Best shopping apps for mobile mommas
Need a little retail therapy? Get it here with our favorite iPhone and Android shopping apps for mobile-lovin' moms
Mobile shopping is on the rise. In 2012 shopping from smartphones spiked, and it was all thanks to mobile mommas. Turns out we do it more than most. As a salute to mobile mommas everywhere, here's a list of some of our favorite shopping apps for iPhone and Android. Happy hunting!
Polyvore (iPhone)
Let's skip the diapers, the burp cloths, the Boppys and the organic jars of mush for a minute. Sometimes, you need to just stop and shop for yourself -- Polyvore is perfect for that. The fashion-fueled company's main site has been around for a while, but its iPhone app is still brand spankin' new. It launched this past November and it's been receiving rave reviews from the start. Think of it as the Pinterest of fashion (little fact: Polyvore has been around longer), in which you can save your favorite styles, create complete sets and shop the ones you can actually afford (there's a load of luxury items here). Unfortunately, Polyvore has no iPad or Android app yet, but we're hoping to see one soon.
Pinterest (iPhone; Android)
While it isn't a shopping app on its own, it does offer a world of inspiration for your next big spree. Heck, you can even spark a new weeknight menu and pen a grocery list here after perusing through countless recipes. From craft projects and wardrobe revamps to maternity attire and baby gear ... your wish list options on Pinterest are, dare we say it, endless. If you prefer your mobile shopping on a tablet, Pinterest is also optimized for iPad (just make sure you've got some time to kill; the tablet version is highly addictive).
Amazon (iPhone; Android)
Undoubtedly the most obvious choice here, but we can't call it a "best of" list without Amazon. Our favorite feature of Amazon's iPhone and Android apps (along with its good ol' fashioned browser version) are the recommendations and user ratings/reviews. You can also create and access your wish lists straight from the app, meaning you can indulge in a little retail therapy anytime, anywhere. And of course, Amazon Mom just might be the greatest thing since the dawn of diaper delivery service.
Amazon Price Check (iPhone; Android)
Amazon gets a lot of glory where mobile shopping is concerned, and rightfully so. Have you checked out its Price Check app yet? This one is especially great for when you're actually shopping out in the real world, rather than doing it exclusively from your phone. But your handset is still your best friend in this case, as it can help you save some serious dough. With Amazon Price Check open, simply scan any barcode of the product in question and Amazon will pull up the price it sells for on its own site. Chances are it'll be slightly cheaper -- go on, give it a shot.
Catalog Spree (iPad)
Forget your phone for a minute (gasp) and grab your tablet instead. Catalog Spree for iPad is simply brilliant, and it's designed perfectly for an optimal shopping experience on the bigger display. The app offers more than 300 catalogs in one tidy spot. You can browse from favorites including Macy's, Nordstrom, West Elm and Neiman Marcus, among plenty of others. Toys R Us is here too, so you can keep your tiny crew sated while you're indulging in the latest denim trends.