App reviews: Makr, RoadNinja

Makr: An app way to make your own stationery

If you’re not one of those folks on board with e-holiday cards but want to take advantage of some of the perks technology can afford you, consider Makr. The app, launched last month, lets users design their own correspondence cards, party invitations, gift tags, return address labels and more. You can pick from a number of templates with a wide selection of accents and fonts to create stationery that’s just right. Makr is also focused on getting small-business owners the tools to make custom labels for bottles, business cards and other necessary signage — all designed from the iPad. Free, for iPad only.

RoadNinja: Highway fact-finder for your holiday trips

For many families, one of the worst parts of the holiday season is fast approaching: the drive to Grandma’s house. (Or Aunt Cathy’s or your old college roommate’s, whatever floats your boat.) Enter RoadNinja, which tracks your location, lets you know the price of gas at upcoming stations, and points you to restaurants, hotels, shops, attractions and — this is important — pharmacies — at the next exit. That way, you have some idea of whether it’s worth changing lanes to get there. The app also lets you know what’s at exits in the opposite direction, in case you think there’s cheaper gas on the other side of the freeway. As the old song notes, from Atlantic to Pacific, gee, the traffic is terrific this time of year. It’s not a bad idea to enlist the help of ninjas to get you through that road trip.

Free, for iOS and Android devices.