With the holidays sneaking up on us, it’s time to start thinking gifts.

Whether you’re shopping for parents, siblings, significant others, or friends, we have found the best apps for ideas, organization, and saving. So instead of fighting for the last on-sale sweater, whip out your phone and see how these apps can help you manage this holiday season.

Idea Apps

El Gifto 

This app lets you select people from your contacts, then define your relationship to them, and input the occasion and their personality information. It also lets you set a budget so you don’t overspend. The perfect gift for your sister’s boyfriend’s birthday is just a touch away. 

Check it out on the App Store.

Fancy

In Fancy, you can favorite items you like, browse curated lists for ideas, and buy items on the app itself. It also has a sale section, and who doesn’t love a good sale? 

Check it out on the App Store.

Organization Apps

Santa’s Bag

Santa’s Bag offers budget upkeep, lists for who you’re buying for, and a way to track packages if they have been bought, wrapped, and delivered. 

Check it out on the App Store.

Giftster

This app is basically a holiday registry that you can share with family and friends. Everyone has been in that awkward spot where you don’t know what to get someone, so you just go with the basic Target gift card. Giftster helps by giving ideas so you can get your loved ones exactly what they want.

Check it out on the App Store.

Saving Apps

Shopular 

This app lets you pick your favorite stores, then gathers new deals from those stores daily. Once it’s gathered deals, it will notify you when you walk into the store of the coupons you have, which is nice for those who always forget. Their coupons are redeemable on your phone, so no need to print (#SaveTheTrees!)

Check it out on the App Store.

Paribus 

Paribus needs access to your email, but once it does, it scans for coupons and deals from items you have already bought. If the price drops on these, Paribus then contacts the company and can get you a refund for the difference in how much you paid. This only works with companies that have price-match guarantees, but many companies do. So as long as you don’t mind Paribus having access to your email, then it is a great way to save. 

Check it out on the App Store.

ShopSavvy 

This app lets you scan the barcode of the item you are looking to buy, then checks for the best deal on that item. If the store you are at has a price-match guarantee, you can show them the app and price and ask for that price. I like this because sometimes I’m looking for something really specific for gifts that isn’t at a store I normally shop at, so I can still save even though I don’t have coupons.

Check it out on the App Store.

Now that you’re armed with the best apps out there for the holiday season (or any gift occasion), get out there are get to shopping! Don’t forget, it’s not always about the gift itself, but the thought behind it. 

As always, 

Be well, Auburn.

 Photography by Grace H.