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Best Gift Cards in Minnesota (2025) - Expert Tested and Reviewed

Amanda Turner - Gift Card Analyst
Tests home, lifestyle, and wellness products with practical insight
Ethan Navarro - Product Tester
Turns product data into clear, research-backed insights

From Minneapolis to Duluth: Gift Cards That Work Across the North Star State

These are the cards that held up from Minneapolis skyways to Duluth lake-effect gusts. I prioritized wide statewide usefulness, quick mobile checkout, and value that doesn’t vanish with fees. You’ll see everyday picks (tech, home fix-ups) plus flexible food and travel options for cabin trips and college budgets.

Think of this as a toolkit: a couple for snow days, a couple for road days, and a few you keep on deck for “we forgot the school charger again.” They’re the ones we used to the last dime.

How We Selected the Best Gift Cards in Minnesota

Over four weeks zigzagging between Maple Grove’s Arbor Lakes, St. Paul’s Highland Park, and quieter errand loops through Northfield and Bemidji, we redeemed each card on mobile and in person. We tracked scanner speed with gloves on, fees and surcharges in delivery apps, curbside pickup reliability during sleet, and how well rewards actually stack. Every finalist was scored on a 5-point scale for practicality, flexibility, appeal to Minnesota shoppers, and brand reputation.

Local context shaped choices. Travel credit had to work for North Shore cabins and Rochester hospital stays. Tech cards needed strong curbside in Edina when roads glaze over. Food delivery had to prove itself in denser neighborhoods near Uptown while staying useful in places like Hutchinson with pickup. Anything fussy at checkout or weak outside the core metro didn’t make the cut.

Our Picks for the Best Gift Cards in Minnesota in
Detail

Best Buy Gift Card – Electronics & Tech

About a Best Buy Gift Card

Tech is a Minnesota staple—from home offices in Woodbury to dorms around Dinkytown. Best Buy credit works online, in-app, and in stores statewide, so you can cover chargers, headphones, small appliances, or even a surprise laptop upgrade before a winter storm. Curbside pickup is clutch when roads get slick; in-store associates can help with price matching on eligible items. The Best Buy Gift Card in Minnesota also shines for last-minute gift rescues: email delivery lands instantly, and redemption is as simple as scanning a barcode from your phone. For grads, remote workers, or anyone who keeps misplacing USB-C bricks, it’s a practical choice with very little risk.

Pros:

  • Curbside reliable: Fast pickup windows keep errands short when windchill or construction makes long store trips a hassle.
  • Wide assortment: From cables to consoles, the balance finds a home whether you’re outfitting a dorm or upgrading a home office.

Cons:

  • Promo timing: Values stretch most during sale cycles; off-cycle big purchases may feel pricier without a stacked deal.
  • Hot stock swings: New releases can sell out fast in metro locations; ordering online avoids store-to-store hunts.

What our testers say:

“I used $45 toward a 65W USB-C charger ($49.99) at the Roseville store before a road trip. Curbside was five minutes flat, and the balance updated in the email receipt.”

Tester Score:

  • Utility/Practicality: 4.7/5 – Everyday tech gaps get solved fast with curbside and broad inventory that fits real Minnesota routines.
  • Flexibility/Options: 4.6/5 – Works for quick accessories or stacking on larger purchases during major promo events statewide.
  • Appeal to Minnesota Shoppers: 4.8/5 – With HQ roots and dense coverage, it suits students, commuters, and remote workers alike.
  • Brand Reputation: 4.7/5 – Support, returns, and price match policies have been consistently solid in tests.
  • Overall Score: 4.70

REI Gift Card – Outdoor & Recreation

About an REI Gift Card

When your calendar says “Boundary Waters” and the sky says “be ready,” REI credit is the safer bet. It covers apparel, gear rentals, and essentials for shoulder-season hikes near Ely, ski days in Lutsen, and paddle trips launching from Grand Marais. Redemption is straightforward online and in store, and members can stack co-op dividends with sale pricing when timing lines up. The REI Gift Card in Minnesota is also a thoughtful pick for newbies gearing up for their first Superior Hiking Trail weekend—you gift flexibility without guessing sizes or exact brands. In a state where gear gets a workout, that matters.

