A reader recently asked me for tips on holiday-related smartphone apps.

Do you have any posts about which is the best Christmas list budget or APP tool so you can keep track of what you bought and what your budget is?

The short answer is no. However, today I got an email from GetJar, which claims to be the world’s largest open app store. They tipped me off to five free useful holiday apps. If you are looking for unusual gift ideas, I’ve got ’em!

• Shopsavvy scans barcodes so you can compare prices in the store and know if you are getting a deal. Price: free.

• Xmas Fireplace lets you design and send your own holiday e-cards, without the hassle of trips to the post office and stationary store. As someone who just bought 63 cards and three sheets of stamps for a total cost of $28, I’m wondering if this app could have saved me time and money. Price: free.

• Gifted Men helps you find a gift for the man in your life, with categories like Days Out, Gadgets, DVD’s, Men’s Fragrances, and more. You can buy most of the items right from your smartphone. Price: free.

• In the Bag Shopping List lets you share a present list with your spouse, partner, or friend so you can both see and update who has bought what. the same list of items. Once you download this app, you can access your gift list from home, work, or your mobile device. Price: free.

• CardStar organizes all your rewards cards in one place so you’ll never lose track or forget to use them again. Plus, it has coupons, deals and offers from retailers. Price: free.

What apps are you using to make holiday shopping easier?