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Buzz Feed
02-04-2025
- Automotive
- Buzz Feed
32 Things You Probably Didn't Know You Should Have In Your Car But Will Buy As Soon As You See Them
1. A handy car steering wheel tray so you can have a cozy little spot to take your lunch if you're not interested in sitting at your desk, or if you are too hungry to make it all the way home after you picked up your food. It's also a perfect spot to set your laptop or a book if you have some spare time and don't want to spend it all on TikTok. And FYI, this can only be used while parked — no trying to multitask with this! Promising review: "I oftentimes like to enjoy my lunch at work in my car. I just like having my own personal space but I'm always dropping my food on the seats and floor of my car. This product is super nifty, and I am guilty of discovering it via TikTok, of course, but it's great!" — Bella W Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 12 colors and with or without a tablet slot). 2. Or a car cup holder expander that gives you a spot for your drink *and* a snack. With this, you won't have to juggle your burger and fries in your lap, hoping you don't end up with a fry landslide. With this, you end up with an extra cup holder because it doesn't cover up your normal one, and adds an additional one in the tray! Promising review: "I used it for a 13-hour road trip to Colorado for camping/wheeling, and it held up great. So nice to be able to throw snacks, fries, or whatever on there while I was driving. Perfect arm's length for everything I needed for the long drives. When I got home, I just removed the table part and used the big drink holder. perfect to have a large water bottle in one and a big coffee tumbler in the other." — SamoanJoe Get it from Amazon for $23.79+ (available in four versions). 3. A three-pocket folding car trunk organizer because if you're anything like me, you have a whole collection of random stuff rolling around in your trunk that most certainly could benefit from a little organization. Plus, you won't have to worry about this sliding around because there is strong Velcro attached to the bottom that will keep it secure. Whenever these aren't in use, you can easily fold them down so they don't take up all your precious trunk space. Promising review:"It was just what I needed for my messy and unorganized truck! I wanted something not too bulky but just the right size to help me reorganize my trunk. This product did that for me. I was also concerned that it'll move when I drove but luckily there is Velcro on the bottom that secures it in place while you drive, and sure enough it did just that! This product does not take up a lot of space and gives you the right amount of measure to place other things like groceries and a suitcase. I am completely satisfied and content with this product! I wish I had it all along!" — Neese Get it from Amazon for $11.99. 4. A heated seat cushion for those ~freezing~ mornings when the thought of getting in your car has you contemplating if you should call in sick for work. This even has two heat settings to choose from so you can pick your perfect toastiness level. It comes with straps to attach around the headrest and the back to keep it in place. There are also hooks to attach the bottom so that doesn't slide up either. It plugs directly into the cigarette lighter. Promising review:"I was skeptical of how well this would work. It is amazing! I'd gotten into an accident recently and had a rental car with heated seats. I fell in love with them, so thought I'd see if Amazon sold seat warmers. YES! ABSOLUTELY! Chose this one after reading reviews. Excellent choice. The fabric is very soft, velour-y, and it heats up immediately, like the factory warmers. I have only had it on low, and it's plenty warm. I am thrilled with this. Hope it lasts a long time!" — Molly G Get it from Amazon for $54.99. 5. A skyline mini wallet emergency kit perfect for tossing in your purse, backpack, or glove box so you can be prepared for any hiccups (i.e. a broken hair tie, a headache, etc.). Anne Cate Anne Cate is a woman-owned small business based in Cleveland, Ohio that handmakes minimalist keepsakes with a skyline from more than 100 cities and colleges around the world! These kits are made to order so they should ship in 7–10 days. The kit includes a bandage, bobby pins, Chap-Ice, a deodorant wipe, earring backs, an emery board, floss, a hair tie, hand sanitizer, a makeup wipe, a mini wallet, mints, pain relief medicine, safety pins, a sewing kit, a stain remover wipe, and a tampon. Promising review: "I got one for myself and one for my daughter. I love how compact this emergency kit is. It fits in any purse. I would suggest and recommend for anyone. I'm sure it will lighten a purse for many by condensing it into this one small emergency kit." — Eileen M. Get it from Anne Cate for $25 (available in a variety of skylines). 