________________ _______

    I want to give you six stars, Rotofugi.  

    The best big kid toy store I've been to in the US.  Designer vinyl toys to make you cry.  Bigger, badder and more dangerous now that they've consolidated all their holdings into one giant, light filled space.

    The gallery is beautiful, huge.  It's as big as La Luz de Jesus in LA!  I had the pleasure of attending the opening of Ralph Cosentino and Martin Tsu (Ruby Gloom fame) during this sojourn to Chi-Town.  My heart was happy, my wallet was lighter and my walls now have 3 Cosentino prints! (I'm braggggging!)

    Thank you to the owners and staff for being so kind, so approachable. No hipper than thou at Rotofugi, thanks!   Thank you for shipping my prints happily, explaining things to me and...even giving me great tips on where to eat in town!

    Listed in: Greedy for Toys

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      5/12/2009

      ROTOFUGI is a great shop in Chicago, but it also occupies a special place on the national scene… Read more »

  • Review from Hang T.

    •  
    • 95 friends
    • 416 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/6/2011 3 photos 1 Check-in Here

    A toy store for the big kids!

    It is definitely a "designer" toy store. Even though everything looks like it is geared towards young children, it is really more for the adult collector who likes to look and admire rather than play.

    Their store is very cool. It's located at the corner of two streets and is shaped like a triangle. You walk in and there are display cases everywhere. Stuff animals, blind boxes, and huge statues cover the room. I liked the layout, but at the same time, the place seemed pretty empty. They may need to add a little more inventory to so it looks more inviting, but if they are going for a gallery look, then they are right on the money.

    I did have a chance to talk to the owners (or a couple who worked there) and they seemed pretty stuck up when I asked about the difference between their store and the Kidrobot store in SF. Looks like they are very protective of their store.

    This store is way bigger than the Kidrobot store in SF and has the same items and more. I bought the Street Fighter and Futurama blind boxes. The prices were reasonable. Less than ten bucks for both. I can see the appeal of the blind box. You hate it, yet love it at the same time. The anticipation and excitement gets you. Once you open the box, you will either be extremely happy or disappointed. It's all in fun.

    They have an online store so if you don't want to make the trek out to the actual store (which is pretty far from downtown Chicago btw), you can easily access them from the convenience of your own computer.

  • Review from Tina L.

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    6/30/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    There is a gallery in the back, but the entire store is a gallery in itself.

    Regulars will quickly develop love/hate relationships with the blind boxes. The concept of leaving the purchase up to chance is like that of toy vending machines (wiki gashapon for more info). Sure, it's frustrating not to get the figure that you want, but the joy of (finally) getting "the one" makes it worth the trouble, just like the lottery (oh vices). And, of course, the blind boxes are an excuse to make more purchases ;D

    The prices are just right; buying one or two on a visit won't seem a splurge, but the urge to collect all of them will burn a bigger hole in your wallet over time. The great service does not help my pocketbook ;P

  • Review from Katarina X.

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    • 514 friends
    • 531 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    2.0 star rating
    2/7/2011

    I hate to rain on the parade here: I like this store. I like the products, the gallery, even the store dogs. I especially like the Abe Lincoln eyepatch logo-ed T-Shirts. I have NOT had good interaction with the staff, which is profoundly sad.

    See, my Dad is pain to shop for and even harder to ship to. Dad is amateur-Civil War historian and retired cop who lives waaay out in a complicated red-state address somewhere right of Andy Griffith. I wanted to buy the Abe Lincoln shirt in his size that was not on the racks. I asked nicely where I might obtain it and was told by cash-register boy #1: "Online"

    Moi: "Please, I am getting this as a present. I really want to gift-wrap it for the holiday, I will pay for it in advance and if you can order this size and I will pick it up and mail it myself."

    Cash-register boy" Go online."
    Wow. With a winning personality and effort like that, no wonder he isn't Miss America!

    Unfortunately, the other two visits (yes I came back repeatedly- this is my bad) following were identical in experience, even with different people behind the counter. Really? No one can/will/wants to order this shirt, no one willing to call me if this size is in, no one wants to check to see if the size is in stock... frankly yelp, I had an easier and more pleasant time scheduling dental surgery!

    In conclusion, avoid the staff, go to Threadless where they also have cool shirts plus employees who will look things up for you with lots less attitude and are willing to accept your payment!

