June is a busy gift-giving season, as there’s plenty to celebrate. Summer is finally here – and so too are events like Father’s Day, graduation and even random fun holidays like National Trails Day and National Weed Your Garden Day (seriously).
Whatever (or whomever) you plan to celebrate, this gift guide can help you find the perfect token of appreciation. From little luxuries that’ll make camping and RV-ing easier, to automotive essentials every driver should have on hand, we’ve rounded up a variety of items to suit a variety of budgets. Check out our top gift picks below.
Budget Buys
Carry Anywhere Multi-Tool
Compact and convenient, multi-tools are a useful accessory in virtually any scenario. Much like pocketknives, they make particularly great Father’s Day gifts and are available in sleek finishes with personalized engravings for those who wish to get sentimental.
However, there’s no need to limit your thinking to just fancy options for dads. Anyone can benefit from having a multi-tool handy, especially the avid camper, off-roader or explorer on your list. Having an all-in-one solution with pliers, wire stripper, wire cutter, knife, saw, screwdriver, file and, of course, bottle opener can be a real godsend when stuck on the trail.
You don’t need to break the bank on the top-dollar model either. Well-known brands like Smittybilt and Performance Tool both offer sturdy but lightweight aluminum options for around $20 – the latter of which, you can find right here on Parts Via.
Portable Jump Starter
This June, why not give the gift of continuous power? (And ease a little of your own anxiety in the process.) Portable jump starters from brands like Weego, NOCO and Schumacher ensure your loved one always has a reliable way of getting back on the road should a dead battery strike.
Small enough to tuck into a glovebox, these handheld lithium solutions pack big power – anywhere from 700-3,000 cranking amps, depending on the model. They can boost anything from a small passenger car to a Class A RV, and most options offer other useful features too, like built-in flashlights, USB charging and the ability to power 12V tools and accessories.
To learn more about portable jump starters -- and how they differ from other great gifts like battery chargers or portable power banks -- check out our complete guide on the segment.
Capable Coolers
A cooler isn’t just a camping must-have – it’s the perfect accessory for weekend road trips, picnics, beach days, tailgating and so much more. Better yet, today’s manufacturers are pumping out coolers and portable fridges that do a whole lot more than merely keep the ice cold. From dual temperature zones to companion smartphone apps, this segment has evolved. And even if your budget hasn’t, there are still a lot of great affordable options available to you.
- Old school is always cool if you do it right – and Coleman certainly does. The company’s classic bevvy coolers are spacious, affordable and built so tough you can reliably pass them on to the next generation.
- If you’re looking for something a little more modern, check out Lippert’s offerings right here on Parts Via. The RV titan’s soft-sided coolers are sleek, effective and convenient to carry thanks to a padded handle and shoulder strap.
- Lean into the summer vibes with a floating cooler that keeps the party going. World Of Watersports’ Sound Cooler holds up to 30 cans and carves out space for a portable stereo speaker.
Camp-Ready Coffeemaker
Look, sometimes a person just can’t power through the day on Mother Nature’s splendor alone. Waking up in the great outdoors is magical – transcendent even! You know what makes it significantly better? A steaming cup of coffee. Real coffee. Not the instant powdery stuff that leaves behind a taste of bitter regret.
Thankfully, the coffee fanatics at GSI Outdoors understand the importance of being able to brew your morning fuel the way you like it, anywhere you want it. Pour-over, press, percolated or straight shot of espresso to the soul, these guys have a portable coffee system to make it happen. Check out their offerings here on Parts Via.
Middle-of-Road Spending
SUV Tent
Whether or not you’re shopping for a camping enthusiast, you can’t go wrong with an SUV tent. Ideal for quick weekend getaways, these clever accessories also make great impromptu sleeping quarters on unexpected stop-overs, shaded hangouts when tailgating and private changing stations when visiting the beach.
Made of sturdy, water-resistant material, they attach securely to the back of the vehicle so you can maximize mobile living space. Rightline Gear is a tried-and-true name in this arena, with a variety of innovative tent designs that offer great protection, fold down to a conveniently small size and won’t kill your budget.
Fresh Floor Mats
While a fresh set of floor mats or liners might not elicit the most enthusiastic of thank yous when first unwrapped, they’re sure to build appreciation over time. In addition to being the type of investment many folks won’t make for themselves, they’re exceptionally useful.