6. A handheld vacuum that's great for getting into those little crevices where all the crumbs magically migrate. Plus, it's rechargeable, so you can keep it in your car and bring it in every few weeks when it needs a charge. I have had this little vacuum for about a couple years now, and it is SO nice and convenient to have on hand. I love being able to grab this and quickly clear up the messes without having to worry about getting the full-size vacuum out, lugging it out to the garage, finding a plug, and dealing with that whole process. I was hesitant to get a handheld vacuum because they often have reputations for not being very strong, but this little guy is surprisingly powerful and can clean up really any mess. It also holds a charge pretty well. Depending on how long I use it for each time, it typically lasts around 10 uses before I have to plug it in again. Promising review: "I keep this vac in my car with all the attachments, and it's become so easy and routine to keep the car spotless. Good suction power and the perfect size. I do have to bring it indoors to recharge about once or twice a month, though." — Ruchika Get it from Amazon for $41.19. 7. A phone holder so you can keep both hands on the wheel and not have to try to balance your phone on your knee. It's compatible with most smartphones, lets you adjust the angle for optimal viewing, and is super easy to get your phone in and out of. Just attach it to any horizontal vents, and you're ready to go! Promising review:"This mount really stays secure on the air vent and locks into place and so easy to use. I really like the way you can swivel side to side or tilt up or down in either direction. The best is you press the button on the back and it opens it up to get your phone in or out and then just push it into place to fit your phone. It's a one-hand operation. I recommend this product!" — ShoCoco5 Get it from Amazon for $19.99. 8. Or a magnetic phone mount designed to clip to your air vents if you want something a little less noticeable when your phone isn't attached. Clip the magnetic base into your vent, stick the included sticker to the back of your phone (or place it in the case), and you're ready to go! Just be sure to review your vents before purchasing. Anything too low down would keep your phone out of your field of vision, which isn't ideal if you're using it as a GPS. Promising review:"I have six of these guys, one in every vehicle, and even bought one for a friend. Love it!!!" — Steve Get a two-pack from Amazon for $13.99. We also featured this product in our list of products for your first car for any first-time car owners out there. 9. An auto insurance and registration organizer so you can keep your important documents neatly tucked away. This way, if you ever do get pulled over, you won't make yourself more flustered by trying to dig through your elaborate collection of napkins and fast food straws while desperately trying to find your documentation *and* holding back your tears. Check out a TikTok of the car registration folder in action. Get it from Amazon for $14.97+ (available in 10 colors). 10. A game-changing car seat organizer designed with pockets to hold a tablet, cups, snacks, toys, or anything else you may need during your drive. Can someone design one of these for a passenger princess in the front seat? Amazon It has a cord to hang around the headrest of the front seat and then a strap on the bottom to clip around the back of the seat to make sure it stays in place and won't flop around. Promising review: 'Can't go on car rides without this. I hate living in a city where I have to drive around 20–40 minutes to or from daycare because it is closer to work. However, this makes my daughter's rides more manageable. She watches Frozen, and I get through traffic! She even places her little shoes in the big storage pocket and pacifier in the little mesh pockets.' — T. Khansari Get it from Amazon for $9.99. 11. A windshield cover so you never again have to spend what feels like hours scraping the snow and ice off your car while you are aggressively shivering. Amazon The shield cover is made with straps that hang down and attach to your car's wheels for a secure and tight fit. This keeps snow/wind/and frost from building up under the cover! Simply set it up before the snow comes, and the next time you need to drive, you'll be thanking your past self for thinking ahead. Note: this version is designed for larger cars and SUVs. If you drive a smaller car and need a different size, check out these options. Promising review:"This is the best thing I could have ever bought! I bought one for myself, my mom, and my sister. New England just got slammed with a Nor'easter, and let me tell thing works! It only took about five minutes to put on my car and like five seconds to get it off this morning. No snow or ice anywhere on the wiper well or windshield. I highly recommend this!" — Shelley Get it from Amazon for $26.95. 12. And a set of lightweight and durable escape tracks if you live anywhere prone to massive amounts of snow orrr sand that can really trap your car. I'd be willing to bet that this works better than the "pour cat litter under your tires" trick. Promising reviews:"I got stuck on our unplowed road. It took a while, but without these, I never would have got my car out. They have been a lifesaver so many times now. Worth every penny. However, I did lose one in the snow. I wish they had a little beacon to find it buried (LOL)." — Tiffany Roberts "These just saved my butt. My rear-wheel drive vehicle got stuck in the sand in New Mexico: several cycles of digging out the tires and using these got me unstuck. No cracks or warping: they're ready to use again. Worth every cent." — JamesOsiris Get a set of two from Amazon for $99.95+ (available in four colors and five styles). 