35 Road-Worthy Gifts That Every Truck Driver Wants

Life as a truck driver is tough but also full of adventure, so treat them to a gift they can use while out on the open road.

Life on the road as a long distance truck driver is a tough one.

As having to drive their trucks on grueling cross-country journeys day after day, away from friends and family, can really start to take its toll after a while.

And there's also the stress of having tight delivery schedules to keep to whilst trying to beat the traffic, dealing with surly warehouse managers, and don't get them started on some of the idiots they have to share the road with.

So if you know a truck driver, why not get them a gift that will make their days that bit easier and more pleasant.

And help remind them of the fun and adventure that a life on the road can also be.

As the following list of gift ideas for truck drivers are all things they would use, enjoy, and appreciate.

1. A Pair Of Comfortable And Supportive Work Boots

Every trucker needs a trusty pair of work boots that will look after their feet and help them stay supported and pain-free on the road.

As despite spending many hours behind the wheel, there is still a heavy physical element to the job when loading and unloading their truck.

And if their footwear is lacking in arch support, they'll feel every jar and jolt reverberate through their body, leading to aches and pains afterwards.

While wearing boots without a good grip on them can lead to slips and falls that may result in serious injury when conditions get wet and icy.

So our first gift idea for truck drivers is to get them a comfortable pair of work boots that have good grip and arch support.

And a pair that fit the bill are the Timberland White Ledge boots.

As these have all the grip and support they need, with the added bonus of being waterproof, so they won't have to suffer from cold and wet feet when jumping back in their cabs.

2. Traction Cleats For Loading In Slippery Conditions

If you know a trucker that regularly works in cold, wet, and icy conditions, then it may be an idea to get them a gift that gives them extra protection against slips and falls.

As a pair of traction cleats will add grip to even the best pair of work boots.

And a great pair that work well for truckers are the Yaktrax all-surface traction cleats.

As these are rubber slings with diamond beads made from steel alloys that they fit over their boots to give them extra grip and traction on snowy and icy surfaces.

So they work brilliantly for any truckers that have to load or unload in cold weather condition.

And they are durable, tough, and easy to put on and take off, so will be a valuable addition to their trucking kit.

3. A Back Support Belt To Keep Them Free From Back Pain

Another common issue that many truck drivers suffer from is lower back pain.

Because long hours spent sitting behind the wheel can weaken both their spinal discs and their core muscles that support the spine.

And as a result, their back loses some of the support that it needs to stay strong and protected.

So when it comes time to load or unload their truck, they are more at risk of straining themselves and throwing their back out.

Which makes a back support belt a really good gift option, as wearing one of these belts will compress their abdomen and assist their core muscles in supporting their back.

While also ensuring they don't overstretch or overextend themselves too.

And a belt that is ideal for truckers is the Maxar industrial back support belt, as this is great for manual workers that have to do plenty of lifting.

4. A Pair Of Gloves For Loading And Unloading

Another area that will need some support and protection are a truckers hands.

So getting them a pair of work gloves can be a good idea.

As this will give them the grip they need to avoid dropping anything, the padding to avoid blisters and cuts, and the warmth to stay comfortable in the cold.

And a pair that do a great job of protecting their hands, but also remain flexible enough to give them dexterity when handling stuff, are the CLC Custom Leathercraft flex grip work gloves.

5. A Warm Jacket For Cold Winters

A warm winter jacket is an essential part of any truckers kit, and can make for a really useful gift for them.

However, when choosing one, you need to make sure it does a few things well.

Firstly it needs to protect them from the elements, keeping them dry and comfortable in the wind, rain, and snow.

And it also needs to trap in enough body heat to keep them warm, while also being breathable enough so you don't get too sweaty as you work.

But you don't want one that is too bulky, as they'll need to be able to move freely when handling boxes and loading up.

So for a jacket for a trucker that can do all of the above and more, check out the Carhartt Full Swing Cryder jacket.

6. A Beanie Hat To Keep Their Noggin Warm

It's all well and good a trucker wrapping up in a warm coat at winter time, but if they don't also cover their head then it's not going to fly.

