By Blair Qualey
The holiday season is here, and it’s the perfect time to surprise the car lover in your life with a thoughtful gift tailored to our beautiful province’s unique driving conditions. Whether it’s navigating winding mountain roads, braving snowy ski trips, or enduring rainy commutes, BC drivers know that having the right tools and accessories can make a world of difference. This year, your friends at the New Car Dealers Association are here to help with some gift ideas that combine practicality, adventure prep, and even a touch of luxury for the car lover on your list.
Winter weather in BC brings its own set of challenges, from the heavy rain of the Lower Mainland to the snow-packed highways of the Interior and Northern regions. For drivers who face icy mornings or slushy commutes, winter-proofing their vehicle can be a game-changer. Heated steering wheel covers, all-weather floor mats, and just in case, portable jump starters, make excellent gifts that show you care about their safety and comfort during the winter season.
As everyone who lives here knows first-hand, BC’s scenic routes offer endless opportunities for adventure. The Sea-to-Sky Highway, Okanagan wine country, and endless forestry roads are all waiting to be explored. Gifts that enhance the road trip experience, like roof racks or cargo carriers for outdoor gear, high-quality travel mugs to keep beverages warm, or emergency kits stocked with essentials, are ideal for drivers who seek to embrace BC’s natural beauty.
For the tech-savvy driver in your life, the latest gadgetry and smart accessories have become an integral part of modern driving, offering new and innovative ways to stay connected and safe while on the road. Dash cams are a popular choice, providing drivers with security while also capturing BC’s stunning landscapes — without tempting the driver to use their phone.
Speaking of which, a handy smartphone mount can make navigation easier and safer, while tire pressure monitoring systems are particularly useful for the cold weather, which can impact air density in your tires.
Many BC drivers appreciate the finer things in life, and luxury touches for their car’s interior can make long drives more enjoyable. Custom seat covers can add a personalized flair while protecting against wear and tear, especially for those with kids or pets. Detailing kits that include everything needed to keep a vehicle sparkling clean, inside and out, are perfect for urban drivers who take pride in their ride.
With sustainability at the forefront of any automotive discussion these days, eco-conscious gifts are also gaining popularity, particularly in a province that’s leading the way in electric vehicle adoption. Portable solar chargers are a great option for drivers who enjoy off-grid adventures, while reusable travel accessories like insulated water bottles or food containers are a practical and environmentally friendly choice.
And of course, the perfect stocking stuffer for the automotive enthusiast in your life is a ticket to the 2025 Vancouver Auto Show, taking place March 19–23, 2025 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. And from Thursday, November 28 until 11:59 pm Tuesday, December 2, you can purchase tickets at a 50% discount.
Head here to buy: https://vancouverinternationalautoshow.com/about/tickets/.
From winter essentials to luxury upgrades, there is an endless variety of thoughtful and practical gifts for anyone that finds themselves on the road this holiday season. Happy Holidays from your friends at the NCDA, and stay safe on the roads out there!
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].
