Best Gift Shops For Tech Lovers In Minnesota
The Silicon Valley of the Midwest, Minnesota is dedicated to high tech innovation. When the newest gadgets, software and accessories hit the market, tech consumers queue up. Fortunately for them, Twin Cities has an abundance of stores and shopping centers packed with Apple, Microsoft, Bluetooth and Blu-Ray products from blue chip manufacturers and edgy startups. Here are some great places for the tech lover in your life or the tech lover in you.
Hobby Zone Retail Store
3700 Annapolis Lane N., Suite. 175
Plymouth, MN 55447
(763) 551-1159
www.secure.hobbyzone.com
Hobby Zone Retail Store introduces drone science to the public through classes and workshops. For tech hobbyists, picture taking remote control (R/C) flying objects and ground control drone accessories for R/C air and ground vehicles are the latest gadget craze. Today, drones play a role in military missions. But, some day groceries, mail and packages will be drone delivered to your door; however, at Hobby Zone Retail Store, drones are sophisticated toys for all ages.
Home Technology Store
700 Mendelssohn Ave. N.
Golden Valley, MN 55427
(507) 424-1862
www.home-technology-store.com
Why not enjoy entertainment in the security of your home? With a pre-configured multi room audio package from the Home Technology Store, you can do a quick home theater setup. If a custom designed home theater is more to your liking, the home entertainment staff will help you put together the A/V components and furnishings needed for the home entertainment center you want. Consultation is free of charge. To enjoy streaming video without outside disturbance, you might want to consider installing a wireless home security system with wired security sensors and camera.
Computer Mega Mall
2720 University Ave., S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 331-4226
www.computermegamall.com
A genuine mall for the tech aficionado, Computer Mega Mall stocks brand name portables, desktops, peripherals, monitors, accessories and computer parts. Anything Apple or Mac, including iPad and iPhone accessories, are in this tech mega mall. The mall is a neat one-stop source for web development, computer repair services, custom built PCs and general tech support. Essential computer products and excellent web and tech solutions are great gifts for anyone who works or plays with technology.
Air Traffic Kites And Games
Mall of America
343 W. Garden
Bloomington, MN 55425
(952) 858-9599
www.airtrafficonline.com
For the kids, and the kid in us, this store has tech toys and games that teach children and their adult peers the science of solar energy, aviation, rocketry, kite flying and more. It's exhilarating when handling a kite, such as the Tensor 3.1, a versatile power land kite that can be pulled around on the beach or a frozen lake or pond. With minimum pull, the Tensor 3.1 flies at 3 mph. For the momentum you crave, power kite flying is almost like skydiving. You can find additional locations for Air Traffic Kites and Games in Burnsville, Eden Prairie, Rosedale, Rochester and Maple Grove.
Games N Go
7605 W. Broadway Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55428
(763) 416-3263
www.gamesngoonline.com
Games N Go explodes with games from eight-bit to the newest releases. Thousands of titles are in store for gamers who enjoy the latest and players who want to blast back to the past. In stock are vintages most video game stores don't carry. Gaming geeks, who remember way back when, can enjoy the halcyon days of older releases they played in video arcades. It's like listening to classic rock and nostalgically watching MTV. This eclectic video game outlet has three locations, two in Twin Cities and one in Roseville.
Linda Cameron has written home design, home improvement and lifestyle articles for The Boston Globe and City Shopper Magazine. She has related interests in the building industry, travel, real estate and financing. She is a contributor to Examiner, House Spot, Techsling and Behance, covering topics on career, people, businesses, education and technology.