As we lose a lot of our body heat through our heads when outside in the cold.

So a lovely little gift to get for a truck driver is a warm beanie hat, such as the Carhartt acrylic watch hat.

As this is something they can throw on when it's arctic outside, to keep their head and ears warm.

7. A Stylish Truckers Hat

Back in the day, branded caps were given away to truckers by companies as a way of advertising themselves across the country.

However, these trucker's hats have become iconic nowadays, being worn by both truck drivers and hip street fashionistas.

So a trucker can never have too many trucker's hats, and this makes them a great little gift to give.

And there are a huge range of designs, both branded and unbranded, to choose from, depending on their character, tastes, and interests.

However, for an example of one that I like, check out the unbranded Lindo Great Outdoors trucker's hat above.

8. A Pair Of Polarized Sunglasses For The Glare

Another hazard when driving for a trucker is the glare from the sun.

As not only can this make it hard to see the road properly, the UV rays can also damage their eyes over time.

So a gift that can both reduce glare and protect their eyes is a pair of polarized sunglasses.

And no trucker will turn their nose up at a pair of Oakley Fuel Cells.

9. A Bluetooth Headset To Keep Their Focus On The Road

When you're driving a huge beast of a truck you can't afford to take your eyes off the road for a second.

Because even the slightest lapse in concentration can cause a massive problem, not just for yourself but for everyone else on the road too.

But at the same time you need to be connected and to take calls from your operators at times too.

So the solution for truckers is to wear a hands-free Bluetooth headset as they drive, as this way they can take calls as often as they like and still stay safe on the road.

And one such as the BlueParrott B450-XT is a great choice for them, and makes for a top gift idea.

As they have a noise cancelling microphone that drowns out the noise of the truck and the road, meaning they are able to hear and be heard in HD clarity.

And they are really comfortable for a trucker to wear too, with a padded headband and ear cushion.

10. A Dash Cam To Cover Them In Case Of Accidents

Driving is your truckers livelihood, so they need to drive safely and maintain a clean record to keep their job.

However no matter how careful they are, accidents can still happen, and when these occur with no witnesses, it might not always be clear who is at fault.

Meaning a truck driver could end up taking the blame for something completely outside of their control.

So a great gift idea that can absolve them from any blame in these situations, is to get them a dash cam for their truck.

These are cameras that fix to their dashboard to record everything that happens on the road as they drive.

And if the worst does happen, they have video evidence of why it occurred and who was to blame.

So check out the Rove R2-4K dash cam, as this one has great video quality, both day and night.

11. A GPS Tablet Made For Truckers

One of the fundamentals of a truck drivers job is to know where they're going.

However, this is more complex for them than it is for regular drivers, as they can't rely on Google maps like the rest of us.

Because driving your huge truck down a road that is too narrow, leads to a dead end where you can't turn around, or has bridges that are too low is an absolute disaster.

So every trucker needs a way of finding directions that are suitable for their monster of a vehicle, and for this they need the Rand McNally TND-740 truck GPS tablet.

As this will give them the best route to take for their size of truck, as well as lane guidance, traffic updates, warnings for speed cameras and hazards, fuel prices, and even weather update.

And a truck driver can also connect it with the Rand McNally driver connect app to sync their journeys with their drivers logs and vehicle inspection reports.

So all in all, this a really great gadget to have on board their truck, and makes for an awesome gift for a trucker.

12. The Trucker's Road Atlas To Manually Find Their Way

As good as GPS is, there is always a chance that technology can let you down.

So another essential item for a trucker to have in their cab is the Rand McNally Motor Carriers Road Atlas.

As while this may feel like going back in time a bit, mapping out their route on a road atlas means they will never go wrong unless it's their own mistake.

And this road atlas in particular is a great gift to give to a trucker who needs to plan their route.

Because it contains up to date information on restricted routes, low clearance roads, and weight-restricted roads for their vehicle.

