10 Apps to Get You Through the Holiday Season

Courtesy of Erica Reitman
Eva Katalin Kondoros, iStock | Graphic By: Erica Reitman

Happy Holidays Friends,

Make holiday shopping, hosting and traveling much easier with these apps.

There's really no way to avoid it: the holiday season is stressful.

With all the gift shopping, parties and overnight guests it might start to feel like the walls are closing in. But whatever your struggles or challenges are over the next couple of weeks, chances are there is probably a smartphone app that can help you through them.

Here are some apps to help you and your family make it through the holiday season more organized, prepared, relaxed and happy. Scroll...and breathe.

1: Shopping Apps

Most retailers these days have a dedicated shopping app. If you're a big fan of a particular store or brand, definitely check the App Store to see if they have one. Plus, there are often extra deals if you download it.

Some top picks are:

Cartwheel by Target: It delivers specific coupons and in-store saving opportunities tailored just for you. Available for IOS and Android.

Amazon or Prime Now: This is key for all of your Amazon shopping. Available for IOS and Android.

Tradesy: This is ideal for gently used luxury clothing and accessories. Available for IOS and Android.

2: Flight Tracker

If you have out-of-town guests coming in on different days and at different times, this app is a great way to monitor their arrival and departure. You can avoid circling around at the airport and be there to pick up your family and friends right when they land. Available for IOS and Android.

3: Pandora Holiday Stations

If you’re a holiday music fan, then you need to make sure you have Pandora on your phone. It has so many incredible Christmas music stations, your head will spin. Stations like: '80s Christmas, Kids' Christmas, Smooth Jazz Christmas, Hipster Holidays and R&B Pop Holidays. There is even a Hanukkah music station. Available on IOS and Android.

4: TaskRabbit

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your to-do list during the holidays, TaskRabbit is the perfect solution. You can hire a "tasker" to help you with any number of things: gift-wrapping, picking up items (or returning them), housekeeping services or even putting furniture together. It’s a great option if you need an extra hand for an hour or two. Available on IOS and Android.

5: Headspace

When you need to take a moment to de-stress during the holidays, Headspace has guided meditations for you to listen to. It’s a great app for anyone who is new to meditation, and it offers many that are only 10 minutes long. Available on IOS and Android.

6: TeuxDeux

There are a lot of to-do apps available, but this one is my favorite because it's so simple. There aren’t a lot bells and whistles, but it’s a stylish, easy-to-use app that will keep track of all of your tasks during the busy holiday season. Available on IOS.

7: Parabo Press

Parabo Press allows you to take photos directly off your phone and have them turned into prints, cards or even posters. If you’re looking for an easy, no-fuss option for your holiday cards, this app is key. Available on IOS and Android.

8: Happy Cow

If you have guests in town who are vegans or vegetarians, this app is for you. You can search for restaurants in your area that offer vegan and vegetarian options, making those "where do you feel like eating tonight?" negotiations much easier. Available on IOS and Android.

9: Food Network In the Kitchen

If you’re entertaining this holiday season, you’ll definitely want this app at the ready. You can search through a giant recipe database from all of your favorite chefs, like Bobby Flay, Rachael Ray, Alton Brown and more. You can also save recipes by TV shows, and find anything you might have seen on one of your favorite shows. Available on IOS and Android.

10: Waze

With overscheduled days a common occurrence during the holidays, the last thing you want to do is to get stuck in traffic. Waze helps you avoid that by directing you to your destination based on the route that is fastest and free of gridlock. You can even choose from different voices to help you navigate, including some notable celebs. Available on IOS and Android.

Now, go start your stress-free holiday planning...

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Live well,
Yvonne