Question about gift for new teen driver

[Just Kate]

Ds 16 got his license earlier this year, along with a car. As a Christmas gift for him, dd planned to buy him a phone mount for his car (similar to  this). I thought that was a great idea, until it hit me that it may not be the best plan to have his phone displayed, where he might look at it too much while driving. 
 

What says the Hive? Any other $20-30 gift options for a new driver (or really any teen boy)?

Edited December 18, 2020 by Just Kate

[Kassia]

We got one of our kids a personalized new driver ornament with name/year on it.  Not sure if that's really what you're looking for, though.  

 

[klmama]

Gift card from a gas station 

Jumper cables

 

[Katy]

You can always do the safety feature on the phone where it will only show GPS when driving, and will mute calls & texts. 

[Zoo Keeper]

Our new drivers/car owners got jumper cables, some flares, a better tire iron.  And lessons in how or when to use all these. 😉

Gas cards are nice gifts, too.

[MEmama]

We got DS a new wallet for his drivers license and a gas card.

Personally I wouldn’t get the phone mount. It sounds like inviting trouble to me, even most adults can’t keep their eyes off a screen if it’s right in front of them. 

[Ali in OR]

Depending on where you live and if the car is outside over night, a windshield ice-scraper thing. I like the idea of the safety kit too--one thing we've actually used several times is a battery charger thing. Instead of getting a jump from another car, you used this device which you can recharge by plugging in at home.

[Library Momma]

Here it is illegal for a driver to use hands free devices until they are 18.  You may want to double check your state laws.

[gardenmom5]

Your link takes you back to this page.  do you think he's never going to use the map app on his phone?  - you need to be able to see the phone.  I don't have android auto (thanks toyota) - and even though the directions will be routed through my cars speakers via bluetooth - I need to see the map!

have you talked to him about rules for no no to texting and driving?  pull over if he needs to make a phone call ( and the difference between "need" and "want")

I like the magnetic mount - this one sticks in the vent with a 'hook' on the back of the vent to keep it from falling out.  magnet on back of phone holds it in place.

do you live in an area that gets frosty?  does he park outside?  - I bought my son windscreen covers for his car so he doesn't have to scrape in the morning.

detailing supplies  (NOT armour all. order from amazon - a couple good brands are chemical guys, or Maguire's) general cleaner, protectant, brushes, microfiber towels, gel cleaner (like gak, but stickier), etc.  - A couple good youtube channels to learn about detailing are Ammonyc (higher end cars), and detail geek.  they also will list exactly what they use in each video.

[gardenmom5]

31 minutes ago, Ali in OR said:

Depending on where you live and if the car is outside over night, a windshield ice-scraper thing. I like the idea of the safety kit too--one thing we've actually used several times is a battery charger thing. Instead of getting a jump from another car, you used this device which you can recharge by plugging in at home.

that's a good thing

along with that are the "inflate" a flat tire. (fix a flat)  It is a temporary fix, and will only work on a puncture but it could get off the freeway before having to change a tire.  - we've done that a few times.  not. fun.

[Hilltopmom]

Mine is getting a snow shovel for his trunk 

[TechWife]

I think a mount would probably be fine. He needs to be able to see maps without looking down. You know best though. If he is likely to get distracted by his phone in any way, don't do it.

Other ideas for  new drivers:

Portable Jump Starter - like this one. Costco has a less expensive version.

Defensive driving class from BRAKES - they don't have any scheduled right now, but maybe they do gift certificates? This is the best thing my son ever did and he said it was fun but more than that, it was extremely helpful. They actively learn collision avoidance, drop wheel/off road recovery, distraction exercise, panic stopping and skid recovery.

Edited December 18, 2020 by TechWife

[Just Kate]

Great ideas...thanks everyone!!

I have talked to ds (a lot!) about not touching his phone while driving. As a matter of fact, I realized that he uses the audio directions on his phone when he uses the maps app. This way, he won’t have to actually look at his phone while driving.  I do think that having his phone mounted may provide too great of a distraction, so it isn’t the best gift idea. I just feel bad because dd was so excited to think of that idea for him (he’s a bit difficult to buy for) and I just didn’t realize it was a bad idea at first. I’m trying to help her come up with something else that would be fun for him. 

