We all know someone who seems to be the “perfect” gift giver. That person who always knows just what to get, nailing it every single time with effortless ease and leaving the rest of us looking like unsentimental noobs at shopping.
Well, not this year. This year, you’ll be the one basking in the glow of friends’ and family members’ gratitude, finally solidifying your position as a podium-level gift giver.
Yes, yes, we know: it’s not a competition, and ‘stuff’ isn’t the reason for the season. Still, it feels pretty good when you hit the bull’s eye on a thoughtful present that also manages to be practical, desirable, and just plain cool.
Check out the list below of 10 automotive gifts under $500, expertly curated by the folks here at Parts Via. These sure-fire recommendations are great for new owners, veteran enthusiasts, and plain old daily commuters. Better yet, everything is just one click away, right here on Parts Via.
Truck Organizer
Anyone with a truck lover in their life knows how haphazard the bed out back can get, lugging everything from cargo and building materials to furniture and sporting gear. But have you taken a look inside the cab lately? An interior cargo organizer, like the WeatherTech Under Seat Storage Unit, is a cleverly-designed, discreet and durable way to corral all that junk that loves to roll around in the second row. It’s also a great way to keep valuable items safely out of sight.
Customized to perfectly fit specific truck makes and models, this under-seat organizer features several compartments with built-in dividers. It’s made from a 100% recyclable and odorless thermoplastic elastomer, and installs in minutes thanks to a simple buckle and strap. The entire unit is super easy to clean, will withstand years of wear and tear, and comes in at less than $200.
Multi-Bike Rack
If you’ve got friends or family who love mountain biking, cycling, or even just leisurely cruising local beaches, a multi-bike rack is a great gift idea. In addition to freeing up some elbow room inside the vehicle, a securely mounted rack ensures two-wheeled rides don’t need to stay home in order to accommodate four-wheeled transportation.
There are plenty of different styles to choose from in the under-$500 range, including bumper-mounted, hitch-mounted, and roof-mounted. There are even some cool, innovative racks that mount directly into a truck’s bed, like the Aero Let’s Go V-Rack that allows you to carry two bikes on the side of your truck without blocking the bed’s cargo capacity.
Hi-Lift Jack
For the off-road warrior on your list, consider a Hi-Lift jack. The standard red all-cast jack is iconic and easily recognizable by even the most casual of 4x4 enthusiasts, but the company’s black cast-and-steel option delivers equally rugged performance -- and at a slightly lower price point to boot. Both make for superb multipurpose recovery tools, sure to get plenty of use and appreciation from anyone who likes crawling rocks or picking over technical terrain.
Plus, these jacks do more than just lift. They can spread, hoist, winch, clamp, and more. Their sleek, linear, lightweight design is perfect for taking on the go and mounting to an easy-to-access location on any Jeep, Bronco, or 4x4 truck.
Calibration Tool
Speaking of Jeeps and rugged off-road 4x4s, enthusiasts love to customize and modify their rigs. But if adding beefy aftermarket tires or performing an axle swap is on the menu, it’s important to calibrate the ECU for these changes.
With a calibration tool like the Superchips FlashCal, corrections are quick and easy. Read and clear diagnostic trouble codes, edit speed and RPM limits, recalibrate TPMS, even make lighting configurations – all at the touch of a button. Just remember, these tools are vehicle-specific for accuracy, so make sure you know the exact make and model of the intended rig when shopping.
Racing Gear
New racing gear is always a sure-fire win for any competitive driver in your inner circle. Safety gear can get pricey though, especially for the self-funded racing enthusiast. A new helmet, harness, or apparel all make great automotive gifts under $500, as they’re sure to get some serious use while also helping to protect the people you love.
Start your search by checking out some of the cool helmet designs from RaceQuip and G-Force. Since science hasn’t figured out how to transplant heads yet, it’s a good idea to protect the one you’ve got.
Truck Bed Mat
If you know someone who’s recently invested in a shiny new truck or someone who’s old reliable is looking a little worse-for-wear, a rubberized bed mat is a great gift that will add durability and a clean look to virtually any truck bed.
Direct-fit bed mats, like those offered here on Parts Via by DeeZee, Husky Liners, and TrailFX, are quick and easy to install, simply laying down in the truck bed to provide safe, cushioned support for cargo and gear. Underside cleats keep the mat in place, and promote drainage to prevent mold and mildew build up. The heavy-duty construction won’t rust, crack, or break, and even stands up to common gas and oil spills. Even better, the mat can easily be pulled out of the truck bed and used in the garage or shop as a buffer when standing or kneeling.
Cargo Carrier / Basket
From bags and boxes, to racks and baskets, there are a wide variety of cargo solutions that would make ideal gifts for the road trippers on your gift-giving list. While roof-mounted options in metal or hard plastic are often the first styles people think of, there are also plenty of hitch-mounted cargo carriers, as well as soft-sided cubes and bags. Better yet, many of them sit comfortably under $500.
Shop quality brands right here on Parts Via, like Rightline Gear, CURT, N-Fab, Thule, Yakima, and more.
Premium Seat Covers
Seat covers are a quick way to spruce up weathered or cracked upholstery or to protect brand-new seats, keeping them looking pristine. Coverking makes some durable and attractive customized seat covers that are constructed from vinyl, neoprene, or nylon, all of which are easy to clean. They’re also made to fit bucket, solid bench, or split bench seats, giving you plenty of options for looks and protection.
Covercraft is another name to turn to, especially if you’re gift-giving to someone who loves rugged fabrics that don’t skimp on tailoring. With striking good looks and a tough-as-nails attitude, the brand’s Carhartt SeatSaver Custom Seat Covers are like the Clint Eastwood of interior vehicle protection. Custom-fit to the vehicle in question, these covers not only provide an excellent fit but also superior protection and unbeatable good looks. For added convenience, they feature an easy on/off installation, and are machine-washable.
Cab Guard
For the truck lover, you can’t go wrong with a cab guard like the ones from BACKRACK. Constructed of strong steel, these safety racks completely cover a truck’s back window to prevent gear, cargo, and equipment from accidentally crashing through the glass during a hard braking scenario. They also provide solid tie-down points for securely anchoring items during transport. You can choose several different designs and configurations, including ones that incorporate lighting, antenna mounts, and even tonneau cover adapters.
Security Console Lockbox
For a unique gift that ups the ante on anti-theft, consider an innovative locking console like the ones made by Tuffy Security. These accessories replace the useless plastic console and compartment covers with a rugged unit that features a heavy-duty locking mechanism.
Constructed from 16-gauge welded steel, Tuffy’s lockboxes feature a Pry-Guard locking system with 1/8-inch steep components and a 10-tumbler, double-bitted security lock. They’re also weatherproofed for added protection. The best part? They install in minutes with no drilling required.