If you’re the person in charge of helping Santa fill the family’s stockings on Christmas Eve, then you likely know the last-minute pressure and panic of racing into the local drug store five minutes before closing to find those last few items to complete the sock. Really, if you’re not scouring the post-apocalyptic shelves in search of that one all-important, hail-Mary pass that you completely forgot you needed at the 11th hour, are you even Christmasing?
Trust us, it doesn’t have to be like that. Whether your beloved car enthusiast is passionate about classic rides or the latest tech gadgets, our curated list of stocking stuffers is designed to ignite their love for all things automotive. Better yet, most are available for next-day delivery to your local parts store when you order right here on Parts Via.
Portable Work Light
A portable work light is an ideal gift for people who like to get their hands dirty under the hood. Whether they’re searching high and low for that one missing bolt, changing a flat at night, or heck, even navigating their way through a dark campsite, a portable work light has dozens of useful applications.
We love ARB’s 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. The rubber-molded body is extremely durable, as well as water- and rust-resistant, and the whole thing can be quickly recharged via the included DC adapter or the 12-volt charger.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option to stuff that stocking, then check out Performance Tool’s battery-operated headlamp. Will your loved one look a little silly? Sure, but they won’t care when they’re basking in the convenience of hands-free 300-lumen LED illumination. The multifunction modes (low, high, ultra-high, and strobe) are a nice touch, as is the rear safety red flasher and integrated safety whistle.
Magnetic Pickup Tool
If you’re itching to get your gearhead something they’ll absolutely use in the garage, then a magnetic pickup tool should be top of the list. These little telescopic gadgets are amazing time-savers (and frustration beaters), helping to retrieve bits of hardware and tools that fall into hard-to-reach places.
Performance Tool is a great go-to name here, as the brand offers several different types – including ones with lighted tips. With many options coming in at less than $10, do your car enthusiast a favor and add a few magnetic parts trays to their stocking as well.
Portable Jump Starter
We sing the praises of these clever little devices a lot here at Parts Via, and for good reason – they’re compact, budget-friendly, and incredibly useful. Many models are scarcely larger than a smartphone and pack enough power to start cars, SUVs, trucks, even some Class A motorhomes!
Gift your favorite car enthusiast with a portable jump starter from one of the most popular brands, like NOCO or Schumacher, and they’ll be able to power up anywhere, any time. For a little extra investment, you can pick up a model that doubles as a portable power source for charging USB devices and 12V tools and accessories.
Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
A handy and inexpensive digital tire pressure gauge makes a great stocking stuffer for the frequent driver. It’s a small gift with a big impact, taking the guesswork out of tire pressure readings with quick and accurate results.
We recommend the Digital Sport Gauge from TireMinder. With a bright, backlit LED display, it’s very easy to read and the ergonomic design will sit nicely in the palm of your car enthusiast’s hand. It also comes with an integrated flashlight, making it easy to take readings at night.
Wireless Phone Chargers
A great gift idea for those people in your life who seem to be constantly attached to their phones — which, at this point, seems to be just about everyone — is a wireless car charger.
Check out the clever 2-in-1 smartphone holders and wireless charging docks made by Scosche Industries. Available in a variety of mounting options, these cool gadgets provide hands-free calling and navigation while also charging up low batteries. Safe, secure, and convenient, what’s not to love?
Customized Bling
Lots of people love to express their feelings and opinions by accessorizing their rides. Bumper stickers, license plate frames, LED lights, hitch covers, emblems, and more all make perfect stocking stuffers for the car lover who wants a personalized ride.
Check out the plethora of fun and customized hitch covers we offer here at Parts Via. With everything from your enthusiast’s favorite automaker to superheroes, Star Wars characters, sports teams, and more, you’re bound to find something for anyone on your list (and maybe even yourself).
And while you’re scrolling, be sure to check out our big selection of fun and affordable license plate frames, customized steering wheel covers, mud flaps, floor mats, and seat covers, which may not exactly fit into a stocking, but make excellent gift ideas nonetheless.
Car Deodorizers
With so many to choose from, tiny and compact car deodorizers and air fresheners make great stocking stuffers. The number of scented options and designs is almost unlimited.
Choose from the classic and iconic Car Freshener Little Trees which hang from the rearview mirror and come in a surprising array of funky and fresh designs. Or, go with something like the Walex Ovation Air Freshener, that you can pin, hang, or place practically anywhere.
You can even get canned deodorizers and air fresheners that hide discreetly under the seat, vent-mounted options, or all-encompassing deodorizing sprays that permeate throughout the entire cabin of the vehicle.
Cleaning Wipes
While not the most exciting choice on the list, it’s hard to argue with the practicality of good-quality cleaning wipes that can take care of unexpected messes in a pinch, especially for car enthusiasts with kids and pets.
There are everyday cleaning wipes, like the OxiClean Duo-Wipes, which offer a textured scrubbing side and a smooth wiping side. Alternatively, the Boss Biggie Wipes are meant to clean tough grease, grime, oil, and stains for people who do a lot of their own car repairs.
Lastly, don’t forget about cleaning and protecting wipes like Sta-Bil 303 Protectant Wipes and ArmorAll Cleaning Wipes, which are ideal for cleaning and detailing car upholstery, dashes, and more.
Road Flares
Always better to have them and not need them versus needing them and not having them, road flares should be a key component to any well-rounded roadside emergency kit. You want your friends and loved ones to be as safe as possible in the event of a roadside emergency, and road flares and reflectors can be a game changer when it comes to being seen by other motorists in poor weather or low lighting conditions.
Choose from the classic, active burning flares like these ones from Orion, or opt for these ultra-safe, flame-free, battery-operated magnetic LED flares from Performance Tool. They last for up to 50 hours and are super easy to use.
Work Gloves
Great for jobs big or small, a sturdy pair of work gloves will help protect your car enthusiast from sustaining any more busted knuckles on the myriad sharp edges found on their ride. Look for a set with breathable material to keep hands cool and comfortable, and a quality construction to ensure they stay put and last a long time.