The energy efficient Christmas 2023 gift list

As people become more conscious of the impact of their energy use on the environment and their pocket, this Christmas could be the perfect time to wrap up an energy-efficient gift.

For this article, we looked at the data to find out just how impactful an energy-saving gift could be.

Budget-friendly gifts (under £30)

‍Travel Mugs/Reusable Coffee Cups

Amid the energy-conscious choices this Christmas, travel mugs and reusable coffee cups stand out as both eco-friendly and practical gifts. These items not only reduce single-use cup waste but also offer the convenience of keeping beverages at the perfect temperature for longer.

Over its lifetime (assuming 500 uses), a reusable cup can save approximately 10.3kg of CO2 equivalents compared to using single-use cups.¹

Looking for the best one? Check out the Which? Best travel mugs and reusable coffee cups 2023 article.

Reusable Water Bottle

A great, affordable gift for kids at school, adults at work and all adventurers. These metal, glass or plastic bottles can be washed and reused over and over again, reducing the number of single-use bottles that wind up in landfill and the amount of energy used for recycling.

One stainless steel water bottle is equal to 50 plastic bottles in manufacturing energy consumption.²

Looking for the best one? Check out the Which? Reusable water bottle guide. ‍

Hot Water Bottle

Not only are hot water bottles a classic way to keep warm, but they're also incredibly energy-efficient. Hot water bottles use significantly less energy than other warming options and are a simple, low-tech solution without wires or plugs. They are cheap to buy and easy to use, providing comfort and warmth for up to three hours. This makes them an ideal, budget-friendly, and eco-friendly gift for keeping your loved ones cozy during the winter months.

It costs about 0.84p to boil water for the bottle, and if used daily, the total operational cost over four months is a mere £1.51, even if refilled twice daily.³

Smart Plug

This nifty gadget is perfect for anyone looking to make their home a bit smarter. Not only does it allow you to control your devices from your phone, but most also allow you to set schedules of when the plugs turn on and off, potentially reducing your energy costs.

Using smart plugs could help you save up to 4.5% of electricity per year.⁴

Read the Which? guide to buying the best smart plug

Mid-range gifts (£30 - £100)

Solar-Powered Charger

The high cost of energy has become a big concern for many people. So why not give someone a portable device than can top up their mobile phones and battery packs while the sun shines? You should be able to find a 100w panel for under £100, which could capture enough energy to charge a mobile phone from empty in less than 10 minutes! There’s no cleaner energy source than the sun, so it’s good for the planet as well as their pocket.

A 100-watt solar-powered charger can generate around 3p of energy per hour.⁵

Electric Blanket

For those extra cold nights, an electric blanket is a great gift for providing sustained warmth. Electric blankets are more energy-intensive than hot water bottles, but they offer continuous, even heat throughout the night. Electric blankets are an excellent choice for someone seeking the convenience of adjustable, consistent heat. They're especially useful for those who need prolonged warmth during the night, making them a practical, though slightly more expensive, energy-efficient gift option.

An electric blanket can cost as little as 3.4p per hour to run.⁶

Find the best electric blankets at Which?

Air Fryer

Give your friend or family member a heads-up, and your gift could be roasting the turkey by the afternoon! Air fryers are much cheaper to run than conventional ovens, microwaves and even slow cookers. So your gift might be the one that keeps on giving!

An air fryer can cook a chicken breast for around 27% less cost than an electric oven.⁷

Check out the best air fryers reviewed by Which?

Luxury gifts (over £100)

Smart Thermostat

This smart device allows you to set your home’s temperature remotely. Some can even ‘learn’ when to heat your home for more efficient heating based on your usage. But as their popularity increases, check that your recipient hasn’t got one already!

A smart thermostat can reduce energy bills by up to 20%.⁸

Pick out a super smart thermostat at Which?

Electric Bike Kit

Have a friend or family member who prefers two wheels over four? This gift could help them travel further on their bike than they ever imagined. Easy to install, an electric bike kit can be picked up for a few hundred pounds and can keep you freewheeling for 15km or more.

Using a bike instead of a car for short trips can reduce emissions by around 75%.⁹

An energy-efficient kitchen appliance

Fridges, dishwashers and tumble dryers might be a little difficult to fit under a Christmas tree, but that doesn’t make them a bad present if you can afford it! White goods have become much more efficient in recent years, drastically reducing the amount of energy they use and the cost of running them. But this only applies to the most efficient models, so look out for A+++ energy rating appliances.

An A+++ rated fridge is around 70% cheaper to run than a D rated one.¹⁰

Check out The latest energy efficient products for your kitchen by Which?