16 Gift Ideas for Frugal People

Dryer Balls

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.

A Misto Oil Sprayer

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.

A Glass Popcorn Popper

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.

Seeds

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.

Canning Supplies

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.

Cloth Napkins

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.

Laundry Supplies

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

Gift Cards

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

Cast Iron Cookware

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.

A Dehydrator

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.

A Compost Bucket

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.

Flannel Sheets

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

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.

A Smart Strip

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.

A Coupon Organizer

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 Fire Safe

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.