by Kellylynn McLaughlin, on Dec 14, 2020 4:15:31 PM
As a truck driver, we always want to be home for the holidays but sadly it is not always possible. However, a bright side is that more items are being shipped than ever before. If you are wondering what to get the truckers in your life beside a gift card, I have collected a few ideas of my favorite things. Why not give your trucker something that every time they use it, it will remind them of their of family’s love and support!
GIFTS
Polarized Sunglasses – High Quality and Light Weight
These will help minimize glares and reflections. Keeps me from squinting a lot which leads to frequent headaches. Also helps me see more clearly through the fog. I believe polarized glasses are a safety tool.
Leather work gloves
Unlined, lined or Deerskin gloves are a personal favorite, lined for winter weather.
12 – Volt Electric Blanket
Warm up your bed before you get in it after a long day.
Memory Foam Mattress Topper
If your mattress is too hard and lumpy a mattress topper can make a huge difference. Quality of sleep = quality of life, especially for a truck driver. A good night’s rest is the key to staying safe and healthy.
Yeti Cup to Fit in Cup Holder
More than keeping your drinks hot/cold for long periods of time, YETIs with leak proof lids are a great place to store ice if you don’t have a fridge/freezer. They are super durable for the truck driving lifestyle. “Takes a lickin and keeps tickin…like a Timex”
Pocket Knife Less Than 6”
Use it as a tool for daily tasks and can be used for mealtime. Multipurpose items are key to keeping the truck moving, clean and organized.
HiVis clothing
HiVis jackets, vests and hats for visibility and safety in the yards are super important and often required at customers.
Quick Dry Towel
Light weight, compact and practical for messes or showers.
Collapsible Portable Desk
For a workstation, dining table and leisure activities.
Fleece-Lined Flannel
Stylish, comfy and warm - the trifecta of winter survival on the road.
Lunchbox Cooker
Think about this as an oven rather than a warmer and you can really make any meal in your truck that you can at home. It heats up to 350 degrees, is easy to clean/store/use, it is practical and made for your truck.
CB Radio & Antenna
For me it is a safety tool. It helps me know what is happening on the road and be prepared for my travel. I also learned a lot about the industry itself by listening. It is a traveling community and connection when you have a question and need help.
Battery Powered Leaf Blower
This is the best thing ever. I am actually excited now when I have to cleanout my trailer for our customers. Wish I didn’t wait so long to get one!
Shiatsu Neck Massager
LOVE IT, love it! This one is really self-explanatory at the end of the day this rubs out the whole day of driving from my neck.
Small Screen TV With Antenna and Mount
I like to watch news and weather at the end of my day and if you have the antenna you don’t need satellite. I use it for leisure time too, I hook up my iPad while I’m eating dinner and catch up on my shows. You don’t need anything special, just the TV and the antenna.
STOCKING STUFFERS
Sneaker Balls
I always have multiple sets in my truck! They keep my boots from getting stinky….shhh don’t tell anyone my boots get stinky.
Hand sanitizers
There is not always access to actual soap and water at customers and with the increased risk from COVID, it is a tool to help keep me from getting sick.
Lip Balm
Make sure it has SPF for sun protection. And again, with wearing masks for COVID measures it helps my lips from cracking and bleeding.
Sunscreen
Skin cancer is very common among truck drivers, especially on the left side of their face and on their left arms. We aren’t protected from UV rays by our truck, but we can protect ourselves while we are in the truck.
Assorted Zip Ties
Handy for all sorts of things. For air lines, securing equipment, fix landing gear handle. Good for quick fixes and securing anything including attaching your Christmas wreath to the grill of your tractor.
Assorted Size Hooks with Adhesive
For organization and practicality. Keep wet jackets off your seats, hang your fairy lights for ambiance or organization of essentials.
Pepper spray
Hope you never need it but it’s a handy thing to have if you do.
Laundry Soap/Dryer Sheets
No mess and easy to use. Who doesn’t love a clean pair of under wear? Eco friendly, not messy and super compact
Air Freshener
These come in all types from clips on your vents to sprays for keeping your bedding fresh. A must for small spaces.
Tire Tread Depth Gauge
Getting an accurate tread depth is important. You don’t want to find out you didn’t get an accurate depth when you are at a DOT roadside inspection.
I hope you have found this useful, I’m sure any of these gifts will make the truck driver in your life happy. If you have a unique and/or practical gift idea please share it with me! Merry Christmas! See you out on the road.
