Simply put, the holidays are hectic. If you’re looking for apps to make life easier by streamlining gift-giving, finding that perfect gift or sharing a fun activity with your loved ones, Pulse has done the looking for you. Apps are free and available for both Android and iPhone unless otherwise noted.

Shopmium
This app allows users to purchase products at reduced prices (sometimes even for free!) by providing cash back on their purchases. Shoppers scan their receipts and product barcodes after they leave the store. The Shopmium team reviews the purchase and deposits money back into the customer’s account.

BuyVia
At a store and unsure if the price on the shelf is the lowest out there? Use the UPC barcode scanner on BuyVia to get an answer right there. Used mostly for tech gifts, BuyVia simplifies product descriptions and gives gift recommendations.

Goodzer
Trying to find that special gift but not sure who has it in stock? Goodzer’s free app is like having a personal shopper in your pocket. If you’ve got your eye on a certain product, just punch it into the app (the database contains info on more than 2 billion items), and it’ll spit out a list of nearby stores that carry it. You’ll get the price, availability and directions to the shop, as well.

Spendometer
The best way to ensure you don’t overspend over the holidays is to stick to a budget. The Spendometer app allows you to set a budget, log your spending and view your spending reports. It also shows how much of your budget has been spent so far in a given week or month, making sure everyone’s taken care of without any pesky overdraft fees.

A Charlie Brown Christmas Storybook App
Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Woodstock and the rest of the gang are more than just characters from a beloved comic strip; they’re an indelible part of American culture. This year, enjoy the same story you love in electronic format, brought to you by Verso Story Engine. Along with narration by Peter Robbins (the original voice of Charlie Brown), you can also enjoy the app’s interactive features. Play Schroeder’s piano, decorate Charlie Brown’s tree or touch and drag objects to make them come to life. loudcrow.com/a-charlie-brown-christmas, $4.99.

By Sean M. Haley