• The top free apps in the App Store hint at what gifts were popular for the holidays this year.
• Meta Horizon, a social platform for Meta's Quest headset, topped the charts.
• Digital frames were also popular this year, with Frameo and Aura Frames taking third and fourth place.

'Tis the season of gift-giving, and if you're curious about what presents people bought this year, the App Store's Top Charts is full of clues.

Apple's Top Charts features the most downloaded apps and it fluctuates frequently. While popular apps like TikTok, YouTube, Spotify, and ChatGPT often top the charts, the top five free App rankings on Thursday morning were all tied to products — and they offer a hint at which gifts were popular over the holidays.

Meta Horizon, the company's social platform for the metaverse, topped the charts for the free app category. It's used to set up the Meta Quest mixed-reality headsets, which are similar to Apple's Vision Pro headset but significantly cheaper. The platform also offers access to apps, tools, and services.

Amazon Alexa scored the second spot, indicating that Amazon Echo devices were a popular gift this year. Alexa is the voice-assistant technology that powers Amazon Echo devices, which are Amazon's collection of smart home speakers. Users can use the app to manage Echo devices, control music, track reminders, and set alarm clocks.

Digital photo frames also seemed to be a popular Christmas gift this year.

Frameo and Aura Frames took third and fourth place on Apple's top charts. Both companies are digital photo frame systems and rely on apps to send and share photos digitally to other frames.

Mytonies took fifth place in the top charts, suggesting that Tonies and Tonieboxes were under many Christmas trees this year. The screen-free devices are child-friendly audio systems for listening to stories, music, and educational content.

A Toniebox is a portable audio player for children, while Tonies are collectible toy figures preloaded with audio content. The app manages all the Tonies in your household and allows owners to add songs or stories to the devices.

Beyond the top five apps, the rankings become more varied and reflective of more usual app trends. However, the PlayStation App secured the No. 10 spot, suggesting plenty of PlayStation 5 game consoles were unwrapped and set up, and the Xbox app also made it into the Top Charts, landing in 22nd place.

Bose clocked in at No. 15, suggesting people were purchasing Bose headphones or speakers this season.

While it's not a comprehensive breakdown of the most popular gifts of the year, Apple's list of the top free downloaded apps is a good indicator of where consumer spending went over the holidays.

It's also a good reminder that for many gifts, the setup doesn't stop once it's unwrapped and plugged in — there's often an accompanying app for that too.

• HomeGoods is a favorite of both interior designers and consumers alike.
• It's also a great place to do some last-minute holiday shopping.
• I went on December 23 and was surprised to see how much inventory was left.

In addition to being a fan of HomeGoods, I'm also a bit of a procrastinator.

With traffic at my local mall reaching Black Friday levels this week, I decided to skip that chaos. Instead, I stopped by HomeGoods, the successful home decor chain with over 900 locations across the US, to see what it was like two days before Christmas.

Yes, it was crowded, but it wasn't stifling. And there were no empty, picked-over shelves. I was pleasantly surprised by how much inventory and last-minute gift options the store had— if not a bit overwhelmed.

Here's what it was like to get some last-minute gifts at HomeGoods.

I went to a HomeGoods in my hometown on Long Island.

The store advertised same-day delivery and a special holiday return policy when you walked in.

The first display was a table filled with reindeer, snowmen, penguins, and wrapping paper.

If you want to shop at HomeGoods, you have to be OK with digging through tables of seemingly random items.

Sometimes, displays are organized. For example, this table was labeled "For the chef."

It had items like this basil-dip tasting set for $19.99.

This Modelo goodie-filled tub, which cost $59.99, included glasses, coasters, a bottle opener, pretzels, and chips.

This table was piled high with "baking essentials."

No one would be mad to open chocolates on Christmas morning.

I was particularly drawn to this "wine" bottle filled with truffles.

There was an entire aisle dedicated to peppermint snacks.

There were multiple shelves filled with just hot chocolate — gourmet hot chocolate is a great grab-bag gift.

I bought these chocolate-covered spoons for $7.99. They turn any cup of milk into hot chocolate, and they'll be a hit in my home on Christmas morning.

Even when you go into the store, past the gift displays, some items would make good presents.

Of course, HomeGoods is known for decor. Many teenage girls would be excited to get one of these disco-ball gifts.

Or for the coquette-obsessed, any of these Hello Kitty gifts would do.

Source: Business Insider

I was into these pink cowboy boot vases — I definitely have some younger cousins who would love one.

Board games and puzzles are tried-and-true gifts. There's no shortage of them at HomeGoods.

The candle section can be overwhelming — this is one small part — but candles are a solid gift for almost anyone in your life.

If all else fails — try a gift card.

Christmas wasn't the only holiday represented. There was a Hanukkah table, as well.

And there were already tons of Valentine's Day items on display.

Pink was everywhere.

Even if these are technically for Valentine's Day, I wouldn't be mad to find that ceramic bulldog under my tree.

