... or just those looking to save a little cash in these trying times.

Chosen carefully, presents you deliver to your friends and loved ones may help them save money all year long.

Consider an attractive insulated bag or bento box to encourage someone to bring lunch from home more often. A reusable water bottle or insulated travel mug will help people to avoid dropping $4 on refreshment when the 4 o'clock slump hits. Package them with some good coffee or intriguing tea bags to personalize the gift.

Or how about making weeknight meal assembly a little easier with a crockpot, as Erin Huffstetler recommends on her Frugal Living blog? Knowing you have a pot of a warm and hearty dish bubbling on your countertop eases the temptation to order takeout or just go out to eat after a long day at work. Check out these slow cooker and crock pot reviews at Consumer Reports so you don't buy an appliance that won't get used. Consider including some non-perishable ingredients or your favorite slow cooking recipes to inspire your chef.

Others might appreciate a gift card to ease the pain of those little expenses that creep up --- for car maintenance such as oil changes, gas cards for fill ups and the like. What about postage stamps, particularly the Forever stamps that will always be valid? I can think of one or two people who are always running out ...

You'll also win with gift certificates or cards for the little treats that frugal folks have avoided, such as movie tickets, spa treatments or (gasp) fancy coffee drinks. A little indulgence once in a while helps maintain resolve in the interim.

Bankrate.com recommends 12 recession-proof gifts, including the gift of health --- either new sneakers or workout gear, or a subscription to yoga or other exercise classes.

And then there are gifts that save energy ...