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Whitney K. of Rotofugi Designer Toy Store & Gallery 3/15/2011   
    Katrina, sorry you didn't have a good experience. I'll make… More »
  • Review from Stephanie S.

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    • 50 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Grand Rapids, MI

    5.0 star rating
    10/26/2011

    Excellent gallery!! Such talented artists displayed here. And I definately enjoyed their large selection of unique toys. Great atmosphere!

  • Review from Racquel D.

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    9/14/2011 1 photo

    I am an avid designer toy collector and this place is great. It's in a really good area of town, too. I think this location is a step-up from their previous location, space-wise. It holds more products and has more space for the art gallery. They have a pretty good inventory of toys, magazines, and other random stuff. The workers are always super friendly, and sometimes I'll see the owners with their dog (which I think is pretty awesome!) I definitely recommend this place for anyone, toy collector or not.

  • Review from Claudia R.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 17 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    1.0 star rating
    7/26/2011

    I wanted to buy some cool toys and the toys you can buy here are prohibitively expensive. This appears to be a store run by wealthy art-school kids.  I was so sad. If you are a wealthy art school kid you will LOVE it though, it does have a lot of arty toys and art on display.  Be sure to bring a full wallet, though.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Whitney K. of Rotofugi Designer Toy Store & Gallery 7/26/2011   
    Hi Claudia, I'm sorry we weren't the right store for you.… More »
  • Review from Erika G.

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    12/24/2010

    Popped in here while walking the other day, to warm up. No one needs anything that's in this store, but somehow . . . you want stuff.

    If you have a fetish for Japanese cute stuff, as I do, you'll love this place.

    And I liked the "I love the smell of vinyl." tee shirts, 'cos I kind of . . . do. Ah, but I avoid tees with "sayings" on them.

    I didn't buy anything, 'cos *laughs* I got nuthin'! I'd come back here for silly, cute - albeit somewhat expensive, for what they are - gifts. There were some cheaper items in here, tiny things and cute, interesting buttons. Wide variety of price points, really.

    The guy working here was also charming and friendly, and really sweet to my "just browsing and warming up" ass.

  • Review from Nicki K.

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    • 0 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    4/22/2011

    A toy store for big kids? Sign me up.

    It might not be the place that you take your 5 year old to buy a Barbie/GI Joe/whatever kids play with these days, but its perfect for me. I always have a great experience shopping here and some days its fun even just to window shop because there is always something new. I love the huge new location and the staff is always cool. I wish the t-shirts didn't cost so much but hey, what are you going to do? I still love the place and I will be back again, and again, and again....

  • Review from heidi C.

    Northridge, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 2/8/2011

    True to my word, I purchased again .... within the week of my first purchase.

    Once again, absolutely AMAZING people there at Rotofugi!
    I called to change my order to something else and even though shipping labels had been printed and I am sure product packed and ready for UPS pick-up (I already received tracking info), they unboxed my original order and sent me the new stuff since UPS hadn't picked it up yet!!

    Wonderful customer service!
    E-mailed them about a figurine missing a part and although they didn't have the same one they offered to replace it with one from the same series of my choice (provided they had it)!!

    I really don't mean to be a problematic customer I swear but while typing the review it seems that way :s But they have the BEST customer service around!

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      1/12/2011

      Haven't been to the actual store but I bought stuff online. Super fast order processing, I ordered… Read more »

  • Review from Ariza S.

    Dallas, TX

    5.0 star rating
    7/20/2011

    Rotofugi was one of the main reasons for visiting Chicago and this store did not disappoint. The store is large, open and any toy collector's dream. We shopped around with baskets and filled each of ours up with blind boxes from various designers, some bigger vinyl characters and got some t-shirts. The two guys behind the counter were super nice and told us to check out the gallery when we have time. The gallery is simple but impressive as well. Great store, great employees and they carry an amazing variety of toys.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Whitney K. of Rotofugi Designer Toy Store & Gallery 7/26/2011   
    Thanks a million for the kind words! More »
  • Review from Gina F.

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    9/17/2010

    Thank you for moving!  You're SOOOO much closer to my house (making it easier to buy all kinds of things I don't need)!  This place has a great (primarily designer vinyl) toy selection in a variety of price ranges.  If you're into toys & kitch, this is your place.  They also have books, art, and even apparel.  The staff is friendly & knowledgeable.