If you somehow made it through the store without finding anything, there's winter-themed candy at the register.

HomeGoods is a lifesaver if you're like me and put off holiday shopping until the last minute.

• Michael Allen stopped buying pricey Christmas presents for his friends and family in college.
• His financial priorities changed after leaving the Marine Corps and working toward his degree.
• Allen values time with loved ones over material gifts and emphasizes memories over money.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Michael Allen, a 54-year-old author from Titusville, Florida. It has been edited for length and clarity.

In 1995, I realized I couldn't give expensive gifts anymore. I was used to buying gifts to impress my loved ones, and I received nice gifts as well. At a younger age, I would get things like an Atari with games, boxing gloves, or a football. Gift cards, nice clothes, and even a watch were more common presents as I grew older.

As a college student and a recently retired Marine, my priorities were school and food. My next goal after serving in the Marine Corps was to get a degree. Not wanting to participate in the "who bought the most expensive present" game made sense.

I was getting by on side jobs

I tutored other college students and worked as a bouncer. Although I was only making enough money to cover my necessities, I was looking forward to achieving my goals of becoming an English teacher and a writer.

Buying extravagant things at the expense of putting myself in huge debt didn't seem attractive. I knew my financial situation had changed throughout my life, and I had to spend and save accordingly.

Reflecting on the hard work I put in made me extremely proud rather than ashamed of my financial background.

I decided to have a conversation with my friends and family

One day before Christmas, I asked my friends and family to lower their expectations regarding future gifts. I told them about my financial situation, what I could spend on, and what I was trying to accomplish.

Spending exorbitant amounts on Christmas was out of the question. Being open and honest about my struggles and primary issues worked out in my favor. I wasn't nervous to have this conversation.

Most of them understood, and I was truly relieved once I confessed. It immediately broke the needless superficial confinement I had put myself in to conform to the norms.

I also prepared myself to receive less of what I had previously

While some family members would still buy me costly gifts, some limited their splurging on me after this conversation. I was satisfied with getting whatever they would get me, even if it was nothing sometimes. Some even joined me in setting this boundary for themselves.

I started enjoying Christmas even more without having to impress people with my gift-giving superpowers. I became accustomed to speaking my mind and being truthful at all times. When you embrace life in that manner, many burdens are lifted.

Even as I make more money, gifts still don't seem important to me

My financial situation has improved, but I now sometimes only hand out one present per person. I make sure it's something meaningful and not just anything.

I once made my mother a loving video, and she still plays it often. On another occasion, I built a website for my daughter and made her a book. Personalization goes a long way.

Focusing on getting together with your loved ones and spending purposeful time with them are the only significant things of concern to me. Gifts are a component of Christmas, not the foundation.

Memories matter, not money. Food, drinks, old movies, and a good time is all I care about getting from anyone.

• I visited my local Target in New Jersey to shop for gifts in its "Bullseye's Playground" section.
• All of the items were priced at $1, $3, or $5.
• From mugs and candles to self-care items, I loved the selection.

Target is one of the biggest retailers in the US, with more than 1,900 store locations, and while I've been a frequent customer for years, I've only recently begun to pay attention to its dollar section.

Known as "Bullseye's Playground" — in honor of the store's bull terrier mascot, Bullseye — the front-of-store section is stocked year-round with items spanning home decor, organization options, and small toys, all retailing for $1, $3, or $5.

I decided to put "Bullseye's Playground" to the test to see what last-minute gifts, stocking stuffers, and decorations I could find at my local Target in Jersey City, New Jersey.

While the items from this section are visible on Target.com, they appear to only be available in store and are "not eligible for same-day delivery or pickup services," according to the retailer's website, so in-person shopping for last-minute holiday gifts is advisable.

Most store locations are offering extended hours (7 a.m. to midnight) through December 23 and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve, but if you're looking for items outside Bullseye's Playground, the retailer will be offering same-day Christmas Eve delivery for orders placed before 3 p.m. on the Target app or online.

Whether you're in need of some last-minute gift inspiration or just curious about Target's selection, here were some of my favorite options.

Bullseye's Playground is a front-of-store section with affordable options.

At my local Target, this section is located at the entrance near home decor and fashion items, rather than near the groceries and pharmacy.

I visited on a weekday night, so it wasn't crowded at all.

There were so many different items packed into the displays, so for the sake of time, I decided to focus on highlighting some of my favorite choices.

The first item to catch my eye was a satin pillowcase and eye-mask set.

For anyone who likes to feel a little luxurious before bed, I found this matching satin pillow case and eye-mask set for $5.

In addition to gray, other colors available in-store and online include beige, pink, and sage.

I loved this headband and wristband set.

If the person you're shopping for is into skincare, a headband and wristband set like this is a great option.

The headband keeps their hair out of their face, while the wristbands prevent the water from dripping down their arms.

These sets retailed for $3 and were available in cream, baby pink, and black.

