With so many Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals popping up all week, it can be hard to keep everything organized, especially if you’re shopping for multiple people with multiple lists. To help, we’ve got 5 apps that can help you strategize your weekend shopping plans, and maybe save you some money on all those holiday gifts.
Related: 4 Google Chrome extensions that help save money while holiday shopping
Flipp has been around for a while, but keeps making money-saving roundups because it really is helpful. The main point of the app is to consolidate all flyers for stores in your area, which makes planning your strategy and route on Black Friday that much easier. Simply type in your zip and it will show the actual flyers from all stores in your area. You can also tap on certain items on the flyers to keep a running list of deals you want to take advantage of. (Free, iOS and Android)
Shopkick rewards you for the shopping you’re already doing. When you’re out and about this holiday season, the app will actually register when you’re physically walking into stores like Target, Macy’s, Best Buy and many more. You earn points for being in these places which you can eventually redeem for gift cards. If you’re going to be shopping there anyway, you might as well get something back for it, right? (Free, iOS and Android)
Related: 3 simple ways to save money while shopping online
Ibotta rewards you with cash for your purchases based on specific rebates they’re offering, but there are a couple of important caveats. First, you need to be organized with your purchases, like knowing that you will get a $1.50 rebate at CVS when you buy a case of Diet Coke, or $1.00 back for a yogurt drink at Target. You unlock the rebate and then submit a photo of the receipt. And second, to get the most cash back, you have to see where the deals are and plan your shopping accordingly. So, it’s definitely a bit of work, but it can certainly add up.
We do like that they have online shopping rebates too, like 20% back at Boxed, which is huge for someone like me who shops there regularly. (Free, iOS and Android)
This dedicated Black Friday app by DealNews goes beyond your location, and scours Black Friday ads and deals from all over the Internet. Pulling up the app immediately brought up ads from online and physical retailers like Amazon, Dick’s, GameStop, Groupon and more. You do have to sign-up for an account to access their deals, but it might be worth it just for the convenience of all the deals in one handy place. (Free, iOS and Android)
Related: Save money! 7 great tips for in-store holiday shopping
While Operator isn’t a deals app, the personalized gift recommendations it offers can be a huge timesaver, and hey, time can be money when you’re running around all weekend long. Rather than reading through reviews or doing the research yourself, you can connect with a real person via this app to help with ideas for any gift, whether it’s clothes, home decor, electronics, pets and more. You simply search through expert-curated recommendations, or message with an expert with an app.
I spoke with Derek, an electronics expert, to see what Bluetooth speaker recommendations he made, and he got back to me within minutes with a few great recommendations. Granted, I already knew them, but it was a great test to see that their experts really do know their stuff. And, if you shop through their app, they offer price match, which means if you find it anywhere else cheaper, they’ll match it. (Free, iOS)
