Online gift buying spares truckers the logistical tangle of in-store purchases, but many still find Christmas daunting, even when buying presents for family and friends in the industry.
The most inexpensive gift may be the most appreciated, such as framing a photo for someone or assembling a box of goodies for the road. If you know their taste in music, movies or television, browse the CDs and DVDs in truck stops and stores and remember to check the discount bin.
Sweatshirts, T-shirts and other trucker-themed clothes usually sell for less than $30. Etsy, the popular marketplace for handmade and vintage goods, offers “Trucks Make Me Happy You Not So Much” T-shirts for $17-$25 in sizes infant to 6 XL.
Help a trucker sleep more comfortably with Better Bedding sleeper or custom sized sheets. A set of sheets and pillowcases are available in cotton, cotton-polyester and flannel starting at $62. Iowa 80 offers a micro-fiber set for $32.99 and 12-volt bunk warmer for $99.99. More info: Better Bedding, 1-866-988-2333, bedderbedding.net
Protect truck radiators and grills from winter with Belmor Winter Fronts, installed with the product’s fasteners and snaps. Raneys Truck Parts sells a white vinyl one to fit a Peterbilt 359 for $52.70 and winter fronts are also available for Freightliner, Kenworth, Volvo and International models. More info: Raneys Truck Parts 1-844-770-1360 raneystruckparts.com
SiriusXM offers commercial-free music, sports, news and talk for $10.99 to $19.99 per month. The company sells radios for trucks not already equipped to receive satellite radio and subscribers may also listen via computers, smartphones or tablets. More info: SiriusXM 1-866-408-8296 www.siriusxm.com
Gift cards for goods and services are sold about in mom-and-pop business to huge box stores. Valero offers gift cards for as little as $5, allowing the recipient to select a gift at their leisure. In recent years, electronic gifts or egifts have gained popularity because the giver can order and schedule a free delivery via email. Valero Stores 1-888-207-7214 valero.com
Finally, you can bid on trucking-related items at the non-profit Women in Trucking Foundation’s 2nd annual online holiday auction until 11:45 p.m. CT Dec. 7. The event supports scholarships for both sexes to begin or advance careers in the industry. More info: Women in Trucking 1-888-464-9482 womenintruckingfoundation.org
