12 Christmas Apps for Caregivers - Part 1 - Organization + Ambiance

By Anna Hazard

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Part 2 - Holiday Games & Activities for Stress Relief

Introduction

Here are a selection of iOS and Android compatible apps that can be helpful for caregivers and other busy planners during the winter holiday season. The focus in this section is on smartphone compatible programs that will help with the various parts of organization & holiday planning (from automated gift lifts to Christmas specific recipe compendiums) as well as a few programs to help create a more festive ambiance on the user's own device.
 
All apps are free to use but many can be updated to a more premium version that removes all ads or unlocks more advanced features.

Apps

Christmas List App

• iOS | Android | Website (Free)
• The basic function of this app revolves around creating various photo wishlists while browsing online that are meant to be shared by friends & family. Wishlist items can be claimed by the users in order to avoid duplicate gifts. Includes notifications for new wishlist items & for when items go on sale as well as the ability to track budget, time spent, and overall gift buying progress.

Giftster

• iOS | Android | Website (Free)
• Functions as a smartphone & browser enabled gift registry where private or public groups can be set up amongst a circle of family & friends. Includes features such as a secret santa draw, reserving wishlist items (to avoid duplicate gifts), ranking gift suggestions, and auto-adding wishlist items using Fetch.

Christmas Recipes

• iOS (Free w/ in-app purchases) 
• Android (Free w/ ads & in-app purchases)
• A large compendium of traditional Christmas recipes including pictures, nutritional info, and simple step-by-step instructions as well as a shopping list function and the ability to favorite, share, and review recipes. Categories of food include appetizers/salads, main dishes, side dishes and a wide variety of desserts including candy & food meant as gifts. The basic app is free with a one-time fee for upgrading to a premium ad-free version.

Punchbowl : Invitations & Cards

• iOS | Android | Website (Free w/ in-app purchases)
• Send free greeting cards & party invitations on schedule via e-mail or text messaging while keeping track of RSVP replies in real time. Various themes and card styles available ranging from vintage & handmade to child-friendly (including holiday favorites such as Frozen & the Grinch). Paid monthly subscription available to access premium features such as polls, potluck lists, co-hosts for parties, the ability to upload custom photos, and more.

Christmas Ringtones 2019

• iOS | Android | Website (Free w/ ads)
• Hundreds of Christmas themed ringtones & notifications to customize your phone with a festive flair with such classics as Carol of the Bells, Deck the Halls, and much more. Includes multicultural holiday ringtones in various languages with daily updates. iOS version also comes with Christmas themed emoticons, emoji, and backgrounds for further use.

 Christmas Live 3D Wallpaper (Lite)

• iOS | Android | Website (Free w/ ads, premium version available)
• An interactive Christmas tree wallpaper with lights, snowfall, and 3D star. Set your phone in hologram mode for the full 3D perspective. Countdown mode with interactive fireworks, light beams, & Christmas carols available in iOS. Live version with tappable star & Christmas bells available on Android. An ad-free premium version with extra features such as color changing scenes is also available for a one time fee.