Gift Ideas for Savvy Drivers in Your Family

Holiday shopping skews romantic and sentimental, but don’t underestimate the practical. There’s a strong chance the car enthusiast in your life eyes a gadget or protection product but doesn’t want to treat themselves while holiday shopping.

Here’s some helpful suggestions to jump-start (pun intended) your holiday shopping list.

Vehicle brushes, boring but highly practical and welcome any time of year

Brushes remove dirt and debris that could cause long-term damage to paint and finishes. Bristles vary in texture to handle different tasks. Brushes are especially useful on wheels, tires and upholstery.

“Nylon and soft plastic bristles are ideal for cleaning fabric and paint, while coarser bristles are better suited for tires and removing brake dust,” said Jim Dvorak of Mothers, a polish company based in Southern California.

Just be sure not to use an exterior brush on your upholstery, otherwise you’re going to transfer stains.

Dash camera to turn the unforeseen events into an easy call upon replay

Arguments where it is “my word-against-yours” are always stressful. Then there’s the inevitable insurance claims and potentially litigation as each party investigates a vehicle crash.

Video can provide an important eyewitness view.

Dashboard cameras have gained popularity in many European countries, and law enforcement has relied on the technology for decades.

“The best devices are user-friendly and discreet,” said Johan-Till Broer of Garman, a Kansas-based electronics company producing dash cameras since 2014. “Get something that’s fully automated with high-resolution. You should only have to think about the camera when you need it.”

Safety kit, a must-have for any traveler, especially for winter travel.

The least enticing gift choice on this list easily stands out as the most important. Safety kits aren’t romantic, but they do show empathy for the recipient. Plenty of safety kits come fully stocked, but you can personalize the gift, too. Do they drive often at night? Add some flares. Do they live or work in the snow? Include hand warmers and rock salt. Do they travel long distance? Include extra batteries for electronic devices or even a back-up battery for the vehicle and electronic devices.

“Vehicles have anti-lock brakes, airbags throughout, navigation systems and traction control,” said Tim DeSpain, a public information officer for Alaska’s Department of Public Safety. “All that doesn’t matter if you’re stranded in the cold.”

DeSpain also suggested including items such as a first-aid kit, LED flashlight, blankets, protein bars, a reflective vest, gloves and a cell phone charger in your emergency kit.