13. A set of interior LED car lights worthy of being on every episode of MTV's Pimp My Ride. Amazon To use these, you'll just download an app that'll give you access to 16 million color options. You can also sync them to your music to create a little show in your car. They have adhesive attached, so they are super easy to set up. Promising review: "Generally I don't trust products that you need an app for. But when I put it to play with music, and the lights legitimately followed the music, that's when this product had me. I'm impressed. Good job, Govee." — Erin Williams Get it from Amazon for $13.99. 14. A console side pocket that not only closes the annoying gap between your seat and the center console, but actually makes it useful space. There is a pocket for your phone, an extra cup holder to manage your drink obsession, and a little coin slot so you can stop collecting miscellaneous pennies everywhere. Amazon You can order one for the driver's side seat or passenger's side seat. When the coin pouch gets full, you can remove it to empty it. Promising review:"I put this in last night and went to work today, and everything was perfect. I did have to install the foam spacers (included) to make it a really snug fit. It would have still worked without it but I like things perfect. So now the coins go in the coin pocket, and my keys and other work-related accessories go in the bigger pocket. This is one of the best cheap life hacks you can get if you're a car person and/or just like being organized and neat." — R Get it from Amazon for $27.99 (available in two versions). 15. A keychain car escape tool designed to cut through seatbelts and break car windows so you can be prepared in case of emergencies (although hopefully, you will never need to actually use it). Promising review:"I work in the medical and rescue field and have to say this is a great product to have on your keychain. One of the concerns I had when buying this was the breakaway portion of the device itself, but that was an unfounded fear. This is something that will save your life if you are ever trapped in your own vehicle as it will stay connected to your keys in the ignition, which means that you will be able to reach it without a major issue. It will not easily detach without you pulling it off which means will be available where you want it when you need it. I have nothing negative to say about this and have bought one for my wife as well to have." — Aizrec! Get it from Amazon for $8.80. 16. As seen on Shark Tank, a nifty car seat buckle release tool so, your older kid can gain a little more independence in getting themselves out of the car while you're desperately trying to wrangle the younger one. Amazon This is also great for anyone with long nails or hand weakness! Promising reviews:"I love this tool. It has made my life much easier now that my 4-year-old can unbuckle himself when it's time to get out of the car. (He knows he will lose the privilege if he tries to unbuckle without permission.) He appreciates any opportunities I can give him to be a little more independent." — R Hawk "This device is the best purchase I've made in a long time! It works as advertised, doesn't require a learning curve, and makes life with a child (grandchild) easier. Better yet, three adults with zero mechanical skills are already using it. Everybody wants one for their keychain, so to avoid any family arguments, I will order two more. I have large hands, so the wide pressing area works well. The area is also made with a nonslip cushioned covering, which is a big help! Before I purchased this device, pushing the red car seat button was sometimes problematic but no longer. Do yourself a favor and destress a small part of your life — you will love it." — yogaski Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in seven colors). 17. An adorable hanging diffuser that will not only make your car smell ahhmazing, but will look much better than those weird cutout trees everyone uses. And with the wide variety of scents available, you can grab one for each season or change them with your mood. AmberandWoodCo / Etsy Amberand Wood Co is a small business based in Valparaiso, Indiana creating thoughtfully sourced aromatic goods. Promising review:"I bought one of these for me and one for a family white elephant. My sister-in-law immediately grabbed it and ran away so it wouldn't get stolen! Scents are great, and two seconds of product in the cap provides at least two months of scent." – Zoe Get it from Amberand Wood Co on Etsy for $5+ (available in a variety of scents). 