Chances are, there's a car owner on your holiday gift list — why not give him or her a gift with an automotive theme? The following 10 car-related gifts are varied enough to please a wide range of tastes.
We've got picks that will satisfy everyone from the car nut to the do-it-yourselfer to the casual driver simply seeking to make his car a more comfortable and efficient place. Best of all, these gifts won't put your budget on life support — they're all priced at less than 50 bucks.
1. Cyber Clean Automotive Cleaner
Price: Starts at $5.99
Everyone likes a clean car, but the endless array of crevices, nooks and crannies found in a vehicle's cabin can make achieving this ideal difficult. Unleashing a vacuum cleaner on the whole mess is a start, but there are some places that a vacuum simply can't access.Enter Cyber Clean Automotive Cleaner. It cleans using a synthetic membrane that may be guided into the most hard-to-reach places; the membrane picks up dirt and grime, leaving no residue. You may purchase Cyber Clean Automotive Cleaner in single-unit packages and 12-packs. If you're interested in learning more about how to keep your car's cabin clean, check out "Interior Motives — The Basics of Interior Detailing."
2. Meguiar's Show Car Shine Kit
Price: $20
Car nuts are all about keeping that shine on their sheet metal all year 'round. Meguiar's Show Car Shine Kit contains everything they'll need to maintain that sought-after automotive gleam, from roof to rubber. Included are Meguiar's NXT Generation Tech Wax, Deep Crystal Car Wash, Quik Interior Detailer, Quik Glass Cleaner and Hot Shine Tire Foam. The kit is available exclusively at Target stores nationwide, but not online.
Price: $19.95
The Drop Stop Car Wedge is for anyone who's ever inadvertently dropped something in that black abyss between a car's front seat and center console. Made of a fiberfill interior shrouded in stain-resistant neoprene casing, this wedge is designed to fit snugly in that mischievous gap, thus preventing everything from cell phones to coins to French fries from disappearing within. It's sold in packages of two, to be used on both the driver and front-passenger seats.
Price: $29.99
iPhones may be equipped with mapping applications that serve as capable substitutes for traditional automotive navigation systems. There's just one problem: How do you position your phone in a way that makes the screen easily visible while you're behind the wheel? The WindowSeat offers a canny solution. Consisting of a mounting bracket and a high-grip suction pad, this device allows you to position your phone on your windshield or dash and easily remove it once you've reached your destination.
5. Mechanix Original Work Gloves
Price: $24.99
When most people think of an automotive do-it-yourselfer, they think of someone with car oil on their hands and grime under their nails. Attractive and durable, Mechanix Original work gloves allow these weekend mechanics to get under the hood without getting their hands dirty. A two-way stretch spandex top helps ensure a snug fit.
6. Hunter K9 Car Seat Cover for Dogs
Price: Starts at $29.95
It's a blast to take your favorite four-legged friend for a ride, but this experience can sometimes be hard on your car seats. Available in an array of fabrics and colors, Hunter K9 car seat covers protect upholstery from the indignity of paw scratches and dog hair.
7. Doctors Foster and Smith Car Safety Harness
Price: Starts at $14.99
A safety harness can make transporting a pet safer both for the pet and the person driving the car — it's the perfect gift for a car owner with a cherished animal companion. This pick by Doctors Foster and Smith is both safe and comfortable, and comes in economy and fleece-lined models.
Price: $5.99
The Munchkin Safe View Mirror allows parents to keep their children in sight while they drive, without having to turn around. Mounted to the windshield via a suction cup, it features a wide telescoping mirror that may be angled to create an optimized view of the little ones. By the way, if you're a parent who's in the market for a new vehicle, you'll want to check out our feature, "Choosing the Best Vehicle for Carpooling with Kids."
9. Case Logic Glove Box Organizer
Price: $5.49
Car registration, insurance documents — the glovebox is home to important items, yet it's often one of a car's most cluttered and chaotic places. Made of hardy nylon, the Case Logic Glove Box Organizer is loaded with sleeves and slots that allow you to store everything from paperwork to pens to tire pressure gauges in an organized way. For more tips on keeping your car organized, see "Is Your Car a Mess? Organize Your Car in Five Steps."
10. The Complete Book of Classic GM Muscle
Price: $34.65
GM has taken some blows lately, but there was a time when this manufacturer was one of the brightest stars in the automotive universe. The Complete Book of Classic GM Muscle allows you to take a trip back to the glory years. This coffee-table book features insider stories and background details regarding some of GM's most revered creations, illustrated with contemporary and archival photographs.
For holiday gift ideas for those with more to spend, check out our Auto Enthusiast Holiday Gift Guide
