16 Gift Ideas for Frugal People

Dryer balls have been bouncing around in the dryers of frugal folks for years, and for good reason: they work. Now Eco Nuts has released a wool set that is PVC-free (a major improvement). They can be scented with essential oils before drying to scent your laundry. Definitely gift-worthy.

Cooking spray is costly. Cooking oil isn't. Give a refillable oil sprayer, like the stainless steel model by Misto, and the lucky recipient won't need to buy cooking spray again.

Microwave popcorn is convenient, but it costs more than loose kernels (a lot more). Buy your favorite frugalite a glass popcorn popper, and they can enjoy microwave popcorn at loose kernel prices.

Give the frugal gardener in your life a jump on next year's garden by purchasing an assortment of fruit and vegetable seeds. Not sure which seeds to choose? Then, purchase a gift certificate for a seed company, and let them have fun choosing.

Shopping for someone who wants to start canning? Then, give them a water bath canner or a canning kit. Shopping for someone who already cans? Then, give them a couple cases of canning jars or a fresh supply of lids and rings.

Reusable products rule supreme in the frugal home, so give a nice set of cloth napkins in an easy-wash fabric, like cotton or linen. Not sure what color to choose? It's hard to go wrong with white.

Treat your favorite frugalista to a supply of her favorite laundry products. Earn bonus points for giving homemade laundry detergent.

A well-chosen gift card can stretch a frugalite's budget, or fund a rare treat. Try a gift card to:

• the grocery store
• a gas station
• the hair salon/barber shop
• a bookstore
• a favorite restaurant

For rugged, can't-wear-it-out cookware, cast iron is number one among frugalites. Purchase a cast iron skillet for someone who's just starting a collection. Treat the established collector to a more exotic piece, like a cast iron muffin pan, a two-burner griddle or a waffle iron.

Dehydrating is an easy way to preserve the bounty of a productive garden. Purchase a dehydrator for that frugal guy or gal on your list, and you're sure to work them into a drying frenzy.

Shopping for someone who already owns a dehydrator? Then, consider buying extra trays, fruit leather screens or a jerky kit.

Anyone that composts needs a place to store food scraps in between runs to the compost pile. An attractive compost bucket, with an odor-blocking filter, is just the spot.

Any gift that allows a frugalite to turn down the thermostat is a very good gift indeed. Purchase a set of flannel sheets, and you'll be treating the recipient to lower utility bills for years to come.

LED bulbs are a definite money-saver, but they're more expensive on the front end. Spend your money on a pack, so your frugal-minded friend won't have to.

DVD players, computers, chargers and many other electronic devices use power, even when they're turned off. Purchase a Smart Strip power strip for an energy-conscious friend or family member, and it'll ensure those devices are really off when they say they are.

Once all of those coupons are clipped, they need a place to go; and a coupon organizer is just the thing to keep them neat and at the ready

A safety deposit box comes with a recurring bill; a fire safe doesn't. Surprise someone with a fire safe, and save them the bank fees.