Christmas gifts that save money

This post contains affiliate links, clearly marked with *. If you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission.

I like to buy my friends and family presents that I think they will find really useful and that will last. Gone are the days when I was happy to buy lots of cheap, throwaway items. Now, with a view to sustainability and frugality, I am thinking why not also purchase Christmas gifts that save money for the recipient?

Here are some of my ideas for great Christmas gifts that save money.

Christmas gifts that save money

A slow cooker

Resist the lure of the takeaway after a hard day at work with a slow cooker. They cost hardly anything to run, and with a bit of organisation in the morning you can come home to a delicious, hearty casserole. We use ours loads in the winter. Slow cooking can also make a tough, cheap joint of meat taste lovely and tender, but you can make many different types of dishes in one, from porridge to casseroles, chilli and even roast potatoes.

You can buy all singing, all dancing versions like the Crock-Pot Lift & Serve Digital Slow Cooker* above, but a more basic model can be picked up for around £25.

 A popcorn maker

As I mentioned in my post Eighteen of the best green Christmas gift ideas,  my daughter is addicted to popcorn. She goes through packets of the microwaveable stuff. She could save money and a ton of packaging with this glass popcorn maker* from Amazon.

Reusable makeup remover pads

For the eco-conscious beauty queen in your life, how about buying some reusable bamboo makeup remover pads*? They come with a little washbag so you can pop them in there once you have used one and then add it to your next lot of laundry every now and again.

I have been using mine for several months and reckon they have already paid for themselves, not to mention the plastic packaging that has been avoided.

In addition, I own several nice, soft face cloths so no longer purchase disposables to clean my face at all.

Save money on coffee

For the person who always turns up at the office with a take out coffee, a cafetiere along with some decent filter coffee will potentially save them hundreds of pounds each year. You can buy this attractive glass and copper BODUM one* from Amazon for £14.99.

Reusable water bottle

Everyone should have a reusable water bottle. They save money and are great if you want to reduce your environmental footprint as well. For kids, a stainless steel one is a tough and practical choice, such as this one* from One Green Bottle, although I prefer my glass and silicone one.

For those who spend a fortune on disposable plastic bottles, this is one of the best Christmas gifts that save money.

A sense of history

A subscription to an organisation such as English Heritage, the RHS or the National Trust makes a lovely present for those who like to get out and about. A membership to such organisations will give free entry to historic places and beautiful gardens throughout the UK. It saves a lot of money on individual entrance fees.

Battery charger

If you know of a household with a lot of gadgets, how about a battery charger* with some rechargeable batteries? These are a win-win, both for the recipient’s wallet and the environment.

Wine saver

I love a glass of fizz or wine but won’t drink the whole bottle (well, not usually, anyway…). A wine saver like Vacu Vin one*  will keep the contents of the bottle fresh and fizzy and prevent expensive waste.

Wind up torch

Another way to avoid costly battery replacements is to buy items that are rechargeable. A solar powered wind up torch such as this one* is eco-friendly as well as money saving.

A financial education

” width=”274″ height=”344″ border=”0″>

Yes! You can buy a financial education – in the form of a book. A couple of my absolute favourites to help learn about saving money are the Complete Tightwad Gazette* and How I Lived a Year on Just a Pound a Day* by Kath Kelly.

I also totally rate Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover*. It is the kind of book I wish I had had access to in my twenties. Check out my frugal books page for other ideas.

A dehydrator

Growing your own food is an amazing money saving hobby. An unusual gift for the avid veg grower or allotment holder is a food dehydrator **. This presents another way to preserve your harvest when you have a glut and prevents food going to waste.

I would love one of these!

Reusable steel razor

A few Christmases ago Santa bought me a Bambaw Safety Razor* and I love it!

Reusable razors are brilliant – for both their money saving potential and to cut back on plastic waste. I was fed up with spending so much on plastic razors that lasted just a few shaves and then ended up in the bin. My current one will last me years. The replacement blades cost just pennies too.

Grow your own micro greens

For the health conscious, how about a microgreens kit*? You can grow your own superfoods on your windowsill for nutritious greens throughout the winter. 

What other ideas do you have for Christmas gifts that save money?