As well as a mileage directory of over 40,000 truck routes across the United States.

And it'll stand up to heavy daily use too, with it's laminated pages and spiral binding.

13. A Satellite Radio For Something To Listen To

Having something to listen to as they drive throughout the day is one of the things that keeps a trucker sane behind the wheel.

Because whether that is music, talk radio stations, audio books, or podcasts, it gives them a bit of mental stimulation and passes the time more quickly.

So getting them an XM satellite radio for their truck is a really nice gift idea.

As these have a wide variety of channels that cover whatever music, sport, or news and discussions they might be in to.

So check out the SiriusXM Onyx Plus satellite radio, as this one connects up to the stereo in their truck and offers over 130 channels to choose from.

The only downside is they will need to purchase a monthly subscription from SiriusXM to use it, but that is small beer for what it offers them in return.

14. Seat Cushions For Extra Support And Comfort

The drivers seat in a truck can be a bit unforgiving at times, especially with the whole body vibrations the trucker is exposed to from the vehicle.

And this can lead to aches and pains in a truckers back, neck, and shoulders after a day behind the wheel.

So a gift idea that can keep them healthier and happier as they drive is the Everlasting Comfort seat cushions set.

This includes a lumbar support cushion that the trucker can place between their lower back and the chair to help them maintain a healthier sitting posture.

Which will reduce the pressure on their body, and make it easier to deal with the vibrations from the vehicle.

And there is also a coccyx cushion for them to sit on, which will make the seat more comfortable, and stop their backside going numb.

15. A Heated Seat Cover For Cold Mornings

While wrapping up warm is great when unloading their truck, it's also important that a trucker can stay warm and comfortable inside their truck too.

Which sometimes takes a little time, meaning the first 10 minutes of driving on chilly mornings can get a little uncomfortable.

So a gift that can help them warm themselves up the instant they get in their cab is to get them a heated seat cover.

As by simply plugging one of these into the cigarette lighter, they'll have something warm and comfy to sit on within 30 seconds.

And a good choice for this is the 12V heated truck seat cover, which can be preset to warm up, has adjustable temperatures, and heats up super fast.

16. A Thermos Flask For Hot Drinks On The Go

Another way for a trucker to warm up on a cold morning is with hot drinks.

So getting them a Thermos flask is a great gift idea.

As this way they can always have some hot tea or coffee on hand when they need it, or fill it with soup if they want something more substantial.

And the Work Series 40 is a top choice, as this one will hold 1.2 litres, and keep it warm for up to 24 hours at a time.

While being small and portable too, meaning they can carry it around with them easily and it won't take up too much room in their cab.

17. An Insulated Coffee Mug To Keep It Warm

A nice strong cup of coffee at the right times can really help to keep a truck driver alert while driving long distances.

So why not get them an insulated coffee mug that will keep their coffee warm for the journey.

As this way they can drink their coffee whenever they need it, rather than having to wait until the next truck stop.

So check out the YETI Rambler insulated mugs, as these come in a variety of sizes, have their own lids, and keep the drink inside hot for hours at a time.

18. A Cooler Bag For Fresh Food And Cold Drinks 

As a truck driver, it's all easy to fall into bad dietary habits, such as surviving on processed truck stop food and takeaways.

Because they spend so much time on the road and may feel like they have no other option.

But a gift idea that can help them to eat more healthily is to get them a cooler bag for their truck.

As this way they can pack it full of healthy home made lunches, salads, fresh fruit, and cold water, and know they can keep it all fresh for the entire journey.

And my recommendation here is the YETI Hopper flip cooler.

As this one is easy to carry, has plenty of room for the food and drink they'll need for the day, and won't leak on them.

19. A Portable Stove For The Truck

Truckers will tire of eating cold food all the time, and sometimes a hot meal is the only thing that will do.

Especially when driving through the winter months.

So a good gift option is to get them a portable stove for their truck, such as the Koolatron 12V portable stove.

This works by plugging into your truck's cigarette lighter and can warm food up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

So it's great for warming up stews, soups, curries, rice, noodles, or anything that they've brought along to keep them going.

