Silicon Valley is not just the heart of computer and technology invention. The area contains shopping opportunities for households on a variety of budgets. Whether short on time and on a mission to find a particular item, or leisurely browsing and taking in the atmosphere of Sunnyvale, there are well over a dozen malls and shopping centers to explore.

The Westgate Mall in San Jose contains a collection of stores for the budget conscious. Choose from Burlington Coat Factory, Old Navy, Payless Shoe Source, Ross or Target for family wardrobe needs. Crafters spend hours browsing in Michael’s and avid readers enjoy Barne’s and Noble. Get in shape at Curves or indulge in learning anything from hip-hop to ballroom dancing at the Dance Zone Studio. Students of all ages are welcome. Indulge in a massage after a long, tiring day at Tova Day Spa.

The Eastridge Center in San Jose is one of the largest malls in the Silicon Valley. The split-level indoor/outdoor mall contains over 100 popular name brand stores and eateries. Open and airy, the mall contains many unique light and water features in addition to foot pleasing carpeting on the second level. Eastridge also contains an AMC theatre. Customer’s amenities include auto jump-starts, family restrooms, postal services, safety escorts, stroller, and wheelchair rentals.

A widely renowned location has been in the business of helping families stretch dollars for half a century. The family friendly San Jose Flea Market is a city within itself. Considered a California landmark, the location attracts millions of visitors annually from all over the globe. Thousands of vendors occupy the open-air 40-acre site, containing roughly 8 miles of paths. A farmers market contains a quarter mile of fresh produce alone. Along with aisle upon aisle of bargains lie eateries and various playgrounds. The Fun Zone houses a wide array of playground equipment and kid’s rides including a Ferris wheel and an antique merry-go-round. The site is so large it has special street signs and 80 acres of parking.

The Great Mall in Milpitas provides a quality shopping experience at reasonable prices. Hundreds of stores carrying a myriad of products make this location a one-stop shopping center. Find fashions for the entire family or the latest video game. While shopping, enjoy a meal at the Outback Steakhouse or a treat from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Take the kids to the Bounce-a-Rama or play a round of Lunar Golf.

Westfield Valley Fair and the Westfield Oakridge shopping areas contain hundreds of stores and restaurants from Abercrombie & Fitch to Zale’s Jewelers, and numerous popular stores in between. Specialty boutiques to big name department stores carry a multitude of items whether looking for that unique gift or redecorating an entire room. Family lounges and the Play Space provide an opportunity for children to relax and enjoy a snack or run off restless energy. Expectant mother and valet parking are available to shoppers along with concierge and carry out services.

Gilroy Premium Outlets provides a diverse apparel shopping experience with stores ranging from Liz Claiborne and Ralph Lauren to the Gap and Banana Republic. Upgrade athletic equipment or wardrobe by visiting the Eddie Bauer Outlet, Addidas, or Nike stores. The mall contains over 140 retailers that also carry accessories and jewelry, home furnishings and specialty boutiques.

Santana Row shopping district includes a diverse blend of 70 stores, 20 restaurants, 9 salons and spas along with a CineArts theater. Stores and boutiques offer everything from accessories to wedding apparel. Designed with an atmosphere of old world charm, the location also features wonderfully landscaped parks and plazas. Shoppers find the practicality of The Container Store to the elegance of Burberry and Gucci. Visit the concierge services for gift cards, restaurant menus, store events and information or transportation assistance.

Envision strolling down a European street lined with quaint old buildings harboring window boxes containing flowers. This unique location greets visitors with water cascading down unique sculptures, the scent of flower gardens floating through the air, along with the aroma of fresh baked goods, gourmet coffees and international cuisine. This is the ambiance individuals experience when strolling through the Stanford Shopping Center. Over 100 world-class stores mixed with some popular favorites, provide a diverse shopping excursion. Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom lie beside the Gap, J Crew and Victoria’s Secret. Find organic produce and specialty cheeses at Sigona’s Farmers Market and delectable cuts of meat at Schaub’s fish, meat and poultry. Grab a burger at McDonald’s or enjoy fine dining at Max’s Opera Café.