As promised last Friday, this is the first of 10 days worth of auto-related holiday gifts, all divided into useful categories. While we’ll touch on expensive watches, toys and games later on, today we’ll start with presents aimed at the more frugal buyers. Each of the items below can be had for under $25. Click through to see what we’ve put together.
1. No one should travel much further than their driveway without an emergency kit in the trunk, and this one from Excaliber Electronics is just about perfect. The 11-piece kit includes a reflective triangle, an air compressor and tire gauge, flashlight, cables, work gloves, a bungee cord, various hand tools and emergency tape. Now at Sierra Trading Post for half off its original $50 price tag, that provides incredible value for a little peace of mind.
2. With more local governments putting pressure on rules-makers to ban hand-held cell phones, why not get ahead of the game while you can? Here’s a stunning deal on a Bluetooth-equipped Motorola headset that should be compatible with most newer units. Amazon.com has them for $18.99, 75-percent off the original price.
3. Always looking for a little more light in places your burnt-out maplights can’t reach? Think Geek has this small LED flashlight that fits right into the cigarette lighter and charges from there, meaning you don’t have to worry about keeping it stocked with fresh batteries. Priced just right at $24.99.
4. Yes, this is the age of the iPod, but chances are those who are most heavily into the hot-rod scene will still appreciate the value of CDs. So that’s why this flame-covered anodized aluminum piece is so perfect, holding 40 discs in removable compartments. Genuine Hot Rod has them for $19.95.
5. Is it art? A paperweight? A lube-job gone bad? Who knows, but Uncommon Goods’ Twisted Wrench certainly is a conversation starter. Yours, without bruised knuckles, here for $20.
6. Uncommon Goods came through for two entries on this list, but this Jimmy bottle-opener keychain is probably the more useful tool. His magnetic hands means he’ll hang around on your fridge or message board until you need him, and for $15, you can buy a whole family of Jimmies.
7. Ever forget to what PSI you’re supposed to inflate your tires? Mixing up the pressure front-to-rear? Behold the Accutire Programmable digital tire gauge, which can remember all those pesky details for you. And it measures in half-pounds as well, giving you even more flexibility when filling at the air pump. Amazon.com has it on sale for $12.99.
8. Okay, okay, I know this whole safety thing is getting a little old, but safety is like vegetables: you may not like them, but they’ll improve life immeasurably. The LifeHammer is an escape tool to help prevent entrapment if you drive off into the drink or roll over in a collision. The double-sided steel hammer breaks through side and rear windows, and the milkbag/envelope-opener-style blade cuts easily through safety belts. This is the first thing rally drivers reach for when when they ‘endo’ into a creek, so why not include one in your daily driver? Amazon.com again, and for $14.95.
9. This is something I could use! Ever have a hard time judging where the end of your garage is? For only $21.99 at Amazon.com, the Park-Zone precision parking device flashes the red light when you get within a preset distance to the unit, meaning no more expensive bumper dings to repair.
10. While this is a holiday-themed gift guide, once the snow clears, you’ll still have to get your ride looking its best for Spring or Summer. This Meguiar’s Classic Wash & Wax Kit at Amazon.com has absoultely everything you’ll need, including car-wash gel, wax cleaner, wheel cleaner, a detailer spray, and the sponges and chamois to get it done properly. Only $21.88 at Amazon.com.
Come back tomorrow for 10 perfect gifts for the NASCAR fan on your list.
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