The festive season is around the corner, and too many of us put off shopping for gifts, brave the mall when it’s packed to full capacity, vow to never do it again, and then just repeat the process the following year.
It’s a vicious cycle.
Fret not, though, we have found a few free apps that will make shopping easier this year – and a few more that will help you to avoid the malls altogether.
1. Secret Santa Tombola
If you find it difficult to think of gifts for your loved ones, Secret Santa Tombola is the app for you. It suggests thoughtful and original gift ideas that will make anyone happy. Download it on iOS.
2. No More Socks
Often you just need a bit of inspiration to get someone the perfect gift. No More Socks let you keep profiles of friends and family, which include past gift successes, gift ideas, likes and dislikes. It is available for iOS.
3. Santa’s Bag
This app helps to create order in the silly season. A built-in countdown to Christmas Day helps to instil a sense of urgency, while the app also helps you to keep track of gift ideas, and to allocate a budget and gifts. It’s free for iPhone and Android.
4. bidorbuy
If a friend mentioned something to you months, or even years ago, and you want to make sure they know you listened, but the item isn’t available at retailers anymore, give bidorbuy a shot. This site is truly a treasure trove of gifts, and because you can bid on many items, you’ll probably get away with a few cheaper purchases. Download the app for your Android or iOS device.
5. Takealot
Shopping malls are gruelling places to be this time of year. Do your shopping online and avoid the rush with the Takealot app for Android or iOS.
6. Amazon
Amazon is the second largest online retailer in the world, which means the gift options here are almost endless. You can also give Kindle e-books to friends as gifts by using the Amazon app for Android or iOS.