9 brilliant ways your tech can help you plan Christmas

If the run-up to Christmas has you frantically rushing around to complete your to-do list, don't worry – you're not alone. On the plus side, your technology can help ease the panic.

Our tech experts have rounded up several tools to keep you organised. Visit the app store for digital to-do lists that you can share to lighten the load, set reminders that will take account of traffic conditions so you leave in perfect time, and use the Which? App to create a shortlist of gift ideas.

Below, we run through several ways tech can make the festive season more manageable and help you get ahead of the game.

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1. Set reminders activated by time or place

You might appreciate an alert that reminds you to buy specific goodies when you arrive at the supermarket, for example, or an alert to send out your Christmas cards ahead of time.

To try custom reminders for yourself, follow these steps:

• On an iPhone The pre-installed Reminders app can give you a nudge. Open the app and tap New Reminder. Type your note, then select Details to choose a date, time, or location, which includes pairing or unpairing Bluetooth in your car, or arriving or leaving an address.
• On an Apple Watch You can use the voice assistant to set alerts. Say, ‘Remind me to post my letter at 8am,’ for example. When triggered, your phone will display a notification — as though you have reached through time to tap yourself on the shoulder.
• On Android Try using Google Keep to manage your reminders (also available on desktop via the Chrome browser). To get started, write out your note, tap the Remind me icon in the top right and choose a time or place to trigger the notification.

Voice assistants can also be useful. On Amazon Alexa, for example, ask the AI helper to ‘remind me'. Alternatively, open the Alexa app on your phone, tap More and then choose Reminders.

If you're shopping for a voice-activated speaker to set reminders, check in with our advice on the best smart speakers.

2. Make sure you always leave on time

By taking a moment to configure your go-to calendar app, you can make sure you’re notified when it’s time to head out. You can even get your tech to take traffic conditions into account. After all, you don't want to show up late to that Christmas party.

To receive alerts through your calendar app, follow these steps:

• In Apple Calendar Turn on Time to Leave notifications in Settings > Calendar > Default Alert Times. Then, for events with a tagged location, Apple Calendar will check traffic conditions and tell you when you need to leave to arrive on time.
• In Google Calendar Save an event with a location. Then, click the Pencil icon to edit the event, tap the Map icon, the blue Directions button, and choose your route of choice. Scroll down and click Add to Calendar.

The popular sat nav app Waze (available on iOS and Android) is used by the Which? Cars team and offers a similar tool. Head to Settings > Notifications, ensuring the Planned drives reminders box is ticked. Then, either connect your calendar to allow Waze to pull in events or use Plan a drive.

You can also share your Google Maps or Waze trip with the person you’re meeting, so they’ll know exactly when to expect you. Once in Navigation mode in Google Maps or Waze, pull up the bottom menu and tap Share trip progress or Share drive, respectively.

Forgotten to buy a present for someone? We've got you covered – see the best last-minute Christmas gifts

3. Manage your to-do list

As gratifying as it is to cross off each item on a handwritten to-do list, phone apps make it easy to collaborate and remind yourself with notifications during the Christmas planning process.

One option is to scan a to-do list you've already created using your phone's camera (shown above). You can try that on an iPhone by opening Notes and choosing the camera icon in a new note: it will scan a handwritten to-do list to convert it into tickable items or share it.

On Android, the Google Keep app requires you to type out your list, but then allows for colour coding, collaborating with invited people, and keeps it all searchable.

If you want to create and manage to-do lists entirely from your phone, you’ll likely need to try a few apps to find the one that best suits you. Popular options include:

• Todoist (iOS, Android) Automates a schedule based on the task priority and pairs with tools including Gmail, Google Calendar, Slack and Amazon Alexa.
• Any.do (iOS, Android) Saves on typing by reading your calendar and has a built-in groceries list and project-management tool.
• TickTick (iOS, Android) Integrates reminders, calendar and more.
• AnyList (iOS, Android) Creates shared lists, such as for groceries, that can be sorted by labels such as stores or departments, and even pulls in ingredients from recipes.

If you're dealing with a sluggish phone, it might be time to upgrade – our guide to the best smartphones can help.

4. Use Do Not Disturb mode on your phone

If you need to get a task done without your phone buzzing, try activating Do Not Disturb. You might find this feature handy if you're decorating the tree, wrapping gifts or baking treats. Or just want some time to yourself while you enjoy The Muppet Christmas Carol.

To activate Do Not Disturb mode, just follow these steps:

• On iOS Drag down from the top-right of the display and tap Focus.
• On Android Swipe down from the top of the screen and select Do Not Disturb.

When Do Not Disturb is enabled, incoming calls, alerts and notifications will be silenced. However, you can still see notifications on your lock screen if you decide to check manually.

