Anyone still shopping for last-minute gifts? {raising hand *blush*}
So many of you, like myself, are on a frugal journey to save money. Could a gift inspire someone else to do the same? Perhaps.
I have put together a list of items that I believe are must have money-saving tools for everyday life.
(They are not necessarily frugal ideas, but will save the recipient money in the long run). It may be boring, but I love to receive practical gifts.
Consider the college student in your life, the single mom, the newlyweds, the laid off worker, the large family on a tight budget, etc. All of them are most likely looking for ways to save money.
Here are some tools that may help them along the way:
- A slow cooker (aka Crock Pot)– this has become my new best friend this year. It is not only a time saver, but there are endless frugal recipes one can master in a slow cooker. It also uses less electricity than the oven, another money saver.
- A Bread Maker– this is on my list this year. This gift is best for someone you know that will actually put it to good use. What could be better than fresh, homemade bread?
- All You Magazine subscription– not only is it chock full of high value coupons, it has frugal household tips and recipes. A must have for any mom!
- Programmable Thermostat– in older homes, this is a welcome update. Controlling air and heat on a set schedule can save a ton on utility bills.
- CFL Light bulbs– another major energy saver. Light bulbs may seem like an odd gift, but a 6 pack would be a great start for a young family. Read my experience with CFLs here.
Available at Walmart for $19.32
- A Digital Camera– my digital has saved me so much money and frustration! Back in the day of the 35mm, I spent a small fortune on film and developing costs. Now I stick to printing only my favorites online, no film required! Sign up for Snapfish, one of my favorites, and get 50 free prints plus 15% off Holiday Cards!
- Entertainment Book– I actually received my first Entertainment as a wedding gift 4 years ago, and have kept one in my car ever since! A whole book of savings, with anything from Restaurants to Grocery to Golf. Right now, you can get $10 off a 2009 Entertainment Book and free shipping!
- The Couponizer– the perfect gift for someone who wants to start couponing, but doesn’t know how to get organized.
And finally, 2 books that belong in every frugal family’s library:
- Dave Ramsey’s The Total Money Makeover
- Amy Dacyczyn’s The Complete Tightwad Gazette
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Tell me, what would you add to the list?
Of course, you are always welcome to share my blog with others who are starting their frugal journey! I hope to help and inspire others to save more and give more.
Great Post! I love all the ideas, and I thought that programmable thermostats were more expensive. I’m going to have to get one now. One thing though, Dave Ramsey has all his books on sale on his site now for 10.00 each for any of his books.
A breadmaker is on my list this year too!
I think this is an excellent list! I have utilized almost all of them, but needed the reminders! I need to use my crockpot and breadmaker more this year.
I love your blog and especially the CVS $5.00 challenges.
You have my favorite book on your list! I can’t live without my Tightwad manual! The All You subscription is such a good idea! Wish I’d put that on my Christmas list!
Great ideas…but here’s one of mine: Use those DeMet turtle coupons and get them for almost FREE. I bought my daughter 11 boxes of them and wrapped them interestingly so she will never guess. She loves them….well, who doesn’t!!
Sorry, forgot to ad…Walgreens is the place to buy the turtles. They are on sale for $.99 a box
Julie @Kingdom Klipper
Nice article! Another recommendation: a rice cooker. It is really, really convenient for cooking rice (all types), but can also be used to steam veggies and thinks like fish. I’m a new convert and love it!
Jules @ http://www.lovelylasvegas.blogspot.com
If you are a new user, you can go to Cashbaq.com and get your 2009 Entertainment book for free! They are offering $10 back right now and $5 instant credit for new users. Pay $15 and get a check in the mail for your entire $15 back! I saw it on Dealseekingmom.com (December 9th post has all the details) and did it, saw the credit in my account already. Just waiting for my check!
Great post! I would *LOVE* to recieve any of these for Christmas.
Great ideas! Being a guy, I am especially fond of those twisty light bulbs. Especially in my 12 foot ceiling garage and our yard light. Before switching to those I was replacing the outside bulbs about every two months. It’s been almos a year since I replaced them with the twisty ones. How long do those things last?