You may be seeing a lot of Gift Guides throughout the blogosphere these days. Sometimes you need a little extra inspiration for that perfect gift.
But my favorite gifts are a little unconventional- the practical kind. Yep, I would take a Steam Mop any day {hint, hint, mom} over a pair of earrings. Last year, I actually got a set of pots and pans!
In this economy and season of giving, I believe the best practical gifts are those that will ultimately save the recipient money throughout the year. Especially for those unemployed, newlyweds, college-students, or your thrifty Aunt Jane.
Over on Lifetime Moms, where I am a weekly contributing writer, my partner Tara and I have rounded up our Top 10 Money Saving Gift Ideas for the Steals & Deals Gift Guide. Check out our picks here.
I also have a few more to add to the list:
- Rice Cooker- Never burn the bottom of your pot with this handy gadget! They also steam veggies, and truly make the perfect rice. Save time and money with easy meal prep at home.
- Rechargeable Batteries Starter Kit- Great for families with lots of electronic toys and gadgets, rechargeable batteries can potentially save hundreds of dollars over the course of a year.
- CFL Lightbulbs- Unconventional, yes. But CFL lightbulbs make a great gift since they are not cheap and last up to seven years!
- A Newspaper Subscription- For those wanting to save money with coupons, the Sunday paper on your front lawn makes this a whole lot easier. Check out Discountednewspapers.com for low prices.
Gifts that save money may not be glamorous, but they will certainly be appreciated. That works for me!
Tell me, what items would you add to this list?
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I love the battery charger idea. I’m filing that one away for next year.
.-= Meghan´s last blog ..Tree Watering Made Easy =-.
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Last year I went ALL practical. I reminded my sisters and parents that none of us needs anything else to dust.
I saved up all of my freebies and near freebies from the grocery store, cvs, walgreens, et all and gave gifts that could be used by my recipients. I gave laundry and dish soap. I gave toothbrushes / replaceable heads, toothpaste, favorite grocery items (no Breyers under the tree for hubby though! haha) so that they would save $$ through the year (or at least the first quarter).
Everyone loved the idea!
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You’re brilliant, friend! I agree!
Maybe it’s the result of needing things (hubby was jobless for 4 months in 08)!
My family and I see things much differently now than we did before that.
We appreciate stuff that we need over want.
.-= wanda´s last blog ..Tiger….not always a winner! =-.
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For the unemployed nd underemplyed, a big box of oranges is greatly appreciated. My friend brought this to us last year along with chocolate, and we loved it. In fact, any food gift is greatly appreciated!
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Alyssa Francis Reply:
December 9th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Mmm, oranges and chocolate make a great combo, too!
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Read up about the CFL lightbulbs, though. They only save money if they are on for at least 15 minutes. Otherwise they actually burn out more quickly than regular light bulbs. So, if used in a bathroom, say, where you turn it on, do your thing, then turn it off (hopefully under 15 minutes, but you never know!), you’ll actually be going through bulbs more quickly with CFLs. Same for garages, etc. Plus the disposal of them – very dangerous. If one breaks in your house with kiddos, the clean up is insane and dangerous. I’m avoiding them, personally. Although it might save electricity, it’s worse for the environment in the long run.
As for me – my thrifty pick of the year is compression socks! No kidding – that’s what I’m getting for my Grandma. She needs them, but at $25 a pair she only bought herself 2 pair, and she has to wash them out every night and hang them to dry so they’ll be ready to wear in time! So I’m buying her another set to make life a little easier.
I don’t think she’ll mind that they are practical.
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Alyssa Francis Reply:
December 9th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Karina- Thanks for the tip on the CFLs. I did know know about the 15 minute rule. I was aware of the disposal issues, and I know that Walmart and Home Depot accept them for recycling.
The socks are a great idea! $25 for one pair? Ouch. I am sure your grandmother will appreciate the kind gift.
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I love my rice cooker–a great gift for a newly married couple!
.-= mama koala´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday, Babywearing at a Farm =-.
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Grocery or gas gift cards are great for those trying to save money. When you don’t have to worry about paying for the necessities it makes life easier!
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Deals of the Week 12/9-12/15 =-.
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I am doing a homemade Christmas as well as regifting. I am giving my daughter my pink Zune (since I have the Zune Pass with music on it) with the stereo, my son will be getting one of our old computers (since he wants one). The rest of the family are getting cheap DVD’s I know they want as well as homemade ornaments.
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I like the rice cooker. I have ordered one from http://www.followsales.com/,really nice!
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A few years ago we stopped exchanging names with extended family as it got expensive to buy & ship (and hard to know what each one wanted as they got older). That being said, we started a Gift Exchange tradition with the one family of Uncle/Aunt/Cousins that live nearby… we each bring one item that we think several people would like, then we draw numbers, open in order, “steal” from each other, etc and it always makes for good memories. Since most of us are grown now, with our wireless computer mice, TV remotes, cameras etc., I opted for a set of rechargeable batteries as one of the gifts that my hubby and I bring in. And I’ll be totally happy if we end up with it, too
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I love practical gift also! Last year I got a steam mop and pots and pans. I absolutely love them. They were two of my favorite gifts ever!!
.-= Theresa´s last blog ..It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! =-.
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I asked for a new stove for Christmas since we are in desperate need of one, nothing would make me happier. If you have a friend or relative that seems interested in couponing/saving money or has just started, a coupon binder and some lessons would be a great gift!
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Alyssa Francis Reply:
December 11th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Bonnie,
I sure hope you get that stove!
The coupon binder and lessons is a great idea. I think you just inspired a new blog post.
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