The 12 best apps for Christmas – from what to cook to tracking Santa

Let technology lend a hand this year, whether it's sourcing presents, balancing the books or providing new ideas for recipes and cocktails

It's that time of year again, when the days are shorter, mince pies are back on the shelves and Mariah Carey is always playing somewhere. As plans for office Christmas parties and family gatherings are made, here are some apps that might come in handy for the holiday season.

Elfster
(Android/iOS, free)
Office Secret Santas can be a hassle to organise, especially with many of us working remotely now. Elfster helps you manage your gift exchanges by letting you create a group, invite friends and family, generate names, set spending limits and exchange gifts. It also allows participants to create wish lists, and the app's curated gift guides by budget are excellent for inspiration. Beyond office parties, it's also a neat app to use as a gift registry with friends and family for any occasion.