Saving money on a gift is nice, but you know what's nicer? Selecting a gift that will save the recipient money too. Here are 19 such gifts to consider:
11. Crockpot
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Know someone without a crockpot? Then, snag one on sale, and present it with a collection of your favorite crockpot recipes.
12. Smart Strip
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TVs, computers and many other electronics in our homes use electricity even when they're turned off. Give the gift of a Smart Strip power strip, which eliminates this type of energy use, and your friends and family will enjoy a smaller electric bill this month and every month to come.
13. Canning Kit
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Know someone that enjoys spending time in the kitchen? Encourage the habit by buying them all the supplies they'll need to get started canning.
14. A Day Planner
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Pick up a nice day planner for someone on your gift list, and you'll save the recipient the expense of having to buy one.
Tip: Choose a planner that allows you to write in the dates, rather than one that is made for a specific year. That way, if the recipient already has a planner, yours can be put up for next year.
15. Stamps and Envelopes
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Know someone that enjoys writing letters or that pays bills by mail? Buy them a book of forever stamps and a box of envelopes, and they'll be able to keep up the habit for free.
Tip:Order from USPS.com, and you won't even have to leave home to shop.
16. A Finance Book
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Help someone along the road to financial independence by giving them a copy of a book from a finance guru that you respect.
17. A Subscription to a Finance Magazine
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Encourage smart financial decisions with a gift subscription to Money, Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Consumer Reports or Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel. There's nothing like a monthly reminder to spend wisely.
18. Gift Cards/Gift Certificates
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If you know someone well enough to buy them a gift, you should also know them well enough to know where they shop – and that makes gift selection a breeze. Choose a gift card for their preferred grocery store, drug store, hair salon, or big box store; and you'll be putting money back into their budget.
19. A Favorite
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Everyone has a favorite indulgence. It might be expensive shampoo, a particular brand of coffee or eating at a certain restaurant. Find out what the recipient's favorite is, and then indulge it. It's a gift that will bring them joy, while saving them money.
