2019 Mother’s Day Gift Guide: 12 ideas for car-loving mums
Mums who are into cars are just the coolest.
My Mum drives a bright yellow Mazda 6 Sport with a manual gearbox that has custom plates. Safe to say, I was never embarrassed when she picked me up from school. She washes it every week and nearly killed Dad recently when he scratched it.
If you have a Mum who loves cars as much as mine, you are probably thinking of a car related gift for Mother’s Day (it’s May 12, by the way. Breathe, you still have time).
Here are 12 ideas for a car-loving Mum who most likely already has everything.
1. For the busy Mum
If your Mum’s car hasn’t seen a car wash in forever, I think it’s time to get rid of that bird poo and brake dust that makes you cringe every time you see it. Steal her keys and book her car in for a professional detail, inside and out. She won’t know herself seeing that paint shine return, not to mention the fresh smell of a clean interior that hits her every time she opens the door.
Do a quick Google of your local area for the best car detailer. Prices could range from $50 to $150 depending on the service you require, and the size of vehicle.
2. For the stylish Mum
Driving in heels isn’t the easiest task, especially if a clutch pedal is involved. Leather loafers may not match with that beautiful dress, but why not tell Mum to keep these shoes in the car to wear to and from work? There are no shoelaces so they’re quick to slip on, plus they’re comfortable, non-bulky, lightweight, and flat-soled, so she can feel the pedals.
Florsheim Shoe Company has an extensive range of loafers ranging from $50 to $200.
3. For the blingy Mum
Mum’s love jewellery. But what about jewellery that has been made from automotive factory paint overspray? Yes, it’s a thing, and it’s called Fordite (or Motor Agate). Many years ago production cars used to be hand-spray painted, and the baked paint overspray would build on the frames that held the cars. Over time, that overspray would get very thick and would need to be removed. Some genius saw all those pretty colours were worth saving and turned it into jewellery.
Urban Relic Design makes Fordite in limited numbers, so hop on it. Average prices are around $150 a piece.
4. For the barista Mum
If Mum’s car has a 12-volt socket and a cup holder, she can make her own coffee in the car! All she needs to do is fill it with water and espresso coffee, press three buttons, and two-and-a-half minutes later, enjoy a coffee that was made in her car. Or, if she wants to use it elsewhere, a 220V/12V adaptor can be used for the office or home. What a way to make every coffee lover jealous.
The Handpresso Auto retails for around $208.
5. For the traveling Mum
Bring the airline tray to her car with this portable steering wheel tray! If your Mum travels a lot for her job, sometimes finding a comfortable place for a laptop or notebook can be challenging. It has two little trays for knick-knacks and a cupholder. It also can be fitted to the back of the seat, so when Mum isn’t using it, the kids can! Would be handy too for a drive-in night, to hold a hamburger and soft drink. We should add, this is not to be used while driving. Obviously.
The steering wheel tray can be bought from Amazon for $34.50.
6. For the handy Mum
I’ve always carried a pocket knife in the glovebox of my cars, and you would be surprised the number of times I have had to use it. The RescueTool isn’t just your everyday pocket knife, though. It is designed to be carried in a car. It has a seatbelt cutter, a window breaker, and a disc saw that can penetrate shatterproof glass (i.e. a windscreen). Other features are a large blade, reamer, screwdriver, wire stripper, Philips screwdriver, key ring, tweezers, bottle opener, and most importantly, a toothpick.
Check out the impressive video here on how it works, and search for your nearest store.
7. For the hungry Mum
This Hutzler PigOut CarGo Container is probably a life changer, and will have your Mum saying in no time, ‘where have you been all my life?’ No more trying to clean bits of food out of the cupholders that Mum stored in there to snack on. This beauty can be filled with Mum’s favourite nuts, jellybeans, mints, or whatever small hand food from the house, and be transported to the car where it sits in the cupholder. It has an interlocking lid, and once it’s empty, it can be cleaned (dishwasher safe - woo!), ready to be used again.
You can pig out for around $15.
8. For the custom Mum
Do what my Mum has done, and get custom plates. Some love them and some loathe them, but it’s wonderful to display a car owner’s personality, especially that now you can get plates with emojis, or cats and dogs. Prices and regulations vary from state to territory, but you could even get her a voucher so she can choose which style she likes.
Below are the links to purchase custom plates depending where you live:
9. For the fumbly Mum
How many times have you seen Mum lose her keys, phone, or coins down the side of the seat and console? Well, not anymore. The Drop Stop fills that gap, so no more getting on her knees and finding that long lost water bottle that rolled under the seat three years ago. It is made out of high-grade neoprene (some sort of rubber), fits around the seat belt, and the seat can freely move back and forth.
Drop Stop can be purchased for around $30.
10. For the classy Mum
Put your hands on the table in front of you, and depending on your age, you’ll probably notice one hand looks more weathered than the other. It is mostly due to sun exposure when driving. Mum's worry about their skin, so they'll want to do anything to look after it. Driving gloves are way cooler than using sunscreen, and Mum will be surprised as to how comfortable they can be. She will be doing royal waves in no time.
Forzieri make some beautiful Italian leather driving gloves that range from $52 to a princely price of $526.
11. For the thrill-seeking Mum
If Mum has a car she’s been dreaming of driving all her life, or she just wants to feel the thrill of a fast exotic car, rent it for a day, and throw in a picnic lunch to really spoil her. Who knows, you’ll get a ride in the car, or if the lunch goes down well, even a drive!
Red Balloon is probably the easiest place to find a rental car in your area, with prices ranging from $150 to $1000.
12. For the creative Mum
Windscreen shades are awesome. You know the ones you can get with the Simpsons or Star Wars pretending to drive? Or if you’re like me, the one with Lightning McQueen eyes? Totally Covers can let you, or Mum, design her own sun shade. From simply putting text on it to a logo or even a photo, the ideas are endless.
Have a browse, with prices starting from $35.
If you have any other ideas, tell us in the comments below, and Happy Mother's Day!
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