Unique Gifts for Truck Drivers and the Long Road Ahead, Sure to Get You a "10-4 Good Buddy"

Truck drivers are a unique group of people. A profession mostly comprised of males, there are some very unique gifts available for the truck driver in your life so you can make the road seem a little less lonely. These gifts range in price from just a few dollars, to rather high end, expensive "comfort" gifts. No mater what your budget is this holiday season, there is something on this list for everyone receiving a gift and in every gift givers price range.

- Travel Mug/Coffee Maker In One
Coffee companies want to make sure that consumers can drink their coffee no matter where they are. They have made travel mugs which holds coffee grinds/beans to make coffee right in the mug. This helps keep your teamster caffeinated and hydrated wherever the road may lead. This gift is easy on the wallet and warm in the tummy! To find this gift, start with an internet search to see what is available. You will also be able to find these special coffee mug and maker in one in coffee houses and department retail outlets around the country.

- Seat Covers
Nothing is worse than sitting in a truck for hours on end in an uncomfortable seat. Find your trucker a special seat cover made for their truck (and comes off easily should they drive different trucks each time) that is comfortable for them. Some seat covers are designed to make the seat cushy while others are built for ergonomic support. Whatever your truck drivers need for seating, there are options available. Try searching online for different types of covers and costs. An online search will also help you see the many seat cover options available.

- Plug In Travel Refrigerator
Anyone who has ever taken a vacation knows that eating on the road is expensive. Truckers who often eat most of their working meals on the road could potentially spend a considerable amount of money just eating lunch. There are small units available which plug right into power outlets (a.k.a. cigarette lighters) that will keep food cold for hours. Some models even keep food warm for hours with a flip of a switch. When the traditional cooler full of ice will not suffice, try giving this gift which will be used all year long. Another use for this great gift is to bring home special food treats for you when your trucker comes across something found in only certain parts of the country (like Lancaster PA shoo-fly-pies that only the Amish can make!!) This is a classic "to-you-for-me" gift!

You will find this item at major retail stores, camping and sporting stores as well as the internet.

- Air Fresheners
Most truck drivers are men who travel in a truck for sometimes days on end, not always able to shower every 24 hours. Do we need to say any more?

These can be picked up at your local supermarket or department store and makes a great stocking stuffer!

- First Aid Kit
These are invaluable! Chances are that most trucks have a first aid kit in them but they are not always updated. Check to see if these are maintained by the company your trucker works for and if not, this is a great gift.

This gift can also be personalized by you for your truck driver. Most kits do not include over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin, heartburn medication and upset stomach medication. Stock these in the kit along with generic first-aid supplies. Do not forget to include a special note for your trucker should they get hurt and need to go in the kit. A small note that says to "feel better" will bring a smile to an injured face. Another item to include in the kit is a list of medications routinely taken, allergy lists and health insurance information should your trucker need medical attention.

Start with supplies from your local department store and feel free to add items or build your own kit in a small storage container with an airtight lid. A clear kit will allow most items to be located from the outside for fast access. The cost of this item depends on how much you pack inside!

- Mud Flaps
Mud flaps are a fun gift that can be purchased at many auto parts stores and online. Specialty flaps can be custom ordered with names, sayings, cartoon characters, etc. Think about hobbies your truck driver has and things that interest them. Then do an online search of that particular item and them the words mud flaps. These gifts are rather easy to find online. These can be as inexpensive or as expensive as you wish.

- Personal Hygiene Kit
This can be store bought or made by you. Start with a shower caddy and fill it with plenty of goodies including soap, comb, deodorant, and even "no rinse" body wash for when there is no shower in sight. There are travel kits that come with items already included. You can add personalized items such as favorite cologne to make the gift special. This gift can be inexpensive or high end depending on what you put in the kit. Start with an online search for the actual carrying kit. Some of the goodies you put inside can be purchased at your local department store.

- Travel Bag
For truckers who are gone for several days at a time, a good sturdy travel bag with easy to use pockets and carry strap(s) is a must have. Make sure you find a bag that is long lasting and can withstand some abuse in the cab of a truck. If your trucker carries a laptop or other expensive technical gear (XM radio for example), find a bag that will hold clothing and electronic toys. Having only one bag to carry will make life on the road a lot easier. This price of this gift really depends on the type and size of the bag you choose. An internet search will allow you to find the most possible bags in a wide range of prices. You may want to research this online and then go to the actual store to make the purchase. Not only will it save on shipping costs but you will be able to see the bag in its actual size. It is very disappointing to order something online which you imagine a certain way, only to have it arrive and be much smaller than anticipated.

- Updated Road Maps
Road Maps are invaluable to a truck driver. With more cars and trucks on the road than ever there are constant changes in roads and major highways. Updated maps will keep your trucker on the right road. This is a gift that can be very low budget for one or two maps or more expensive for several maps covering many states.

- Letter Writing Kit
With the advent of cell phones most truckers do not write home much anymore when they can easily call home. Sometimes though, a postcard at a truck stop warrants being mailed home, especially if there are small kids at home who like receiving mail. Make your own letter writing kit with stamps, paper, pens, envelops and an address book and put it in a neat carry case. If your trucker likes to keep a journal of places traveled, this would go great in the letter writing kit!

- Disposable Cameras
Many truckers do not get to site see much while on the road but there are times when they have an unscheduled stop somewhere neat and picturesque. A disposable camera that can withstand the heat in the truck when it's not operating (also remember film can go in the travel refrigerator!!) makes a perfect gift to send back home.

- Leather Bound Log Book
Truck drivers are required to keep logs or journals of every run they make in their truck. This includes mileage, timing, maintenance info, etc. If your driver is not the most organized person in the world, find them a really nice log book that also holds writing instruments and scrap paper. If they carry a lot of loose paperwork, find a book that has a folder in it or zips up to keep things from getting lost or misplaced. If you can have the book personalized with your truckers name, do so! It will mean a lot to them and it will look really nice!

- Satellite Radio With Subscription
This is the gift that keeps on giving all year. Satellite radio offers about 250 channels ranging from talk radio to every type of music genre available. There is sure to be something for anyone listening.
This gift requires the purchase of the actual radio (this works with any am/fm radio), and the purchase of the monthly subscription. This gift will run a few hundred dollars when you buy the radio unit and the subscription (you can purchase a year or more in advance). There are two different satellite radios available which as XM radio and Sirius. Research them both online, compare prices and available channels before making a final selection.

The secret to successful gift giving is to research all of your option and make sure you start early. The more time you have to research all the items available and pick the best one, the better the gift will be received.