32 Practical and Unusual Gift Ideas for Frugal People
This website may earn commissions from purchases made through links in this post.
Looking for practical gifts for frugal people? Here are some gift ideas that will save your recipient money without costing the earth.
Looking for practical gift ideas that are useful and a little bit different?
Something that doesn’t add to the junk and the clutter that we already have?
Or something that can save your recipient money, save the planet of wasted resources, or maybe a bit of both?
If so, here you’ll find a list of practical and unusual gift ideas for frugal people that come from some of the stores affiliated with Frugal and Thriving.
Etsy is a great place to pick up unusual hand-crafted gifts that support small and grass-roots businesses. If you’re just browsing and you’re not sure what to look for, type gift ideas into the search bar.
Biome, Nourished life and Eco Modern Essentials are three Australian companies that sell eco-friendly, natural products. Zero-waste gifts are great for saving people money because you don’t need to keep paying for disposables.
The Book Depository have one of the largest ranges of books at some of the best prices in the world. Having practical resources and learning new skills is very frugal.
Finally, and maybe surprisingly, you can get some great finds from small independent retailers via Amazon at competitive prices.
Practical Kitchen Gift Ideas for Frugal People
Know someone who loves to cook? Here are some gifts that are practical and may save them time or money in the kitchen.
Organic Cotton Apron | Biome
Keep clothes clean and lasting longer by wearing an apron. This one has a beautiful native animal print.
Family Recipe Chopping Board | Etsy
This gift can become a family heirloom. It's both practical and sentimental.
Mad Millie Coconut Yoghurt Kit | Biome
Make your own yoghurt and save money compared to store bought yoghurt. If your recipient is dairy-free, give them a coconut yoghurt kit.
Casserole Carrier | Etsy
Keep your casserole warm with this casserole carrier. No more fumbling while transporting food when you have to 'bring a plate'.
Mad Millie Kombucha Kit | Biome
Kombucha is healthy and delicious but super expensive. Let your recipient make their own and save with this DIY kit.
Urban Composter Bokashi Bucket 16L | Biome
Encourage small space composting with this composting bucket that can go inside.
Australian Birds Designer Tea Towel White Cockatoo | Etsy
Tea towels are always useful. These ones are both useful and beautiful with a variety of native designs. Cotton/linen blend.
Danish Dough Whisk | Amazon
No need for expensive energy-intense equipment when you can get innovative manual kitchen implements like this. This is on my wish list.
Zero Waste Gift Ideas For Frugal People
Zero waste gifts can save your recipient a ton of money because they don't have to keep spending on disposables. Get them started on a low-waste journey with these gift ideas.
Reusable Coffee Cup Australia | Biome
Reduce coffee cup waste and possibly get a discount on coffee with a reusable coffee cup. Insulated cups will keep you coffee hot for longer.
Glass Tea Flask | Biome
Don't like plain water? Use a tea flask to transport your black tea, herbal tea or infused water.
Spork, Insulated Bottle, Container Bundle | Biome
Everything you need to take your lunch to work and save money all year round.
Bamboo Utensil Set | Etsy
How cute is this utensil set! Reduce plastic by taking your own utensils when eating out.
Silicone drinking straws - Biome
Stainless steel straws can be hard on your teeth. Avoid plastic straws and dental surgery with silicone straws! These ones are curved for easy access to drink and they come it two parts for easy cleaning.
Insulated Food Jar | Biome
Keep your hot lunch warm with an insulated food jar. Great for soups, stews, casseroles and stir fries.
Safety Razor | Biome
Avoid disposable razors with a long-lasting safety razor.
Leak Proof Stainless Steel Reusable Takeaway Container | Biome
Support local businesses and reduce plastic by taking your own reusable takeaway containers. Also great for storing leftovers.
Practical Personal Gifts
It's not frugal if it costs the planet! Here are some eco-friendly personal items your frugal earth-lover will love.
Bush Balm Irmangka Irmangka | Biome
A natural balm based on traditional medicine for soreness and bruising. Made by the Aboriginal people of central Australia, the ingredients are traditionally used for arthritis and inflammation among other things.
French green clay Sponge | Biome
Just add water to gently cleanse, exfoliate, smooth and soften skin. Lasts up to 3 months of normal daily use and can be composted when finished.
ECO Blends 6 Pack | ECO Modern Essentials
Smell makes a house a home. Get started with natural scents with a blends collection.
Bumbag | Biome
Bumbags are back in fashion and they are super practical, especially when you're riding a bike or out on short hikes.
Vegan Dry Body Brush | Nourished Life
Get silky smooth skin without all the lotions and potions by regularly dry body brushing.
Collapsible Market Basket | Amazon
Avoid plastic shopping bags with this versatile collapsible basket. Can also be used at the beach, for picnics and outings with kids.
Hardworking Hands Balm | Biome
If someone you love spends all day out in the garden, then their hands will love this nourishing balm for hardworking hands.
Gift Ideas for the Frugal Reader
The frugal life is all about continously learning new skill and making the most of the resources we have. Books are always handy to learn from and to use as a reference.
The Permaculture Home Garden | Book Depository
Learn to garden the permaculture way.
Warndu Mai Good Food | Book Depository
Learn more about native Australian foods and how to cook them.
The Fermentation Handbook | Book Depository
Fermentation prevents food waste while increasing all that good gut bacteria in your diet. Learn how to DIY for less.
Simple Living Guide | Book Depository
We can also use some tips for living more simply. The Simple Living Guide helps simplify life.
Little House Living | Book Depository
A book on natural self-sufficiency from the Little House Living blogger.
It can be hard finding the perfect gift. But these ideas are both practical and a little unusual and help encourage the good life.
Simplicity + quality = reliability
<3
Good thing I stumble on this article because I am running out of gift ideas this Christmas.