Skip the stocking stuffers this year and gift these iPhone and Android apps instead
Mobile apps might seem like the easy way out of gift giving, as minimal work is required on your end. But when you put some thought into selecting the right one of a sea of hundreds of thousands, we think it's just as well. And of course, giving a mobile app couldn't be more convenient when you're in a last minute pinch. You'll find a little something for everyone here with our top app gifting picks for iPhone and Android.
Barefoot World Atlas (iOS) $4.99
Anyone equipped with an Apple device and a bad case of wanderlust can temporarily sate that nagging travel itch with Barefoot World Atlas. To be clear, the app was designed with the little ones in mind, but we think it's fun for all ages. The 3D globe features vibrantly animated icons which, when touched, offer a short description of the respective location, along with photos. The app also offers an audio function, which will read the description aloud to your tiny tots.
WolframAlpha (iOS; Android) $3.99
It can be tough picking out the perfect gift for the mega-geek in your life. Rest assured, this one will do the trick. Think of WolframAlpha as an intensely smart search engine. Users can ask specific questions on a variety of topics and receive direct answers. But not just your regular old run of the mill responses, these ones are based on 25 years of expertise, using algorithms and data to churn out the most accurate answer to your inquires.
Alien Blue (iPad) $3.99
This is another one for the nerds in your life. Redditors will rejoice in the site's Alien Blue app for iPad, which is optimized for the tablet's slick retina display. The app is even a win with those who've never tried Reddit's site (so pick up a copy for yourself while you're at it, if you haven't already). It's super clean interface makes for a smooth experience that's even more addictive than the browser version.
Omnifocus (iPhone) $19.99
Omnifocus is the ultimate list-making app (it'd better be for the steep tag, right?). We promise that your obsessive-compulsive pals will delight in its efficiency. On the flip side, it's also a nice app to gift for the friend who is consistently late for everything. It can be a little overwhelming for those who like to keep things simple, as it offers a seemingly never ending list of options, but that tends to be a favorite feature with the organizational-obsessed.
Thomas & Friends: Engine Activities (iOS) $3.99
Have a toddler boy or a nephew in your life? Gift 'em this no frills Thomas the Train app. It's absurdly easy to navigate, even for the tiniest of tots and offers a handful of entertaining activities. Kids can choose from matching games, puzzles and coloring pages. Each activity lets them choose between an "easy" or "hard" level of difficulty. And when they've completed an entire task, they'll get to view a short animated clip.
Spotify (iOS; Android) Subscription prices vary
The app itself is totally free, and folks who download it can also listen at no cost. Of course, that does come with a pesky price of its own; having to deal with incessant commercial interruptions. Do right by the music lovers in your life and gift 'em a subscription to Spotify's Premium service, which allows them to listen to their favorite tracks anytime, anywhere without a single abrasive ad. A full service subscriptions is just $10 per month, and you can link it straight to your credit card. Or, if you want to take a cheaper one-time route, Spotify gift cards are also available in $10, $30 and $60 increments.
Star Walk (iPad) $2.99
Aspiring astronomers and pretty much anyone that's ever enjoyed star-gazing should be equipped with this augmented reality app. Available for both Apple's iPhone and iPad, Star Walk lets its users point the device's camera at a particular point of interest and then puts up an overlay of data to track stars and constellations.