10 Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Pickup Truck Lovers

We know that pickup truck owners love to help, whether that's moving a neighbor's couch or pulling a buddy's truck out of the mud. And they also love to wait to the last minute to do things like gift shop. So with Christmas around the corner, here are some gift ideas to pay back the pickup truck lover on your list for all they do to help others.

1. All-Weather Floormats

All-weather floormats do an excellent job of protecting a truck's floors from snow, mud and dirt. They're available in a range of colors and prices, from less than $50 to more than $150. We're impressed with WeatherTech floormats; they fit well and provide the desired protection. If the truck lover on your list spends much time outside, these are an excellent investment. Cost: $50-$150-plus.

2. Emergency Roadside Kit

Expect the unexpected. Having an emergency roadside kit in your vehicle will make those unexpected events safer and quicker to overcome. Whether it's a dead battery or a flat tire on a stormy night, a good emergency roadside kit should have everything necessary for a safe and effective recovery. Cost: $25-$100.

3. Ball Mount

Most truck owners use ball mounts to tow a trailer. They range in price from $20 for fixed-height steel ball mounts to more than $300 for adjustable-height mounts with multiple ball sizes. They also vary in weight ratings from 1,000 to more than 20,000 pounds. Be sure to get the size of hitch ball and receiver right, as it can vary by vehicle and trailer. Cost: $20-$300-plus.

4. Tow/Recovery Strap

Tow straps and recovery straps are two different things. Tow straps are used for flat towing a disabled vehicle during an emergency to get a vehicle off the highway or home if it's close by. Recovery straps are used to pull a stuck vehicle out of the mud, sand, snow or whatever. Generally, recovery straps are much more elastic, with the ability to stretch more than 30 percent of their initial length. Tow/recovery straps are available in a variety of sizes and weight ratings. If the truck lover on your list stays mostly on-road, then a tow strap will work just fine. If they love to go off-road, then a recovery strap is the best choice. Cost: $10-$200.

5. Tire Chains

Tire chains can be a lifesaver in snow and mud. There are many varieties and sizes to choose from, so be sure to get the tire size of your giftee's truck before purchasing these. For mud, traditional round links in a ladder style work great. This style of chain does a good job of clearing mud to help keep the vehicle moving. For snow and ice, we recommend tire chains with square links in a diamond pattern. The square links provide a sharp biting edge while the diamond pattern provides contact with the ground for a longer time than the ladder style. If available in the needed size, we also recommend getting a set of chains that can be installed without moving the vehicle. These can be a major help if the vehicle is already stuck before the chains are installed. Cost: $40-$200.

6. Jump-Start

Battery jump-starters come in a variety of types and sizes. Some are equipped with 12-volt and USB outlets and air compressors, while others are simpler. Many jump-starters include sealed or absorbent glass mat deep-cycle batteries. These are generally less expensive and work quite well but take up a lot of space. Lithium-Ion jump-starters are significantly smaller but can still provide enough amperage to start a cold diesel engine. They are more expensive, but smaller and easier to use and store. When selecting a jump-start, be sure that it has enough power to turn over the engine in question. Cost: $30-$200-plus.

7. Car Care Kit

A car care kit is an excellent gift for those who love to keep their trucks clean and shiny. While there are a variety of kits available, choosing a kit isn't that difficult. An inexpensive kit will work for those who don't want to spend a lot of time cleaning. For those who spend hours cleaning, detailing and waxing their truck, a more comprehensive kit is in order. Either way, there is something here for everyone. Cost: $20-$200.

8. Dashcam

Dashcams are great to have in case of an accident or to capture other things such as wildlife while driving. Dashcams can protect the driver from potential insurance fraud, hit and runs, and some even record impacts when the vehicle is turned off. On the fun side, they may detect a moose or bald eagle crossing your path. Generally, more expensive cameras will offer more features and better-quality video. Some have a dual camera setup so that they can be used facing the front and rear of the vehicle. Cost: $20-$200.

9. Vehicle Garbage Can

Having a trash can inside the truck during a road trip helps keep the inside clean. Sometimes all a messy person needs is a place to put things. Having a dedicated trash can will make it easy for the driver and passengers to put trash where it belongs. Cost: $10-$30.

10. Swag

For those who are truly into their trucks, having swag is a thing of pride. Ranging from stickers and fidget spinners to heavy coats and mud flaps, there is a swag item for every truck lover. It may take some time to look through all the options, but the variety in price, style and functionality is nearly endless. Cost: $1-$100.

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