As we approach the most wonderful time of the year, it’s time once again to dread choosing the presents we should buy for those close to us. We may be tempted to simply give everyone $50 to choose whatever they want, but deep down we know that only aunts and grandmas can pull off such a move.
Our only realistic option is to base our search on a loved one’s specific hobby. If they like cars, then you’re in luck. These gifts under $50 for your car-loving friends or family members are cheap and useful, so you’ll make their day without putting too much of a dent in your wallet.
MotorTrend FlexTough Floormats
If your gift recipient has had the same car for a few years, you can bet they need new floormats. This goes double if they live in an area with frequent precipitation, as snow, ice, mud, and rain will take a toll on a car’s mats. In addition to being your favorite information source for everything car-related, MotorTrend also sells a wide variety of car-related items, including, you guessed it, floormats.
Our floormats are made from heavy-duty rubber, so you can be sure they’ll last a long time without losing their shape. This also makes them really easy to clean, as all you need to do is take them out and spray them with a hose. Something else that makes them a great gift is the fact that they’re universal, so you don’t need to know the recipient’s exact car floor dimensions.
Key specs
- Material: Rubber
- Colors: Black, brown, beige, burgundy, blue, gray
- Fit: Universal
- What makes them special: Proprietary heavy-duty rubber makes them long-lasting and easy to clean.
Chemical Guys Professional-Grade Premium Microfiber Towels
If the person you’re buying for enjoys taking good care of their car, you can’t go wrong with a set of microfiber towels. If they wash their cars themselves, they can use these towels to wipe off excess water and avoid water spots. They’re also ideal for wiping the car’s windows and dusting its interior. You can even use them to apply wax and polish, or to clean rims.
These microfiber towels have different-sized fibers on each side. The long fibers are great for cleaning dirt and dust on both the exterior and interior, while the short fibers are better for cleaning windows and removing excess wax or polish. They’re also highly durable and easy to clean, as all you have to do is toss them into the washing machine and use whatever detergent you have available, as long as it doesn’t contain fabric softener.
Key specs
- Material: Microfiber
- Color: Gold
- Number of items: Six towels per package
- What makes them special: The different-sized fibers on each side enhance their all-around use.
EPAuto Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
Having properly inflated tires makes them last longer, helps optimize fuel efficiency, and, most important, makes braking and handling more precise. It’s not always easy to tell when your tires are slightly deflated, though, and this is where a pressure gauge comes in handy. Buying one never seems to be a priority, however, so they’re perfect as gifts.
This digital tire pressure gauge is compact, light, and does exactly what you expect it to do. All you do is turn it on, connect the nozzle to the tire valve, and wait a few seconds to get the reading. It will show you the current tire pressure levels so you can compare them to the recommended ones in your owner’s manual. It only takes a few seconds and can save you a lot of trouble.
Key specs
- Material: Plastic
- Colors: Black, silver
- Power source: Button-cell batteries
- What makes it special: Its LCD readout is easy to see and looks cool.
Armor All Car Wash and Car Cleaner Kit
This all-in-one kit includes everything your gift recipient needs to keep their car looking fresh and clean. The Original Protectant is designed to clean and protect all interior surfaces, including dashboards, door panels, consoles, and vinyl seats. Simply spray it on, wait a few seconds, then wipe it off.
The kit also includes an Ultra Shine Wash & Wax for the exterior. It’s a quick way to both clean and wax your car. There’s also a tire foam protectant that gives the tires that new, deep black look, as well as a set of 30 glass wipes for all the car’s windows.
Key specs
- Material: Various natural materials
- Form: Spray, wipes, liquid
- Size: Single pack or double pack
- What makes it special: It includes all the basic items you need to clean your car inside and out.
Pura Car™
Finding the right car fragrance can be tough. Pura Car™ offers a sleek, smart diffuser that combines premium fragrances with user-friendly controls. With a motion sensor, the diffuser activates when you start driving and turns off when you stop. You can easily adjust the scent intensity using the Pura app or the device itself. The clean fragrances last about 30 days in an average-sized car, keeping your ride smelling fresh.
You can also subscribe to your favorite scents at intervals that fit your usage, saving time and 20% on each order.
Key specs
- Fragrance Longevity: About 4 weeks at medium intensity
- Modes: High, medium, low, sleep
- Subscription Options: Not required, but 4, 8, or 12 weeks
- What makes it special: Smart motion-sensing technology, premium fragrances, and app-based customization enhance the car scent experience.
Govee Car LED Lights, Smart Interior Lights With App Control
You just knew there had to be something on this list that included an app. If the recipient of your gift likes the interior ambient LED lighting on some premium and luxury cars, there’s an easy way to replicate that without buying them a new Mercedes-Benz.
These smart LED lights are easy to install on any car due to the adhesive and support clips that come in the package. Once they’re attached, download the app and choose from 16 million colors. Another cool feature is the built-in microphone that picks up the music you’re playing and syncs the car lights to the rhythm.
Key specs
- Material: Plastic
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Light source type: LED
- What makes it special: You can create color schemes via the app.
JOYROOM Bluetooth 5.3 FM Transmitter Car Adapter
If the person you’re buying the gift for hasn’t yet discovered the wonder of having the internet in their car, you can rock their world with this product. It’s a simple car adapter that provides smartphone connectivity to vehicles with no built-in Bluetooth or auxiliary port.
You just stick it into your car’s auxiliary power outlet, connect it to your phone via Bluetooth, select a specific radio station frequency, and bam, all your phone’s sounds will be played on your car’s speakers. It’s also great for hands-free phone calls and as a phone charger, as it includes two USB ports.
Key specs
- Color: Black
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Power source: The car’s auxiliary power outlet
- What makes it special: It’s super easy to install and use.
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