So maybe you didn't have as much time as you thought you would (a.k.a. it was just too frigid out) to finish up your holiday shopping on time. Or maybe you were thrown a last-minute invite to a seasonal shindig and are clueless as to what the host and hostess would want (besides a hearty merlot, anyway.)
Point being, getting gifts for people is tough. It's hard to tell what's the right amount of cash to spend, and where and on what brands to spend it. And when you have nasty weather to contend with, that's a whole different story.
Well, have no fear. We're borrowing a play from the big man with the sleigh this season and giving you three apps to help guide your last minute gifting.
CashStar
If you have yet to start your shopping this season, (A) shame on you, and (B) this Portland, ME-based digital gift card provider might very well be your new best friend. Think of CashStar as your e-elf. The company partners with major retailers like Home Depot, Tory Burch, Williams-Sonoma, Starbucks and Sephora. Just select the brand, and you can give your loved ones a gift they'll be sure to put to use on their favorite products. And the best part? The lucky recipient can manage the money via the CashStar iPhone app, meaning no wrapping paper or ribbon has to go to waste.
ShopAdvisor
Big fan of the periodical? Born-in-Boston app ShopAdvisor allows you to keep a close eye on, and compare prices for, many of the items on your shopping list. In a B2B play, the company also pairs up with a bunch of big name publications – like Allure, Cosmo, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart, Men’s Health and other Condé Nast and Hearst properties – to allow avid readers to scope out brand-approved products. Readers can even add items to a master watch list to stay updated on price drops and special offers.
Hukkster
Both a Web tool and app, Hukkster seems to be the best of both worlds. Though it hit the market only last month (and just in time for the seasonal spending spree), the mobile app is making a name for itself this holiday season because it notifies you when discounts or sale prices become available for items you "hukk," or save. Utilizing either a button you install on your web browser or a price tag code from a brick-and-mortar boutique, Hukkster filters through products clipped from 500 and counting online stores and retailers like Banana Republic, Barney's, J.Crew, Best Buy and Pottery Barn.
