While not all dads are automotive junkies, there’s a pretty good chance most own, or at least drive, a car or SUV. Which is why an automotive-themed Father’s Day gift is not only practical but will likely be much appreciated, particularly when it comes to car care.
Below are some Father’s Day gift ideas for dad, which can be purchased locally or online.
- BCAA membership: Memberships start at $87.25 a year for basic coverage and up to $144.25 for premier. BCAA offers 24-hour roadside assistance anytime a member’s car breaks down in Canada or the U.S. Go to bcaa.com.
- Gift certificate for a car wash, vehicle detailing or mobile dent removal. Dad won’t even have to leave the house or office to get rid of that small ding or dent he’s been too busy to deal with.
- Car care kits. Canadian Tire, Costco and Walmart offer everything you need to build a car-care kit for dad, including buckets, sponges, shammies, wax, tire cleaner and polish. As far as prices go you can spend as much or as little as you like on supplies. Suggestion: Tuck a note in the kit offering to do the job yourself or make a date to spend time helping dad detail his vehicle. It won’t cost you a dime, but it’s likely a gift he’ll remember.
- Coupon for car maintenance packages. Check out Groupon, Social Shopper, TeamBuy or other deal-of-the-day websites for great prices on everything from oil changes to a transmission flush.
- Twelve-volt, dash-mounted micro charger: These tiny chargers will charge an iPhone, iPod, smartphone or any other mobile device while driving.
- The Tool Box Fridge: These fridges, available through Canadian Tire, were built to look like a toolbox and are ideal for keeping beverages cold in the garage while actually caring for your car. Canadiantire.ca.
- Emergency tire change kit: These kits typically include a two-ton trolley jack, axle stands, lug wrench, 12-volt inflator and more.
- Automotive Christmas lights: It’s never too early to start thinking about the holidays and won’t dad be surprised when you present him with a set of Christmas lights designed for his car?
- Skull Tire Valve Caps: Also available through Canadian Tire, these chrome-plated skulls fit onto the tire valves of most cars, motorcycles and bikes.
- Novelty hitch covers: Whether dad’s a redneck, rapper, hunter or football fan, there’s truly a hitch cover for everyone. And while skulls continue to be a popular theme, hitch covers can feature sports teams, animal heads, beer bottle openers, super hero, Star Wars and smiley face designs, messages such as “Old Fart” or “Bite Me,” and the unfortunate “Truck Nutz.” (You’ll know them when you see them.) Canadian Tire sells a “Don’t Shoot Me” version, which includes an animated deer with a target on its belly.
- Accessories: Why not pick up a pair of antlers that promises to transform dad’s “truck into a buck.” Then there’s Carstache, which describes itself as the “undisputed global leader in automotive facial hair.” Dad is sure to be surprised to find a giant coloured moustache mounted on his car or truck as he heads to work in the morning. And just in time for Pride, a rainbow-coloured version is also available. Carstache.com.
- Licence plate covers: Again, it’s dad’s preference, but licence plate covers can pay tribute to everything from his favourite football team to vacation locations to pride of place.
- Magnetic bumper stickers: Dad can still brag about his honour student, but without the mess of an adhesive bumper sticker. Again, there are hundreds of designs to choose from. (Search for “magnetic bumper stickers” online.)
- Air fresheners: Dad no longer has to settle for the traditional scent of fresh pine, but can instead fill his vehicle with the essence of coconut, vanilla or “new car” smell. Automotive air fresheners today include everything from battery operated, dash-mounted models to the classic pine tree on a string.
