Save money this year and still be a yuletide hero with these budget-friendly gift ideas for all the coffee lovers in your life.

It’s no secret that everyone’s cutting back this year. With the global economy still in a slump, even the most greedy of retailers seem to be catering to those who’ve tightened their belts this Christmas season.

Nevertheless, holiday gift giving is still an expensive affair. So how do you, fellow coffee lover, spread cheer without depleting your own espresso fund? Here are few ideas that, with a little imagination and not a lot of money, are sure to warm any coffee drinker’s heart.

Deck their walls

Got a lot of cardboard cup cozies lying around? You know the ones I’m talking about; those flimsy, recyclable sleeves that serve as the only barrier between your epidermis and a scalding hot macchiato. Why not turn them into a festive holiday wreath?

An industrious crafter at Craftzine.com has taken dozens of coffee cup sleeves, cut them into leaf-shaped pieces and created a wreath complete with a cute green bow. If you’re crafty, it would make a great gift for a coffee lover in your life. You could even take it a step further by decorating the wreath with more ribbon, faux cranberries, or maybe even a few labels from your favorite coffee or espresso bags.

Don’t worry if you typically toss the cup sleeves after you enjoy your coffee. Craftzine recommends asking your local coffeehouse if they can spare a few.

Light their fire

Got a friend or family member who’s eco conscious but also loves nothing more than sitting around a roaring fire? Give them a Java Log. Recently named one of Time Magazine’s “Coolest Inventions of the Year”, Amazon Java Log is a ready-to-burn firelog made from compressed coffee grounds.

The Java Log not only keeps 12 million pounds of coffee grounds from ending up in landfills each year, it also puts out 78% less carbon monoxide and 68% less creosote than traditional cordwood logs like you’d find at a local hardware or home store. Users also say the logs burn long and produce a bright flame. You can find a set of six, three-hour logs at Amazon website for just $25.55 (US).

Java Log 100% Natural Crackling Fire Log, 3-Pound (Pack of 6)

Java Log Crackling Fire Log, 5-Pound (Pack of 6)

Keep it simple

Lastly, remember some of the best gifts are the ones your friends or family members can put to good use. If you splurged last year on a Keurig B60 Single Cup Brewer & K-Cup Mini-Brewer Refills coffeemaker, why not give an assortment of K-Cup refills? If your friend loves coffee but is timid about stepping away from her automatic drip pot, why not help her broaden her horizons with a simple stovetop espresso maker like a Bialetti Moka pot or a French press? Both retail for less than $20 and can be found at most kitchen and bath supply stores.

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