It usually takes about 30-40 minutes to warm a chilled pre-cooked meal up to a piping hot temperature, but when it's cold outside then it's worth the wait.

20. A Handy Multi-Tool For The Small Jobs

As a truck driver, you need to have a decent selection of tools in your cab in case you encounter any problems on the road.

However at the same time you don't have a ton of space to play with, and the last thing you want is for your cab to start resembling a shed, with tools all over the place.

So a multi-tool that a trucker can keep in their pocket for dealing with small jobs is a great gift idea.

And one that is popular among truckers is the Leatherman Wave Plus multi-tool.

As this is a combination of 21 different tools in 1, including a screwdriver, knife, pair of pliers, wire cutter, pair of scissors, can opener, ruler, and a metal file.

21. A Multi-Tool For The Bigger Jobs

While a pocket-sized multi-tool is great for certain tasks, sometimes a trucker is going to need something bigger.

Which makes the Off Grid Tools Trucker's Friend such a wonderful gift for them.

As by having this in their trucks, they can call on a hammer, axe, pry bar, tire chain hook, spanner, and nail puller, all in one.

So they're covered if they need to chip away ice, pry open doors or containers, or fix tires on their truck mid-journey.

And this tool has a shock absorbing grip too, so it's also kind on their hands and body.

22. A Headlamp For When It's Dark Outside

Having a good flashlight on board is essential for any trucker, as they're going to have to load and unload in the dark during early winter mornings and late nights.

Not to mention make running repairs or inspections to their vehicle.

So a flashlight would be a gift that a truck driver would appreciate, but how about going a step further and getting them an LED headlamp instead?

As this way they'll still get the brightness they need to be able to see what they're doing, but can keep their hands free for other important tasks.

And a good choice for truckers is the Steelman Pro LED headlamp, as this one has 3 brightness settings and a range of up to 20m.

While there is also a clip so it can to go on to their hard hat if needs be.

23. A Nintendo Switch

Boredom can be an issue when a truck driver has to stay overnight in their cabs.

So getting them gifts to entertain themselves with is a good idea, and one that would appeal to the video gamers among them is to get them a Nintendo Switch.

As these portable game consoles are ideal for getting their gaming fix and passing the hours.

And they are multi-player too, so they can even play against fellow truckers if they're the sociable type. 

24. A Kindle Paperwhite For Truckers Who Enjoy Reading

If they prefer reading to playing video games, then another gift idea would be to buy them a Kindle Paperwhite.

As these can be loaded with hundreds of books at a time, so they'll never run out of things to read.

And they have a battery that lasts for weeks at a time, which is great for life on the road.

While the back light means they can continue reading after dark, unlike with books.

25. A Book Full Of Trucker's Tales Of The Road

What goes on the road stays on the road right?

Well, for most truckers this is the case, which is a shame as there are some great stories that remain untold.

However, Finn Murphy is one trucker who has broken ranks and released a book full of stories from his truck driving career.

These stories cover funny events, his experiences driving through every corner of the United States and how it has changed over the years, as well as a real insight into the life of a trucker.

So The Long Haul: A Trucker's Tales of Life on the Road makes a great gift for both a novice trucker starting out, or an experienced trucker that wants to laugh along with someone who understands their life.

26. A Mattress Topper For Their Cab

Trying to get a good night's sleep in your cab when parked up overnight at a truck stop isn't the easiest thing to do.

As the bunk you're trying to sleep on probably isn't the most luxurious thing in the world.

So a gift idea that can transform their ability to sleep well is to get them a Twin XL memory foam mattress topper, such as the one above by Lucid.

As this will add a 3" layer of comfort, support, and cushioning, to relieve pressure and help them to relax and drift off into a deeper sleep.

And this topper is breathable too, meaning they won't get too hot during the night when using it.

27. A Comfortable And Supportive Pillow

Using a good pillow is another thing that can make a big difference to a truck drivers ability to sleep well in their cab.

