Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The 9 Best Gifts for Truck Drivers for the Long Holiday Haul

A male truck driver reading a magazine in his truck.
Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels

Truck drivers are our unsung heroes. Their hard work on the road, getting all of our stuff to the places we want it (on a timely basis) has always been important, but we’ve never appreciated them as much as we have lately, now that the term “supply chain” became a regular feature on the nightly news. This holiday season makes sure that the long-hauler in your life knows that you appreciate all those hours spent behind the wheel.

Recommended Videos

These gifts are also great for your buddy who’s chucked it all to live in a van or for your relative who works from her car. Some of our selects were about helping out with the health and wellness concerns of somebody who’s stuck in the driver’s seat all day, some seemed particularly useful, while others were just for fun, and some were chosen just so your favorite driver can keep truckin’ in style. 

Related Guides

Piloti Pinnacle Boot

A Piloti Pinnacle Boot on gray background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Designed for racing and tested by Le Mans champions, this boot is designed for auto racing, but drivers who spend hours with a foot on the pedal will appreciate the Pinnacle’s anti-vibration, hydrocarbon-resistant sole. A buffed EVA heel and reinforced lateral forefoot are designed to provide non-stop comfort and performance for long drives (but let’s keep to the speed limit).

Parigo LED Flashlight Gloves

An illustration of a pair of hands with the Parigo LED Flashlight Gloves.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

“I am Ironman.” These gloves are a hand-y way to shed light on just about any situation, from searching for items dropped under the dashboard to performing basic repairs or even making the wearer more visible and safer at night (they’re also great for the cyclist in your life). The stretchy, fingerless gloves have rechargeable LED lights attached just shy of the thumbs, so they point a beam of light right at the task at hand. 

Garmin Dash Cam

A Garmin Dash Cam on plain background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Add an extra layer of security to all that time spent behind the wheel. This pocket-sized camera (with voice control) record any incidents that may be happening around your vehicle, and what’s more, saved video is automatically uploaded via Wi-Fi connection to Garmin’s secure online vault. It can also be accessed for remote viewing from a smartphone app. The camera also provides driver alerts such as forward collision and lane departure warnings to encourage safer driving.

Aeropress Go Travel Coffee Press

The components of the Aeropress Go Travel Coffee Press on white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If there is any one time when having the perfect cup of coffee is paramount, it’s on an extended road trip. Don’t depend on the truck stop or fast-food chain to get it right (they often disappoint). Bring your favorite coffee, ground to your specifications, and make a delicious cup every time with the Aeropress Go. Fans of the Aeropress already love it for its minimal approach to achieving the perfect cup every time. Now bring that level of control on the road. 

Superior Bath Robe

A mannequin wearing the Superior Bath Robe.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

A long-haul truck driver may find themselves showering at a truck stop or spending the night at a cheap roadside motel. Send a little luxury along for the ride with this cotton waffle weave spa-style bathrobe. It’ll make even the sparest facility feel like an indulgent experience. 

Nintendo Switch Mario Red and Blue Edition

A Nintendo Switch Mario Red and Blue Edition on white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Grab a game-on-the-go with the Nintendo Switch. Inspired by video game celebrity character Super Mario, the set features the bold red design console, Joy-Con controllers, and the Nintendo Switch Dock. A solid blue design is featured on both the Joy-Con grip and Joy-Con wrist straps. There’s also a carrying case adorned with Super Mario iconography, and a screen protector to keep your Mario Nintendo Switch system secure.

Health Touch Fully Body Massage Mat

A Health Touch Fully Body Massage Mat on plain background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Anybody who has been behind the wheel for more than a few hours knows that, no matter how nice the upholstery, driving can be hell on your back. While we’re not sure if this can be stashed in the cab, at least have it ready when your driver hits home base: The mat features five vibrating points, with two levels of intensity, as well as heat. 

