So someone you know just got a new car…now what should you get them? It depends on their personality, but there are some practical car-warming gifts most people will really appreciate.
In this post, I’ll share 11 of the most practical car care gifts to consider, including a few that may be off of your radar.
1. Car wash gift bundle
You really can’t go wrong with a car kit that contains everything from wash gel, to a wash mitt or sponge, to detailing sprays and wipes. If you want to go the simple route, you can find a few of these basic kits for under $50 either in-store or online. Chemcial Guys makes a few of these.
Chemical Guys Gift Bucket
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Some kits I would consider ‘premium’ because they include products many detailers would use, and not cheaper items like wipes. However, you can also assemble your own kit if you’d like, depending on the person you’re buying for.
Here are a few items to consider:
- Wash bucket (to place items)
- Detailing wipes
- Tire brush
- Leather cleaner/wipes
- Tire shine
- Glass cleaner wipes (or spray)
- Wash gel
- Wax spray (or paste)
- Interior protectant wipes (or spray)
- Wash mitt or sponge
- Terry cotton towels
2. Car windshield sunshade
A sun shade is another perfect product for anyone who wants to protect their vehicle’s interior from fading AND keep it cooler. Reflective sun shades can reduce the temperature of your car interior by as much as 51 percent according to tests.
One that I really like on the market today
Umbrella Style Retractable Car Sun Shade
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There are a few different types:
- Bubble (accordion-style) sunshade: Low-cost, traditional fold-up style
- Jumbo sun-shade: Great for larger windshields, typically doesn’t fold up
- Side-shades. These come in a variety of different options. Some you’ve probably seen come with suction cups, and are an ideal product if you have children that will be sitting in the back seat.
3. Car windshield cover
No, this is not actually the same as a sunshade (which is what I initially thought). If the person you are buying for lives in an area that experiences snow, this product is definitely going to come in handy if they do not have a garage. Windshield covers are added prior to snowstorms or ice events and can be basically rolled away.
Windshield Cover for Ice and Snow
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No one likes to spend 20 minutes scraping snow in the winter, and this product definitely can be a time-saver in the mornings.
4. Quality handheld car vacuum
One thing I have found with handheld car vacuums is that you really do get what you pay for. I remember buying a cheap Dirt Devil vacuum for around 15 bucks to clean up the occasional crumb or two, and being extremely disappointed.
I upgraded to a Shop-Vac, which is another good gifting option (with superior performance), but there are some handheld devices that actually do perform pretty well.
Black and Decker 16V Cordless Dust Blaster
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This one by Black and Decker is sturdy, easy to hold and empty, and made way better than the cheap ones all over the internet.
Some of the $10-15 models I’ve used just feel cheap, the filters are flimsy, and the suction just isn’t where it needs to be to clean a car.
Check out my list of top cordless handheld car vacs here if you’re considering this gift.
5. Handheld portable power pack
This is the one product I wish I had received at 16. Jumper cables are great, but a jump starter is a better solution when in a bind.
Car Jump Starter with Light and Air Compressor
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I like this as a gift because preventative devices are something many people want to purchase unless they have to.
This one by Potex produces 1,000 peak amps which is enough to turn over a cold battery (much more than cheaper 600 peak amp models).
I like the addition of a tire inflator, gauge, and light on this model.
6. Auto-themed apparel
Have someone in-love the person is with their new ride? Auto-themed apparel is a great choice.
From visors, hoodies, to t-shirts, brands like Mercedes, BMW, Tesla, and many others have some really unique options online you may want to consider.
7. Basic tool kit for the road
It always seems like everytime I needed a screwdriver or wrench in college, I never had the equipment I needed…until someone gifted me a tool kit. A toolkit makes a great gift because you can keep it in the trunk and easily remove lug nuts, bolts, and perform basic car fixes when on the road.
228-Piece Portable Auto Repair Tool Set
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You can find a few different tool kits online, but for automotive use I like ones that have sockets, adjustable wrenches, a hammer, and a few other accessories you’ll need under the hood. Make sure the set you purchase can tolerate automotive use, since some are very plastic-y and meant for hanging pictures and other simple tasks.
8. Driving gloves
Most steering wheels are leather, which means one thing – they get really cold in the winter. A nice pair of driving gloves to keep in the glovebox is a great choice especially if the person you are gifting has a 5-15 minute commute, where it’s probably going to be pretty chilly the entire time despite having the heat on.
Driving Gloves with Touch Screen Fingers
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One thing to note is whatever you select, you’ll want to find a pair of touchscreen gloves you can still operate a smartphone with.
9. Polarized sunglasses
A quality pair of driving glasses is always a great choice for just about any occasion, especially driving. Whether you opt for a basic pair or designer brand like Rayban, Oakley, Costa Del Mar, Gucci, Prada, or Maui Jim (to name a few!) or a cheap pair, cutting down on road glare is super-important for safety.
Most of the time you really do get what you pay for, since certain models are just pretty indestructible. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve dropped a pair of Wayfarer Raybans on the concrete at a gas station over the years, and am still wearing them. Can’t say the same about the iPhone :(
All in all, you really can’t go wrong with a good looking pair of shades with UV protection to keep in the console.
10. Car wash and detailing coupons & gift certificates
One of the easiest options is to gift a coupon or gift card to a local car wash or detailing service. Most carwash chains like AutoBell offer these, and can usually be applied to both carwash and detailing services.
Have someone who really wants to learn how to detail the car like a pro? Check out our video course, Washing and Detailing for Beginners.
Ready to improve your washing and detailing skills?
This video course unpacks the fundamentals of washing and detailing. From exterior cleaning and blemish removal…you’ll learn the secrets that will give you spotless pro-level results!
11. Car document organizer
This is one gift that I would actually like to have personally. Since everyone is legally required to have their registration card on them when driving, why not have a safe place to put all of these important cards and documents? If you keep insurance cards, oil change receipts, and anything else… a small document organizer that fits inside the glove box will save time.
Car Registration and Insurance Card Holder
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No more fumbling around if an officer asks for a license and registration, just whip out this handy little book.
Bonus idea: A detailing cart
Another really cool idea for any car lover is their own detailing cart with wheels, perfect for storing all kinds of spray bottles, brushes, buckets, and everything they need for washing their car.
Adam’s Standard Detailing Cart with Bottle Holders
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Check out my post 7 Awesome Car Wash Detailing Carts for a few cool carts on the market right now.
Need more ideas?
If you’re still not sure what to get that special someone, check out these 10 car care ideas for teenagers as well as our Recommended Gear page.