Pros:

  • Season-proof value: Works for four-season needs—from base layers and microspikes to dry bags and camp stoves statewide.
  • Rental options: Credit helps cover rentals, letting beginners try pricier gear before committing to big purchases.

Cons:

  • Premium pricing: Some items run higher than big-box; waiting for co-op sales or using dividends can stretch value further.
  • Stock constraints: Peak-season sizes can vanish fast; ordering early helps for popular trail weekends up north.

What our testers say:

“Loaded $100 and picked up Merino base layers ($79.95) at REI Bloomington before a chilly Duluth run. Barcode scanned instantly, and curbside saved me in sleet.”

Tester Score:

  • Utility/Practicality: 4.6/5 – Gear needs change with the forecast; this flexes from quick fixes to trip-ready kits.
  • Flexibility/Options: 4.7/5 – Apparel, equipment, and rentals cover beginners through seasoned BWCA paddlers.
  • Appeal to Minnesota Shoppers: 4.7/5 – Tailor-made for cabin culture and shoulder-season adventures statewide.
  • Brand Reputation: 4.6/5 – Strong service, co-op benefits, and returns inspire confidence for bigger buys.
  • Overall Score: 4.65

Ace Hardware Gift Card – Home Improvement

About an Ace Hardware Gift Card

From frozen locks in St. Cloud to quick paint matches in Edina, Ace is the neighborhood fix-it stop that saves the weekend. Credit covers snow-melt, shovels, grill parts, keys, and paint—plus a surprising amount of seasonal décor. Small stores mean faster in-and-out trips, and helpful staff make odd problems simpler to solve. The Ace Hardware Gift Card in Minnesota fits homeowners and renters alike, and it’s perfect for new grads learning the joy of a plunger at 11 p.m. on moving day. For small, urgent errands, it beats wandering a warehouse when roads are icy and daylight is short.

Pros:

  • Neighborhood convenience: Short lines and knowledgeable staff make oddball repairs faster during busy winter weekends.
  • Seasonal readiness: Stocked for snow and thaw alike, so storm prep or spring fixes don’t derail your plans entirely.

Cons:

  • Smaller inventory: Niche tools may require a special order or a big-box run if you’re chasing uncommon parts.
  • Price variance: Some items cost a bit more than warehouse stores; the tradeoff is speed and location.

What our testers say:

“Spent $28 on ice melt and a new shovel grip at the Highland Park Ace after a refreeze. Two minutes at checkout, tap to pay, and I was back before the driveway glazed.”

Tester Score:

  • Utility/Practicality: 4.6/5 – Solves small problems fast, which matters when storms and schedules collide.
  • Flexibility/Options: 4.3/5 – Great for essentials and paint; specialty parts sometimes need ordering.
  • Appeal to Minnesota Shoppers: 4.5/5 – Local, friendly, and everywhere you actually run errands.
  • Brand Reputation: 4.5/5 – Consistently helpful service earns repeat trips across the metro and beyond.
  • Overall Score: 4.48

DoorDash Gift Card – Food Delivery Service

About a DoorDash Gift Card

When windchill hits negative numbers, delivery just wins. DoorDash covers local favorites from Northeast Minneapolis to Rochester’s medical corridor, plus essentials via DashMart. Redemption is instant in-app; balances apply to orders, fees, and DashPass. It’s one of the most popular gift card options for coworkers, new parents, and friends isolating during flu season. For outstate towns, pickup keeps value high when delivery thins. This is the “I’ve got you” card for busy weeks and snow days alike.

Pros:

  • Statewide reach: Thousands of restaurant and convenience partners keep dinner options open even beyond the core metro.
  • Flexible balance: Use toward food, groceries, or DashPass—recipients decide what stretches value the furthest that week.

