If you’ve got a car, truck, or SUV enthusiast in the house, then holiday shopping seems to be fairly easy, right?
Unfortunately, most of the items they want they probably purchased for themselves, and other items (chrome rims, anyone?) might be a bit out of your budget.
You could always just ask them what they want, but that takes most of the fun out of things!
We’ve put together a list of items that should please nearly every car enthusiast and chances are, they haven’t already purchased one of these!
Let the holiday shopping begin!
Top Holiday Gifts for the Car Fanatic
1. Crate It
You can head over to Man Crates and pick out one of their car care product crates, or you can make one yourself.
Pick a crate, oil drain pan, or a big wash bucket and fill it with items they don’t have or high-quality items that no one can have enough of.
Some ideas to fill that crate include:
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Car wash
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Car wash and wax in one
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A package of microfiber towels
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High-quality wax or wax made especially for their paint color
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An orbital polisher
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Glass cleaner or glass wax
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Interior cleaner
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A new hose or a new hose sprayer
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A new chamois or drying towel
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Wheel cleaner
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Car interior fragrance spray or trees
The list goes on and on. Buy just a few or go nuts! You really cannot go wrong since everyone uses these items and they will be thrilled to have more or new ones.
2. Cover It Up
Even those with newer cars are concerned about protecting their investment, so why not help them out with a new set of floor mats, seat covers, tonneau covers, and/or steering wheel color.
You can find nearly any color or pattern, including favorite characters like Sponge Bob, Hello Kitty, or Hawaiian prints, online.
There are often items to fit even the tiniest budget. We have seen a driver’s printed seat cover with a matching steering wheel cover for less than $20. No, it probably will need to be replaced next year, but how awesome it will look in the meantime!
3. Smartphone Dash Mount
If you’re on a tight budget, this is an excellent choice that won’t break the bank.
Everyone uses the GPS on their phone, but most people think more about keeping the tank filled than buying a phone holder.
You can choose from models that attach to the vents to telescoping models that attach to the windshield. The only thing to decide here is how much you want to spend.
4. Dash Camera
If your recipient hasn’t purchased one yet, this is an excellent gift. Let’s face it, accidents happen and one of these little devices can prevent insurance hassles.
Dash cameras come in all price ranges and fit nearly every vehicle on the road, no matter how old.
5. Automatic Car Jump Starters
These are one of the handiest little devices to come along since the remote control.
There are many different models and prices to choose from depending on whether you want to open the hood and connect the power source directly to the battery or if you want to stay in the car and connect it through the cigarette lighter.
Even if the problem isn’t the battery, many of these come with USB ports to charge your phone or tablet, and a built-in flashlight.
This beats the heck out of a pair of jumper cables and the most inexpensive models don’t cost any more than jumper cables.
6. Key Locator
Everyone has misplaced their keys at one time or another, so a key finder or key locator can be a big lifesaver!
Most have a small device that you attach to the keyring, then you use a Bluetooth app on your phone to track down those lost keys.
You don’t have to use these on just the keys, either, as this works in purses, backpacks, wallets, you name it.
7. Gear to Match Their Ride
Whether your recipient has a Mercedes Benz, a Volkswagen, a BMW, or a Ford, you will find emblem related items online.
Just a few of the items available include:
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T-shirts
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Cups
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Water bottles
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Watches
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Shoes
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Jackets
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Hats
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Gym bags
Jeep enthusiasts especially love anything with the Jeep emblem on it. Spend as much or as little as you wish.
You might even consider buying dream car products, such as Ferrari sweatshirts or a Lamborghini hoodie.
8. A Decent Tool Kit
If you have a real DIYer who loves tinkering with their own car and they’ve been using tools that they picked up at a swap meet or their dad’s old leftovers, it’s time to grace the garage with their own toolset.
You can pick up a good set of basic wrenches, sockets, ratchets, allen wrenches, and screwdriver tips in a box from Craftsman or other tool stores for a few hundred dollars.
You can go all out and buy Snap-On or Mac Tools, but that will set you back at least $1K for a basic set.
If your friend has the tools but keeps them in a cardboard box, a real toolbox might be the best choice.
9. Heated Seat Cover
If their car model didn’t come with heated seats, you can give them a truly warm and friendly gift with a heated car seat.
Most models strap on securely and plug into the cigarette lighter, but some have a USB plug. Less expensive models will only offer an on and off switch, while higher-end models have 3 heat settings and are warm in less than 1 minute.
Who doesn’t love a warm tush on a cold day?
10. Amazon Echo Auto
If your gift recipient has Alexa, then it’s natural that they will want to take Alexa on the go.
Echo Auto is 007 cool, with 8 microphones for voice commands, allowing you to have Alexa open the garage door or close it, and more.
This device works with nearly every car model and if their car is already Bluetooth enabled, this is a gift that they will really go overboard for.
Or course, if all else fails, you can always do the old gift certificate to one of the local auto parts stores or Amazon, but we hope that some of the gifts listed above give you ideas for really pleasing the one you love.
