THE CKF GIFT GUIDE: USEFUL STOCKING STUFFERS THIS CHRISTMAS

The holiday season is upon us, which means it’s time for a fun yet stressful frenzy: buying gifts.

Buying presents for loved ones can be a challenge. If you’re looking for stocking stuffers for your spouse or teenager, we have some recommendations. Especially if your child is a new driver, these items will bring you comfort and get their vehicle ready to go.

Here is the Craig, Kelley & Faultless guide sharing inexpensive, functional and thoughtful stocking-stuffers you can gift this Christmas.

Essential Gear, Clothing, and Accessories for Drivers

• Polarized Sunglasses

Sun glare is dangerous, but most of us face it every day. Luckily, polarized sunglasses have lenses designed to reduce light glare and eye strain. You can find pairs for men and women online for about $15.

• Gloves

Chilly mornings are made worse with cold hands. Having a pair of gloves to store in your car (specifically, in your glovebox) can seem like a lifesaver. Order a warm pair online for as cheap as $10.

• Umbrella or Rain Poncho

Have you ever been driving on a rainy day when you notice your fuel gauge creeping toward E? No one likes getting out of their car to fill the tank or dashing across a parking lot in the rain. Stashing an umbrella or a rain poncho in the trunk can keep you dry.

Winter Weather Car Essentials for Safety

• Car Blanket

Whether you’re heading to work on a winter morning or end up sitting in your car for an extended period of time, having a blanket in your vehicle is a good idea. Products like this wool blanket on Amazon are made to keep you warm and can be used outdoors.

• Ice Scraper

A 2021 survey showed that 35% of respondents said an ice scraper is the most important tool to keep in a vehicle during winter. Icy windshields and windows are often impossible to see through, but scrapers designed for vehicle use can clear them up within minutes. A basic snow brush and ice scraper sells online for $8 or more.

• Hand Warmers

Sometimes, gloves don’t cut it. Especially if you must pull over or wait for assistance during winter, having hand warmers is important. They can help you and your passengers keep warm. HotHands products are designed for this and can retain heat for up to 10 hours.

Emergency Car Tools and Kits to Stay Prepared

• Tire Pressure Gauge

When warning signs on your dashboard light up, it’s a sign your vehicle may need maintenance. Cold temperatures can lower your tire pressure. Find out if your tires need more air with a simple pressure gauge, like this one.

• Flashlight

Almost everyone has a cell phone flashlight, but if your phone’s battery is low or you need more illumination than it can provide, you’ll need something more reliable. Small, battery-powered flashlights are portable and can be helpful in emergencies. For less than $10, they’re a great stocking stuffer.

• Seatbelt Cutter/Window Breaker

A tool that combines a seat belt cutter and window glass breaker is one of the most important things everyone should have in their car or truck. If you’re a parent, making sure your teenager has one of these tools can ease your worries.

• Flares and Reflective Triangles

We encourage everyone to keep emergency flares and reflective triangles in their vehicle. Use these in addition to your car’s hazard lights if you ever have to pull onto the side of the road. They’ll make you and your vehicle more visible to other drivers. Shop for a set online, toss them in your trunk, and they’ll be there if you ever need them.

• First-Aid Kit

You can purchase a first-aid kit designed to fit neatly in your car. Many of these kits include bandages, ointment, and pain relief medicine. However, you can find larger and more extensive sets — like this one — online, depending on the level of preparation you’re seeking.

• Jumper Cables

While not the most glamorous gift, jumper cables are one of the best items to keep in one’s car. And in winter, it is never more important. Cold temperatures are notorious for straining car batteries. Stay prepared and avoid a crisis with jumper cables.

Handy Miscellaneous Items to Carry in Your Car

• Portable Charger or USB Mobile Device Charger

In today’s world, most people use their cell phones to play music, listen to podcasts or navigate while driving. This can be helpful, but it also drains the battery. Keeping a portable charger or USB mobile device charger to plug into your vehicle can be helpful. Find a charger adapter online to suit your device’s needs.

• Dash Cam

Anyone who has been in a wreck or needed to make an auto insurance claim knows that having footage of the incident is important. Installing a dash cam can help protect you if someone’s negligence causes an accident. If you have teenagers, a dash cam may encourage safer driving on their part, as well.

• Visor Extender

As discussed earlier, sun glare is a hassle that most drivers face every day. In addition to polarized sunglasses, sun visor extenders can filter glare and improve a driver’s visibility. These are available for all types of vehicles: small cars and sedans, SUVs, and small or large trucks. This inexpensive attachment is especially helpful in preventing snow blindness during winter.

• Seat Belts for Dogs

We all love our furry friends, and we’d take them everywhere with us if we could. Dogs, like humans, must be protected by a seat belt anytime they are in a vehicle. These dog seat belts attach to your dog’s collar and clip into the car’s seatbelt latch. They allow your pet to ride along comfortably without being endangered.

Show Your Loved Ones You Care About Safety This Holiday Season

No one wants to think about the risks of riding in or driving a car. However, safety should be your number one priority on the roads. In addition to all of the fun and memorable gifts you buy your spouse or child this year, you can include one or more of these items to show you care.

It is up to us to be prepared for anything. The holiday season is a time full of love, quality time and gratitude. Let’s keep ourselves and our loved ones safe in and out of the vehicle.

David W. Craig sits on the Board of Regents of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (which requires the board certification in truck accident law). He is the managing partner and one of the founding partners of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. He is recognized as a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer and Top 100 Trial Lawyer in Indiana by the National Trial Lawyers, as well as a Top 50 Indiana lawyer by Super Lawyers. David is the author of Semitruck Wreck, A Guide for Victims and Their Families, written to help people navigate a terrible situation by answering questions that come after a tragic wreck. He also hosts the podcast After the Crash, where you can gain valuable information about the dangers involving semis and large trucks that do not follow Indiana law safety protocol regarding speed, weather conditions, maintenance upkeep, etc.