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Gifts that Save Money

19 Gifts that Will Save the Recipient Money

By , About.com Guide

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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 20 such gifts to consider:

1. Rechargeable Batteries and a Recharger

Rechargeable BatteryPhoto © Flickr user declanTM
So many Christmas gifts – and gadgets, in general – require batteries these days. Give the gift of a battery charger and some rechargeable batteries, and you'll be regarded as a true holiday hero.

2. CFL Bulbs

CFL BulbPhoto © Flickr user Dano

By now we've all heard that CFL bulbs can save a lot of money, but how many people have actually made the switch? Identify the hold-outs on your gift list, and give them a pack of CFL bulbs to get them started.

Want to really wow'em? Then, try a couple LED bulbs instead. They use 90% less energy than regular bulbs and last a lifetime. Now that's a great gift!

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3. Newspaper Subscription

NewspapersPhoto © Flickr user DRB62

Newspapers are a great source for coupons and information about free events. Identify the non-subscribers on your gift list, and introduce them to a new way to save.

Tip: Buy through Discountednewspapers.com, and you'll save 50% or more off of the subscription cost.

4. A Coupon Book

School coupon books make a great gift since they're loaded with coupons specific to the recipient's locale, and can be used all year.

Don't live close enough to the recipient to buy the local school coupon book? Then, try an Entertainment Book instead. They can be purchased online for locations all over the United States.

5. Reusable Shopping Bags

Reusable Shopping BagPhoto Courtesy of PriceGrabber
Switching to reusable shopping bags is a great way to go green, and now that more and more stores are offering discounts for bringing your own bags (or charging you extra when you don't) it's also a great way to save green. Make or buy reusable shopping bags for the people on your gift list, and they'll save every time they shop.
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6. Reusable Sandwich Bags

RePac BagsPhoto © Erin Huffstetler

Plastic sandwich bags have to be bought again and again. Take this item off of someone's shopping list for good by surprising them with a couple reusable sandwich bags. The RePac bags (pictured at left) come with a lifetime warranty.

7. Candles

Teacup CandlePhoto © Flickr user ecram1
Candles can spruce up a room on the cheap; reduce your reliance on lamps and help you to find your way around the house when the power is out. They're a frugal must-have if ever there was one, and a great gift choice to boot. Buy some nice soy candles to give, and cross a few more names off of your shopping list.
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8. Wind-Up LED Flashlight

Wind-Up LED FlashlightPhoto Courtesy of PriceGrabber
Flashlights are another can't-live-without item, but the cost of replacing those flashlight batteries? Well, we could all live without that. Purchase wind-up flashlights for the people on your list, and they'll never have to buy replacement batteries again.
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9. Gas Card

Gas PumpPhoto © Flickr user makdune
With gas prices as high as they are, who wouldn't love to receive a gas card for Christmas? Pick some up the next time you fill up, and your shopping is done.

10. Water Bottle

http://0.tqn.com/d/frugalliving/1/0/v/3/-/-/kleankanteenflickrtiffanywashko.jpgPhoto © Flickr user tiffanywashko
Know someone with a costly bottled water habit? Buy them a high-quality water bottle like the stainless steel bottle by Klean Kanteen, and help them break that habit for good.
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