11 Mall Kiosks That Sold Weird Gadgets
These mall kiosks sold some of the strangest gadgets you never really needed but always had to check out.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Mall kiosks had a way of pulling you in with gadgets that seemed both unnecessary and irresistible. You probably passed them countless times, and sometimes, you gave in and bought something you barely used. These kiosks remind us of the quirky charm of shopping trips in their heyday.
1. Talking Keychain Stands
Mary O’Neill on Wikimedia Commons
These kiosks had racks of keychains that played sound effects or silly phrases at the press of a button. They were cheap impulse buys that always seemed fun in the moment. The sound usually wore out fast, but they were a mall classic.
2. Light-Up Phone Case Booths
Curlyrnd on Wikimedia Commons
Before smartphones took over, kiosks sold flashy cases with lights or moving glitter. They promised to make your phone stand out, even if they drained the battery. Shoppers couldn’t resist trying them out at least once.
3. Handheld Massage Gizmos
Lance Cpl. Melissa Lee on Wikimedia Commons
These little gadgets claimed to melt away stress with buzzing vibrations. Many were shaped like animals or futuristic pods to make them more eye-catching. They rarely worked as advertised, but the demos were fun to try.
4. Multi-Lens Sunglasses Racks
Ser Amantio di Nicolao on Wikimedia Commons
Some kiosks carried sunglasses with flip-up lenses or hidden compartments. They looked wild and impractical, but kids loved trying them on. You might have walked away with a pair you never wore outside the mall.
5. Remote-Control Mini Drones
Matheus Bertelli on Pexels
Long before drones were mainstream, kiosks showed off palm-sized versions buzzing over shoppers’ heads. They were hard to control but entertaining to watch crash into walls. Few people left without at least considering one.
6. Laser Pointer Displays
Pang Kakit on Wikimedia Commons
Laser pointers came in every color and often had quirky attachments to make star or animal shapes. Mall workers sometimes used them to lure people in with light shows. Parents weren’t thrilled when kids begged for them.
7. “As Seen on TV” Fitness Gadgets
Chuze Fitness on Wikimedia Commons
These kiosks were packed with ab rollers, resistance bands, and miracle toning devices. Demonstrators always made them look easy and effective. At home, they usually ended up under the bed collecting dust.
8. RC Car and Helicopter Booths
Hunini on Wikimedia Commons
Small remote-controlled cars and helicopters zipped around the mall floor, drawing a crowd. They were fun to watch but often overpriced for what you got. Still, kids begged for them during every trip.
9. Lava Lamp & Glow Gadget Stalls
Dean Hochman from Overland Park, Kansas, U.S. on Wikimedia Commons
Lava lamps, plasma balls, and glow sticks were favorites at certain kiosks. They promised to transform your bedroom into a neon wonderland. The novelty usually wore off once you set it up at home.
10. Weird Headphone Contraptions
User:Celestinesucess on Wikimedia Commons
Some stands sold headphones with bizarre designs, like animal ears or flashing lights. They were more about showing off than sound quality. Owning one guaranteed curious stares at school or the mall food court.
11. Dancing Robot Toys
Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels
Battery-powered robots that danced to music were kiosk showstoppers. They drew crowds by moving and singing in sync. They looked impressive at the mall, but at home they usually just drained batteries.