    They also have a great space for art exibits with a lot more room than he previous space.  I saw the last exhibit about 2 weeks ago & am excited to head to the opening reception of the new exhibit tonight.

  • Review from silly g.

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    • 64 friends
    • 46 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    7/27/2011

    can't wait to visit this store when i hit up chicago! My rating is based on their online business. Fast Shipping and cool free stickers added to  my order. Marshalls are the best. We need a Rotofugi in Boston

  • Review from Jim K.

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    • 12 friends
    • 27 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    6/15/2010

    Rotofugi can be summed up with this:  Drool-inducing Amazement.  

    Something for everyone, from the serious collector to the cubicle jockey looking for their next desk toy (I'm the latter).  

    Everyone here, client and staff alike, are friendly, inviting, and all-around wonderful.  There's always something new, so it is worth a frequent revisit.  

    Finally, don't forget to visit the gallery next door.  If you can, try to stop on the night of a gallery opening (usually every three or four weeks).  It is a great experience.

  • Review from Euripides X.

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    • 3 friends
    • 264 reviews

    ASTORIA, NY

    4.0 star rating
    1/28/2011

    The new location really brings this place together.  Worth a visit just to check out the latest art exhibit.

    Neat addition to the neighborhood.

  • Review from Liz S.

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/20/2009

    Got Domo addiction?  A Shawnimals habit?  Head to Rotofugi immediately!  There is an incredible amount of cool collector toys packed into this tiny space, yet it is impeccably organized and easy to shop.

    They have everything from everyday collectibles to more rare (and expensive) finds.   You can walk out with a serious dent in your paycheck, or simply indulge in a Dunny, a magazine, and some supercool stickers and have some money left over for dinner.   Their store-logo stickers are great, too.

    The staff is friendly and it's a place that encourages browsing.  Be sure to check out the Gallery next door for some neat artwork.  Whether you are buying a gift for someone else, or indulging yourself, a trip to Rotofugi is sure to make you smile, or if you are like me, emit a happy squeal or two.

  • Review from johanna c.

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    • 34 friends
    • 165 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    4/17/2006

    If you like Kid Robot, you'll like Rotofugi. It is one of the few designer toy stores in Chicago. The owners are really nice and they always have one of a kind pieces that can be hard to find. They have toys, clothing, gallery items, etc.

    Every two months or so, they have a gallery event where you can meet the artists behind the collections they present towards the west wall.

    I like that they carry Tim Biskup's Gama Go products :)

    SUPPORT THE INDEPENDENTS!!!

  • Review from molly c.

    Brooklyn, NY

    5.0 star rating
    5/26/2007

    for reasons that i cannot necessarily disclose...i needed an ugly doll. now, my favorite is ice bat, but since i don't want to bite certain people's style, i didn't want to get one. BUT they had ninja ice bat. awesome. he's having a nice sleep in my bed right now.

    and they had everything you can imagine there! i love it and can't wait to "need" to go again.

    rotufugi rules.

  • Review from Katie H.

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    • 104 friends
    • 263 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    9/20/2007

    For my  birthday, my roommate got me a Wee Ninja cuddly toy and a matching badge from Rotofugi. He is very stealthy yet lovable. He used to stand guard on my dashboard and then as soon as I brought him in the house, theiving bastards broke into my car. Horseshit.

    And though my Wee Ninja is content to be solitary, I have been meaning to get him a companion for some time so I need to get back here. Prices and manageable and the store itself is bright and cheery. You'll enjoy yourself.

  • Review from Maia H.

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    • 24 friends
    • 41 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/13/2008

    Dear Rotofugi,

    You're the best toy store an adult could have. I really just want to smash your face in, because I adore all your vinyl, stuffed, vibrating, and mystery boxed items. Even the stickers are pretty neat-o.
    If I could, I'd buy as much to fill a room as I could.

    you're my boy blue..you're my boy

  • Review from Peter G.

    •  
    • 53 friends
    • 92 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    7/25/2008

    Feeding my addiction for the white stuff...

