Need to find an incredible gift for someone who’s always on the road? Whether they have a lengthy work commute or simply love spending time behind the wheel, people who drive a lot need a car that’s convenient, comfortable, and filled with the right travel accessories. The best gifts are those that make life on the road a little easier, a little safer, and maybe just a little more fun.
If you’re shopping for a frequent traveler, check out the 8 gift ideas below. With options at every price point and for every type of driver, there’s sure to be something that will suit their preferences, interests, and on-the-road comfort needs.
1. A Dash Cam That’s Always On
Give those who drive a lot the gift of safety and security with a handy dash cam. These devices, which have become increasingly more affordable over the years (and more common), provide added peace of mind and an extra layer of security when drivers hit the road. They capture video – and audio, depending on the specs of the exact model you choose – just in case the unexpected happens. It’s a great gift for those who are worried about accidents, theft, or encounters with other drivers in unfamiliar places.
There are many different choices when it comes to dash cams, including options at budget-friendly price points. WaspCam, Brandmotion, and ASA Electronics make some of our favorite cameras, and they’re easy to mount and install without your recipient needing to be too handy.
2. A Smart GPS Unit
Sure, anyone can turn to their smartphone for on-the-go directions and mapping. But it’s dangerous to look at your phone while you’re behind the wheel; plus, when you’re in an area that doesn't have strong cellular signal, you can wind up lost and confused. GPS units are still highly convenient and come in handy for those who drive a lot, especially if your frequent traveler is headed to areas where the odds of strong cell service are uncertain.
Gift your friend or family member who’s always on the road the security of always being able to find their way with a smart GPS unit. Magellan, one of the leaders in the GPS navigation space and a favorite here at Parts Via, offers plenty of units for everyday drivers, campers, and even off-road enthusiasts who need U.S. maps and always-on availability to find their way.
3. An Easy-to-See Smartphone Mount
As mentioned, looking at a smartphone while driving is dangerous, but many of its built-in features are highly convenient when behind the wheel. A great travel accessory for anyone who drives – frequently or not – is a hands-free phone mount. Available to fit phones of every size and shape, today’s smartphone mounts allow drivers to keep their screens within gazing distance, without breaking any local or state laws.
Depending on the kind of vehicle your recipient drives, you can choose a phone mount that’ll keep their most-used device within reach or within their line of sight. Brands like Scosche Industries, WeatherTech, and Mobotron offer mounts that can be placed inside cup holders, onto air vents, on the dashboard, or stuck right onto the interior of the windshield. Even better? Some models come with built-in wireless chargers.
4. Comfy, Protective Seat Covers
People who drive a lot put some serious wear and tear on their vehicle’s upholstery. Sliding in and out of the driver’s seat day after day or even just moving against the fabric takes a serious toll. Help them protect their investment and stay comfortable with a set of durable seat covers.
Seat covers from brands like Covercraft, Coverking, WeatherTech, and TigerTough offer an array of different gift options. You can choose highly durable and dirt-ready covers (like those offered by WeatherTech and TigerTough), or opt for those that infuse some classic style and everyday protection (like those from Covercraft and Coverking). With covers for just about every make and model, it’s easy to find the perfect fit.
As an added bonus, we love how customizable seat covers can be! You can choose covers that’ll match the interior of your friend or family member’s vehicle, or opt for patterns and hues that spice things up if they’re more adventurous. Either way, a quality set of seat covers will enhance their comfort and keep their seats well-protected for the long haul.
5. Durable, Dirt-Catching Floor Mats
Frequent travelers often see an awful lot of dirt and debris tracked inside their vehicles over the course of each week. Whether they’re dealing with winter snow and slush or spring showers and mud – or even the dry, dusty dirt conditions that can crop up in summer – a set of highly durable floor mats can offer an extra layer of protection and keep car floors looking flawless for longer.
Floor mats are a highly useful gift to give any driver, but they’re especially thoughtful for those who are behind the wheel for long distances. You can personalize this gift with a set of custom mats by brand like WeatherTech, or you can allow your always-driving recipient to customize their own mats with options from Husky Liners and 3D Mats. Plus, we love that this gift category features products at just about every price point, from budget-friendly to luxury-minded.
6. A Compact Portable Jump Starter
When you’re always on the road, a dead battery can strike any time. No one wants to wind up stranded or waiting hours for a jump start – and a small but mighty portable jump starter can be a lifesaver. Packing enough power to recharge a battery and make rough starts a thing of the past, these products make perfect gifts that’ll provide peace of mind and a whole lot of convenience.
Some of the most convenient and reliable options available right now are made by NOCO, Schumacher, and CTEK. These jump starters are nicely compact and sized to fit inside your glove compartment or vehicle emergency kit, but they deliver enough power to get your average car, truck, or SUV battery back up and running in no time. You can choose from a variety of different options, from simply portable jump starters to products with more bells and whistles like built-in flashlights and smartphone chargers.
7. A Spacious Car Cargo Organizer
Spend hours a day on the road, and the interior of your car can get pretty messy! Gift friends and family who drive a lot the gift of a clutter-free car with a spacious interior cargo organizer. With divided sections, pockets, and even expandable storage options, these products make it easy to stash everything from cleaning supplies to work gear to groceries and snacks. Plus, they’re extra useful for those who need to keep extras, like clothing, for overnight trips handy at a moment’s notice.
Depending on how much space your recipient has inside their trunk or cargo area, you can find cargo organizers that are compact or extra-roomy. Expandable organizers are particularly great travel accessories, as they can be adapted to fit a wide variety of vehicles or storage space needs. Brands like WeatherTech, TruXedo, and Husky Liners offer options that are highly durable in the face of dirt, debris, and rough weather, too, making them a great option if you’re gifting someone who works outdoors (or has a truck with an open bed).
8. Interior Cleaning Supplies
In addition to getting totally disorganized and cluttered, a car’s interior can get pretty dirty after hours and hours on the road. From the remnants of takeout meals to dirt tracked in from outside, everything from the steering wheel to the seats to the floor can need regular cleaning. The perfect gift, in these cases, is a handy interior cleaning kit.
You can bundle a mix of different cleaning products for vehicle interiors together into a great gift (and best of all, it won’t break the bank!) Stash everything inside a cargo organizer or road-ready bucket, and your recipient will have everything they need handy. We like options like cleaning wipes by Armor All and Meguiar’s, but you can also stick with spray cleaners, waxes, and leather conditioners from top brands like Turtle Wax, Mothers, and Griot’s Garage.