More and more people are picking up an iPhone or iPod touch. You can personalize both by downloading small programs called Apps. Some apps cost money. Many are free, a price I like. Here are 10 favorites:

BubbleWrap – Everyone loves popping sheets of bubble wrap. There is just something satisfying about it. Now, your kids can do it on the iPhone. Plus, they can make a game of it. They’ll compete to pop all the bubbles.

Lightsaber Unleashed – Star Wars has captured the imaginations of children for decades. And all have wanted their own lightsabers. With this app, your kids can have one. Swing the iPhone around for Star Wars sound effects. It doesn’t get much cooler than that.

Checkers Free – Who doesn’t like a good board game? Checkers is always fun and competitive. Yet it’s not so complicated that it’s frustrating. This app lets kids play against each other or a computer opponent.