Holidays. Sure, they’re fun, but let’s be honest: They’re also stressful. Technology is ready to make your celebratory seasons a little easier. Here are four smartphone apps that do away with chaos and bring on
Ibotta
Trying to fill the kids’ Easter baskets? Just want some sparklers for the Fourth of July? Shopping for holiday gifts? Ibotta can help.
Here’s how it works: First, go through the app to find offers on products (for instance, $0.75 on a certain brand of tortilla chips). Next, go shopping either in-store or online and purchase the products you selected (Ibotta supports 280 stores). Finally, take a photo of your receipt and Ibotta will deposit cash back into your bank account. Ibotta lets you earn cash back on grocery items, apparel, cosmetics, and more. Saving while you shop equals one more reason to celebrate holidays.
Kitchen Stories
Most holidays involve food. Lots of it. Kitchen Stories has recipes and high-quality videos helpfully divided into categories providing provide step-by-step instructions anybody can follow, from experienced chefs to amateurs.
The free app takes the stress out of prep, too, by creating grocery lists, planning big meals and determining the necessary cooking techniques required. On tap, too, a timer and measurement converter.
Moshi Twilight
Holidays requiring travel can throw off kids’ sleep schedules like nothing else. That’s where the Moshi Twilight app comes in. According to the UK-based website Heart, 70 percent of parents who reviewed the app said their kids fell asleep 20 minutes faster when using Moshi Twilight.
The app is packed with soothing audio, bedtime stories and calm music designed to help kids slip into dreamland. The relaxing tone of the app helps kids “turn off” their brains for the evening and go to sleep faster, which means everyone will be ready for another day of vacation celebration in the morning.
TouchNote
Many holidays involve communication – the paper kind. This can range from invitations to thank-you notes. TouchNote is the perfect way to stay on top of holiday missives.
The idea behind TouchNote is simple. Choose a template and add a message, complete with photos if preferred. Fill in an address and the app prints and mails the card for you. No post office visit necessary.
The app itself is free, but the cost of the cards will vary.
Sources:
Ibotta
TechCrunch
Kitchen Stories
Heart
Moshi Twilight
TouchNote