    Wait- that's white DIY blank vinyl dolls, nothing else.  They're almost as expensive, but last forever.  Just make sure the chicks you dig dig big boys with little toys.  NOT redneck 'big boys toys' as they don't eat gasoline, and they're much cooler (and the exact opposite, conceptually).  Enough.

    If you're in to vinyl, designer toys, or anything related, this is the place.

    I'll get lynched for saying this (they'll sick gloomy on me...), but come here for gifts for everyone who appreciates fun/cute/interesting/playful- can't go wrong.  Unless you're like me and spend rent.

  • Review from Lindley E.

    •  
    • 317 friends
    • 851 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    10/18/2006

    Great shop with the hottest toys for grown-ups. They carry unusual lines of Japan, Hong Kong, and US-designed vinyls. They also have one-of-a-kind stuffed toys and artwork. Owners are sweet as pie.

    Vinyls are like action figures, but they are for adults, not kids. Contemporary artists like Gary Baseman and Michael Lau are commissioned to design lines of these toys that retail anywhere from $4 for a mini to $100 or more for a jumbo sized one. The vinyls in an edition come out in unique quantities (and on the inside slip they tell you the percentages of each design made) so rarity is a built in factor. Because everything is boxed up so you can't see inside, you never quite know what you are getting unless the store owner takes a peek for you.

    I once gave one to a four year old who threw it across the room and never looked at it again. Lesson learned.

  • Review from Esther Y.

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    8/19/2008

    There really isn't a store like Rotofugi in Chicago. The items they carry are unique, funny, creepy, weird, silly and everything else in between.  The staff here is friendly and they don't harrass you.  You can go in and browse through all the things they have and they won't make you feel bad about it.  

    This is a great place to get different gifts for different people.

  • Review from Brenna O.

    •  
    • 17 friends
    • 204 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    12/8/2007

    Bought some cute things from Rotofugi today for gifts for friends, and I really liked being in the store. It's laid out well so you can see everything they have for that week, and the guy behind the counter was really friendly and nice.

    But they don't open until noon on Saturday? What the heck? I was out there at 10:30 trying to get some shopping done and had to come back later. Oh wells.

    I also didn't give it 5 stars because I am still skeptical about this whole "toy as art" thing and how expensive some of the pieces can be. Luckily there are plenty of cheap toys that you can buy without feeling like you're missing out.

    ALL HAIL SON OF MOUSTACHIO!

  • Review from Whitney B.

    •  
    • 24 friends
    • 51 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 8/20/2008

    I have since moved, and Rotofugi is so much easier to get to now! Just walk out my door, hop on the Chicago 66 bus for about 10-15minutes, and it drops me off right at their door. I've been there twice in the past 2 weeks! The staff is always so nice and helpful, and there is always something new to check out.

    I always seem to get there just as they are closing the gallery, and I feel too bad to ask them to open it just for me, so hopefully one day I'll be able to check that out.

    Love this place. And the website is awesome, too.

    Listed in: Retail Therapy

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      3/31/2008

      I love toys, and I love Rotofugi.
      I don't get to go there as often as I like since its sort of a… Read more »

  • Review from Gina F.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    1/28/2009

    I've always had a knack for falling in love with things I absolutely do not or would never need.

    A plastic piece of tofu with a big pink nose?  Yes, please!

    A tiny vinyl baby with big Blythe-style eyes suckin' on a passy?  I want one!

    And I of course need to collect ALL of the keychains that resemble breakfast items with faces on 'em!

    Hold on to your Dunny, Munny, and Tokidoki!  So much fun!

    P.S.  Grab a blind box.  They're cheap and fun with a hint of mystery.

  • Review from Shana C.

    Belfair, WA

    5.0 star rating
    7/6/2007

    A friend of mine from high school is getting married this weekend and I couldn't bring myself to get he and his future wife towels or any other sort of mundane "we asked for this at Target" kind of practical gift.  That simply wouldn't do for the man who once gave me a Thank You card for "keeping his knees from melting" that one time.

    The friendly fella behind the counter at Rotofugi was so helpful.  I walked in, told him I wanted to get a fun, funny wedding gift so he took me to the newest additions to their vinyl collection:
    Adios (Death) and his girlfriend Ciao Ciao.  
    I began to ask what they "did" when I realized they didn't.  

    Me: so these are like sculpture art toys you don't play with?

    Fella behind counter: yeah, exactly, actually.

