We here at Consuming Interests like to encourage the saving spirit during the holidays. Here are some ideas for thoughtful gifts that will save your recipients money — and may help save the planet to boot:

– Consider an electric shaver for those on your gift list who are addicted to disposables. You’ll save them money on replacements (and save room in landfills, as well). Women who regularly visit a salon for waxing might appreciate an epilator — but as Consumer Reports recommends, be sure the manufacturer offers a money-back guarantee in case the product doesn’t work out. 

– Families with children would enjoy a battery charger with rechargeable batteries, or video game fiends could appreciate a charger for wireless remotes.

– Someone who is less than vigilant about car maintenance could use supplies and incentives to keep his or her vehicle in tip-tip shape (and lower its impact on the environment) such as a tire gauge and gift certificates for oil changes. You might throw in an emergency kit, as well.

– Or, if you know someone who is dedicated to public transportation, perhaps a CharmCard would be a good option. 

– The blog GetRichSlowly had a long list of good, frugal gift ideas, including a gift subscription to a CSA (community supported agriculture). This kind of gift not only helps cut your recipient’s annual grocery bill but also keeps local farms strong.

Here are a few more ideas that save recipients money, but not necessarily resources:  

– Don’t forget memberships. A gift membership to a warehouse shopping club could save a new family a lot of cash. As we mentioned before, memberships to a local zoo or museum could offer families with kids a year of inexpensive entertainment on rainy days or summer afternoons. 

– If you know someone who watches more television and DVDs on a laptop than a television, perhaps they could use cables to connect the two. Here’s a tutorial on connecting your laptop or computer to a television, whether it’s an older-school CRT or a flat-screen.

– Those who have cut the cable cord might also appreciate gift certificates to Netflix or Amazon Video on Demand or iTunes to supplement the content they want to watch. 

What gifts have you given or received that have helped save tons of money? Be sure to tell us about it in the comments below. 

Here are links to other Consuming Interests ideas for frugal gifts:

Frugal gifts for frugal people

Frugal, green gifts that save money

UPDATED: Here’s a slideshow of money-saving gifts.

(photo: Nanine Hartzenbusch/Baltimore Sun)

Consuming Interests