It’s the holiday season, which means winding down the year with friends and family. For some, it’s also about putting thought into giving something special and what better way to do that than a gift that keeps on giving.

We’ve pulled together an energy-efficient holiday gift guide with items that can help lower energy use and monthly bills. So, how can you help someone save energy this year?

LED lights

LED lights are now quite common but there are a few ways you can surprise that special someone. First, if you know they have old fluorescent or CFL bulbs, check out your local hardware store for LED replacements. There are also LED indoor and outdoor Christmas lights that can help save on electricity use during the holidays.

Now, if you’re looking for a larger gift, there are also permanent LED outdoor light strips that stay up all year round. You can connect them to your phone so you can change the colours remotely. For example, during Christmas you can have them white, red and green and for the rest of the year you can have them white for more outdoor lighting.

Dryer balls or a drying rack

A great stocking stuffer to help save energy when doing laundry is reusable dryer balls. There are many different types but they all do the same thing. They separate the fabric in the dryer, which helps the warm air circulate better and can cut down on drying time.

You could also think about gifting someone a collapsible drying rack. They make laundry a breeze because you don’t even have to turn on the dryer, saving energy and money in the process. Keep in mind the size and the shape that will work best so the person can use it in their home.

Smart thermostat

Another way to help someone save on energy use is by gifting them a smart thermostat. These devices automate your home’s heating and cooling system so you can stay comfortable while saving energy. They allow you to create a schedule so you don’t have to think about when to turn your heat up or down.

There are so many options for smart thermostats now that work with many gas or electric heating systems. Many of them also have an app you can download and you can control the temperature of your house from your phone.

A heated blanket

A common energy saving tip is to use a blanket to stay warm instead of turning up the heat. You can take it one step further and gift someone a heated blanket that can keep them a little extra warm during those colder days. While it uses electricity, it will still prevent you from turning up the heat so you can save energy.

When looking into a heated blanket, check to see if it’s machine-washable so it’s easier to clean and the type of material is comfortable. There are also specific features like timers and temperature controls that can provide different options for the user.

A few things to keep in mind when using a heated blanket is to make sure the wires don’t get pinched because they could break. To store the blanket, roll it don’t fold it and always make sure when you’re done using it to turn it off and unplug it.

Air purifier

Be the star in your special someone’s eyes by gifting them an appliance with an ENERGY STAR^® logo on it. For example, a great gift is an ENERGY STARrated air purifier, helping them save energy over time—you could also toss in a few extra filters. Air purifiers can help filter indoor air and improve air quality. It is important to consider a model that is suited to the room size so it works effectively.

An experience as a gift

To end this holiday gift guide, we thought we would add in the gift of an experience. And while not solely focused on energy efficiency, a holiday skate at your local ice rink or visiting a local market is a great way to bring you and the special people in your life together. Just remember to turn down your thermostat or have it programmed so you can save energy while you’re out of the house.

Happy holidays!