How does the old song go? "It's the most stressful time of the year" or something, isn't it?
Well, it should be. It may be wonderful but it causes the same headache every time: what on earth am I going to buy for (insert friend or loved one as applicable)?
We've compiled a few Christmas gift ideas for the driver in your life. Researching it helped us with the problem and we hope it will help you too.
Gifts to impress
Private number plates
A big surprise, eh? We all knew this was going to be on the list. The only question was whether we put it at the top, where it belongs, or hidden coyly away in some feeble attempt to pretend that we were just including it as an option on an equal footing with the other items.
Nope, that was never going to happen.
A personal registration makes a fantastic gift. How could it not? If you're buying for someone who really loves their car and loves to drive, a private registration is a gift that can last a lifetime. Number plates are transferable between vehicles so, if the recipient changes cars, they can still keep their personal plates. And if the recipient doesn't yet own a car, or is between cars, then the registration can be given in the form of an official DVLA certificate ready to be assigned to a car when needed.
One of the most appealing aspects of personal number plates is that they are, as the name implies, truly personal. No more pot-luck acceptance of the forgettable registration that came with the car; a personal registration can represent the driver's name, nickname, initials, hobby, profession or any of a multitude of other attributes.
A personal number plate turns my car into MY car. Just use the search feature at the top of the page to find a great number for the car-lover in your life.
Prices for the perfect gift start at around £200 from Regtransfers.
Driving experiences
Google will return an overwhelming number of results for the search term 'Driving experience gifts'. Whether the recipient dreams of getting behind the wheel of an elite sports supercar, fulfilling the childhood aspiration of operating a JCB, or going all Call of Duty in a tank, the possibilities are endless. One could say the same of some of the price tags, but a driving experience is certainly an unforgettable gift.
Prices start around £50-60.
Driving lessons/courses - gift vouchers
There are many driving course and lesson gifts available. Whether you want to purchase an advanced course for someone who already drives, or driving lessons for a complete novice, there are plenty of options to be found.
Some websites, such as IAM RoadSmart offer courses approved by Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Full courses can be pricey, and vary greatly depending on content and which school or training company is providing the service. If a full course is beyond the gift budget then vouchers of various values are available. Some websites offer vouchers that can be redeemed by any DVSA approved driving instructor.
Google 'driving lesson vouchers'.
Safety and comfort
Money is a bit tight for many of us but, as the saying goes, it's the thought that counts. Be honest, you're going to spend as little as possible to meet your office Secret Santa obligations, aren't you? Some of the ideas here can cost as little as £5, so within most pocket-money budgets if the kids want to buy something for Mum or Dad.
First aid/emergency kit
A great, practical gift. First aid kits are available in various sizes, from cheap pouches containing a few antiseptic wipes and sticking plasters to comprehensive boxes containing bandages, burn dressings, ointments, thermometers, eye-wash, disposable gloves, scissors and more. Many meet the relevant British Standard BS 8599. Prices start under £5.
Car emergency kits also vary in contents and price. The cheapest may contain just an emergency triangle and a lightweight, high-visibility vest, while more comprehensive kits include emergency hammers for breaking glass, tow ropes, jump leads, emergency tyre repair/inflation cans, tension straps, bungee cords, flashlights, emergency strobes and more.
Prices start around £10.
Highway code/driving test learning aids
Many books and flashcards are available to aid those preparing for their basic or advanced driving tests.
Prices start from under £10.
Winter driving items
Driving gloves may be out of fashion but a good warm pair of gloves is a must on icy mornings. For driving, wool doesn't give the firmest grip on the steering wheel, so the palms should feature some material or texture to aid grip. Prices start under £10.
Windscreen ice-scrapers aren't glamorous but they are essential. Scrapers are available with built-in mitts to keep hands from freezing. Some of the more elaborate examples have a scraper at one end and a brush at the other to sweep away loosened snow and ice.
Prices start around £5.
Alcohol breathalyzer
A digital breathalyzer enables you to ensure that you don't inadvertently drink and drive. Even the morning after a lively party you may well be over the limit. Of course, it's safer to avoid alcohol altogether if there's a chance you may have to drive but this gift is an affordable extra safety precaution.
Prices start around £15.
Headrest neck pillow
Many people find the angle of their car headrest uncomfortable. A neck pillow that straps to the headrest can relieve tension and make long drives much less of a chore.
Prices start around £10.
Convenience and entertainment
In-car phone chargers and bluetooth hands-free kits
There are numerous devices available that both charge phones and enable hands free calls. These bluetooth devices simply plug into the 12v auxiliary power/cigarette-lighter socket in cars.
Most of them allow playback of music from the phone and many also feature USB and microSD sockets offering the option to play music files from storage cards and USB drives. The device plays phone calls and music through the cars existing radio, so they are a great way to play digital music in cars that have no built-in MP3 player. An Amazon search for 'bluetooth hands free mp3 car' returns a host of choices.
Prices start around £15.
Dash cam
Dash cams can be simple or loaded with bells and whistles. They are a great way to record a journey and can provide valuable evidence in case of an accident. Some dash cams automatically detect collisions and some systems offer simultaneous front and rear camera recording.
Prices start around £30.
Cleanliness and hygiene
Seat gap fillers
These neat little things block that infuriating crevice at the sides of your car seat, preventing your keys, your phone and crumbs from disappearing into that black chasm. They make it harder to lose things and easier to keep the car's interior clean. These do a lot for the money.
Prices from under £5.
Boot organisers
Boots are often dumping grounds for all manner of clutter: windscreen scrapers, de-icer cans, cloths, coats, wellington boots, dog leads, balls, maps, drink cans, water bottles etc. A boot organiser can transform a chaotic tip into something far more navigable. Additionally, if you find you need your boot free to transport something big, a boot organiser lets you lift everything out in one go, leaving free space you'd forgotten you had.
Prices start under £10.
Waterproof rear seat cover/hammock/boot-liner for dogs
Dogs tend to head for water. They love a dip, whether it's in the sea, a lake, a river or whatever. If you'd rather your rear seats or boot didn't become infused with the heady fragrance of wet dog, a dog cover or hammock may be just the thing. A number of variants are available offering differing degrees of coverage and protection for your upholstery. It's a cheap way for dog owners to keep their car interiors clean.
Prices start under £10.
Please note: we do not recommend or endorse any company or service mentioned in this article. We strongly recommend checking credentials and reviews for companies you may buy from.