18. Or a car aroma diffuser with smart technology that can tell it when you've stopped driving so it doesn't continuously dispense. Plus, this will last you wayyy longer than traditional car air fresheners. This is rechargeable and, on a full charge, can last up to 60 days. Each refill lasts 2–6 months, depending on which setting you have it on. When you do run out, you can grab some scent refills here (or get some now if you want to have different scents on hand!). Promising review: "At first glance I was a little skeptical about paying that high of a price for the product since any other car air freshener wouldn't cost more than $10 but went ahead and gave it a shot. The smell is not overwhelming strong to the point that it bothers your nose, it just right, strong enough for you to smell it around the car but nothing that you get tire of smelling. Device has a very elegant look and friends and family always comment on the smell and looks. Now, after having It for almost a month, I can say I wouldn't go back to the old air freshener and will definitely be buying more for other vehicles or gifts. Will highly recommend." — Carlos Salgado Get it from Amazon for $76.49+ (available in three scents). 19. A tissue holder that attaches to your sun visor so you can always have easy access for those unexpected (and unwelcome) runny noses. Tiger98 / Etsy Tiger98 is a Texas-based shop that makes fun and useful handmade accessories for your car. Promising review:"Obsessed! It's so perfect and exactly what I was looking for. I love the pattern and got a matching trash holder, too! It also came with a pack of tissues, which I appreciate so much! If I could give it 10 stars, I would!" — Traci Adams Get it from Tiger98 on Etsy for $8 (available in 46 fabric options). 20. A set of seat gap fillers (as seen on Shark Tank) so you can stop fishing for your phone, keys, or stray french fries after you've made a sharp turn. Promising review:"I recently discovered Drop Stop, and it has become my new best friend. No more searching for lost car keys, phones, or french fries between the seats. Drop Stop is like a giant catcher's mitt for your car's gap. It's always there to catch anything that tries to escape. I can confidently say that Drop Stop has given me back hours of my life that I used to spend searching for lost items. If you're looking for a way to bring some joy and organization to your car, then Drop Stop is the answer. I give five stars." — Scot Dargan Get the set of two from Amazon for $24.99. 21. A putty that will *finally* clean all those small nooks and crannies — say hello to actually cleaned vents, cup holders, and all the other awkwardly small places you can't fit any other products into. Promising reviews:"It feels like a stiffer slime, but I actually find it fun to clean the front of my car with it while I'm waiting in a pickup line. My kid also likes to use it, and any way I can get her to help me clean, I will take." — Tyler "WOW!!! This stuff is incredible! I work in an environment that is very dirty, and our office is always covered in a fine layer of dust. But just a few minutes spent mashing this slime into all the cracks and crevices of my keyboard, mouse, phone, etc., and it's all clean as can be! This stuff picks up dirt on contact and leaves behind a clean, no-smell, no-residue surface. I bought a second jar for my vehicle and it works miracles in there as well. My air vents, shifter, and seats are now spotless. I couldn't be happier with this product." — Jenna75 Get it from Amazon for $5.94+ (available in three colors). 22. A memory foam seat cushion to add an extra layer of protection between your booty and the uncomfortable car seats so you don't start counting down the minutes 'til you can get up when you still have hours left on your drive. Promising review:"We enjoy traveling and spend several weeks on the road each year. I have lower back problems that require my getting cortisone shots for pain relief. For the last few weeks, I have also been having trouble sitting for more than a few minutes because of a pain in the area of my tailbone. I ordered this item for our last trip. I could not believe the difference it made! I was able to sit comfortably both driving and riding without any pain, and that made a huge difference in my enjoyment of the trip. When we got home, I ordered a second one so I could leave one in the car and have one inside. I am recommending it to all my friends who need some relief." — Susan S. Get it from Amazon for $38.24 (available in seven colors). 23. An emergency car jump starter that has so many uses, you've gotta stick with me here — an air compressor for tires with a universal nozzle, an LED floodlight, and a multi-device charger with two USB ports. (Along with obvi being able to jump start a car!!) Maybe it's just me, but I would never imagine this little thing would be able to start a car, but the proof is in the puddin'! Check out the emergency power kit in action on TikTok! Once you've used up all the juice, just plug it in like any of your other devices with the provided cable to get it ready to go again. Promising review:"I would 1,000% recommend this for anyone and everyone. My dad bought me one for Christmas and it has got me out of bad situations a couple of times. I have since bought one for everyone in the family and have recommended to the rest of the extended family. It comes in handy and can help avoid being in an unsafe situation where you are stranded and someone taking advantage of the situation. Not only does it charge your car battery but you can use it to emergency charge your phone or to plug in something during a trip. This one airs up tires. Just perfect." — SA Sunshine Get it from Amazon for $104+ (available in five styles). 