If you have to find the perfect gift for the gearhead in your life but aren’t sure where to start, don’t worry.
Even if you don’t know anything about cars, there are plenty of easy and inexpensive gifts that are sure to brighten the spirits of those who love automotive culture.
The items featured on this list make great holiday gifts, retail for less than $100 and can be purchased on Amazon and other specialty retailer websites.
Glove Box Jump Starter
Nothing’s worse than returning to your car after a late night out and finding that the battery is dead because you forgot to turn the lights off.
If this has ever happened, you know how much of a burden it can be to locate a pair of jumper cables and then find a stranger who will let you hookup to his or her battery.
Fortunately, if you have the Glove Box Jump Starter this problem is eliminated since you won’t even have to leave the driver’s seat to jump your battery.
The Glove Box Jump Starter is a portable device that plugs into the cigarette lighter or 12v outlet and charges your vehicle’s battery in under 10 minutes using its internal wiring.
Like any electronic, though, the device needs to be charged itself before it can work properly. To do this, it’s recommended that you plug it into your car’s outlet for approximately 45 minutes after each use.
The official Glove Box Jump Starter sells for $49.99 at Sharper Image, but Amazon has its own similar product, called the Viatek MJ01 Mighty Jump, that can be purchased for $25.
Keep in mind, though, that Amazon’s model has an average rating of 2.6 out of 5 while Sharper Image’s is rated at 4.4.
Mechanic’s Tool Set
Do the car lovers in your life want to work on their vehicles, but lack the proper tools? If so, then a mechanic’s tool set, which is a kit that includes common sized wrenches, sockets and nut drivers, can be the easy way to cross them off your list this holiday season.
It’s important to note, though, that mechanic’s tool sets come in a variety of different styles and price points. For example, the lower-end models typically come with 6 and 12-point sockets in both standard and metric sizes while the more expensive kits can include over 300 pieces.
However, those that retail for under $100 usually include everything a Do-it-Yourself mechanic needs to get started.
Lowe’s currently offers a Kobalt 227-piece kit, on sale, for $99 while The Home Depot has a 145-piece Stanley set for $51.71 online. Amazon also has a variety of mechanics’ tool sets at prices to fit any budget.
Cordless Tire Inflator
Those who don’t own, or have the space for, a portable air compressor in their garage know how much of a hassle it can be to travel to the gas station each time their car tires need refilled with air. That’s why a cordless tire inflator is one of the best car-related gifts you can buy.
Designed for those who need to quickly add pressure to their tires at home or on the side of the road, this inflator – which is the size of a cordless drill – can quickly inflate a car tire using a charged lithium-ion battery or the included car adaptor.
Although the cordless tire inflator includes a digitized pressure gauge, it automatically shuts off when the desired psi is reached so you never have to worry about underinflating your tires. And it can also be to inflate bicycle tires and sports equipment.
While catalog company Hammacher Schlemmer sells its own cordless tire inflator on its website for $89.95, big-box stores like Target and Walmart offer Air Hawk – a similar as seen on TV product – for under $60.
Other Potential Gift Ideas:
• Cellphone vent holder
• Car seat gap filler
• Complete car care kit
• WeatherTech floor mats
• Car cover
• Personalized garage sign
Or, if the car lover in your life needs bodywork or a new paint job, consider purchasing him or her a service from Andy’s Auto in Bridgeville. We specialize in mechanical work, bodywork and paint. Call us at 412-478-9304 to schedule an appointment.
