Best Holiday Apps to Gift

GAMES

Plants vs Zombies
iOS, $3
Android, $3
Plants vs Zombies is probably one of the most compelling app purchases out there. It offers nearly as much content as the PC version, but at a fraction of the price. iOS also features an HD version for the retina-equipped iPad.

Osmos HD
iOS, $3
Android, $3
If you took Katamari Damacy, calmed things down a bit, and added a mellow music score, you’d have the basic idea behind Osmos.

Minecraft - Pocket Edition
iOS, $7
Android, $7
Know a Minecraft addict? The holidays are a time for indulgence, so you might as well feed their addiction by giving them Minecraft Pocket Edition so that they can build their blocky masterpieces on the go.

Grand Theft Auto III
iOS, $5
Android, $5
Arguably the best Grand Theft Auto installment since the series embraced the 3D viewpoint, GTA III is available on mobile devices. iOS users also have the option of grabbing Vice City.

SHADOWGUN
iOS, $5
Android, $5
There has been a lot of talk lately about how smartphones and tablets are beginning to rival consoles in graphics performance. SHADOWGUN is one of the first games to put some truth behind those claims.

Max Payne Mobile
iOS, $3
Android, $3
If you remember how difficult the original Max Payne was, you can probably imagine what a nightmare a mobile version would be; however, it happens to be extremely well-done.

N.O.V.A. 3
iOS, $7
Android, $7
If you were to take HALO, cross it with Crysis, and then throw it into the mobile arena, you’d have something that would resemble N.O.V.A 3.

Rayman Jungle Run
iOS, $3
Android, $3
The Rayman series has seen a bit of a revival recently, so it’s not surprising to see a mobile version crop up. Rayman Jungle Run does an amazing job of capturing the feel of the original.

Granny Smith
iOS, $2
Android, $2
Granny Smith is a delightfully quirky platformer in which you play as a surprisingly acrobatic elderly woman trying to chase down a would-be apple thief.

World of Goo
iOS, $5
Android, $5
Even though the popular building sim debuted on the PC, World of Goo is perfect for a touch screen.

Angry Birds Star Wars HD
iOS, $3
Android, $3
You’ve probably heard of Angry Birds, considering it’s basically the most popular mobile game ever, but this is the Star Wars version!

Need for Speed Most Wanted
iOS, $7
Android, $7
For anyone who loves a bit of racing on their mobile phone, Need for Speed Most Wanted is definitely one of the best choices out there.

Asphalt 7: Heat
iOS, $1
Android, $1
If Need For Speed’s price tag seems like a bit much for an app, Asphalt 7 makes for an excellent alternative.

MULTIMEDIA

Camera+
iOS, $1
The iPhone’s default camera app can be a bit lackluster sometimes. Camera+ is basically a must-have app for anyone who likes using their iPhone for photos. Not only does it add a handful of great features that the default camera should have had in the first place, but it does it extremely well. The app is very polished. You might even think Apple made it itself.

Camera Zoom FX
Android, $3
Camera Zoom FX is essentially the Android equivalent of iOS’ Camera+. Like iOS, many Android devices don’t include many features in their default camera app. Camera Zoom FX gives you a few more shooting options as well as a solid editing suite for some fancy post processing effects.

Photoshop Touch
iOS, $10
Android, $10
Let’s face it, tablets and smartphones aren’t exactly the best devices to use for editing photographs, but sometimes you don’t have much choice.

SoundHound Infinite
iOS, $7
Android, $6
SoundHound is one of those apps that you probably never knew you needed. It has the uncanny ability to identify nearly any song, just by listening to a few seconds of the music.

Netflix
iOS, Free
Android, Free
Yes, the Netflix app is free, so it might not make a lot of sense to give it as a gift; however, the Netflix account is where the value lies.

APPS FOR DAD

Weber’s On The Grill
iOS, $5
Android, $5
For the dad (or anyone) who loves to barbeque, Weber’s On The Grill makes for an excellent grilling assistant.

