Apps For a Better Holiday Shopping Experience

If you are anything like me, you probably have a long list of things to do during the holidays. Between cooking and decorating, family gatherings and travel, who has time to check to see who’s been naughty or nice? Holiday shopping is what I dread most: the crowds, the expense, and schlepping from store to store just to fight for a parking spot.

It’s almost enough to make you forget your holiday cheer.

But this year I have a smartphone and I think I’m going to put it to good use this season. I’ve researched apps that will help make the holiday shopping experience go a little more smoothly; hopefully they’ll be some help to you too! And feel free to share any apps you’ve found to be helpful!

Get Organized

Gift List (iOS, Free)

Before hitting the stores, you need to make a list first! Gift List allows you to not only create a shopping list, it also allows you to track budgets, amount spent and cost for each person. As you shop, you can tick items off and view running totals of monetary levels and budget. Better Christmas List and Christmas List are other similar apps.

Giftmeister (Android, iOS, Free)

Having trouble thinking of the perfect gift to get that special someone? Giftmeister may be able to help. Just enter the age, gender, and lifestyle the person and it will generate gift ideas. Once you’ve chosen the ideal gift, you can even set up a price drop notification and be alerted when the item goes on sale. Gift Ideas is a similar app.

TGI Black Friday (Android, iOS, Free)

I don’t battle the crowds on Black Friday but if you are one of the brave ones that do, the TGI Black Friday app may help you manage the crowds and maneuver the sales. This app will tell you all the Black Friday deals weeks before they show up in your local paper, allows you to create a list and check items off as you go, and even allows you to compare prices at local stores and online so that you confirm you’re getting the best deal. You can plan your attack before everyone else! The Black Friday App is another similar app.

Save Money

ShopSavvy (Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Free)

Ever found the perfect gift but hesitate because you fear you could find it cheaper somewhere else? ShopSavvy solves this problem by scanning the barcode of the item and then letting you know if you can find a better price somewhere else. If you could get it cheaper online, you can buy it immediately. If the better price is at a store nearby, ShopSavvy will helpfully give you directions. Price Check by Amazon and Google Shopper are other similar apps that scan barcodes and compare prices for you.

Coupon Sherpa Mobile Coupons (Android, iOS, Free)

There are lots of deals to be had during the holidays but how can you keep track of all those coupons? Coupon apps like Coupon Sherpa gather the best deals available and keep them neat and tidy on your mobile device, Other coupon apps you may want to look into are Yowza!! Mobile Coupons and The Coupons App.

CardStar (Android, iOS, Blackberry, Free)

If you are like me, you are a member of a hundred reward programs, but you can only fit so many of those cards in your wallet or on your key chain! That’s where CardStar comes in. Use your camera to load in your card information and then just show your phone’s screen at checkout to get credit as a loyal customer. The Key Ring App is another similar app.

ShopKick (Android, iOS, Free)

If you are going to be doing your shopping offline, ShopKick rewards you with points you can redeem for giftcards by just walking into participating stores. Might be a good one to download before you hit the mall. Nothing better than saving money for just walking into a store!

Getting Around

FastMall (Android, iOS, Free)

Need to know where the nearest restrooms is right now? FastMall can help you easily navigate the Mall by telling you turn by turn where stores, restaurants, restrooms, elevators, and escalators can be found. It also helps you remember where your car is parked!

Carrr Matey (Droid, Free)

Nothing is worse than forgetting where you parked the car in a busy mall parking lot. Carrr Matey guides you back to your car with easy walking directions and even lets you know how much time is left on the parking meter.

GasBuddy (Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Blackberry, Free)

With all that driving around, you’re going to be burning up some gas. With one click, GasBuddy will let you know where the nearest gas stations are and what their current prices are.

What apps have you used that makes shopping a breeze?