5 gifts that save people money

Some gifts are guaranteed to cost the recipient a small fortune (like, say, gaming systems). Others can offer a thrifier 2010. Here are my five nominations for the best money-saving gift ideas:

A better carry-on bag. The right roll-on can help you avoid checked baggage fees, which now run $15 and up at virtually all airlines (JetBlue and Southwest are two exceptions). But the wrong one will leave you blocking the aisle, trying to stuff a too-big, too-heavy bag into a crowded overhead. My vote: The Delsey Helium Fusion Expandable Suiter Trolley, which I’ve owned for more than a year and absolutely love. It’s inexpensive (around $80), lightweight and tough, with a basic built-in suiter that allows me to keep jackets and pants from getting too wrinkled. Consumer Reports liked it, too.

Sandwich and snack wraps. I like the selection offered by ResuseableBags.com, which range from clear to colorful. Made of cloth or non-leaching plastic, these cost about $5 to $8 each and replace throw-away plastic bags and wraps.

Rechargeable batteries. Now that our house is littered with Leapsters and other battery-operated toys, I’ve finally seen the light and started using rechargeable batteries. I like this Energizer charging gizmo for $20 that plugs into any outlet and allows you to shut off the charger.

A subscription to ShopSmart. This is Consumer Reports’ answer to Real Simple. ShopSmart magazine is a nicely designed synopsis of CR recommendations, with a “Buy this! Don’t buy that!” spin and a tagline of “No hype. No ads. Just great buys.” I especially like the fashion feature in each issue, where noted stylists offer their advice on how to update your wardrobe for less. A subscription is $18 for six annual issuers.

The right crock pot. Not eating out can save a ton of money, but many people are too tired after work to think about cooking. The solution: a crock pot, which allows you to start a meal in the morning and have it ready when you come home. You’ll want one with electronic controls that allow you to delay cooking and automatically reset to “warm” when the cooking is done. Unfortunately, too many slow cooker these days aren’t; the manufacturers have set them to heat up too fast, so you’ll want to read user reviews before you buy. I like the Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget model, which retails for $60 to $70.