by Matt Konkle
Torque Editor-in-Chief
Between all the holiday songs on the radio, movies on television and whatever else may have diverted your attention this time of year, it is probably inevitable you missed someone on that holiday gift list.
Maybe they sent you something first that jogged your memory. Or, perhaps it is someone in your business circle that you really need to cover with a holiday gift.
Maybe, even, you just simply forgot.
It happens.
But how you recover from this can easily turn that unfortunate slip into a something resembling a ‘whew’ — especially if that person you missed owns a Jeep.
So for you last minute shoppers, whatever the reason, here are five top gifts under $50 that you can send out immediately, complete that gift list and head into the big day knowing you did your part.
Performance Tools Scanner
Not all holiday gifts can have lights and chimes, but there is one that can help figure out what those lights and chimes mean. We’re talking the lights and chimes that can sometimes appear on the dash of that Jeep enthusiast’s vehicle signifying some sort of issue. And those lights are not something to be ignored.
The Performance Tools OBD2 Scanner Tool and Code Reader will plug into the OBD2 port on a Jeep, quickly reading and displaying that vehicle’s Diagnostic Trouble Code. This way, it allows that last minute gift recipient to take control of any Jeep issue and decide if it is something he or she can deal with, or if it needs to head to the mechanic.
Perhaps it is nothing and if so, this device is capable of turning off that annoying check engine light, or erase any of those thrown codes.
This scanner tool will be simple to maintain for anyone and does not require any batteries or charging — so it will always be available when something arises. Plus, it can be stored easily in the Jeep’s cargo area making it accessible whenever needed.
Quadratec Adventure Mirrors
Most mirrors on just about any vehicle out there are securely attached, meaning they aren’t something to worry about throughout the year.
On a Jeep though, those mirrors will be an issue should someone want to take off the doors when the weather allows.
That’s right, open cabin driving is something that many Jeep owners love during warm weather months, but many may not realize that when those doors come off, so do the factory mirrors.
However, a simple solution to stay legal when those doors are off are Quadratec’s Adventure Mirrors. These handy replacement mirrors simply plug into the exposed door hinge, and then can be tightened into place with a nylon washer and retaining nut — meaning no scratches to the vehicle’s paint around the hinge area.
Quadratec’s Adventure Mirrors come in either a rounded head or square head design for your last minute gift recipient, and are constructed in durable steel which allows them to withstand wind pressure when driving — giving the driver complete visibility in nearly all situations.
Extreme Duty Battery Terminals
These days, it seems like accessory items can sprout up on a Jeep like flowers in the spring. And whether that means your last minute gift recipient has a new winch on the front bumper, auxiliary lighting on the windshield hinges, or even a new fridge freezer in the back cargo area, he or she will need somewhere on the vehicle’s battery to connect those items.
Enter the Quadratec Extreme Duty Battery Terminals that are perfect for those with older CJ vehicles, all the way up to the newest Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT.
These unit has handy brass busses with lead terminals that attach to the battery and provide extra connection room for the orderly addition of accessories like lighting, audio equipment, winches and even air compressors.
It is really the perfect way to ensure every piece of additional accessory items work properly for anyone on your last minute gift list.
ARB E-Z Tire Deflator
It probably should go without saying, but tire care is certainly imperative for those who own a Jeep. After all, that rubber is the only thing connecting the vehicle to the ground. And part of that care is ensuring proper tire pressure.
Whether it is simple daily driving, or spending time on the trails, making sure those tires have the proper air pressure can ensure longer tire life, better gas mileage and even contribute to safety. So for a last minute gift, the ARB E-Z Tire Deflator is a smart, functional and sensible choice.
Not only will this item help someone air down their tires before heading off road, but it also can check that tire pressure at any time to make sure that rubber is inflated to the correct amount.
The ARB E-Z Tire Deflator utilizes a bronze Bourdon Tube gauge design so the unit is not compromised by temperature, humidity or altitude, and the gauge is easy to read with 1 PSI increments. The analog gauge also performs time and time again in any weather condition with no batteries or charging needed.
Grizzly Camp Cup
We all love our beverages, right? And when we enjoy them, we love them cold when they are supposed to be cold, and warm when they are supposed to be warm. Surely, that someone on your list who needs a last minute gift is the same way.
So the 11 oz. Grip Camp Cup from Grizzly makes the ideal solution to both gift, and drink, needs.
This handy cup, in either a charcoal or stainless finish, has double walled insulation designed to keep those drinks at the perfect temperature, while the exterior has a build in grip for transportation, as well as a rubberized bottom to keep it from sliding around when it is stationary.
Additionally, the cup’s lid is a splash-proof smoked polymer that easily twists off when needed.
For a full list of holiday gift ideas, here is our seventh annual top products Holiday Gift Guide.
