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Summary
  • Veterans Day is the perfect occasion to show appreciation to former servicemen of the United States Armed Forces.
  • Step bumpers are a good choice for veterans who value convenience. If your veteran loves going on off-road adventures, running boards can enhance their trips. You can also get them a hitch if they haul cargo or tow a trailer.
  • Fog lights are perfect for those who aren’t afraid to drive in low-visibility conditions, while sun visors are a great pick for daytime drivers.

Veterans Day is all about celebrating the heroic men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces. Most of them sacrifice a lot for their country. If you know a veteran, be it a loved one or an acquaintance, why not show them you care this coming Veterans Day?

A good way to thank them for their service is with a thoughtful gift. If they own a car, you can’t go wrong with giving them a practical car accessory. Here are our top five gift ideas for veterans (and their trusty ride).

car accessories to gift on veterans day
If you know a veteran, be it a loved one or an acquaintance, why not show them you care this coming Veterans Day?

Our Veterans Day Gift Ideas for 2024

For the Pickup Truck Owner: Step Bumpers

Some veterans who own certain pickup trucks find it difficult to access their truck bed because it’s so high up. It’s worse if they have lingering injuries or conditions that make it a struggle to climb the truck bed. Getting them step bumpers can make this problem a thing of the past and reduce the risk of slips and falls.

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Step bumpers are attached to the rear-end bumper of a vehicle, making it easier for drivers and passengers alike to get in and out of the truck bed. They also give pickup trucks a more adventurous and outdoorsy look. They’re an excellent gift to give to someone who takes pride in their ride’s ruggedness.

Step bumpers are typically made of sturdy, durable materials, such as heavy-gauge steel. They’re built to withstand the test of time and support tremendous amounts of weight.

Other Gift Options

Bumper Cover Bumper Cover Bumper Grille Bumper Grille Bumper Reinforcement Brackets Bumper Reinforcement Brackets

For the Off-road Adventurer: Running Boards

If you want to make life easier for veterans who own tall vehicles and love going off the beaten path, running boards are an excellent gift choice. These accessories have a flat profile and run along the sides of a vehicle, right below the doors. They provide an extra step to make it easier for drivers and passengers to enter and exit vehicles.

Running boards are also incredibly handy when it comes to keeping the interior of a vehicle clean, which is a common struggle for off-roaders. Passengers can use the surface of the running board to rub or knock the dirt and mud off their shoes before entering their car.

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On top of that, running boards also provide vehicles with additional protection against hazards like rock, mud, and other debris that might get kicked up during transit. This means veterans won’t have to worry about things flying off the ground and scraping the body of their ride as much.

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Other Gift Options

Nerf Bars Nerf Bars Side Steps Side Steps Rock Sliders Rock Sliders

For the Cross-Country Explorer: Hitches

Gifting veterans a hitch will help ensure that they’ll have a much better time towing heavy cargo. Hitches are small add-ons that can be massive game changers for drivers who don’t believe in traveling light.

Bear in mind that if you want to gift someone a hitch, you must get one that’s compatible with their vehicle type and overall towing capacity. Pay close attention to what they might need it for and choose the appropriate hitch for the job.

Hitches are typically used to tow trailers which often carry large, unwieldy cargo, such as boats, bikes, and camping gear. They can also be used to tow trailer homes for veterans keen on living mobile lifestyles.

Other Gift Options

Hitch Step Hitch Step Tow Hook Tow Hook Winch Winch

For the One Who Drives in Low Visibility Conditions: Fog Lights

Whether it’s because they want to or because they have to, many people go on late-night drivers. Veterans are no exception. Visibility decreases significantly after the sun goes down, making the long trip home a lot more dangerous than it should be. This is doubly true when it’s rainy or foggy.

One of the best ways to show you’re thinking about someone is to give them something they might need. In this case, fog lights are an excellent gift choice. These accessories are useful for evening drives because they greatly improve visibility, especially in fog, smoke, and heavy rain.

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Just be sure to warn the recipient that fog lights are extremely powerful and shouldn’t be used unless it’s foggy. After all, it’s illegal to use fog lights in some urban areas. While fog lights aren’t meant to be used all the time, there are many situations where they can save lives.

Other Gift Options

LED Light Bar LED Light Bar Offroad Light Offroad Light Offroad Fog Lights Offroad Fog Lights

For the Regular Daytime Driver: Sun Visors

One of the best gifts to show a veteran you care for their safety and comfort is a new sun visor. It can shield both drivers and passengers from bright sunlight and glare. Sun visors can also help lower a vehicle’s interior temperature by blocking direct sunlight, making for cooler, cozier drives.

Although all modern vehicles are equipped with sun visors by default, there’s no denying that some are more effective than others. For example, some sun visors are equipped with vanity mirrors, while others have storage compartments for items like glasses and sunglasses. You can gift your veteran with a sun visor that caters to their specific needs.

Other Gift Options

Car Cover Car Cover Sun Shade Sun Shade Overhead Sunglasses Holders Overhead Sunglasses Holders
About The Authors
Written By Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Reviewed By Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Richard McCuistian has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, and a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others. Richard is ASE certified for more than 30 years in 10 categories, including L1 Advanced Engine Performance and Light Vehicle Diesel.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

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