Also in the beauty category was this LED mirror and makeup brush set.

The set appeared to fold into an easy-to-carry case and was available in this mint-green color and a cream color for $5.

To go with the mirror and brushes, there was a fluffy makeup bag, too.

I didn't love how matted the fluffy fabric appeared to be on this makeup bag, but for $5, it seemed fairly priced.

I was shocked to see a bath tray available.

Though this obviously won't fit in a stocking, I was shocked to find a bath tray for just $5.

Its label said it fits most standard tubs and measured at 29.8 inches by 4.7 inches.

There were plenty of scrunchies.

As someone who's always in need of a hair tie, I was pleased to find a large bin of scrunchies each priced at $1.

I thought the decorative candles were cute.

I saw two Christmas tree-shaped candles at my local Target. The first of which was this 3 oz "Cypress & Champagne" scented option for $3, while the other was called "Festive Fir."

Since the candles were located in Bullseye's Playground and not the nearby candle section, I thought they may have a weaker scent, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Though it's hard to say how such a small candle would impact an entire room, the direct scent was strong and true to their names.

One of my favorite finds on my trip was this pair of iridescent cocktail glasses.

Whether you're into home decor or a fan of hosting, these iridescent cocktail glasses seemed like the perfect trend-forward kitchen gift.

The set retailed for just $5, and I'm already regretting not grabbing them as an early gift for myself.

I liked that right next to the cocktail glasses, there was a bar tool set.

The bar tool set retailed for $3 and included a bottle opener and a jigger with a handle.

I liked that Target seemed to take some of the guess-work out of holiday shopping by placing similar items near each other to make for an easy collection of coordinated gifts.

All that was missing was the alcohol of your choice.

Also nearby were these holiday-themed rolling pins.

These peppermint and winter-foliage inspired rolling pins retailed for $5 and seemed like cute options to spice up any holiday-themed kitchen without breaking the bank.

I also found a selection of multicolored mugs.

While I wasn't a huge fan of the colors and design choices available at my local store, I do think they're cute options for $5.

In the past, I've also purchased holiday-themed mugs like these.

I originally found these ceramic gingerbread and snowman mugs during a Target shopping trip in early November near my hometown in Maryland.

Both hold up to 13 oz and retailed for $3, and while I didn't see them during my most recent Target trip, both items are still present on Target's website, suggesting they may still be available at other locations around the country.

Any of the mugs would pair perfectly with a peppermint hot drink bomb.

A small display of these hot drink bombs were on one of the shelves above the mugs; however, the price of them was hard to locate.

After doing more research when I got home, I realized these treats don't appear to be Bullseye's Playground exclusives, as they retail for $4, but I still think they're an affordable stocking stuffer option to consider.

I love these holiday-themed measuring cups and spoons from another trip to Bullseye's Playground.

In addition to the mugs, I also found these ceramic snowman measuring cups and measuring spoons during my November Target trip in Maryland.

Both retailed for $5, and though my local Target didn't have them during my most recent December trip, both items are still present on Target's website, suggesting they may still be available at other locations around the country.

And this ceramic plate, too.

On another shopping trip in November — this time back in Jersey City — I found a $5 ceramic tray for Santa's Christmas Eve snacks (yes, I shop here a lot).

Though I didn't see it again on my most recent trip, the tray is still listed on Target's website under Bullseye's Playground.

I was surprised to see so many drink-related accessories.

Sure, Stanley cups have been popular this year, but I wasn't expecting to see so many drink-related accessories.

This tumbler accessory set, for example, came in both a pale-blue and a mint-green color and included a straw cover, handle, and zipper pouch.

It retailed for $5.

Straw toppers and covers were popular, too.

There was a large selection of straw toppers and covers available at my local Target, including this daisy set, a cloud and rainbow option, a doughnut and ice cream cone, and a stereo and music note, among others.

Each set sold for $3.

As for home decor, I saw plenty of light-up Christmas tree pillows.

The pillow was small, soft, and retailed for $5.

One thing I noticed, though, was that it requires two AAA batteries, which would have to be purchased separately in order to enjoy its light-up capabilities at home.

According to Target's website, other pillows that may still be available in Bullseye's Playground include a reindeer, a gingerbread man, a gingerbread woman, a gingerbread house, a peppermint, and a star.

There were also some small toys like this finger soccer game …

The game includes the playing field, two goals, one ball, and two pairs of elf shoes to play. It retailed for $5.

And this desktop soccer game.

This toy resembled a miniature foosball table and retailed for $5.

Overall, I was impressed with the selection and even picked up a few items for a friend.

I ended my shopping trip pleased with Target's selection, and thanks to all the self-care products, I was finally able to decide what to gift my best friend: her own curated bag of self-care items.

In addition to other goodies from around the store, I chose to add the pillow case and eye-mask set, the headband and wristband set, and the Christmas tree candle from Bullseye's Playground.

Now all I'm left to do is wonder: Is it too soon to go back?