Peter Gorrie's gift suggestions

Dec 05, 2008

Special to The Star

Gifts for me, under $50

Suction base

I don't have gadgets in my vehicle. But some day ... To be fully prepared, I'd like a Kuda Universal Suction Base. It sticks to any surface, and the gadget attachment part swivels. Until something's on it, it is a nice, objet d'art that's sure to inspire compliments. $36.95 (U.S.) autoanything.com

Steering wheel cover

My aging minivan isn't for carefree, top-down touring, let alone conquering Mosport. Still, perchance to dream, I'm hoping for a burgundy Wheelskins Genuine Leather Steering Wheel Cover. It'd be like giving the crate 100 more horses and a sports suspension. At $39.99 (U.S.), it's cheaper than a Boxster. Many others are available locally at Canadian Tire and elsewhere. tops4less.com

Throw blanket

With the Buffalo Bills now a local fixture, I must get geared up for tailgate parties. Could be a tad chilly (unless, in true Toronto style, the beer fests are held indoors with no tailgates and few brews in sight). Keeping my fingers crossed for the real thing, I could request an electric car blanket. But they're hardly ecofriendly – think about all those idling engines. But a bamboo-fibre throw wrapper! That's the ticket. Plain colours are okay, but my wild side insists on a leopard print. $49.26 (U.S.) shopnbc.com

Gifts to give, under $100

Minivan console

Our vehicle has plenty of cupholders, but precious little else to hold all those pesky odds and ends. So I'll buy Denise a handy Minivan console. Check these features! Two more homes for coffee, concealed CD storage, spring-action coin organizer, lockable security compartment. $49.99. canadiantire.ca

Seat support

Long trips can be a pain in the back, especially in a cheap van with bucket seats that leave much to the imagination in support. The solution is a comfy Obus Forme Highback Backrest Support with removable lumbar pad. $79.99. well.ca

Logo bling

Denise loved the Smart car we tested for Green Wheels this summer. I'm sure Santa has one for her, but I'm betting he'll forget the spiffy Stainless Steel Fuel Tank Overlay. He might even overlook the Front and Rear Flame Logo Surrounds, designed to give the tiny two-seater "aggressive attitude." At $79.85 (U.S.), all three items total well within our budget.

autotrucktoys.com

Gifts for me, unlimited

SafeCall

To honour our new cellphone law, my list includes a hands-free system for the car. Several models are available, from $80 to $250. I'd take SafeCall, $169 at Kromer Radio. What I'd really like, though, is a voice-activated music player. The lone version I've seen is Microsoft's Sync, only on some Ford vehicles. kromerradio.com

Ford Focus

That being the case, Big Gift Number Two will be, I hope, a Focus sedan, the smallest, most fuel-efficient Ford available with Sync. The music system comes only with a raft of additional upgrades, raising the list price to $20,000. But I'm certain Santa will be able to get a better deal. (Light ice blue, please.) ford.ca

Ronn Scorpion

The tough bargaining with Ford will leave Santa a little cash for my final request, a Ronn Scorpion.

This 450-horsepower "green" supercar burns regular gasoline mixed with hydrogen extracted from a small tank of water. Texas-based Ronn Motor Company claims the innovation boosts mileage by up to 40 per cent. The price: a mere $150,000 (U.S.) But Santa better be quick with his $1,000 reservation fee. Only 200 are being made.

ronnmotors.com

Toronto Star