A durable set of floor mats or liners help keep any vehicle’s interior looking new by collecting messes and channeling mud, water and dirt away from exposed areas. They can significantly preserve the integrity of a vehicle, especially if the driver in question regularly tracks in mud, snow or other wet messes that can rust out a floorpan.
Check out brands like WeatherTech and Husky Liners for premium heavy-duty options that are custom-molded to perfectly fit a specific make and model. For something a little more high-end looking, check out 3D Mats. With carbon fiber embossed patterns and sound-absorbent materials, these floor liners are a quick way to add elevated styling.
Portable Camp Grill
No grill master should ever be confined to a measly backyard barbeque. There’s a whole wide world in which to enjoy the char, sear and sizzle of raw meat on open flame! Campgrounds, national parks, Lot B on the far east side of the stadium – these environments are just waiting for the chance to share their unique dining ambiances.
Let your loved one embrace every culinary experience with a portable camping grill. From propane-fueled flat tops to stainless steel griddles, these small setups provide big flavor (without any flare-ups). Brands like Camp Chef and Camco both offer well-constructed on-the-go options that won’t blow up the budget.
Big-Ticket Items
Bike Rack
If you’re buying for an active sort – the type who relies on four wheels to transport their two-wheel adventure gear – then consider giving the gift of more storage space with a quality bike rack. Now, we know bike enthusiasts aren’t going to trust just any equipment, which is why we’re earmarking this as a ‘big ticket’ item. No cheapo racking setups here, you want something made for long-term durability and safe travels.
- Brands like Thule and Yakima can’t steer you wrong with their reputable and varied product lines. We’re talking roof-mounted, hitch-mounted, trunk-mounted and in-bed truck-mounted options, with setups for anything from one to six bikes. Obviously, prices can range widely, depending on how many bikes you’re looking to transport and how secure of a setup you need.
- Let’s Go Aero is another brand to check out for innovative bike mounting and racking solutions. The company’s “Full Nelson” rack is particularly clever, allowing you to carry bikes above a truck’s side walls so as not to block the interior bed space.
- And if you need something especially small and lightweight that installs and removes in seconds, check out SeaSucker. The brand’s unique vacuum mount system basically functions like the world’s strongest suction cup – making it both a really effective bit of travel gear and a really cool gift to give.
RC Car or Truck
One is never too old to indulge in the joy of an RC car. So much more than a toy, these little performance powerhouses feature everything from tiny oil-filled shocks and steel frame rails to 4-wheel drive traction and LED lighting. They’re mad fun, and have an equally-engaging enthusiast base behind them.
Traxxas is the number-one selling name in this arena, and for good reason. The company has a massive model showroom and an impressive number of innovative firsts under its belt. Find 1/10 replicas of rally cars, monster trucks, classic coupes, brand-new Broncos, vintage Land Rovers and so much more.
Prices can vary from a couple hundred bucks to over a grand, based on model, charging accessories and built-in features (some RC supercars can reach speeds over 100mph!), placing this gift on the higher end of the budget. However, Traxxas does offer a line of smaller and more affordable RC models called TRX-4M, which might be the good place to start if you’re gifting it to someone new to the hobby.
Truck Toolbox
If tools maketh man, then it’s safe to say toolboxes are something of a sacred item. As such, we know this is the type of purchase a person generally wants to pick out for themselves. It’s a bit of an ancient ritual in fact -- the gentle agony over shape and style, the repetitive dance between steel and aluminum.
But sometimes, one must take the bull by the horns. And if the dad, grad, good friend or, heck, distant cousin on your gift-giving list is still allowing their tools to roll around with free abandon in the back of their truck bed, leaving unsightly cat scratches in the OEM paint, then it is time to make the decision for them.
Take a little time to weigh the options, measure the bed for a perfect fit and then pull the trigger on that purchase. Your loved one can always trade it for something more their style or make an upgrade down the line. Chances are, though, they’ll be grateful you read their dilly-dallying for what it really was: indecision.
Priceless Gifts
New stuff is great, but it doesn’t build memories the way quality time does. Whether you’re celebrating Father’s Day, marking a momentous achievement like graduation or simply expressing a little love, a shared experience is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
Obviously, we recommend something of the automotive variety since there’s truly something for everyone. From casual car shows and swap meets to high-adrenaline racing on virtually any surface – dirt, sand, track, even ice – you’re sure to find a unique experience.
Grassroots events are particularly high-energy, and have the added bonus of not breaking the budget. Additionally, performance driving experiences can be really fun (and affordable) options, if you want to get in on the action yourself.