Frugal Gifts for Those Who Have Everything

Need a frugal gift for someone who has everything? Here are some inspirations from readers of our Frugal Fun Tips Newsletter.

Melanie Matson shared with us:

I've found that people "with everything" enjoy gifts that take time and good taste to put together. For example, for my father, who can't find a thing he wanted when visiting a huge electronics store, I've put together a large group of photos he likes into a screensaver for his computer. Screensavers are increasingly popular because it is the best way for people to view their photos often.

Also, a good way to use an old, slow computer is to use it as a "photo server" for displaying photos in a living room, family room, kitchen, etc. This is especially good because of the new LCD monitors that don't take much space, and the color can be calibrated. I've very much enjoyed my collection of photos from Webshots ($3.99/month for unlimited photo downloads) and other disparate sources. On a day off, I'll put the easy-to-use software into a slideshow that rotates the pictures every 20 seconds.

Additionally, it takes a lot of shopping to get some very useful things. For example, I have some polarized sunglasses I bought for less than $10 but that work well, feel very comfortable, and make driving much more pleasant. I'm looking for such sunglasses for my father now.

Other ideas:

A special day together. Take time to plan a day full of inexpensive but meaningful time together.

Share a new skill. Do you have a skill you can share? Knitting, scrapbooking, ice skating, musical lessons -- there are many things you may be able to teach! Create a nice "gift certificate" for lessos.

A home-cooked meal. Many people would appreciate being served a hot home-cooked meal. Find out the recipients favorite special dish and plan an evening to serve them.

Free labor. Could you mow the lawn? Plant flowers? Clean the house?

A scrapbook. If the gift-reciever is computer phobic, put together a scrapbook or photo album of memories. I've done this for my grandmother and never saw her so pleased with a gift.

For more frugal gift ideas:

  • Green Holidays
  • Creative Giving: Spend Less While Giving More
  • Eco-Friendly Holiday Ideas
  • Frugal, Creative Gift and Decoration Ideas Will Keep Your December From Bustin' the Bank
  • Frugal Gift Ideas
  • Frugal Gift Ideas, Part Two
  • Five Alternatives to Material Gifts