16 Gift Ideas for Frugal People
Looking for the perfect gift for a frugal friend or family member? Consider one of these ideas.
Dryer Balls
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Treat your favorite frugalista to a supply of her favorite laundry products. Earn bonus points for giving homemade laundry detergent.
Gift Cards
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.