The holiday shopping season is upon us! Are you a shopper throughout the year or do you wait for the night before the holiday to shop? No matter what kind of shopper you are, if you’re looking for that perfect gift for a car enthusiast on your list, why not purchase something that they’ll get use out of every day? Follow our automobile inspired holiday gift guide for all the drivers in your life, to help you shop this year. After all, according to AAA, the average American drives about 17,600 minutes per year. That’s a lot of time behind the wheel.

For the Luxury Car Owner:

For those who are meticulous about their car or are interested in preserving the vintage features, a pair of driving gloves or driving loafers are the perfect accessory for driving.  Driving gloves are made of thin leather and in addition to helping keep hands warm but not hot, they’ll protect the steering wheel from dirt or any natural oils on the skin that causes wear over time. Driving loafers, also known as car shoes, are suede loafers with thick rubber nubbins on the undersoles, meant to grip the car’s accelerator, brake, and clutch. Driving loafers also protect interior floors from dirt and grime if only worn in the vehicle.

For the Planner:

The Boy Scouts said it best: Be Prepared. The planner in your life will appreciate gifts that prepare them for any situation they may encounter on the road, which is why they’ll appreciate an air compressor or tire inflator to help inflate tires running low on air. Temperatures can affect tire pressure and they can lose air over time, even without a puncture. Having an air compressor gives drivers the convenience of checking tire pressure and adding air when needed. Look for 12-volt air compressor models that can be kept in the car and used on the go.

For the New Car Owner:

Getting a new car is always an exciting accomplishment but keeping the car in like-new condition may not be. Help your gift recipient preserve the newness of their car by putting together a New Car Kit. Include items such as a steering wheel cover to protect the steering wheel, upgraded floor mats to keep dirt and debris at bay, a tarp or bed liner to protect truck bed paint, seat covers to protect against stains or other wear, interior cleansing wipes for keeping interior clean and dust free, and/or a gift card to their favorite car wash to keep the exterior looking shiny and new.

For the Neat & Tidy Car Owner:

There’s nothing like the feel of a nice, clean car and some say the car feels like it runs better when it’s clean. But sometimes keeping the car clean can feel like a real chore. Help your favorite car owner pamper their ride with a gift card for detailing. Detailing is so much more than a car wash as it includes a thorough cleaning of all exterior areas with special washing materials, a comprehensive cleaning of the wheels, reconditioning of the interior and exterior, and waxing to make the car look brand new again. You may also consider putting together a Car Wash Kit that includes interior wipes, leather cleaner, glass cleaner, headlight restoration kit, microfiber towels or chamois, car wash detergent and wax, a hand vacuum, and air freshener in their favorite scent.

For Anyone:

Any number of things can occur on the road and having the proper tools and materials can definitely come in handy. A great gift for anyone from new drivers to the car enthusiast is an Emergency Road Kit. You can purchase one already assembled or create one yourself with a nice bag or container to store everything in. Be sure to include:

• Jumper cables
• Toolkit including screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench, and a pocket knife
• A can of tire inflator or fix a flat
• Flares or triangle reflectors
• A quart or more of oil
• A gallon of coolant
• Tire pressure gauge
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Paper towels
• First-aid kit
• Spray bottle with washer fluid
• Pen and paper
• Ice scraper
• Non Perishable snacks
• Bottled water

Of course, everyone’s car will need new tires at some point and with tires ranging between $500 – $700 or more, a great gift for anyone is a new set of tires. Poorly conditioned tires can pose a danger, especially on wet or icy roads. New tires are the perfect gift to tell that special someone how much you care about their safety on the road. Wrapping them, however, may prove to be quite the challenge!

The Best Gifts Come in Small Packages

When you’re searching for gifts for car enthusiasts, why not give them the gift of auto care with a gift card from Sun Devil Auto? Our gift cards are redeemable at all locations in the Phoenix Metro area, are valid for any service from maintenance to major repairs, and never expire. Make their holiday this year with a gift card from the dealership alternative, Sun Devil Auto!