Todd Snyder Cashmere Crewneck

A green cashmere crewneck from Todd Snyder.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For an all-night ride, a night on the town, or a night snuggled up on the couch, we love this Todd Snyder Italian cashmere sweater that’s made from recycled cashmere. The waffle texture maintains a masculine style that any big rig driver would appreciate, but it’s still soft and cozy. Let your trucker know you really love them and get the matching sweats, too. 

Hello Fresh Gift Card

A $70 Hello Fresh Gift Card on plain background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

According to American Trucker magazine, many long-haul drivers have diet-related health problems like obesity, diabetes, and sleep apnea. Let’s keep our good buddies happy and healthy by offering some easy, healthy meals via Hello Fresh. The healthy subscription meal kit plan delivers pre-measured ingredients with easy-to-follow recipes right to the recipient’s door in a simple, nutritious, and sustainable program. 

John Jones
John Jones is a Jersey City, New Jersey-based writer who enjoys covering design in all its forms, from fashion to…
1000 Miglia debuts in Florida: A new chapter for the iconic race
What happens when you cross a classic endurance race with one of America's liveliest states?
A Jaguar XK150 S crossing the finish line at the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida with a checkered flag waving

Classic cars hit the road, contemporary hypercars joined them, and records were broken as the iconic Italian road race, the 1000 Miglia, made its U.S. debut in February. Florida received its own version of the historic competition as 70 notable vehicles traveled 1000 miles through the state, stopping off in Naples, Venice, Tampa, Cape Canaveral, West Palm Beach, and Miami Beach.

The race was divided into three classes with the 1000 Miglia Original snagged by Bruce Roch and Logan Roch who were behind the wheel of a Jaguar XK 120 OTS -1953; a Jaguar XK150 S crewed by Gabriel Hrib and Gabriel Hrib Jr winning the Classic Icons category; and a more modern Ferrari 488 Gts crewed by Fabrizio Macario and Giovanna Di Costanzo while being backed by Ferrari Club Italia snagging the “Hypercar & Supercar” crown.
It’s the first but not the last

Read more
The only Ford GT Roadster to race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans is going up for auction
Le Mans 1965 Ford GT/109 racecar going up for grabs
1965 ford gt109 competition prototype roadster gt1

When it comes to car collecting, major enthusiasts with deep pockets are always searching for a car that screams of exclusivity, rarity, and has a great story to tell. Much like Jerry Seinfeld's Porsche 917 signed by Steve McQueen that recently sold for upwards of $25 million, this Ford GT Roadster is the Holy Grail of motorsports collections, and the centerpiece to the upcoming Indy 2025 auction hosted by Mecum.

This 1965 Ford GT Competition Prototype Roadster GT/109 is an extraordinary piece of automotive history, holding the incredible distinction of being the only Ford GT Roadster to ever compete in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. During its heyday, sitting behind the wheel were accomplished French racers Maurice Trintignant and Guy Ligier, both legends in the world of racing. Completed in March 1965 by Ford Advanced Vehicles (FAV) in Slough, England, GT/109 is one of just 12 prototypes, with only five Roadsters ever built—today, only GT/109 and its sister car GT/108 remain.

Read more
GM recalls over 90,000 Camaros and Cadillacs due to transmission problem
Faulty transmissions cause GM to recall more than 90K vehicles
2022 Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwings

General Motors (GM) is announcing a recall involving over 90,000 Chevy and Cadillac vehicles due to a significant issue with the transmission control valve that may result in tire lock-up during operation. This determination was made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which plays a critical role in ensuring automotive safety. The vehicles affected by this recall are those equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions.

The root of the problem lies in the transmission control valves of certain vehicles, which, over time, may become susceptible to excessive wear. This wear can lead to a loss of hydraulic pressure within the valve, resulting in harsh shifting conditions. In rare instances, this may culminate in a momentary lock-up of the wheels. Such a scenario could significantly increase the risk of a collision, posing a serious safety concern for drivers and passengers alike.

Read more