We all have someone in our lives who is the all-around handyman/gearhead who can fix anything. When other people toss out the broken weed wacker, they can take it apart and fix it. When the car starts shuddering and making a squeaking noise, they roll up their sleeves and figure out the problem.
I have a ton of respect for these people, because my dad is one of them. As great as it is to have these people around, it makes buying them gifts around the holidays a bit more tricky. My father is a no-frills kind of guy, so he doesn’t have much on his wish list. He would rather build something than buy it, so the challenge is finding the right things to will help him do what he enjoys the most.
We gathered up some great gift ideas and deals for the auto enthusiast and handyman to be surefire wins for the holiday season.
Bolt Power 600AMP Jump Starter/16500mAh Power Bank
I love this item because it gives complete peace of mind when out on the road or traveling. You don’t have to worry about your battery dying. These heavy duty machines can jump start a car, truck or even boat from anywhere without needing another engine, via its 600AMP peak (300AMP cold cranking) power. While most people have a set of jumper cables, this takes preparedness to another level. It has a USB port and even a laptop charging outlet to keep all your devices at full power. Besides the various protection features against overloading, short circuiting and over-charging, you can even adjust the voltage for charging your laptop to keep everything safe and in working order. This is really cool for getting someone out of a tight spot or to bring camping for fun.
Autel OBDII Diagnostic Scan Tool
If you are shopping for a gearhead and they don’t have one of these then you should consider getting them one. It’s worth its weight in gold. These scanners allow for reading and clearing of codes on vehicles for all check engine and maintenance required lights. They cover all engine types, transmission, ABS, airbag issues and help with troubleshooting the cause behind the error codes. I have a scan tool myself and prefer to read my own codes before taking my car to a mechanic and pay out of pocket for something needing a simple adjustment. A tool like this is ideal for the home mechanic to aid in repairs with less guesswork.
Geko 1080p Dash Cam DVR
There are plenty of dash cams out there and this is one is just right for the auto enthusiast. It records in 1080p, with motion detection and night vision. I can think of this being a perfect tool to capture a fun day at the track, and also provide proof when it comes to any trouble with accidents or vandalism. What makes this camera stand apart from the rest is the G-sensor auto recording feature. Whenever it detects hard braking, impact or sharp turns, emergency recording is enabled and the file will be write-protected. I think it’s a pretty slick feature. Best of all, its 120° wide angle can catch all the action.
OPT7 Interior LED Lighting Kit
Ambient light is a great way to add style for those who are into personalizing their vehicle’s interior. The light strips feature 3-in-1 RGB micro-LEDs, so the color blend is rich and bright. This setup even allows for remote customization between 16 different colors . The install is also simple enough for novices to wire up and allows for an even cleaner setup.
Mastergrip 44pc Tool Set
If you have someone on your list who is handy or a DIYer then they probably already have a set of tools. I love this as a gift idea because it has it all at a killer price. Cordless Li-ion batteries alone can be well over the price of this whole kit. A great use would be to keep it as a backup tool set for the car, RV or to take while traveling to get the job done in any situation. One of the selling points for was the cordless drill. If you work around the house or do any projects, a drill is key to getting the job done.
Blossom 12 Zone Smart Watering Controller
While a lot of people don’t think too much about their yard or sprinklers, we all know someone who takes great pride in their lawn or garden. This cool tech gadget is perfect for the usual watering for 12 zones and also remotely controlling the system from any mobile device. The mobile control is pretty neat. What really makes this an awesome gift is the fact it can automatically programs itself to water based on local, real-time weather data from the internet. It saves water, keeps the yard looking great and is tech savvy for the green thumb and tech enthusiast.
Whistler XP 1600i 1600-Watt Power Inverter
One huge pain when it comes to working outdoors is not having an outlet to plug in power tools. Newer trucks do have outlets on them, but if you don’t have one of these then you either have to be in reach of a very long extension cord, go cordless or be stuck without power. This inverter is awesome because you just need to hook it up to a 12V power source like your car, truck or boat and you’ll have instant 110V AC power. Not to mention USB ports. I really like the Whistler because it is also great for outdoor recreation too. You’ll be able to go camping with all the electronics you can’t stand to be away from. One of its perks is a built-in surge control feature as well as a thermostat-controlled fan to keep everything from overheating.
Lscooter Self-Balancing “Hoverboard”
So it is 2015 and we don’t have the real hoverboards we were promised in Back to the Future, but these little gadgets are still pretty sweet. It is a cool way for anyone to get around and have some fun. Granted your average motorhead won’t get their fix of adrenaline from riding one of these, they are very popular now and perfect to unwind on. They also come in handy for short distance transportation.
Dr Heater 1500W Portable Infrared Heater
With the weather getting colder and all, I found this little gem just in time. Just because winter is rolling in doesn’t mean tinkering on the car or crafting has to stop. What I really dig about this heater is its compact size. It makes a difference when you are working in the garage or out in the workshop on a chilly day, and don’t want to be stuck next to some searing hot metal dish. The cool part about no exposed heating elements is what makes it safe around chemicals or in tight spaces. This really comes in handy when working under a vehicle. Even better, it’s compact enough to fit on a desk to keep your mouse hand toasty during long gaming sessions.
Gift Shopping With Newegg
With the holiday season coming up quickly, the builders and crafters on your shopping list might require a little extra thought to find the perfect gift. With the Automotive and Home Improvement selection at Newegg, you will surely find what you need.
What are some of the best gifts you have given to the ones you care about most?
