Apps to Manage Your Holiday Gift Lists
By Tracey Dowdy
My Christmas gift list is scattered throughout text messages, scribbled on the dry erase board in my office, on a barely legible list under the Eiffel Tower magnet on my fridge, and on a Post-It in my wallet. Hardly the most efficient system for someone who’s never met a list they didn’t like. My goal this weekend is to collate all those bits and pieces into one cohesive list.
If you’re in the same boat, these apps can help you get everything into one easy to access list.
Santa’s Bag allows users to create a list of what each recipient wants, how many gifts you’ve purchased for them, manage your budget, and track whether or not you’ve wrapped the gift. You can email, print or save customizable Planning Lists and Shopping Lists, add gift ideas, links to items, lists of favorite stores, and preferences for each recipient, as well as photos and notes for each gift.
(Free – iOS)
Giftster web and mobile gift registry “Gets Gifts Right Every Time.” It’s perfect if you’re managing lists for distinct groups like family, friends, and coworkers and once you’ve registered and set up, the lists can be left in place so gift ideas carry over to make shopping for birthdays and other special occasions simpler. Giftster allows you to create lists for those you’re buying for or ask them to join and create their own so you can see what they want and then buy it with a single click. There’s even a Secret Santa feature.
(Free – iOS/Android)
Christmas Gift List makes tracking wish lists and past presents easy since it archives your list to remind you of your recipients favorite items. The app is secure with password-protection to keep so no one but you can sneak a peek at the list. Available in multiple currencies and languages, it’s easy to track purchases and budget if you’re traveling abroad. You can send lists via email, Twitter or Evernote, each gift idea or purchase can include a picture, a personalized note, and a link, and you can track how much money you’ve spent so far from your total budget.
(Free –Android)
Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.
