It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and you know what that means – our annual gift guide! This year our holiday elves tinkered away for the ultimate list of app-enabled physical gifts, paid apps, and stocking stuffers (free apps with a physical gift suggestion) that is sure to please everyone on your list. We might even say there’s no need to check it twice 😉
App-solutely Perfect App-Supported Gifts
If you’re looking for a unique, tech-supported gift, the following app-enabled products are sure to keep everyone on your list feeling merry and bright!
Speaking of “merry and bright” . . . strip LEDs are SO 2020! Impress even the most on-trend interior designer and opt for one of the four Nanoleaf light options! These sleek LED panels come in different geometric shapes, can connect to a smart speaker and change colors to the rhythm of your music, and can even pair with your TV for a totally unique, immersive experience.
Price: $299.99
Compatibility: Smartphone, tablet, desktop
Wearables are all the rage in the health space, but what if the music and fashion lover in your life could take your wearable experience to the next level? Enter: Bose Frames Alto. These cool, angular sunglass frames pipe tunes, podcasts, and more through perfectly positioned speakers with the reliable Bose sound.
Price: $199.99
Compatibility: Smartphone, tablet
intelino J-1 Smart Train Starter Set
Choo-choo – all APP-board! The intelino J-1 Smart Train Starter Set is an interactive train set that teaches kids three and up how to develop STEM and coding skills. Through both a physical train set as well as a mobile app, this toy is sure to entertain your little one for hours.
Price: $119.95
Compatibility: Smartphone, tablet
Ember’s selection of smart mugs is sure to keep the coffee snob in your life sipping with a smile all day long! Their regular and travel mugs pair with Ember’s app to give users the ability to control the temperature of their beverage for nearly two hours or, if you spring for the connected coaster, all day!
Price: $99.95 & up
Compatibility: Smartphone, tablet
Whether you’re buying for a newbie in the kitchen or someone who consider themselves an amateur chef, the Yummly Smart Thermometer is a kitchen essential for everyone (unless they’re vegetarian/vegan, of course). Users pair the thermometer with the Yummly app to enter information about the food being prepared, indicated temperature preference, and the app takes care of the rest.
Price: $89.99
Compatibility: Smartphone, tablet
The Final Countdown: App-ealing Gifts for Last Minute Shoppers
Only a few hours to spare before your gift exchange? Download and deliver these subscription-based gifts in as little time as it takes to say “procrastination!”
Your horoscope says: buy this app for the astrology lover in your life. The CHANI app gives users an in-depth reading of their birth chart, real-time updates based on the individual’s personal astrology, meditations, journal prompts, and so much more! Even better, 5 percent of all app profits are disbursed directly to Black, Latinx, Native/Indigenous, Queer, and/or Trans survivors of gender-based violence.
Price: Free to download, but we recommend giving with the monthly or annual subscription
Compatibility: iPhone, iPad
HuntWise: A Better Hunting App
Know a sportsman that could use an edge up on the competition? Consider the HuntWise app! Users can view weather predictions, solunar calendars, GPS maps, and more. There’s even a community feature for hunters to log their hunts and talk shop.
Price: Free to download, but we recommend giving with the monthly or annual subscription
Compatibility: Smartphone, tablet
The Rebel Girls app is the perfect gift for the young person in your life who could use some inspiring herstory. Users are immersed in a whimsical universe filled with real-life fairy tales about popular figures like Frida Kahlo, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Ada Lovelace, Oprah Winfrey, and so many more. Whether you have a reader, listener, or doer, this app is sure to empower and inspire users of all abilities.
Price: Free to download, but we recommend giving with the monthly or annual subscription
Compatibility: Smartphone, tablet
Ready, Set, Run…FOR YOUR LIFE! The Zombies, Run! app is guaranteed to terrify and motivate the fitness fanatic in your life with a series of guided runs as if users were living through a zombie apocalypse. Users even can create their own customizable playlists through over 500 missions and sync with Apple Health.
Price: Free to download, but we recommend giving with the monthly or annual subscription
Compatibility: Smartphone
Color Noir: Coloring Art Games
Relax and empower the adult or kiddo in your life with the Color Noir app. This Black-owned app is an enthralling, colorful experience that can be customized based on level of ability, so whether you’re a tot just learning the ropes or an adult who just needs to unwind, this app is perfect for the creative loved ones in your life.
Price: Free to download, but we recommend giving with the monthly or annual subscription
Compatibility: Smartphone, tablet
BONUS: Budget App-roved Stocking Stuffers
Stuff your loved one’s app folder with these entertaining and thoughtful gifts. The best part – each of these apps is free, so we’ve paired it with an IRL gift recommendation, in case you want to spread a little extra holiday cheer!
Breathe in, breathe out. Give the gift of rest and relaxation with the Loóna app! Whether you’re buying for a new mom who could use some help catching up on some Zs or stuffing your own stocking, this app is sure to provide some R&R. The app helps users manage sleep by checking in throughout the day with relaxing playlists and immersive stories, then when bedtime rolls around, the app populates a recommended soundscape to lull users to sleep.
We suggest pairing this app with some lavender pillow spray and a sleep mask.
Price: Free with subscription option
Compatibility: Smartphone, tablet
This NASA-inspired app equips kids with the tools to morph into a virtual astronaut and launch their own space mission. Users can also watch videos of real astronauts in space! The best part – no in-app purchases available, so you don’t need to worry about surprise charges 😉
We suggest pairing this app with a space-themed LEGO kit.
Price: Free
Compatibility: Smartphone, tablet
For the beauty guru who has it all, YouCam is a must-download app that allows users to try on cosmetics before they buy! Users can also learn about the hottest beauty trends, shop countless products, and even livestream with makeup artists from all over the world.
We suggest pairing this app with a gift card to their favorite cosmetic retailer. (Hint: Sephora or Ulta.)
Price: Free with subscription option
Compatibility: Smartphone, tablet, watch