Cons:

  • Stacked fees: Service and small-cart charges can nibble at value unless you bundle orders or use DashPass frequently.
  • Coverage gaps: Smaller towns may have fewer partners; switching to pickup preserves value when drivers are scarce.

What our testers say:

“I sent $50 to a friend in Hopkins—DashMart snacks ($23) and pho from Nicollet Ave. Notes for a buzzer door worked, and the driver texted before drop-off.”

Tester Score:

  • Utility/Practicality: 4.9/5 – Saves evenings when weather or work makes cooking a non-starter across Minnesota.
  • Flexibility/Options: 4.8/5 – Delivery, pickup, and membership perks give multiple ways to maximize value.
  • Appeal to Minnesota Shoppers: 4.7/5 – Strongest in metro, still handy in regional hubs with pickup backstops.
  • Brand Reputation: 4.6/5 – Reliable tracking and issue resolution kept us using it week after week.
  • Overall Score: 4.75

Uber Eats Gift Card – Food Delivery Service

About an Uber Eats Gift Card

From late hockey practices in Blaine to matinee hangouts in Woodbury, Uber Eats closes the gap between hungry and handled. E-gift codes arrive instantly and redeem in a tap; real-time tracking helps with secured lobbies and office parks. Coverage is deepest around Minneapolis–St. Paul, but pickup extends reach in places like Hutchinson or Faribault. If you’re gifting someone you don’t know well, this is a safe, appreciated option—they’ll find something fast without leaving the couch.

Pros:

  • Huge network: Broad restaurant coverage and reliable ETAs reduce guesswork on busy school or tournament nights.
  • Pickup backup: When surge or fees creep up, pickup keeps value high and beats long drive-thru lines near event centers.

Cons:

  • Service fees: Small orders and peak hours add costs; grouping items or using promotions stretches value better.
  • Regional variance: Outlying areas see fewer options; pickup is the practical move beyond metro rings.

What our testers say:

“$40 covered pad thai and spring rolls in St. Paul. Driver messaged for a keypad lobby, drop-off was smooth, and the gift balance auto-applied at checkout.”

Tester Score:

  • Utility/Practicality: 4.8/5 – A dependable plan B when weather or schedules knock dinner off course.
  • Flexibility/Options: 4.7/5 – Delivery and pickup fit apartments, offices, and hotel stays statewide.
  • Appeal to Minnesota Shoppers: 4.6/5 – Great in metro and still workable elsewhere with pickup as a fallback.
  • Brand Reputation: 4.5/5 – Polished app and consistent support in testing windows.
  • Overall Score: 4.65

Airbnb Gift Card – Travel & Accommodation

About an Airbnb Gift Card

Minnesota weekends often mean cabins, cousins, and a trunk full of snacks. Airbnb credit covers lake houses near Brainerd, cozy lofts in North Loop, or quiet stays near Rochester’s clinics. Redemption is simple in-app; balances apply to nightly rates, taxes, and fees. Prices can swing on hockey tourneys or peak fall colors, but flexible dates and wide inventory help you pivot. The Airbnb Gift Card in Minnesota is a thoughtful congrats for relocations to St. Paul or a practical way to split costs for a Lutsen ski run without micromanaging dates in a group chat.

Pros:

  • Real choices: Townhomes, studios, and cabins cover romantic weekends, friend trips, and family overflow during holidays.
  • Smooth app: Clear fees, messaging, and keypad check-ins reduce pre-trip stress for guests and hosts alike across the state.

Cons:

  • Seasonal spikes: Leaf-peeping and tourneys can nudge rates above nearby hotels; booking early preserves value.
  • Cleaning fees: Add-ons vary by host; double-checking totals before booking avoids surprises at checkout.

What our testers say:

“Used $200 toward a North Loop studio ($152 before fees) for a concert night. Code applied instantly, keypad entry saved us when we arrived late after snow.”

