Our picks for 10 apps that make great stocking stuffers for kids, tweens, and teens.
Sago Mini Planes
Cost: $2.99
Recommended Age: 3+
Take to the sky and discover fun surprises in this free-play voyage (pictured above).
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Fire phone, Kindle Fire
Epic! – Unlimited Books for Kids
Cost: Rree trial; $4.99 monthly subscription
Recommended Age: 4+
A diverse, searchable library of more than 15,000 kids’ books
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Mac, Andriod, Fire phone, Kindle Fire
Crazy Gears
Cost: $1.99
Recommended Age: 5+
Fun STEM-themed free play with easy off-screen connections
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
Gro Garden
Cost: $2.99
Recommended Age: 5+
Free play in virtual sustainable garden, which requires patience
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Fire phone, Kindle Fire
Toca TV
Cost: Free trial; $4.99 monthly subscription
Recommended Age: 6+
Kid-safe, curated video service allows creation, but costs.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
Minecraft – Pocket Edition
Cost: $6.99
Recommended Age: 8+
This worthy spin-off of the popular PC game encourages creativity
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Fire phone, Kindle Fire, Windows Phone
Zoombinis
Cost: $4.99
Recommended Age: 8+
The computer game from the ’90s is back with fun, complex puzzles to save the cute creatures
Devices: iPad, Mac, Android, Kindle Fire, Apps for Windows
How to Make Electricity
Cost: $2.99
Recommended Age: 9+
Experiment with virtual electricity, some guidance needed
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
Mood Meter – building your emotional intelligence
Cost: $0.99
Recommended Age: 12+
A clever, visually appealing tool that promotes self-awareness
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
Lifeline…
Cost: $2.99
Recommended Age: 13+
A choose-your-own adventure that makes kids feel like they’re talking to a real astronaut, helping make life-or-death decisions.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad