Christmas Apps for Your Phone or Tablet

Some years it is talking stuffed animals, others it has been indoor grills, but there is no question what the hottest gift of the season is going to be this year. The iPad II of course! Plenty of folks couldn't wait for Santa though, and went out and got an iPad for themselves, and just about everyone has one of those fancy smart phones these days. What better place to spread holiday cheer than with that high tech device?

Whether you’re looking for smart ways to entertain youngsters while you’re traveling,  could use some less expensive (yet fun) Christmas presents for children, or maybe you have some time to kill yourself, you will be able to find plenty of holiday cheer in the app store world. Here are a few of our favorites.

The Grinch Who Stole Christmas!

iPhone/iPad, $3.99; Samsung Galaxy Tab, $3.99

This Dr. Seuss classic comes to life in the “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” ebook. Choose from “Read to Me,” “Read it Myself” or “Auto Play” modes.

PopOut! The Night Before Christmas

iPhone/iPad, $4.99

This fully-interactive version of “The Night Before Christmas” is a virtual pop-out book with objects that jump off the virtual page. You can also touch objects to bring them to life. Choose from “Read to Me” or “Read it Myself” modes.

Santa Tracker

BlackBerry, $1.99

Write and send letters to Santa and track Santa as he flies around the world on Christmas Eve delivering toys. The map is fully zoomable and shows an accurate satellite map. Try 3-D Santa Tracker for iPhone (99 cents)

Super Dance Elf Christmas with Friends

iPhone, 99 cents

Take photos of family and friends and turn them into dancing Christmas elves. Playback the videos on your phone and share a snapshot with anyone or the video with others that have the app.

Xmas Frames

iPhone, 99 cents

Send loved ones a photo holiday greeting with their picture or their name incorporated into the photo. The name integration is especially slick.

iFinger

iPhone, free

Need help with your holiday wrapping? iFinger calculates the dimensions of the wrapping paper you’ll need based on the dimensions of the box you’re wrapping. The app then steps you through exactly how to wrap your present. Use your phone in place of a finger while wrapping.

Angry Birds Seasons

iPhone, 99 cents; iPad, $1.99; Android, free

If you haven’t already gotten hooked on Angry Birds, I apologize for introducing you to this highly addictive game. The premise is that pigs have stolen eggs from the birds and you have to shoot birds from a slingshot to knock down structures and knock out the pigs that are hiding inside. For the Seasons version of the game, a new level opens each day until Christmas, just like an advent calendar.

Holidays Wallpaper Collection

iPhone/iPad; free

Spruce up your phone with festive holiday wallpaper. There are 150 images to choose from including Christmas and Hanukkah. Try Christmas Wallpapers Volume 5 for Android phones (free).

radioPup

iPhone/iPad, free; Android, free

radioPup is a personalized radio app featuring 150+ local radio stations streaming the best music and news available. Covering many genres including holiday stations like Santa 94.3. Browse through all of the available stations by city, genre or recently played or have the app recommend stations to you based on your location. Favorite the songs or stations that you like best and share them with friends via Facebook, Twitter, SMS or email.

Epicurious Recipes and Shopping List

iPhone/iPad; free

From the famed website of the same name, Epicurious brings the best in seasonal recipes year round, but they really give it their all for Christmas. Currently featured categories include Christmas Cookies, Pies and Tarts, Christmas Dinners, Holiday Desserts, Christmas Cocktails, Edible Gifts, Holiday Sides, and Vegetarian Holiday fare.

Gift Plan

iPhone/iPad;$1.99

While it works for birthdays, anniversaries, and pretty much any special occasion, Gift Plan really shines over Christmas when everyone needs presents all at once. Just enter in who you have to buy for, include all-important metrics like your lady’s dress size or boss’ hobbies, add ideas as you get them, and then let Gift Plan do the heavy reminder lifting. And hey, if it’s too late and you missed a gift this year, whip out Gift Plan and add it in for next year. The app is cheap. Staying off the couch and out of the dog house is priceless.