Savvy Money-Saving Gift Ideas

Are you a spendthrift?

Giving gifts does not necessarily make you a spendthrift. Most of us are familiar with the old adage, “It’s the thought that counts”. This saying can be interpreted a number of ways, but the most practical interpretation is, “don’t worry about getting me anything (special), I thank you for being so considerate as to think of getting me something.”

If this interpretation is adopted by a majority of gift givers more people can start cutting back on gifts that would cost them hundreds of dollars. That having been said, it really is best to choose items that may not be that expensive but would definitely bring joy and amusement to the one who will receive your gift.

The gift card

So, if you want to give gifts but you have a tight budget, don’t worry too much because there are many ways to cut back on the prices but still be able to give gifts that will be deeply appreciated. Here are a few ideas that might help you bring smile to someone’s face during the holidays without having to break your bank.

Consider for a moment that, the trade-off between a gift certificate with which the recipient can buy exactly what s/he wants and a more expensive item that is really not the ideal gift may just be a more acceptable exchange and as well as a appreciated gift.

What not a gift closet?

Gift Closet is a really cool idea…Start one! If you have not done this before, try to do it now. Shop for gifts the whole year-round. This would mean less hassle and less expense, a definite money-saver. The point here is that if you do not plan in advance, you will end up spending more.

You could try buying gifts at bazaars, special sales, and out-of-town trips, which you can deposit in your gift closet. In this way, you can buy the items at a much lower price than it would be sold for during the holidays.

However, to make sure that you do not give the same gift twice, you should make an inventory of all your gifts. This will also allow you to keep tabs on what you have in your stock.

Alternatively, and in addition to stockpiling gifts, collect wrapping paper, ribbons, and other trimmings, adornments and other supporting items as well. A gift is better appreciated when it is beautifully wrapped.

Creativity & organization

Let the creative juices flow because nothing could be more amusing than a gift that was specially made by the person who gave the gift. Personalizing you gifts is far better than commercially made items. In this way, you do not only create a smile to the one who will receive the gift but you would also cut your gift-giving expenses by a large amount.

One of the best ways of saving money on gifts is to be organized with the process. That is, before going to the store or mall to shop for gifts, always bring with you a shopping list. It should be stated there, the names of persons to whom you will give gifts and the budget for each person.

The bottom line is that gifts should not be expensive. What matters most is that you have thought of the person on that very special day and that’s usually enough to make them feel they are special to you. However, this does not mean that you shouldn’t get a modestly priced item for that person.

Efficient Appliances Slash Utility Costs


An electrical appliance that does not work at maximum capacity results in less than ideal performance and higher electricity bills. That is why it is best to make sure all your electrical appliances are in reasonably good working order, or top working condition – when possible – in order to save on electricity and save more money. In view of this observation I thought the following ideas could be helpful to you in your efforts to save money on utilities.

1. Keep your appliances clean and well maintained – Regular cleaning and maintenance will keep your appliances in top shape, this according to most manufacturers, to make sure they perform better and consume less energy. Energy saved is money saved.

2. Have an annual checkup by qualified service technicians – This can reduce the appliance’s operating costs by as much as 20%, extend the life of the system, and improve its safety and air quality. The long term savings of this annual inspection far outweighs the cost.

3. Setting a comfortable room temperature – When using air conditioners, it is best to establish your comfort temperature, and then set your thermostat at that level permanently. This will definitely save on electric bills because it has been shown that air conditioning units take less energy to cool air four to five degrees than it does to cool it eight to ten degrees.

4. Replace any items that have already been in use for 10 years or longer – Old appliances are most likely not at their peak performance, and this in turn prevent them from performing at optimum efficiency. By replacing them, your electric bills can be reduced by as much as fifty percent.

5. Dealing with power outages – If you experience a power outage, make sure you turn off the switch on your appliances and allow time to pass before turning the appliances on again when the power returns.

6. Best use of your refrigerator(s) – Recommended use of refrigerators suggests that you should not over-stuff compartments with bottles and plastic containers. Keep in mind that cool air must circulate freely to avoid overworking the condenser. This in turn enhances efficiency and saves money. Also, try not to leave the door of your refrigerator opened longer than it takes to take the item(s) out. Doing so will have the unneeded result of allowing cool air to escape and defeat the purpose.

7. Energy-saving logos and notes – Always try to look for the “energy saving” logo or notes whenever you buy your new appliances. Buying an appliance with a logo that states it consumes lower energy will definitely allow you save more money on your electricity.

8. Using energy saving lights or light bulbs – These energy saving lights or light bulbs usually last up to 12 times longer than the usual highe wattage bulbs. Plus, energy saving light bulbs consume less energy. Hence, you will be able to save more money just by saving on the lesser amount of electricity used by these bulbs.

9. Energy-saving windows and screens – Use energy-saving facilities at home like energy-saving windows or energy-saving appliances. This will lessen the consumption of energy and, thus allow you to save money on electricity. For instance, use a “double-glazed” window instead of the ordinary window.

10. Use home insulators and insulation – The best case for insulating your home, including siding, attic, basement and other areas of your home that might otherwise allow heat and cool air to escape is the huge difference in your heating bill during Winter months and your electric bill during Summer months.

However, this may be difficult to ascertain if you have not yet insulated, so you could simply ask a neighbor, friend or relative who has insulated. Indeed, saving on utilities will definitely save more money!