    Guy who walks in w/ "BFF" T-shirts: Man, when am I gonna be a millionaire!?

    I hope the newlyweds like their unconventional cute little sculpture toys.  Even if they don't, I didn't have to drive to target, AND I finally got to go in to Rotofugi.

  • Review from Julie S.

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    • 333 friends
    • 334 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/13/2008

    You know I am really sad... I've been waiting for my Tokidoki Sandy plush since the day I ordered it, on August 4th... I still haven't received it yet. I got my Dunny vinyl toys from New York in the mail through USPS too and I got it last Saturday and ordered the same time I did at Rotofugi. Very disappointed, I just checked my tracking and it left on August 8th from FOREST PARK, IL. FYI: ; you might want to consider using Fed Ex Ground... them little toys ain't cheap and deserve a better shipping transportation than USPS.

    So, I got my Sandy doll on the 15th of August,  finally. I never had a problem getting things though the mail, but the store offered different delivery options, yeah I guess it was my fault for not looking carefully...

    I added two more stars, and that is it for getting my package in good condition, and for having good products to sell online.

  • Review from Meghan L.

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    • 54 friends
    • 105 reviews

    Oak Park, IL

    5.0 star rating
    5/29/2011

    i am crazy about rotofugi, the adorable, beautiful toys, and the awesome people who work there. to be more specific, these are the kind of people who will sit around making the dolls dance with each other when it gets slow. if you have a problem with that, you hate happiness.

    the gallery is even more amazing than the toy store itself. openings are always warm and unintimidating with the requisite free snacks, wine, etc. i'm bad at making aesthetic generalizations, but all the art i've seen here has been incredible/excited me more than many other local galleries. many of the artists definitely have a playful quality to their work/explicitly "play" with images one might typically categorize as adorable/innocent. beyond that, the only thing the artists seem to have in common is that they all rule.

  • Review from Bradley M.

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    • 118 friends
    • 40 reviews

    North Pole, AK

    5.0 star rating
    7/12/2007

    Great store!!! Excellent collection of the latest Toys/ Push/ Vinyl/ lowbrow art in the city.

    Much needed for Chicago IMO. They also have excellent art openings with good beer and a DJ.

    The people who work their are friendly and helpful, and I wish them much success!

  • Review from Matthew S.

    •  
    • 68 friends
    • 158 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    2/11/2008 1 Check-in Here

    C'mon, a place that gives adults permission to indulge in hardcore geek-ery? Like many writing reviews here, I am not a collector. BUT, I love this place. I come here when I'm trying to find a unique gift for a friend with a sideways sense of humor. Random, random stuff here but above all a NEAT place.

    Everyone that works here is ridiculously nice and helpful, trained to be patient with all the noobs. I've gotten a few items here, and had great feedback from friends especially on the Gloomy Bear series.

    No more words, just go.

  • Review from Rahul S.

    •  
    • 96 friends
    • 139 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    12/3/2008

    As you can tell by most of the reviews, people absolutely love this place w/ quite the passionate devotion!  Add me to that list, Rotofugi rocks the house like not many stores I know.  It's pretty small inside, but packs seemingly hundreds of different japanese toys, shirts, stickers, and novelties galore!  It's one of my favorite places to buy gifts, w/ the plush ninja doll and tshirt being my first purchases.  The mini dolls are great, w/ quite the selection to choose from.

    You owe it to yourself to at least browse around... it's easy to pass an hour there checking everything out.  Half the stuff makes me crack up, I def feel like a little kid again.  Spend some time in the area as well, it's a pretty hip and uncoventional neighborhood worth exploring!

  • Review from helen n.

    •  
    • 5 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    1/23/2007

    A friend of mine first introduced me to Rotofugi and have been back many times since.  

    Although this store is not a typical toy store for children, it's not such a bad idea if you or your friends have kids.  It's a good break from shopping for Dora or Sponge Bob.

    For the most part, I come here to find that one unique gift for my friend's kids or someone I think that would appreciate it.  
     
    Many times, I've been guilty of walking out the store with a gift for some kid and end up keeping it for myself resulting in a small tiny collection I've built.... It's so hard to resist!

    Designer toys, specifically for adults...creative, smart, passionate designs.  If you do visit, be prepared that you can spend hours playing.

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