Author(s): Miriam Berg
Give a gift that keeps on giving in the form of energy savings – check out our energy-efficient gift picks for just about everyone on your list!
For the DIY-er
Cordless power tools like screwdrivers, drills, and saws – as well as cordless yard care tools like lawn mowers, string trimmers, and shears – all use about 30% less energy with ENERGY STAR-certified battery chargers. Try the Craftsman C3 Drill/Driver Kit ($70) for your energy-efficient home improvement projects.
Think caulking is low-tech? Think again. Caulk guns like the Campbell Hausfeld ($26) are air-powered, so you don’t have to squeeze so hard every time you need a line of caulk. It also cuts down on mess because it’s easier to stop the flow of caulk with an air compressor than with a manual gun.
For the Interior Designer
Designer CFLs are available in a variety of flower and butterfly shapes, but the classiest is the Plumen ($30) by Hugler. Like any other CFL, Plumen saves up to 80% on energy and lasts 8 times longer than a standard incandescent. But in contrast to the conventional CFL spiral shape, the Plumen is like a sculpture in the round, with tubes that flow around each other and offer a different silhouette depending on your perspective.
Motion-sensing digital picture frames display a different photo every time you walk into the room, and automatically turn off when you leave to save electricity. Try one of the motion-sensing frames from NIX, which offers a variety of sizes.
For the Neat Freak
Personal care products like electric shavers, hair clippers, and beard trimmers that use ENERGY STAR-certified battery chargers can save up to 70% compared to those with conventional charging systems. Splurge on the Braun Series 3 390cc Shaver ($100), which includes an LED that indicates if it needs a charge or a cleaning.
LEDs lights– in the form of flameless candles – come with realistic melted wax on the outside and a flickering light on the inside, so you don’t have to worry about actual dripping wax. These candles also can come with timer-controlled settings.
For the Energy Nerd
Home electricity monitors are a favorite for energy-efficient techies, and The Energy Detective is a popular model ($200 and up, depending on accessories). Known as “TED” for short, this in-home electricity monitor permanently installs in your breaker panel and provides real-time data on your electricity usage in an easy-to-understand display on the device itself, as well as on your computer or smartphone.
Watch the video above to learn how TED can save you energy and money around the house.
For the Gamer
The Nintendo Wii ($129) is the game for gamers who care about energy efficiency. Although no video game console is lauded for saving energy (in fact, Energy Star doesn’t label them), the Wii is consistently ranked as the smallest energy hog. Total annual cost for a heavy gamer is $4.16 for the Wii, but upwards of $35 for the original Xbox or Play Station 3. But that’s just pocket change compared to the amount of energy you save by turning off the console when it’s not in use – savings of up to $100 a year.
