Plenty of teens up and down the country are probably getting an Xbox One this Christmas (or even a 360 - they're still pretty decent) but the chances are that they won't have access to a credit card nor will they be pleased to wait for the shops to re-open to go buy Microsoft Points for games and other downloads. This website is pretty handy - aside from the usual credit card and PayPal methods you can also pay by mobile phone. The cost is charged to your phone bill.

buygamecredit.com

Instagram Direct
Now you can share your pics privately through Instagram with individual or group private messages. So, it's another photo-sharing option to add to existing iMessage, Facebook messaging, Twitter DMs and WhatsApp then? Yes and no. Yes, you can already share photos privately with other services but we've always had email for that too if you want to look at it that way. Instagram Direct has the advantage of being a feature on top of a fast-growing and dedicated photo sharing community. It's certainly not Instagram's 'Eureka' moment but a nice addition nonetheless.

http://iti.ms/1dhDaJ2


Donate tweets and Facebook posts to Charity
I was considering switching off from social media for the holidays but this initiative from Connector360 and SocialMedia.ie has changed my mind. They are working with 12 charities for 12 days in the run up to Christmas and you can help raise money by allowing the #12days app access to your Facebook or Twitter profile. Each day it will post one message from your account about the Irish Cancer Society, the Jack and Jill Foundation, UNICEF, Barnardos and others to raise awareness. Sign up and use your follower numbers for something positive!

12daysapp.com