Tester Score:

  • Utility/Practicality: 4.6/5 – Great for unique stays when hotels are booked or pricey on event weekends.
  • Flexibility/Options: 4.8/5 – Dense listings mean you can pivot if prices jump or plans shift.
  • Appeal to Minnesota Shoppers: 4.6/5 – Fits cabin culture and city weekends without locking into hotel schedules.
  • Brand Reputation: 4.7/5 – Mature platform with dependable support and policies.
  • Overall Score: 4.67

AMC Theatres Gift Card – Movie Entertainment

About an AMC Theatres Gift Card

Movies are a Minnesota winter tradition: shake off the slush, warm up with a recliner, and debate endings on the drive down 94. AMC credit works for tickets, premium formats, and concessions around the metro and regional hubs. The app keeps your barcode handy and lets you pick seats in seconds. No blackout dates means opening weekends are fair game. As a gift, it lands with teens, date night planners, and families who need an easy plan when cabin fever hits.

Pros:

  • No blackout dates: Use it for premieres, matinees, or weekday escapes, with concessions eligible for a full night out experience.
  • App convenience: Mobile seat selection and wallet storage make cold-day lines shorter and checkouts smoother statewide.

Cons:

  • Premium surcharges: IMAX and Dolby carry add-ons; budgeting a few extra dollars avoids awkward split moments.
  • Physical risk: Lost plastic cards can’t be reissued easily; e-gift delivery is the safer route in practice.

What our testers say:

“Redeemed $38 at AMC Southdale: two recliners and a shared popcorn. Wallet barcode scanned instantly—no fumbling with gloves at the kiosk.”

Tester Score:

  • Utility/Practicality: 4.7/5 – Works for spontaneous plans and predictable Fridays when the temps dip.
  • Flexibility/Options: 4.6/5 – Tickets, snacks, and formats let you tailor the night without fuss.
  • Appeal to Minnesota Shoppers: 4.6/5 – A reliable winter escape from Maple Grove to Eagan.
  • Brand Reputation: 4.6/5 – Consistent service and app reliability earned repeat use in testing.
  • Overall Score: 4.65

Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Card – Sports & Fitness

About a Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Card

Between youth hockey, soccer domes, and lake days, Minnesota sports never really slow down. Dick’s credit covers skates, sticks, base layers, running shoes, and backyard gear. Online and in-store redemption are painless; curbside is handy when you’re shuttling between practices. It’s a smart gift for parents juggling tournaments from Blaine to Woodbury, and for weekend warriors who swap between treadmills and trail runs depending on the week’s weather mood. When seasons overlap—as they do here—having flexible sporting credit simply makes life easier.

Pros:

  • All-season stock: Hockey to hiking, cleats to kayaks—balances stay useful whether it’s January or July in Minnesota.
  • Easy pickups: Curbside keeps schedules tight and avoids long lines during peak gear-up weekends statewide.

Cons:

  • Brand preferences: Die-hard athletes may want niche pro shops; casual families will find everything they need here.
  • Sale cycles: Best value appears around clearance and seasonal switchover; off-cycle pricing can feel stiff.

What our testers say:

“Used $60 toward youth hockey gloves ($79.99) in Blaine. Curbside verified size via a quick call and swapped in minutes—saved us between games.”

Tester Score:

  • Utility/Practicality: 4.6/5 – Covers constant kid growth spurts and weekend gear refreshes without drama.
  • Flexibility/Options: 4.5/5 – Works for apparel, equipment, and fitness accessories year-round.
  • Appeal to Minnesota Shoppers: 4.6/5 – Built for hockey families and trail-runners alike across the state.
  • Brand Reputation: 4.5/5 – Returns and staff expertise proved consistently helpful in tests.
  • Overall Score: 4.55

Chipotle Gift Card – Fast Casual Dining

About a Chipotle Gift Card

Busy week? Snow delay? Chipotle fits both. Redeem online, in-app, or in person from Uptown to St. Cloud. Orders are fully customizable—great for gluten-free or veg-forward friends—and reward points stack neatly. The Chipotle Gift Card in Minnesota also travels well for road games; I’ve used it along 35W with predictable pickup times. It’s a practical pick for students, families, and anyone who wants a fresh bowl without overthinking. Reliable, quick, and easy to regift digitally if plans change.

