Tire gauge will help under pressure

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These sterling silver Phillips head screw cufflinks are handmade in Rhode Island.

Lorraine Sommerfeld

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Gifts for me, Under $50

Michelin Programmable

Tire Pressure Gauge

Complete with a built-in flashlight (I can never see with the standard kind), this digital gauge is a step up from most. But for better gas mileage and longer tire life, everyone should have one of these in the glove box. It even comes with its own pouch. $34.99 at most automotive stores.

www.theconsumerlink.com

Car calendar

I need to keep better track of my dates, and what better way than with a 2009 Jim Kenzie Car Calendar? This is the fourth consecutive calendar that Wheels' own chief auto writer has produced, showcasing his photography of some truly beautiful cars, and half the proceeds go to the SmartRisk children's safety charity. $15.70 from his website, includes taxes and postage.

www.jimkenzie.com

Armor All cleaning wipes

I've always kept a bin of human baby bum wipes in the cars, but now there are special wipes just for my auto baby! Armor All Cleaning Wipes are easy to use, under 10 bucks, and do a fabulous job on cleaning nearly every part of your interior. Perfect for the kids to give Mom or Dad, or as a stocking stuffer. Available everywhere from Canadian Tire to Shoppers Drug Mart to Zellers.

Gifts to give, Under $100

Phillips Head Screw Cufflinks

I may have preferred Robertsons, but these are pretty cool. Handmade in Rhode Island from sterling silver, it's a nice $85 (U.S.) nod to the car guy in your life who you're sick of seeing in the dorky tie with the hot rods on it.

www.uncommongoods.com

www.canadiantire.ca

Gifts for me, no limit

Sheepskin Seat Covers

Back in the summer, I bought a pair of genuine sheepskin seat covers. I didn't think much about it at the time, and when I brought them home, I said I'd purchased them at a silent auction. One of the kids asked if it was a blind auction, too. They sat in the living room until a few weeks ago. And now, I can't believe the deal I got. There is absolutely nothing better than hopping into a freezing cold car that has these covers on. And absolutely nothing worse than freezing my ass off if I have to take the other car. I want another set. $289.99 per set.

www.saddleman.com

Private Gas Tank and Gasoline

I will admit that this gift hearkens back to the '70s gas crisis, and I recall my dad wanting to do just this: he used to wish for a gas tank that he could fill with his own private reserve to wait out the bad times.

Well, dad, I found one. Through Craigslist, I found a 10,000-litre above-ground tank (nearly new!) for $10,000. Even has a pump. I could keep it in the backyard, maybe. I would then need 10,000 litres of gas, which would cost about $8,000. By my calculations, that would last our household nearly four years. But of course we wouldn't use our reserve gas until prices started climbing again. And oh, they are going to climb again.

www.calgary.en.craigslist.ca/grd/885199988.html

Recycled Street Sign Briefcase

Each is different and designed by artist Tripp Gregson. Using legally acquired old traffic signs, he's created a very cool aluminium briefcase for anyone tired of the usual. $250 (U.S.).

www.uncommongoods.com

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