5 gifts that will save you money for everyone on your gift list
A thoughtful gift is the best. What’s better than showing your loved ones a way to save money? Anything that can help your loved ones save money is a gift that will keep on giving, from personal grooming products to technological gadgets.
1. Multi-cooker
Multi-cooker is a great way to cut down on your food costs, whether you are using the pressure-cooker to make a quick meal or pressing the slow-cooker button to prepare breakfast before heading out to work. It makes it easy to prepare cost-effective meals like stews, roasts, and curries. Multi-cookers can also tenderize tough cuts of meat. This means that you don’t need to buy sirloin tips if you aren’t able to afford them. The pot can also be used in slow-cooker or pressure-cooker modes to cook dried legumes. This means you can eliminate canned beans and lentils from your grocery list.
2. Smart thermostat
According to the U.S. government’s Energy Star program which evaluates consumer products on energy efficiency, a programmable thermostat can cut heating and cooling costs by up to US$180 (C$237) per year. U.S. data show that this can save you up to 20% on your average American’s annual energy bill.
It’s important to allow your home to cool down in winter and heat up during the summer. A heating and cooling program can be very helpful if you are away for a significant portion of the week. Research shows that for every degree Celsius (1.8 F), you lower your thermostat in the evening or while you are out, you can save as much as two percent on your heating bills.
You can do this with a low-tech thermostat, but the smart version is even simpler. The smart thermostat can be controlled remotely via an app for your smartphone. Users can also view energy consumption statistics and adjust the temperature remotely.
3. Safety razor
Safety razors are able to give you a close shave, no matter what your skin type is. Hipsters are embracing the return of vintage double-edge razors. Zero-waste consumers are increasingly turning to sleek stainless steel razors, as they don’t have to send disposable plastic shavers to landfill. It turns out that grandpa’s shaving method is budget-friendly. Canadians can purchase a 50-pack of blades on Amazon for $15, whereas it is possible to spend up to $50 on safety razors. This is a great deal, especially for women who can easily spend $25 on six packs of refills to get a reusable plastic razor.
4. A shoe-shining set
Shoe-polishing is another old-fashioned tradition worth reviving. Regularly dusting, moisturizing, and shining leather shoes will help prolong their life. According to Wirecutter, a shoe-polishing kit should include a horsehair brush, a leather cleaner and conditioner. This helps prevent cracks and creases, and a shoe polish. To buff, you will need a cut-up T-shirt made of cotton.
Your leather loafers will last longer if they are not worn outside in the snow. However, salt stains can be removed with white vinegar, a soft cloth, elbow grease, and a little elbow grease.
5. French-press or stovetop espresso makers
The personal finance trope of railing against the high cost of store-bought coffee has become an accepted norm. It’s not hard to see how daily indulgences in caffeinated beverages can impact your bottom line. However, a fancy coffeemaker that uses expensive pods might not be as cost-effective.
French presses are a more efficient way to reduce your coffee budget. A French press is portable, so you can take it to work with you and avoid unpleasant office brews.
If you’re an espresso lover, consider a stovetop coffeemaker like a Bialetti. This two-piece whistling coffeepot will be a striking addition to your kitchen.
