Why is it that every year around the middle of December we find ourselves in a mad tailspin trying to find a great gift for that hard-to-buy-for person? The holiday season is all about family, friends, fun, giving, and good times. It's not supposed to be about worrying that you're going to look like a blockhead for giving a thoughtless and useless gift.
Don't fret.
If you have another off-road enthusiast in your life, then we can help with some great gift ideas. Here is our annual staff wish list of Christmas goodies, the stuff we'd like to receive. Prices range from just under $100 to over $2,000.
Since we're constantly in touch with the off-road and outdoors industries, we're always running across cool and fancy new parts and gear. The first thing we usually think about is how nice it would be to get some of that loot for Christmas! So, maybe the off-roader in your life would appreciate the same loot we do!
Editor-in-Chief Rick Péwé
Ability to Freeze Time!
Price: Priceless
Perhaps there is no better gift than the ability to freeze time. We all wish we were stuck in a certain time warps and situations! Without question, this is one of those times.
Heavy-duty Welding Gloves
Price: $19.50
We always recommend protecting your hands with good-quality gloves while welding in sandals. Miller offers a heavy-duty welding glove at a great price. They come in very handy in the shop or out on the trail and make great stocking stuffers-or you can stuff the glove itself with Christmas goodies!
For more information, contact:
Miller Electric Mfg.
920.734.9821
www.millerwelds.com
B-17 Bomber
Price: Who knows!
A B-17 Bomber is the top choice for a guy who has just everything. We really have no idea where to find the best price on a B-17, but we are sure they are out there. The bomber would be a great way for me to drop food and assignments to my traveling band of staffers when they're out on the trail.
Ratcheting Wrench Set
Price: $39.99
The Craftsman Universal Ratcheting Wrench combines a universal tooth design that grips six types of nuts and bolts, including 6-point, 12-point, partially rounded, external Torx, square and spline, and a ratcheting box end. The wrenches are a great addition to any trail toolbox or bag and are offered in both metric and SAE sizes.
For more information, contact:
Craftsman/Sears
www.craftsman.com
Executive Editor Kevin McNulty
Cool Stuff!
Price: $770-$1,100
Cold food and beverages are always welcome no matter where you are. One of the newly designed ARB Fridge Freezers would be one heck of a Christmas gift. Three new sizes have been added to lineup: 37, 63, and 82 quarts. 82QT, the 82-quart model, holds 120 12-ounce cans and provides sufficient space to keep plenty of food and beverage for long-term camping. This big fridge also fits nicely in large four-wheel-drive wagons, pickups, and camper trailers.
For more information, contact:
ARB USA
425.264.1391
www.arbusa.com
Portable Tools
Price: $89-$119
Portable power tools are great for trail and road repairs. Porter Cable's new 12V Max Lithium cordless tools are durable, compact, lightweight, and perfect for any 4x4's toolbox. There are two tools to complete the most frequent light- to medium-duty work around your rig: the 3/8-inch Drill/Driver Kit (not shown) and the 1/4-inch Impact Driver Kit. All the 12V Max Lithium tools are compact, ideal for accessing tight spaces where larger tools can't go.
For more information, contact:
Delta/Porter Cable
www.deltaportercable.com
4x4 Restoration
Price: $25 increments
Still don't know what to get that special 4x4 enthusiast? If that person is restoring or repairing a rig, then a gift certificate from Eastwood is a great idea. Eastwood sells everything restoration and cool tools. You can't go wrong with a gift certificate because your off-road and automotive enthusiast can buy whatever he likes. They're available in any denomination.
For more information, contact:
Eastwood
800.343.9353
www.eastwood.com
Waterproof Breathable Jacket
Price: $130
Staying dry and warm on the trail is easy with Carhartt's new shorter waterproof, breathable jacket. Like the longer version, it is made of durable nylon with a special water-repellent finish. The jacket's breathable membrane allows body heat to escape while keeping rain and other moisture out. The body lining is 100 percent polyester mesh, and the sleeves and hood are lined in nylon. The contoured three-piece hood features an adjustable draw cord and is removable. The hem is finished with an elastic draw cord to keep out wind and cold.
For more information, contact:
Carhartt
800.833.3118
www.carhartt.com