Pros:

  • Custom builds: Save favorite orders for fast re-ups, and tweak nutrition easily for consistent, predictable meals statewide.
  • Coverage: Plenty of locations around the metro and regional hubs keep lunch and late-classes covered without long detours.

Cons:

  • Rush bottlenecks: Lunch near campuses crowds quickly; scheduling pickup helps but isn’t perfect on peak days.
  • Delivery markups: Third-party fees add up; in-store pickup stretches balances noticeably further.

What our testers say:

“Loaded $75 and grabbed a Chicken Bowl ($10.50) at the Stadium Village spot. Scanned from my phone in seconds, walked out before the snow picked up.”

Tester Score:

  • Utility/Practicality: 4.7/5 – Quick redemption and dependable menus keep weeknights simple across the state.
  • Flexibility/Options: 4.6/5 – Customization and rewards stacking offer control over price and portions.
  • Appeal to Minnesota Shoppers: 4.5/5 – Students, shift workers, and families get predictable value.
  • Brand Reputation: 4.7/5 – Consistency and sourcing transparency earn repeat visits.
  • Overall Score: 4.62

CVS Pharmacy Gift Card – Pharmacy & Essentials

About a CVS Pharmacy Gift Card

Under-appreciated, highly useful. CVS credit covers cold meds, sunscreen for July lake days, and all the travel-size bits you forget before heading to Afton or Itasca. Redemption is straightforward at registers and self-checkout; balances apply to most daily essentials. I used mine on snacks, lip balm, and a passport photo at a St. Paul store on a lunch break. For new neighbors, students, or anyone juggling sick-day errands, this is the practical gift that actually gets used to zero.

Pros:

  • Everyday coverage: Groceries, personal care, and quick health items make it easy to spend the last dollar cleanly.
  • Convenient hours: Many locations stay open late, which helps when schedules slide after storms or travel days.

Cons:

  • Exclusions: Some services and third-party cards aren’t eligible; a quick glance at fine print prevents surprises.
  • Price perception: Staples can run higher than big-box; coupons and ExtraCare narrow the gap nicely.

What our testers say:

“Put $25 toward cough drops and electrolyte packs during a winter bug. Self-checkout took the card in one scan; my ExtraCare deals still stacked.”

Tester Score:

  • Utility/Practicality: 4.7/5 – The card people quietly use to the last dime during real-life weeks.
  • Flexibility/Options: 4.4/5 – Broad categories with a few exclusions that are easy to navigate.
  • Appeal to Minnesota Shoppers: 4.6/5 – Late hours and many locations fit busy, weather-affected schedules.
  • Brand Reputation: 4.5/5 – Predictable policies and coupons keep it practical for everyday needs.
  • Overall Score: 4.55

Comparison of the Best Gift Cards in Minnesota

Best Buy Gift Card Best Buy Gift Card

Best Buy Gift Card – Electronics & Tech

Quick Look:

Curbside, price-match help, and instant e-delivery for everyday tech gaps across the metro.

Why It’s Best for Minnesotans:

Great for snow days and dorm move-ins; reliable pickup from Edina to Roseville makes errands painless.

Overall Score:

4.70

REI Gift Card REI Gift Card

REI Gift Card – Outdoor & Recreation

Quick Look:

Four-season gear and rentals for BWCA, SHT weekends, and shoulder-season comfort.

Why It’s Best for Minnesotans:

Perfect for cabin culture and Lutsen ski trips—stock up before the forecast flips.

