The coolest ride around

Linda McAvoy

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

GIFTS FOR ME, UNDER $50

Stretchy stuff

I hope my own Christmas stocking will be stuffed with a few practical but appreciated items: a really warm pair of driving gloves (price/style at the buyer's discretion) and a mega-package of 24 bungee cords ($19.99; Canadian Tire) – two things that always seem to mysteriously disappear from my truck.

Cup holder organizer

A cup holder car organizer would help coral my cellphone and all that other "necessary" junk in one place, turning my car cup holder into a handy, and hopefully rattle-free, storage spot. $5.99; Bentley stores

Compass

Since I'm the directionally challenged person who's become dependent on the navigation system in my Mark LT, when I borrow my husband's Volvo XC70 (which doesn't even have a built-in compass), it would help if there was even just one of those little ones stuck to the dashboard. $19.99: Wal-Mart

GIFTS TO GIVE, UNDER $100

Couple-Mate hitch aligner

Want to bring true peace on Earth and goodwill to your family this Christmas? Then stuff a trailer hitch aligner in your loved one's stocking. Anyone with a trailer knows the drill: one spouse takes their place alongside the trailer and in a loud, yet calm and rational voice, while using clear, effective hand signals, guides their partner – who's backing up the car – toward that elusive little hitch ball on the family camper, boat or Ski-Doo trailer.

"Okay, come on back. More. More. A little to the right. Now a bit left. A little more. More. Wait! WHOA!"

Meanwhile the intrepid driver must (slowly) reverse while (patiently) listening to the instructions and interpreting the hand signals; reflexes poised, ready to instantly stomp on the brake.

It's a domestic dance that's not so funny for those directly involved, especially if the hitch misses its mark and dings the licence plate, or worse yet, creases the bumper.

Why not end trailer trauma with the Couple-Mate hitch aligner , an easy-to-install gadget that eliminates the need for assistance, no matter how well intentioned. $39.99 (U.S.); cabelas.com

Two Balls and Sticks aligner

Or opt for an even lower-tech approach with the aptly named Two Balls and Sticks hitch aligner. With two telescoping poles attached magnetically – one to the hitch, one to the trailer – the driver simply reverses until the balls, which are atop each pole, are aligned. $29.99 (U.S.); etrailer.com

Clean ideas

Continuing with the make-life-easier-for-your-spouse theme, the Mother's Power Ball Polisher ($29.99; Canadian Tire) attaches to a drill and will ease the workload for your resident car-washer, as will the Grit Guard Wash Bucket ($19.99; autogeek.net) a huge pail that filters dirt and grit away from the car-wash water.

Gifts for me, no limit

Garage doors

If Santa's feeling generous this year, a pair of new insulated garage doors (starting at $800; doordoctor.ca) has been on the list for a while..

GPS

And since, as I stated earlier, I'm directionally challenged, a portable Garmin GPS nav system ($299; bestbuy.ca) for my husband's Volvo might be good idea.

Cool scooter

And finally, setting practicality and price totally aside, a new set of wheels has recently caught my eye: the Cruzin Cooler.

This novel electric cooler/scooter combo promises to keep your refreshments cool while you perch atop, cruising along at up to 21 km/h – perfect for those long, hot treks from the campsite to the beach. ($229-$599; cruzincooler.ca)

More videos from Wheels.ca and our partners