APP-Y HOLIDAYS: A number of cheap and free smartphone apps can ease holiday shopping, and some can even make it more fun.
SOME WINNERS: Price Check by Amazon and RedLaser (free, available for iPhone and Android) make it easy to search for the best prices on items by typing in a product’s name or scanning a barcode.
—Shopkick (free, available for iPhone and Android) makes shopping like a game by giving you points when you visit local stores. They can be redeemed for rewards like gift certificates.
—Gift Plan ($2.99, available for iPhone) simplifies the process of making gift lists and helps you keep track of gift-giving occasions.