[DISCLAIMER: I’ve never partaken in the frenzy that is Black Friday, so it’s possible there’s something magical I’m missing…but I’ll take my chances.]
For many across the United States, Friday marks the quintessential day for deal hunting and holiday shopping. I, on the other hand, liken Black Friday to brick-and-mortar madness filled with crazed shoppers waiting hours in line for that one deal they can broadcast to their friends.
I’m confident that my preferred routine of sleeping in, heating up leftovers (i.e. the best part of Thanksgiving), and opting for fireside hibernation (perhaps, with a nice ebook 😉 ) is the most sensible post-turkey-eating-fest choice. So, I’ve compiled a list of reasons why kicking up your feet and opting for the home shopping option is best:
- For the mysophobe (germaphobe): no standing in frigid early morning queues of coughing, sniffling people
- For the nervous Nellie: you’ll be a lot safer (be it from pepper spray, uproar over underwear, or general brawling)
- For the quality snob: you’ll avoid deal traps and low quality goods at “steal” prices
- For those still in a food coma: you can do your holiday shopping from the comfort of your couch (read on for more)
- For the type-A planner: Cyber Monday is not far away
Now that you’re wholly convinced not to venture out for too-good-to-be-true deals, here’s a short guide to being the coolest (most nerdy?) gift giver around – Black Friday not included.
Why endure long lines for a clearance television or Barbie the computer engineer, when you can treat your loved ones to something far more interesting and innovative? Not only are app stores open 24/7, they are filled with fun and useful apps for everyone on your holiday gift list – from the “Don’t spend more than $10 Secret Santa” to your impossible-to-buy-for significant other. Here are some ideas:
- For the adventurer, Gaia GPS apps for iOS and Android go for $19.99 and allow the user to track hikes, hunts, 4×4 expeditions, and other outdoor adventures through GPS on topographical maps.
- For the creative, check out art apps like Paper and the coinciding Pencil stylus. While the popular sketching and design app is free to download, the stylus brings the experience to a new level and goes for $49.99-$59.99. Be sure to point the artists in your life to ACT Creative Director Lauren’s Life in Apps for more inspired apps.
- For the musically inclined, apps like Ultimate Guitar Tabs for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone are good options. App maker Smule also has a variety of free and inexpensive music apps ranging from I am T-Pain (yes, that’s right, your loved ones can sound just like the auto-tuned phenom, and just might be inspired to “Buy U a Drank”) to MadPad, which turns everyday sounds into percussive instruments. Also, have the music lovers in your life read Alex’s Life in Apps, which is filled with apps for musicians, super fans and casual listeners alike.
- For game-loving kids (and adults), the immensely popular Minecraft pocket edition for iOS and Android is only $6.99.
- For the younger crowd, ACT and Moms With Apps member Shimon Young makes the My PlayHome series of apps. My PlayHome School recently debuted as the #1 paid iPad app, and all of the apps are available for $2.99 or less.
- For the workaholics, a premium version of FullContact Card Reader is an excellent choice. Take a peek at last week’s blog about the app for more details. Another great option for the career-focused set is iAnnotate, which allows users to read, mark up and share documents on the go.
- For the TV guru, Slingplayer apps from Slingbox allow users to access their favorite programs and shows from anywhere. The apps are available for $14.99 for iOS, Windows Phone, Android, and Kindle / Amazon Fire.
- For the yogi, there are great apps like YogaStudio that go well with new yoga digs. Also, keep an eye out for SmartMat in 2015 (birthday present planning?).
So even if you do give the Black Friday insanity a go, expand your gift-giving horizons this holiday season and give the gift of an app.
And in the end (assuming you follow my advice), I guarantee you’ll be much happier in the warmth of your home later this week, especially if you share it with a furry friend like Mabel:
For many across the United States, Friday marks the quintessential day for deal hunting and holiday shopping. I, on the other hand, liken Black Friday to brick-and-mortar madness filled with crazed shoppers waiting hours in line for that one deal they can broadcast to their friends.
I’m confident that my preferred routine of sleeping in, heating up leftovers (i.e. the best part of Thanksgiving), and opting for fireside hibernation (perhaps, with a nice ebook 😉 ) is the most sensible post-turkey-eating-fest choice. So, I’ve compiled a list of reasons why kicking up your feet and opting for the home shopping option is best:
- For the mysophobe (germaphobe): no standing in frigid early morning queues of coughing, sniffling people
- For the nervous Nellie: you’ll be a lot safer (be it from pepper spray, uproar over underwear, or general brawling)
- For the quality snob: you’ll avoid deal traps and low quality goods at “steal” prices
- For those still in a food coma: you can do your holiday shopping from the comfort of your couch (read on for more)
- For the type-A planner: Cyber Monday is not far away
Now that you’re wholly convinced not to venture out for too-good-to-be-true deals, here’s a short guide to being the coolest (most nerdy?) gift giver around – Black Friday not included.
Why endure long lines for a clearance television or Barbie the computer engineer, when you can treat your loved ones to something far more interesting and innovative? Not only are app stores open 24/7, they are filled with fun and useful apps for everyone on your holiday gift list – from the “Don’t spend more than $10 Secret Santa” to your impossible-to-buy-for significant other. Here are some ideas:
- For the adventurer, Gaia GPS apps for iOS and Android go for $19.99 and allow the user to track hikes, hunts, 4×4 expeditions, and other outdoor adventures through GPS on topographical maps.
- For the creative, check out art apps like Paper and the coinciding Pencil stylus. While the popular sketching and design app is free to download, the stylus brings the experience to a new level and goes for $49.99-$59.99. Be sure to point the artists in your life to ACT Creative Director Lauren’s Life in Apps for more inspired apps.
- For the musically inclined, apps like Ultimate Guitar Tabs for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone are good options. App maker Smule also has a variety of free and inexpensive music apps ranging from I am T-Pain (yes, that’s right, your loved ones can sound just like the auto-tuned phenom, and just might be inspired to “Buy U a Drank”) to MadPad, which turns everyday sounds into percussive instruments. Also, have the music lovers in your life read Alex’s Life in Apps, which is filled with apps for musicians, super fans and casual listeners alike.
- For game-loving kids (and adults), the immensely popular Minecraft pocket edition for iOS and Android is only $6.99.
- For the younger crowd, ACT and Moms With Apps member Shimon Young makes the My PlayHome series of apps. My PlayHome School recently debuted as the #1 paid iPad app, and all of the apps are available for $2.99 or less.
- For the workaholics, a premium version of FullContact Card Reader is an excellent choice. Take a peek at last week’s blog about the app for more details. Another great option for the career-focused set is iAnnotate, which allows users to read, mark up and share documents on the go.
- For the TV guru, Slingplayer apps from Slingbox allow users to access their favorite programs and shows from anywhere. The apps are available for $14.99 for iOS, Windows Phone, Android, and Kindle / Amazon Fire.
- For the yogi, there are great apps like YogaStudio that go well with new yoga digs. Also, keep an eye out for SmartMat in 2015 (birthday present planning?).
So even if you do give the Black Friday insanity a go, expand your gift-giving horizons this holiday season and give the gift of an app.
And in the end (assuming you follow my advice), I guarantee you’ll be much happier in the warmth of your home later this week, especially if you share it with a furry friend like Mabel: