The Ultimate Vehicle Accessory Gift Guide for New Drivers

Get the Best of Both Worlds

Are you looking for the perfect vehicle accessory for that new driver in your life? Spread some holiday cheer by shopping the best vehicle add-ons for those who aren’t quite sure what they need! We’ll walk you through the best tips and gift ideas for car accessories as you shop NAPA’s selection of 160,000+ online parts with Free One-Day Shipping.

With an extensive line of accessories that can seriously enhance driving conditions, you can easily improve cabin comfort, upgrade navigation assistance and make that ride your own with personalized flair. Those who are avid vehicle modifiers probably already know what they need to round out their ride, but when it comes to first-time drivers, it’s nice to give them a nudge in the right direction. While safety always is the priority when it comes to driving success, there’s a ton of room to boost levels of comfort, functionality and preparedness while truly elevating a beginning driver’s experience on the road. 

The Power of Personalization

To many, vehicles start out as a semi-blank canvas ready for customization with performance enhancers, accent pieces, electronic capability, comfort upgrades, interior protection and so much more. Gone are the days when your vehicle was simply a transportation vessel and not an extension of the driver’s personality. Now, more than ever, automotive enthusiasts and average car owners alike are flocking to the automotive accessories market to help them create their ideal vehicle beyond the manufacturer’s confines. 

But when you think of ‘vehicle customization,’ you might envision outdated steering wheel covers, hanging ornaments (like those fuzzy dice) or classic bumper stickers. There’s nothing inherently wrong with these add-ons, but they only scratch the surface of the vehicle accessorizing world. Nowadays, you can easily shop for and install custom-fitted interior upholstery, Bluetooth capability, bike racks and LED add-ons that transform a commuter ride into an off-road, road tripping, beach cruiser machine. 

If you’re looking for practical and unbeatable upgrades, there’s no better way to level up your ride than with branded floor liners or seat covers. Gifting a set of quality interior seat covers or floor mats are an excellent and sensible gift that’ll most definitely get used, especially by those who want to keep the investment of their ride intact. 

Modern Upgrades for the Beginner Car

Now, more than ever, people are demanding that their vehicles keep up with their lifestyles, which means they’re not willing to compromise when a higher standard of luxury and personalization exists! However, more likely than not, someone’s first car is not a high-end vehicle decked out in the latest electronics. They might sport an older model with an analog radio and cigarette lighters—a hand-me-down ride that’s still kicking but could use a little TLC to make it feel ‘new’ again. That gives you the perfect opportunity to gift some car accessories that bring modern touches to an old reliable machine.

While most newer vehicles come equipped with Bluetooth radio capability, some drivers still don’t know the beauty of an upgraded stereo system with clean, rich sound quality and wireless connection. If you’re shopping for someone who would appreciate a fine-tuned radio for jam-sessions or crisp voice calls, shop NAPA’s selection of vehicle audio products and pick up something like the Single DIN Mechless Bluetooth Stereo for an affordable audio upgrade. For more tips on tech upgrades for older vehicles, check out NAPA’s article on “DIY Tech Upgrades for Analog Vehicles That Improve Your Drive Time.”

Safety Enhancers That Offer Function and Flair

Consider a classic cell phone charger or cell phone mount for a more budget-friendly console gift. Because many drivers use smartphones as a tool for navigation, these products are vital for a hands-free driving experience.

LED lighting is another great dashboard improvement to illuminate your instrument cluster and make it easy to see at night, plus it just looks cool! There are tons of LED add-on options for tailgate lighting, lightbar options, headlights, off-road lighting and more. Lighting upgrades boost safety and style, thus it is a great gift choice for new drivers who can use all the visibility they can get!

Whether you’re a new driver or not, it’s always important to stay well-stocked with emergency preparedness supplies. These are not the flashiest type of accessories, but they are incredibly useful and easily hold the power to avoid an inconvenient or dangerous situation. A can of Fix A Flat, flashlight and some jumper cables are just a few essentials that you should include in your roadside emergency kit.

You can’t go wrong with an assortment of affordable, stylish and functional aftermarket accessories that are sure to excite anyone about customizing their ride. There’s no better way to feel like your vehicle is all your own! Remember to shop NAPAOnline.com for some automotive holiday cheer and receive one NAPA Rewards point for every dollar you spend.

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