So why not treat them to the Coop Home Goods shredded foam pillow.

As this one is filled with small pieces of shredded foam that can either be added or removed to change the size, height, and shape of the pillow.

So they can make it flatter if you are a back or stomach sleeper, or loftier if they are a side sleeper.

And not only will this ensure they are comfortable throughout the night, it'll also help to keep their spine and neck in the proper alignment too.

Meaning less aches and pains in the morning.

28. A Warming Blanket For Cold Nights

A trucker's cab can be a cold place once the engines are turned off for the night, and this can be another factor in disrupting their chances of sleeping well.

So a gift that they'll really appreciate for the winter months is a warm blanket.

As this will keep them comfortable and warm enough to be able to sleep soundly throughout the night.

And my choice for this is the Bedsure Sherpa fleece blanket.

29. A Blackout Sleep Mask For Total Darkness

Most trucks will have curtains that the trucker can pull closed at night when they are trying to get some shut eye.

However, while these curtains offer some privacy, they don't stop all the light from coming in.

And this can be a problem when you have the headlights from other vehicles and street lamps lighting up your bedroom for the night.

So a gift that can give a truck driver the total darkness they need to have the best chance of sleeping well, is the Manta sleep mask Pro.

As this is a total blackout sleep mask that does a great job of blocking out any light distractions.

And it's really comfortable to wear too, with it's deep contoured eye sockets that won't press on the eyelids.

30. Foam Ear Plugs To Cancel Out External Noises

Our final gift idea to help them get some much needed sleep after a long drive is to get them some foam ear plugs.

Because noise will be a big problem when trying to sleep at a truck stop, with engines roaring and people moving around outside your cab.

So popping in some ear plugs can really help to drown out the noise distractions which can stop you from falling asleep.

And also prevent them from waking you up again too.

So get a trucker a pot of Mack's foam ear plugs to take on the road with them.

As these will fit nice and comfortably in their ear and cancel out the noises outside, giving them the peace and quiet they need to get to sleep and stay there.

31. A Novelty Truckers T-Shirt To Wear

T-shirts are always cool and easy gifts to give and there are plenty of ones aimed at truckers featuring funny slogans or trucking images.

So why not pick them one out that they'd enjoy and can have fun wearing at home or when running errands around town.

With one example being the American flag truckers t-shirt above.

32. A Truckers Mug For Their Morning Coffee

A strong cup of coffee in the mornings is a big help to keep drivers alert and awake on the road.

So a little gift that they can use for this and will give them a little chuckle is the Trucker nutritional facts mug.

As this mug sums up what goes to make a true trucker.

33. A Keychain That Let's Them Know They Are Loved

Days on the road can be long and arduous for a trucker and there will be plenty of times daily where they miss their families.

So the next gift is a small one that will bring a smile to their face when they're feeling a little lonely and that is the Truck driver keychain above.

As this is a lovely gift for kids to give to their Dad to let him know how much they love him.

And he'll be reminded of this every time he takes his keys out of his pocket.

34. A Whisky Decanter Made For Truckers

When a trucker finally gets to go home after a long few days on the road, they love to relax with a drink or two.

And if your favourite trucker is a whiskey lover then the next gift may be for them.

As the Truck whiskey decanter is a fantastic gift idea, being both a decorative centerpiece of a room as well as a fully functioning and useful decanter.

So it's both topical to what they do and something they can get plenty of use from too.

35. Or A Truck Bottle Holder If They Prefer Wine Or Beer

However, if they prefer beer or wine to whiskey then the Truck statue bottle holder above will be a better option.

As again it is a decorative centerpiece with the truck statue being made up from recycled metal, so it looks very industrial.

And as a wine bottle or beer bottle holder it makes for a great talking point when friends come over for a drink.

Rounding Up

The life of a truck driver can be a fun and adventurous one, but it isn't without it's hardships.

So why not treat them to a gift that will let them enjoy life on the open road even more.

As each of the gift ideas for truck drivers that I've given you here will help them in some way.

Making them all great gifts to give.