By Erin Davis
Who knew that Love Dice and Naughty Truth or Dare were such high commodities in the app world? Apparently, iTunes did. Search for “apps for couples” or “apps for relationships,” and you’ll find at least a dozen. In all sincerity, how many Kama Sutra and intimate contortionist bedroom position apps does one couple need—and what exactly sets the dozens apart from each other? My question is purely rhetorical. If I truly wanted to know the answer, this article would be titled, “My Favorite Apps Featuring 69.” I’m no prude; I simply happen to like a little more substance in my relationship apps. Therefore, I give you 6 (rather than 69) clean and fun apps for couples.
Couples Getaway Journal - $1.99
This app will have you kissing pre-trip hysteria good-bye. All vital trip info—hotel, car rental, airline and local attractions—is tucked into this nifty little app. Gone are the days of illegible coffee-stained sticky notes and missing packing lists; you and your partner can make your own trip inventories without fear of coffee or Fido sabotaging them. Couples Getaway Journal also pays homage to those of us with forgetful vacation brain by including a journal that allows you to upload a daily picture and tidbit about your trip. It also greatly reduces the odds of forgetting that romantic restaurant and scenic view. As an added bonus, the app keeps track of your expenses—a downside (or maybe an upside) when you realize your funds don’t allow for yet another novelty shot glass.
Nifty Date Ideas - $0.99
The next time your partner asks, “What should we do on our date?” have him or her defer to the Nifty Date Ideas app. Or if you wear the date-planning pants in the relationship, you can select any number of date options, ranging from creative to outdoor, indoor, romantic, date night or cheap. If you’re feeling creative, then consider making a movie together—simply find odd props around the house, then come up with a funny scenario to act out. Too theatrical? Perhaps you and your significant other might prefer the “Date Night” suggestion to “find an open spot away from city lights to look at the stars.” For those turned off by silliness, beware. This app includes a Video Scavenger Hunt that has you imitating mannequins in storefront windows, as well as Spin the Bottle, which seems slightly redundant for two.
Fooducate Plus - $3.99
Couples who diet together should buy it together—not the most eloquent motto, but it seems to fit for Fooducate Plus. This app is perfect for couples looking to either establish or sustain a healthy diet. Fooducate Plus gives you the skinny on all the fat—fatty ingredients, that is. It allows you to scan the barcodes of grocery items (as long as they’re manufactured in the U.S.) by utilizing the camera of your i-device. The app will then inform you of your item’s calories and customer rating, and will even provide healthier food alternatives. Let Fooducate Plus be the voice of reason (and yes, occasional disappointment) in your relationship—good-bye, mega-cheesy pork puffs.
6501 Crazy Facts Free
Whether swanky restaurant or seedy diner, you will inevitably be forced to wait for a table at some point in your relationship. Now instead of staring lovingly into each other’s eyes (or at that wall-mounted jackalope), you can entertain one another with 6501 Crazy Facts. A few reviews complained that the “facts” are erroneous and repetitive. For a free app, does it really matter if “The sixth sick sheik’s sixth sheep sick” isn’t really “the toughest tongue twister in the English language”? After all, it relieved you from the burning stare of the mounted jackalope—at least for a few seconds.
Ticket to Ride Europe - $6.99
Who says that simply because you and yours can’t physically traipse through Europe, you can’t visit Europe on your iPhone? Not the folks at Days of Wonder, creators of the board game Ticket to Ride Europe. The game’s premise: to build your own personal railway route through Europe. The game allows up to four players, but if you prefer date night for two—no problem. There’s nothing like just the two of you having a romantic evening together in iEurope. Ticket to Ride Europe is a bit pricier (at $6.99) than other board game apps, but when compared to the cost of crumpets and French pastries, it’s perfectly sensible.
Love Cards Free
J-Lo’s love “don’t cost a thing”—and now yours doesn’t have to either. Do not underestimate the power of a love email or text. Consider it the modern-day equivalent of a college-ruled love letter from days past. Love Cards allows you to select from 72 love-inspired images. Alongside the image of your choice, you can insert a personalized message before you send it to your partner via text or email. Some of the images may border on juvenile (lots of red hearts), but again—beggars can’t be choosers when it com
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