Virtual Stocking Stuffers: 10 Apps for Kids, Tweens, and Teens that Cost

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