[matrips]

We got our kids a keychain (with a saint on it), an id wallet, and this book https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0802738036/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr=

 

[matrips]

1 hour ago, TechWife said:

Defensive driving class from BRAKES - they don't have any scheduled right now, but maybe they do gift certificates? This is the best thing my son ever did and he said it was fun but more than that, it was extremely helpful. They actively learn collision avoidance, drop wheel/off road recovery, distraction exercise, panic stopping and skid recovery.

I have been looking for something like that!!  I’m so glad you posted it.  I signed up to be notified when they’re in our area.   Thanks. 

[MEmama]

12 hours ago, matrips said:

I have been looking for something like that!!  I’m so glad you posted it.  I signed up to be notified when they’re in our area.   Thanks. 

The defensive driving programs are intense (or at least the one my DS took was). DS has been a car enthusiast his entire life, and the program was like a dream come true for him. For us parents it was utterly terrifying to watch but he had a blast. His instructor actually asked him if he races competitively, he handled the car so well and was so confident. I’m still not sure what to think about that. Lol

I definitely second the recommendation. 

[Soror]

16 hours ago, TechWife said:

I think a mount would probably be fine. He needs to be able to see maps without looking down. You know best though. If he is likely to get distracted by his phone in any way, don't do it.

Other ideas for  new drivers:

Portable Jump Starter - like this one. Costco has a less expensive version.

Defensive driving class from BRAKES - they don't have any scheduled right now, but maybe they do gift certificates? This is the best thing my son ever did and he said it was fun but more than that, it was extremely helpful. They actively learn collision avoidance, drop wheel/off road recovery, distraction exercise, panic stopping and skid recovery.

Yes, the portable jump starter is great. I have one for my car and getting ds one is on the list (didn't make it for Christmas). He does have good jumper cables. Ds already has an ice scraper but would be getting one if he didn't.

Ds is also getting a new wallet, his current one is not that great.

He asked for a steering wheel cover and speakers (the speakers were the main gift so not that cheap).

He loves car wash stuff and bought himself a bunch of supplies, my nephew who always loved tokens and car wash supplies too.

 

[MEmama]

Ooooh if you live in a cold climate, heated seat covers are nice if the car doesn’t have have heated seats. They plug in to the lighter. 

[matrips]

10 hours ago, MEmama said:

The defensive driving programs are intense (or at least the one my DS took was). DS has been a car enthusiast his entire life, and the program was like a dream come true for him. For us parents it was utterly terrifying to watch but he had a blast. His instructor actually asked him if he races competitively, he handled the car so well and was so confident. I’m still not sure what to think about that. Lol

I definitely second the recommendation. 

Oh my!  I wasn’t thinking it would be crazy.  But still, I’d rather them experience those situations in a more controlled environment like that.

[Kareni]

Bringing this over from another thread ~

On 12/8/2020 at 8:22 PM, Garga said:

Did anyone post these yet?? I got them for me, DH, DS18, and even DS15 who can’t drive yet and doesn’t yet have a car, but I know he’ll neeeeed these when he finally can drive and has a car:

Here are links:

https://smile.amazon.com/Missiles-Cigarette-Lighter-Citadel-Black/dp/B06XB2FLYB/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3IYGXFQ1DAFV3&dchild=1&keywords=fire+missiles+button+cigarette+lighter+plug&qid=1607487554&sprefix=fire+button+cigarette+lighter+plug%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-3

 

https://smile.amazon.com/Button-Cigarette-Lighter-Citadel-Black/dp/B0757BZ8W9/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=eject+button+cigarette+lighter+plug&qid=1607487655&sr=8-3

Good for a chuckle!

Regards,

Kareni

[Garga]

(whoops—didn’t quote the post I meant to—I’m referring to the post directly above this one with the Eject and Fire Missiles buttons for the car.) 

 

DS18 would have love, love, loved to have the eject button when we were teaching him to drive. He really didn’t like us directing him!  🙂

Edited December 20, 2020 by Garga

[Carol in Cal.]

How about one of those release tools that punches out windows and cuts the seat belt?

[Ausmumof3]

You can get tyre plugging kits that have got us out of trouble a few times.  Probably more expensive but good head lights if you’re in a rural area.