Give energy-efficient gifts for the holidays
by. Robert Yang | Dec. 9, 2022
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! What’s not to love?! There’s presents, fun decorations, cold weather, winter vacation, gatherings and Starbucks holiday drinks! Even though I love the holiday season, I am the worst gift giver. I always have a difficult time coming up with ideas and end up doing last-minute shopping. I know I’m not alone, which is why I compiled a gift guide for my fellow 11th-hour gift buyers. The added twist is that these gifts also help your friends and family save energy.
Air Fryer
Air fryers perform the same function as an oven, but they use significantly less wattage and tend to be faster in cooking time. That’s a winning combination for a lower electricity bill. There are now so many brands to choose from that you have choices in size, price and color. Plus, air fryers tend to be on sale during this time of year so that’s also extra savings for you.
Philips Hue Smart Bulbs
If you know someone who is looking to bring color to their living space, this is the perfect gift. These are LED smart bulbs so energy savings are guaranteed with this one. You can personalize your area with any hue using your phone or your voice. It helps you transform your home with millions of color options, creating the right atmosphere for any event.
LG CordZero A916 Cordless Stick Vacuum
Cordless vacuums only draw power when they’re charging. They also use less energy than corded models because their suction isn’t as strong. I’ve personally used this one and it gets the job done. The reason I’ve included the model for this is that it’s usually on sale at Costco. To save even more energy, remember to leave the vacuum unplugged if the battery has plenty of juice left. You’ll avoid overcharging it, which prevents phantom energy and keeps the battery life lasting longer.
Anker Power Banks
Someone gave me an Anker power bank for Christmas back in 2018. I haven’t used any other power bank brands since. It’s simply reliable and long lasting. On a three-day weekend trip where the hotel electrical outlet was too far from the bed, I charged my phone every night using the Anker power bank and still had more than enough juice for the plane ride back home. That’s energy-efficient! It’s a high-quality product that’s durable and looks good.
Jetson Bolt Pro Electric Bike
This super lightweight e-bike will take you far on an overnight charge. It’s foldable and has a built-in carrying handle so you tote it around after you arrive at your destination and not have to worry about theft. Charging an e-bike doesn’t require a lot of energy and you’ll also save on your commute. It’s also cheaper than almost every other e-bike on the market.
I hope this list provides you with some great ideas for your holiday shopping. Good luck in finding the perfect energy-saving gifts for your family and friends!
Robert Yang is a digital communications and social media specialist at Hawaiian Electric Company.
