This year, don’t let the stress of your Christmas list cause you to lose sleep. Let Parts Via help take the pressure off with a bang-up list of 10 excellent car gadgets that will surely be appreciated by anyone who drives a vehicle. Great as standalone gifts or stocking stuffers, there’s something here to suit every budget and vehicle type out there.
Wireless Car Charger
A wireless car charger is a great gift for anyone who drives a car and has a smartphone — which, let’s be honest, probably covers everyone on your shopping list. While it may not be the most exciting thing to unwrap on the big day, being able to see pertinent info like maps and music lists without sacrificing safety is certainly useful. Plus, it eliminates all those annoying cords from getting tangled in everything near the console.
Since interior vehicle design has evolved a lot, we recommend doing a little homework before you buy a wireless charger to ensure the mounting style you select works with the dashboard setup of your gift recipient. In some makes and models, traditional vent-clip or dash-mount chargers just won’t work. Thankfully, brands like Scosche Industries, Mobotron and SeaSucker make styles that attach via strong suction cup, so you can mount them just about anywhere --even the windshield.
Whole Car Air Freshener
The ultimate gift for those who truly appreciate a pristine car interior – or who just have an unbelievably stinky ride – these aerosol car fresheners are so much more than a simple deodorizer; they’re like an actual breath of fresh air.
Ideal for eliminating lingering odors or simply refreshing the ambiance, these products work by releasing a fine mist that permeates the entire car, including the ventilation system. They come in various scents so, since they’re a one-time use product, consider picking up a few different fragrance profiles for your gift recipient.
Portable Jump Starter
A portable jump starter is definitely one of those items a lot of folks may not think they need — until they do. That’s why they make excellent, practical gifts. No need to rely on the Good Samaritan passing by or wait 3 hours in the freezing cold for roadside assistance. With a jump starter in hand, your lucky gift recipient can give their engine a quick boost and get back to where they’re going.
Available in an array of sizes and power offerings, portable jump starters are small enough to stash in a glove compartment or trunk, making them convenient (and stocking stuffer-friendly) driving accessories. Check out brands like Weego, NOCO, and Schumacher right here on Parts Via for powerful and easy-to-use options.
Mechanic Work Light
More than a gadget, a quality work light is like a reliable sidekick. Whether the person on your holiday shopping list is a DIY enthusiast with the scraped knuckles to prove it, or just a regular vehicle owner with a daily driver to keep running, this gift will make a welcome addition to their toolkit.
We recommend looking for one that is equipped with powerful LED lights and a long-lasting battery, like the ARB Adventure Light which uses high-quality 600 lumen LEDs to mimic daylight and provide excellent illumination. It also comes equipped with both a strong magnet and flexible nylon hooks that allow positioning virtually anywhere for hands-free operation. For something equally versatile but a little more budget-friendly, consider a wearable headlamp from Performance Tool. It features a 300-lumen, multi-functional LED light that’s great for working under the hood.
Rightline Gear Moki Step
The word “gadget” implies that an item is not only useful, but also clever – maybe even ingenious. The Rightline Gear Moki Door Step delivers on all those adjectives.
Designed to provide easy access to a vehicle’s roof, this very handy accessory hooks over the u-shaped door latch in a car door to create a sturdy step capable of holding up to 400 pounds! The ridged platform comfortably fits both feet and allows for a balanced standing position with sure footing, making it easy (and much less stressful) to load up roof racks, strap down cargo bags, or even just wash a vehicle’s roof.
Multitool
Speaking of clever and useful, multi-tools are a convenient gadget in virtually any scenario. These compact, all-in-one solutions feature everything from pliers, wire strippers, and wire cutters, to pocketknives, saws, screwdrivers, files – and, of course, bottle openers. Available in a variety of sleek finishes – many of which can be personalized with custom engravings – they make great gifts for car owners, off-road enthusiasts, campers, and more.
Inflatable Car Bed
Give the gift of on-the-go comfort with an inflatable air mattress for the car. Practical and versatile, these beds turn any backseat, cargo bay, or truck bed into a portable sleep space, making them a great accessory for road trips.
Look for a model that sports heavy duty material and quality construction, like AirBedz. Made of soft but strong 300D nylon fabric, AirBedz air mattresses can stand up to tossing, turning, and any potential punctures – like, say, from a canine friend’s wayward claw. Plus, they’re designed to perfectly mold to the rear seat, cargo, or truck bed area, so you can best utilize the entire space. An included DC air pump ensures fast inflation and, when deflated, they roll up neatly into a convenient carry bag.
Electric Trailer Tongue Jack
If the person on your list does more than car camp, an Electric Trailer Tongue Jack can be a really thoughtful gift by taking the hassle out of hitching and unhitching a travel trailer. Running off the RV’s 12-volt electric system, the jack does all the heavy lifting itself – eliminating the need to sweat over a manual crank. Check out the selection here on Parts Via, with quality brands like Bulldog, Husky Towing, and Stromberg Carlson.
BOLT One-Key Tech Lock
The gift for the person who has everything? Security, of course! The BOLT One-Key Tech Lock eliminates the need for multiple keys, allowing a person to secure their vehicle, camping trailer, toolbox, gear, and more with just one key programmed to match the car key. Practical and convenient, BOLT Locks feature a stainless-steel lock shutter and rugged jacket that make them perfect for demanding outdoor applications.
These are particularly great if you have a Jeep lover on your shopping list, who likes to adventure with the top off. Whether it's keeping gear secure with one of their padlocks, or keeping a high lift jack at easy access with J-Mount, BOLT has a lock for the job. Similarly, BOLT Locks make great towing accessories, helping to secure a trailer during a cross-country trip or when putting it into winter storage.
Novelty Light Kit
Not every gift needs to be practical. Consider something flashy and fun for the person on your list, like a neon makeover. Underbody light kits, wheel rings, colored halos, and LED rock lights are all eye-catching ways to add a little personality – or to make a bold, unforgettable statement on the road. Check out brands like XK Glow, ORACLE, RaceSport Lighting, and QuakeLED for everything from cool ambient glows to musically-synced vibrant dancing lights.