Not long ago talking about holiday apps would have meant mini quiches, bacon wrapped scallops and cheese plates. But these days it’s all about those little techy apps that make our lives easier, entertain us on the subway and transform us into instant artists. And so with the holidays fast approaching, what are the best apps to help us better organize our shopping lists, to give as gifts or for just plain ol’ fun?

Strictly Holidays

Haven’t sent your holiday cards yet? Yep you guessed it, there’s an app for that. Don’t let another year slip by without sending your holiday greetings. Let the Sincerely Ink app help you customize your cards using your own pictures, messages and more.

Is your purse eating everything in it except what you need? We all know how easy it is to misplace our holiday gift lists or to just plain forget them, let the Better Christmas List app help you organize your holiday shopping list by assigning, tracking and sorting – an Apple “staff favorite” two years and running.

Can’t get enough of the music this time of year? Then keep it coming with the Christmas Radio App.

And, of course, keep the kids busy with holiday games at Santa’s Christmas Village.

Stocking Stuffer App

For many TinTin is a nostalgic favorite, a Belgian cartoon that has remained in the forefront of hearts for decades. With the Spielberg movie on our favorite dog out this year, give fans and kids the app.

It’s amazing how fun simply writing and sketching on top of your personal photos can be. The Sketches app is fun for all ages. Holiday version that’s just as fun? Get the Grinch Version of the Dr. Seuss Camera that allows you to put a Grinchy spin on your photos.

Need a creative idea for an adventurous or nature-loving friend? Fred Lochner, Founding Partner of AmericasStateParks.org provided us with insight on a hot new app, “Americas State Parks has partnered with the Parks by Nature Network to create a new mobile app,” he said. “The app will include information for each of our 50 state park systems.  It will be the flagship app for Park by Natures Pocket Ranger program when it is launch this spring. Among its many features it will include trail maps, GIS Points of interests, event calendars, reservations and emergency alert features just to name a few.”

Just Plain Cool

Love languages or is learning a new one on your resolution list? The Byki language-learning app is there to help create mini lessons, pronunciation sessions, quizzes and study groups.

These days you don’t have to be a National Geographic photographer to provide amazing 360° photos. The Photosynth app allows you to send views from all angles in a way the New York Times’ David Pogue calls “crazy amazing!”

What’s your favorite holiday app?