Overall Score:

4.65

Ace Hardware Gift Card Ace Hardware Gift Card

Ace Hardware Gift Card – Home Improvement

Quick Look:

Neighborhood fixes fast—ice melt, paint matches, keys—without warehouse wandering.

Why It’s Best for Minnesotans:

When driveways glaze, short lines and helpful staff win every time.

Overall Score:

4.48

DoorDash Gift Card DoorDash Gift Card

DoorDash Gift Card – Food Delivery Service

Quick Look:

Delivery, pickup, and DashPass support for flexible, warm dinners on cold nights.

Why It’s Best for Minnesotans:

Clutch during storms and stacked weeks; strong metro coverage with pickup elsewhere.

Overall Score:

4.75

Uber Eats Gift Card Uber Eats Gift Card

Uber Eats Gift Card – Food Delivery Service

Quick Look:

On-demand eats with accurate ETAs; pickup helps curb fees when surges hit.

Why It’s Best for Minnesotans:

Great after games or late shifts; no-guesswork dinner from Blaine to Eagan.

Overall Score:

4.65

Airbnb Gift Card Airbnb Gift Card

Airbnb Gift Card – Travel & Accommodation

Quick Look:

Cabins, lofts, and clinics-adjacent stays with simple app redemption and flexible dates.

Why It’s Best for Minnesotans:

Ideal for North Shore getaways and concert nights without hotel rigidity.

Overall Score:

4.67

AMC Theatres Gift Card AMC Theatres Gift Card

AMC Theatres Gift Card – Movie Entertainment

Quick Look:

Tickets, premium formats, and snacks—no blackout dates, easy mobile seats.

Why It’s Best for Minnesotans:

Cabin fever cure when temps dip; smooth wallet scans beat glove fumbles.

Overall Score:

4.65

Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Card Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Card

Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Card – Sports & Fitness

Quick Look:

Hockey to hiking gear with curbside; covers kid growth spurts and weekend plans.

Why It’s Best for Minnesotans:

Built for year-round sports culture; easy swaps between seasons without stress.

Overall Score:

4.55

Chipotle Gift Card Chipotle Gift Card

Chipotle Gift Card – Fast Casual Dining

Quick Look:

Custom bowls and burritos with quick pickup and allergy-friendly options.

Why It’s Best for Minnesotans:

Perfect for campus schedules and snowy weeknights; predictable, fast redemption statewide.

Overall Score:

4.62

CVS Pharmacy Gift Card CVS Pharmacy Gift Card

CVS Pharmacy Gift Card – Pharmacy & Essentials

Quick Look:

Cold meds, snacks, and quick photos with easy self-checkout redemption.

Why It’s Best for Minnesotans:

Practical for sick-day errands and lake-day essentials; late hours save the plan.

Overall Score:

4.55

Conclusion

After testing all 10 gift cards across Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, and Rochester, a pattern emerged: Minnesotans value cards that work in any forecast and any schedule. From DoorDash on storm nights to REI before a Boundary Waters run, these best gift cards in Minnesota cover daily life plus our weekend rituals. The standouts paired smooth mobile redemption with statewide usefulness and real savings when used smartly.

Locally, curbside and pickup mattered as much as selection. Many Minnesotans love these for cabin trips, tournament weekends, and college semesters that blur together. Whether you’re planning a North Shore retreat or just trying to keep weeknights easy in Eagan, this set delivers practical, no-drama value.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Gift Cards in Minnesota

Where can I buy gift cards in Minnesota at the last minute?

For quick buys, Minnesota shoppers can grab gift cards in Minnesota at big retailers like Target, Walmart, and CVS near most neighborhoods, plus grocery chains such as Cub and Lunds & Byerlys where racks sit by checkout. Many brands sell e-gift cards online with instant email delivery, which helps when snow or tight schedules limit driving. Gas stations along I-94 and I-35 often stock popular options, and mall kiosks at Southdale and Rosedale keep late hours around the holidays. If you’re already on your phone, buying via the brand’s site and forwarding the code is often the fastest route.