GolfCard Pro
iOS, $30
Android, $30
It may be a bit on the pricey side, compared to most premium apps, but GolfCard Pro is basically like a caddy on steroids (except it won’t actually carry your clubs). With features like course maps and even a GPS rangefinder.

Geocaching
iOS, $10
Android, $10
Technology doesn’t always mix well with dads who prefer the outdoors - that is, until they discover Geocaching. A Geocache is basically a little treasure box someone has left out in the wilderness.

Fitness Buddy 1700
iOS, $1
Android, $1
For the dad who likes to frequent the gym, Fitness Buddy 1700 is a great companion.

APPS FOR MOM

Simply Yoga
iOS, $3
The name kind of says it all. Simply Yoga features several simply daily yoga routines that are great for beginners and those of slightly more advanced skill level.

Pocket Yoga
Android, $3
Although Android doesn’t feature Simply Yoga, it does have what is essentially the same thing, Pocket Yoga. Fit for beginner to advanced users, Pocket Yoga features a handful of routines and techniques.

The Photo Cookbook
iOS, $4
The Photo Cookbook is probably one of the absolute best cookbook apps on the market. Its recipe database may not be as diverse as some of the other cookbook apps out there, but its wonderfully kitchen-optimized interface more than makes up for it. Keep an iPad in the kitchen and get mom the entire Photo Cookbook set.

PLATFORM EXCLUSIVES

Some of the best app gifts out there are actually exclusive to either Android or iOS and don’t really feature worthwhile alternatives on their rival platforms.

KitCam
iOS, $2
KitCam is somewhat similar to Camera+, except that it offers live video filters in addition to the photo filters. Any smartphone videographer with a hint of artistic flare absolutely needs this app.

SwitfKey 3 Keybaord
Android, $4
SwiftKey is constantly hailed as the best keyboard on the Android market. It has a very long list of features, such as swipeable typing, eerily accurate predictive text, and user customizable themes. Anyone who has ever complained about their Android’s keyboard needs to give SwitfKey a try.

Beautiful Widgets
Android, $2.69
One of the wonderful things about Android is the ability to customize its look with widgets. If you’ve ever seen an Android device with some stunning looking clock or weather widget on the homescreen, it was probably Beautiful Widgets.

Poweramp Full
Android, $2.49
Unlike the iPhone with iTunes, Android didn’t have much to offer in terms of music playback and acquisition. It wasn’t until the recent launch of Google’s Play Music service that Android default options started becoming useful. However, Poweramp is still awesome.

MISCELLANEOUS (SOCIAL, PRODUCTIVITY, AND UTILITY)

WhatsApp Messenger
iOS, $1
Android, Free
WhatsApp Messenger lets you send text messages and even call up your buddies for free...with a slight catch. WhatsApp is really only useful if the buddy you’re trying to get a hold of has it too.

Mixologist
iOS, $1
Android, $1.50
Sometimes the key to throwing a great party is knowing how to make the best drinks. If you have a friend who likes to entertain, pay him back by giving him the ultimate bar tender’s guide, Mixologist.

Documents to Go
iOS, $16.99
Android, $14.95
Smartphones and tablets don’t always make the best productivity tools, but it’s still nice to have the option of editing a spreadsheet or PowerPoint presentation while on the go.

Calcul8
iOS, $1
If you thought the calculator app that came preinstalled on the iPhone (aka Siri), was more than enough to handle your mathematical needs, you probably haven’t tried Calcul8. It handles basic math just like any other calculator, but it also has functions built in for things like exchanging currency, calculating a tip, splitting a check, and basic finance.

RealCalc Plus
Android, $3.49
Unlike Calcul8, Real Calc Plus focuses providing support for as many mathematical functions as possible. It has no idea what the exchange rates in Europe might be like at any given moment, but it definitely knows that eiπ is -1.