Do You Have a Gift Card for My Favorite Toy Store? All Is Not Lost

Thanks to generous Elmhurst merchants, gift cards sold by My Favorite toy Store prior to the store's sudden closing last week are no longer worthless.

Families who had purchased the gift cards for loved ones were understandably upset when they discovered they could not get a refund or merchandise with the cards.

Related: My Favorite Toy Store Owner: 'Bank Put Me Out of Business'

Commenters said:

• "I gave this as a client gift. Now I'll need to tell my client so that his child isn't disappointed when they come to buy."
• "So unfair to kids who got gift cards or just returned something from the holidays for store credit."
• "This really stinks especially for those who have gift cards or store credits. How do you explain that to the kids?"

Several Elmhurst businesses will honor the cards in one form or another, helping to ease the sting.

A Book Above, 136 W. Vallette: This new bookstore will give 15 percent off each purchase, up to the total amount of the gift card. The card must be surrendered at the time of purchases and, in order to verify the value of the card, customers should bring a receipt or other proof of purchase. Here is all the information on A Book Above's Facebook page.

Goalie's Goodies, 116 S. York: Kids will get a treat in exchange for their gift cards at this nostalgic candy shop. Stop in for a free small bag of popcorn, any flavor, or movie-sized candy.

Brain Freeze Ice Cream, 110 W. Park: Show the gift card between now and Feb. 1 and you will get a free topping.

Patriot Boxing and Fitness, 645 Route 83: Both the Elmhurst and Downers Grove locations will offer services and punch cards for kids ages 12 and younger. Patriot will match the value of the gift card up to $100.

Tigers and Tulips, 14 W 1st St., Hinsdale, (630) 455-4133: Owner Tiffany Shriver is accepting the gift cards for face value. 

The University of Aesthetics and Cosmetology, 1037-1043 Curtiss St. Downers Grove: Turn in your My Favorite Toy Store Gift Card and get your choice of: free haircut, facial, manicure or pedicure. All services are performed by students under the direct supervision of licensed instructors.

The following info was provided by the DG Downtown Management Corp.:

Charlie & Grace, 937 Curtiss St, Downers Grove: Charlie & Grace will offer 10 percent off total of one purchase through Jan. 31, 2014, for any customers with unused My Favorite Toy Store gift cards. Customers need to bring in their unused gift card at the time of purchase for verification. Customers will be able to keep their gift card for use in other promotions in Downers Grove and Elmhurst.

Fair Game Store, 5147 Main St, Downers Grove: Fair Game will be offering a 15 percent discount off an entire purchase to anyone with a My Favorite Toy Store gift card, up to a maximum savings of the value of the card. The card must also be turned over at the time of the sale.

Happy Dog Barkery, 5118 Main St, Downers Grove: Happy Dog Bakery is offering 50 percent off one dog toy, provided it does not exceed the value of the card. Only one discount per card. Proof of purchase with dollar amount required and card must be turned over at the time of the sale. (For example, if the card is for $5 and the toy is $20, the customer receives $5 off.)

The Olive Tap, 5143 Mochel Dr, Downers Grove: The Olive Tap in Downers Grove will honor the gift cards at 10 percent off up to the total amount of the gift card. The card must be turned over at the time of purchases and, in order to verify the value of the card, customers should bring a receipt or other proof of purchase.

Do you have a business in town accepting My Favorite Toy Store gift cards? Let us know in the comments.