My little brother will be getting his license in February and already has an old jeep that he will be driving. As I result, I’ve been thinking a lot about gift ideas for new drivers and/or car owners. Getting one’s driver’s license and first car can be an important moment in the life of a teenager. Why not share in that excitement by purchasing a gift that acknowledges that fact?
1. Car Detailing –
No, I’m not talking about a cool paint scheme for the teenager’s vehicle here. I’m talking about a thorough cleaning! Let’s be honest, most teenagers have first vehicles that are quite a bit older. Why not arrange to have the vehicle professionally cleaned inside and out? It might not be a glamorous gift, but a lot of teenagers would enjoy having their new vehicle look its best. However, you will want to check with the parents first. Personally, I detailed my first car myself in the months leading up to my 16th birthday and my younger brother is doing the same. You don’t want to pay for car detailing if the teenager has already gone through the time and expense him or herself.
2. Fun and Funky Car Accessories –
There are TONS of ideas here… My favorites would be seat covers, whether waterproof or fuzzy. For instance, I grew up swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. It would have been nice to have waterproof seat covers during the summer months. You then wouldn’t have to worry about your friends jumping in your car with wet bathing suits. Most cars out in Hawaii have them, but I can tell you from experience, they would be handy during the Michigan summer as well. As for fuzzy or furry seat covers, they help keep you warm throughout the cold Michigan winters.
There are also lots of decorative wheel covers, car organizers, and item to hang from the rear-view mirror (think of fuzzy dice), as well as fun bumper stickers. A lot of teenagers love to express themselves through their vehicle, and by giving them accessories, you are helping them do so. Oh, and I did mention floor mats? There are a lot of decorative ones out there now. From experience, I know that Target and Spencers Gifts have a lot of fun vehicle accessories.
3. Boring but Practical Car Accessories –
Let’s face it, you want the new driver to be safe on the road. Items that might seem boring, but practical, for a new driver include a car emergency kit (I have one that velcros right into the side of my trunk), jumper cables, flashlight for the glove compartment, and (if you live in Michigan) a collaspable snow shovel for the trunk. You could also include an organizer for insurance and registration papers. These pragmatic items are great for new drivers and can easily be incorporated with a larger or more fun item.
4. Remote Car Starter –
A must-have for drivers here in Michigan, remote car starters are hot! They run around $100 and are great for hot summer days as well as cold Michigan winters. They do need to be professionally installed (I know that Sears does this; they also sell them at a reasonable price). Your new driver will love you all year long!
5. Prepaid Cell Phone Or Cell Phone Accessories –
If the teenager in your life is going to be on the road, you want him or her to be protected. What better way to ensure that they are safe than to make sure that they have a cell phone? Personally, I would recommend a pre-paid cell phone from T-Mobile (which has great coverage) or TracPhone. They are stylish and minutes can be added as needed. No huge cell phone bills for Mom and Dad! Don’t forget the accessories, including a hands-free headset, a car charger, a case, and interchangeable fashion plates.
In this day and age, many teenagers may already have cell phones. As a result, you may simply want to purchase accessories (mentioned above). If they have a pre-paid phone, you can easily purchase additional minutes for their phone.
If you are the parent of a teenager, please take the time to make sure that your teenager understands how dangerous talking on a cell phone while driving can be. If you have a special teenager in your life, simply remind them to use the cell phone while parked.
6. Movie Passes and Dinner Out With Friends –
Where I grew up in rural Michigan, we had to drive to go anywhere, including a 30 minute drive to get to a theater. As a result, until you were old enough to drive, outings to restaurants and movies had to be coordinated by parents. What a better way to celebrate new found independence? In giving a nicely put together package for a night out on the town, you encourage a fun night out with their friends! Just remind them that they have to be in by curfew…
7. Weather-Related Car Accessories –
Sun visors for the windshield and snow brushes/ice scrapers are always welcomed by new drivers. They may not be very exciting, but they certainly are useful!
8. Remote Control for Locks –
Many older cars have remotes (not to be confused with remote starters) that no longer work, or the vehicle may not have come with one. Why not have one installed for the new driver? Every time he or she unlocks the door or opens the trunk, you will be remembered.
9. Music Accessories –
Let face it, music, cars, and teenagers just go together. Many cars will probably have CD players. Car CD organizers are great gifts and encourages a clean car. Also, many teens today have ipods today and would love to have a way to use them in their cars. Why not purchase a kit that allows the driver to plug their ipod into their existing stereo system? This is an easy way to avoid having to buy a new car stereo system. There are also kits that allows the ipod (or navigation system) to be mounted to the dash. It is a nice way to ensure that the ipod doesn’t get damaged.
10. A New Car Stereo –
This is certainly an expensive option (and doesn’t work for all vehicles), but it is probably the most popular. Many of the older vehicles driven by teens may need an updated stereo system. If you know the teen very well, you might even be able to surprise him or her with the correct system for their needs (otherwise, I would advise having the teen pick it out). Don’t forget the installation!