5. Create a shared calendar

By setting up a calendar that friends and family members will have access to ahead of Christmas, you can plan more effectively. Coordinate family dinners and gift exchanges, or use your shared view to assign tasks and responsibilities.

To create a shared calendar, follow these steps:

• In Google Calendar On desktop, open the app and select the + icon next to Other calendars. Choose Create new calendar to give it a name and description. Then, return to the calendar overview screen and select the three dots icon next to the newly created calendar. Choose Settings and sharing > App people and groups. 
• In Apple Calendar Open the app on your iPhone, then tap Calendars > Add Calendar. After creating the calendar, tap Calendars at the bottom of the screen again, then choose Add Person.
• In Outlook On desktop, click the Calendar icon on the left-hand side and then choose Add calendar > Create blank calendar. Under the My calendars heading, click the three dots icon next to your new calendar and select Sharing and permissions.

6. Use the Which? App to shortlist gift ideas

You can put the power of Which? recommendations in your pocket this Christmas, helping you buy quality gifts that have impressed in our test labs. The app is available on iOS and Android.

If you have a Digital or Full Access subscription, you'll be able to use the Which? app right away.

At Which?, we've reviewed thousands of products from home appliances, to cars and technology. All of these are available in the palm of your hand through the app, plus you can save a product for later by pressing the heart icon next to it.

When browsing one of our product categories, click 'Filter' on the top-right of the screen to toggle features specific to the product you're looking at. You can even set it to only show you Best Buys, Eco Buys, Great Values, or Don't Buys.

You can also buy a lucky someone a Which? gift subscription.

Which? membership offers a whole host of benefits, from product reviews to tailored advice – see all member benefits or join Which? for instant access.

7. Track deliveries using a dedicated app

If you're placing lots of online orders from different stores this Christmas, using an app to keep all your tracking numbers in one place can help you stay organised.

You can view updates and delivery estimates in real time by refreshing the page.

There are lots of parcel-tracking apps to choose from on both desktop and mobile. Popular options include:

• Packages (iOS, Android) Import orders from big-name retailers including Amazon, eBay and Vinted. The app automatically archives products that have been delivered.
• Royal Mail (iOS, Android) Tracks your deliveries, plus you can arrange for your postie to collect packages you want to send, and even pay for postage. 
• Shop (iOS, Android) Add your tracking codes in just a couple of taps, or shop for gifts directly through the app.
• Parcel (iOS) Offers real-time updates on Christmas deliveries and can be added to your home screen as a widget.

Our guide to the best shops is based on survey data from thousands of shoppers.

8. Upgrade your cooking setup ahead of Christmas

With the help of our expert reviews, you can spend your money on kitchen appliances guaranteed to make cooking easier during the festive season. Or perhaps you'd prefer to gift a Best Buy instead.

Our expert product reviews cover a host of kitchen appliances, including:

• Air fryers The best models we've uncovered make crispy, golden-brown food more quickly than using an oven. Come December, you can use an air fryer to prepare turkey or reheat leftovers while keeping your food crispy.
• Slow cookers Our testing compares options from major brands including Lakeland, Morphy Richards and Ninja. Choose wisely and you can make complete meals in one pot.
• Multi cookers See which easy-to-use multi cookers are worthy of Best Buy status. At Christmas, you'll probably appreciate choosing a model with a delay timer.

Gadgets aside, it's worth checking in with our guides to the best Christmas puddings, best mince pies and how to prepare a complete Christmas dinner menu.

Been good this year? Check our best Christmas gifts for foodies for inspiration for your own Christmas gift list.

9. Try some holiday-themed apps

If you're treating yourself to a holiday this winter, you'll likely find yourself juggling transport plans, travel insurance and tedious packing jobs. But if you can find time, some handy apps for your mobile will help to make a trip easier.

The PackPoint (above), for example, generates a packing list based on your destination and planned activities. If you've ever felt the pain of opening up your suitcase abroad and realising you forgot a charger, it's worth a try. PackPoint is available for iOS and Android.

Other holiday apps to consider include:

• Duolingo (iOS, Android) One of the most popular language-learning apps around. It offers support for over 40 different languages.
• AllTrails (iOS, Android) A good pick if you fancy planning a Boxing Day walk. Helps you to discover hikes with stunning views thanks to its community-based rating system.
• Citymapper (iOS, Android) For help dealing with complex public transport systems around the world.
• TheFork (iOS, Android) Simplify the restaurant booking process if you're exploring European destinations.

For more app recommendations, see our page on 10 smartphone apps to download before you go on holiday.

Join Which? Tech Support

Get tech confident

Solve your tech issues and get expert buying advice by chatting to our support team as often as you need. From only £4.99 a month, together we’ll show your tech who’s boss. Cancel anytime.

Join Which? Tech Support

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Additional reporting by Tom Morgan.