Best Accessories and Gadgets for Car-Obsessed Teens
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If you have a teenager in your life, you know that finding the right gifts for the holiday season can be quite the challenge. But do not fret—whether your teen is a gear enthusiast, a passionate tech kid, or just has a first car that they deserve to take pride in, we've got you covered for gift ideas from electronics to interior upgrades that are sure to impress. We've even got a few preparedness ideas; after all, safety is paramount in these formative years.
Looking for more gift ideas for the car lovers in your life? Check out our holiday gift guide and our collection of car-related toys for kids.
LED Cup Holder Lights
These rechargeable LED cup holder lights can transform any ordinary water bottle into a jug of neon-green nuclear waste in a matter of seconds. The discs are charged via USB cable and have up to eight hours of battery life while emitting one of seven colors.
Comsoon Bluetooth Auxiliary Jack Adapter
Ideal for kids who get hand-me-down cars, this affordable adapter can transform your music-listening experience. Simply charge it (or connect it to the car's power outlet), plug it into your aux port, and pair your phone. Not only is the adapter good for high-quality audio streaming, it can also be used for phone calls using its built-in microphone. Who needs a fancy, expensive, Bluetooth-enabled radio?
Ring Car Cam
Dashcams have risen in popularity lately with their ability to capture wild moments and also establish your innocence in case of an accident you didn't cause. Why not consider providing your teenager with the latest in car-cam technology: the Ring Car Cam. The Ring Car Cam records both the view in front of the car and inside the cabin. This way your teenager has a record of the roads they've driven, as well as plenty of footage of all those silly times with their friends inside. As a bonus for parents, you can also access a live feed from in the cabin.
G29 Driving Force
Teenagers and video games—a classic combination, right? Well, here's something that takes it up a notch. The Logitech Driving Force provides an exhilarating gaming experience, helping to pave the way for your teenager's dream of becoming a race-car driver.
The system—compatible with PS4, PS5, PCs, and Macs—immerses players in a realistic driving simulation, complete with precision steering and pressure-sensitive pedals. The racing wheel even offers feedback to replicate the genuine feel of being behind the wheel of a real car. Trust us; this is bound to be a hit with your teenager and their friends.
Govee LED Car Lights
Interior LED lights seem to be all the rage these days, and this kit from Govee is one of the top-rated choices on Amazon. By using the Govee Home app, you can unlock up to 16 million different colors and even utilize Music mode—where the colors bounce to the beat of your tunes. Simply install with adhesive strips, plug into the 12V socket, and you're good to go.
Car Registration & Insurance Card Holder
Keep all of your vehicle's important documents organized with this handy holder that fits right in your glovebox. With clear pockets galore, you can fit and display insurance cards, registration, and other important info without embarrassingly having to dig through paperwork.
Big Mouth Max Release Foam Cannon
For those who are already nearly professional in the car-detailing department, consider this foam cannon from Chemical Guys which, when coupled with a pressure washer, can quickly coat a car with foamy soap. As a bonus, foam cannons are all the rage on YouTube car detailing videos, so it could help your young driver become a viral sensation.
Noco Boost Plus GB40 Jump Starter
No trunk is complete without a set of jumper cables or an emergency jump pack like this great piece from Noco. The Noco GB40 Boost Plus is capable of jump-starting engines as large as 6.0 liters in displacement and can also be used to charge smart devices in an emergency.
CHGeek Phone Mount
While you should never let a phone distract you from driving, a well-placed phone holder can make it much easier to play music or operate the navigation app from behind the wheel. There are hundreds of mounts to choose from, but we picked this CHGeek model because it doubles as a wireless charger.
Meguiar's Complete Car Care Kit
We wouldn't be surprised if your car-obsessed teen is also a total neat freak about his or her car. A lot of Car and Driver editors are too. We'd recommend starting them out with this package of car detailing essentials from Meguiar's, which includes everything they need to shine up their ride.