Fun and Fantastic Gifts for the Auto Motorist!

With the persistent jostle and buzz of the holiday season, gift shopping can often feel like a laborious task instead of being fun and relaxing. Also, finding that unique, fun, appreciated gift can be a daunting undertaking. Since almost everyone over the age of 16 is a driver, and we all spend more time than we would like in our automobiles, I have put together some great ideas for gifts that will be used and valued, instead of passed on to someone else or shoved in the back of the closet.

  • If you are safety conscience and want to make sure your loved ones have that one special tool that gives them what they really need if they ever have an accident, the S.O.S. Hammer Flashlight may be just what you're looking for. This multifunctional tool has the capability of flooding a 50 foot area with light and the 3 magnets on it make it so you could have the car hold the light for you while you're changing a flat tire. If in an accident it has 12 red LED lights that flash S.O.S., which can be seen a mile away, on land or submerged under water. The tough, sharp points can crack and clash windshield or window, the razor sharp blade will cut through a seatbelt, and the hammer tip will puncture an airbag. The handle cradle is installed in the passenger area, within easy reach of a helping hand. It sells for approx. $10.00-$20.00.
  • For the environmentally conscience, the Auto Vent II keeps your vehicle cool with a solar-powered ventilator, so you avoid entering a scorching hot car after it has sat in the sun for hours. It will save your CDs, laptops, PDAs and gas; because you won't have to blast the air conditioner to cool down the interior and you won't burn yourself on the seats or steering wheel. It sells for approx. $35.00-$45.00.
  • If you or someone you knows suffers from poor night vision, I found some Night Vision Clip-on Glasses or Night Vision Glasses. When driving at night the oncoming headlights can almost blind you till they pass. These glasses cut down on glare which is also helpful when driving in haze, fog, rain or snow. The amber lens give superior viewing in the dark by filtering blue light which helps preserve the natural balance of colors. They sell for approx. $14.00-$25.00.
  • One of my favorite gifts for folks who live in the snow belt is the incredible Sno-Brum. The over-sized, non-scratching foam head with a telescoping handle which extends from 27" to 46" easily pushes even heavy, wet snow off the roofs of vans, trucks, and SUVs. This is the choice tool of car sales people when they need to clean off a large line of cars and trucks after a big snow storm. I always keep a box of Sno-Brums at our shop for sale each winter, because our customers love them, and always seem to have someone else they want to give one to. They sell for $19.00-$25.00. (We have them at our shop in Montpelier)
  • Know someone that has had costly accidents backing up into objects or other vehicles? The Motokata Wireless Reverse Parking Sensor can help makes backing up even a van or large SUV into a tight spot safer and easier. It uses 4 separate sensors that detect an object's distance from your bumper, from the sides or the rear of your vehicle. There is a digital readout display in your car that gives you the exact distance from any obstacle and will even sound an alarm if you're too near, but before you hit anything. It sells for approx. $100.00-$125.00.
  • The last great auto gift I want to tell you about is for the "traveling salesperson." If you know someone whose desk travels around with them in the passenger seat of their car (insurance, real estate, pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical to name a few), then the Auto Exec Grip Master is the perfect solution to their disorganization and paper clutter. It fits any vehicle and is secured to the passenger seat with the seatbelt. The hinged work surface is covered with a non-slip material that keeps laptops pr planners from sliding. It also opens to double the work area. There are storage compartments for hanging files, books, laptop, cell phone, PDA, maps, and anything else that needs a home. They are super easy to put in the car, and take out of. (If only car seats could be this easy!) They sell for $130.00-$180.00. If you are interested in this organizational road-warrior, you can contact Dave Rubel from Proforma, Vision of Success at (802) 479-0961.

Doing my part to help keep the environment safe and clean I'm also going to give some alternative ideas for wrapping gifts.

  • If you need some instant wrapping paper and don't have anything handy, try scrunching up some aluminum foil, then spreading it out. You will get a funky look that can be made festive by adding some green, red or gold ribbon to hold it all together.
  • An alternative to paper is fabric. This idea is especially great for someone who is creative or enjoys sewing. Just use ribbons to secure the fabric.
  • Along the same lines as fabric, you can make your wrapping a part of the actual gift itself. Scarf or kitchen towels are great for small gifts, and you could even use a rag rug or blanket for a larger gift. Wrap them up with ribbons and while it sits waiting to be opened, it will be appreciated and will create excitement as one wonders what is inside the wrapping.

I hope you all have a safe, fun and relaxing holiday season.

Happy Motoring,

Amy