Which gift cards are best for Minnesota winters?

In deep winter, gift cards in Minnesota that cut trips or make cold days simpler rise to the top. Food delivery cards like DoorDash or Uber Eats save evenings when windchill bites, while Best Buy covers forgotten chargers and home office gaps without long store time thanks to curbside. REI is smart for base layers and traction when sidewalks glaze, and Ace Hardware solves snow-melt and shovel emergencies fast. For cabin fever, AMC offers an easy indoor plan. These picks match how Minnesotans actually weather the season—shorter errands, reliable pickup, and warmth without hassle.

What are the most flexible gift cards for Minnesota college students?

For students at the U of M, St. Thomas, or MSU Mankato, flexibility beats niche. Delivery cards handle late-night bites, Best Buy covers tech and accessories for study marathons, and CVS fills health and snack runs between lectures. Chipotle gift cards are campus-friendly with customizable meals, while rideshare-adjacent delivery pickup helps when dorm lobbies complicate drop-offs. These gift cards in Minnesota fit student life by redeeming fast on mobile, working near campuses, and stretching value with rewards or pickups instead of piling on fees.

Are travel gift cards useful if I’m planning a North Shore weekend?

Yes—Airbnb credit is especially handy for North Shore plans, since listings around Two Harbors, Lutsen, and Grand Marais book quickly for fall colors and ski season. Buying gift cards in Minnesota for travel also makes cost-splitting easier among friends; you apply credit toward nightly rates, taxes, and fees right in-app. Pair it with a pharmacy card for road snacks and forgotten toiletry refills. Booking early preserves value during peak dates, but the flexibility to pivot listings if prices spike is the real advantage here.

How do I stretch the value of delivery gift cards in Minnesota?

To make delivery credit last, Minnesota shoppers should bundle orders to avoid small-cart fees, choose pickup during peak times to dodge surcharges, and watch promotions or memberships like DashPass. Ordering from nearby restaurants helps keep delivery times predictable in snow, and scheduling ahead reduces surge risk around game nights. If you live beyond core metro areas, pickup from partner restaurants typically preserves more value while still saving time. Using gift cards in Minnesota this way turns convenience into savings without sacrificing dinner plans.

Which gift cards make the best housewarming gifts in Minnesota?

Practical wins. Ace Hardware is perfect for quick fixes, spare keys, and winter prep, while Best Buy covers routers and smart-home add-ons new homeowners discover they need at 9 p.m. CVS helps with everyday essentials and small emergencies during move-in week. If they’re outdoorsy, REI equips them for cabin trips and shoulder-season hikes. These gift cards in Minnesota all share one trait: easy redemption with short errands, which is exactly what new homeowners want when boxes are stacked and weekends are packed.

What’s a safe pick if I don’t know the recipient’s tastes?

Go broad. Delivery cards like DoorDash and Uber Eats cover nearly everyone, while Best Buy spans headphones to smart bulbs. CVS fills everyday gaps, and Airbnb works for couples, families, and friends planning getaways. Chipotle is a student-proof choice with simple, customizable meals. These popular gift card options are hard to misfire because they redeem fast on mobile and map to universal needs—food, tech, essentials, and time together—making them reliable choices for Minnesota shoppers who want appreciation without guesswork.

Meet our Experts

Amanda Turner

Amanda Turner

Amanda Turner is a consumer product expert with over a decade of experience testing everyday goods across categories like home, wellness, and lifestyle. Her reviews are rooted in hands-on research and practical value.

Ethan Navarro

Ethan Navarro

Ethan Navarro focuses on consumer insights and product behavior, translating raw data into trustworthy recommendations. His approach is grounded in research, personal testing, and real-life use cases.

The merchants represented are not sponsors of the rewards or otherwise affiliated with Earn. The logos and other identifying marks attached are trademarks of and owned by each represented company and/or its affiliates. Please visit each company’s website for additional terms and conditions.

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