24. A car baby monitor so you can stop fiddling with mirrors or wrenching your neck to see your baby in their carseat while you're at every stoplight. PSA: It goes without saying, but please keep your eyes on the road. Promising reviews:" This camera is a new parent must-have. I was using a mirror and constantly was readjusting it and relying on my mirror to see his mirror, and it was stressful. I knew there had to be something better when I ended up driving at night with my 2-month-old to the hospital and he was freaking out and I couldn't see him so I was pulling over to check on him every few minutes and it was a nightmare. This camera has been my saving grace. I was hesitant at first, reading reviews saying it's not night vision, but mine automatically switches, even in parking garages, to night vision. I love that I can see my baby and not have to fix a mirror. Or turn my head to see fully what's going on with him in the back. I really, really recommend this for peace of mind!! — Jennifer C "This is honestly the best purchase I've ever made since becoming a mom. Like, hands down, my favorite product ever. This camera definitely makes life easier, and I wish I had it for my other two when they were babies. It took less than five minutes to get it up and running, and they included everything I needed. I have a Dodge Grand Caravan and it reaches all the way to the third row. I recommend it to all my mom friends!" — Kristin Morgan Get it from Amazon for $29.95+ (available with a USB or cigarette lighter charger adapter). 25. A car cup holder adapter if you are tired of having to throw your giant water bottle on the passenger seat and getting stuck listening to it roll around for your entire drive. I bought this for my mom about a year ago after finally convincing her to get a large water bottle instead of using cups (she pretty much always has some form of water with her). She absolutely loves this little contraption because she can finally have the water bottle sitting next to her and is able to drink it without having to fumble around to find it on the seat or the floor. Promising review: "Before I had this, my water bottle just rolled around my passenger seat/floor, and sometimes I didn't even end up taking it with me because I couldn't reach it under the seat. Now I drink more water and actually want to take my water bottle with me since it has a place. When my friend saw mine, she had to have one too!" — Hannah Briggs Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in two versions). 26. A car vent dip clip so you don't have to worry about fumbling around or spilling while trying to dip your fries or nuggets while quickly eating your lunch in the drive-thru parking lot. Saucemoto is a small business founded in 2017 with a goal of designing and manufacturing world-changing products. Promising reviews:" Where have these been all my life?!?! These are the BEST! Idk how many times me or my kids have dropped sauces while in the car and had a mess to clean up. These take all that hassle away. I gave one to my daughter, and her friend asked her, 'where does your mom find all the cool stuff?'" — may " These work so well! No more cringing when I give my kids ketchup in the car! The removable cup that comes with it perfectly holds ketchup from the squeeze packets, and with or without the removable cup, it perfectly holds condiment cups from fast food! I'm getting more to gift to my family! They all comment about how awesome they are when they ride in my car!" — MammaOfTew Get a pack of two from Amazon for $7.79+ (available in four colors and a variety of pack sizes). 27. A waterproof car trash can to prevent a pile of wrappers, juice boxes, and other miscellaneous trash from piling up in the backseat of your car. Promising review:"By far, this is the best trash can for a car I've had in my life! And yes, I have tried others! I have a small SUV, and this is large enough to collect the trash from receipts, napkins, and apple sauce pouches from my kid, and it straps to the back of my console so it's in easy reach! The snaps on the side keep a trash bag in place, but if there is a spill, it's very easy to clean! And the lid keeps everything inside if it happens to get kicked! I definitely recommend!" — Kristi Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (also available in a larger size with a lid). 28. Or a teeny-tiny trashcan if you aren't really collecting that much trash but need a spot for those little gum wrappers or used napkins. Promising review:"It's ridiculous how much I love these! The push part is on a spring, so it stays closed when you aren't pushing it, and of course, it perfectly fits in the cup holder of our vehicles. Pro tip: a quart-size Ziploc is the perfect size to add as a liner and fold over the top to keep the inside clean!" — Chaos Coordinator Get it from Amazon for $4.99+ (available in four colors). 30. A portable, dimmable LED mirror that attaches to your sun visor if the teensy tiny built-in mirror just isn't cutting it for those days when you have to rush out the door and finish your makeup in the car. Promising review: "Very large, very bright, but brightness is adjustable. You also have the choice of true white LED illumination or a softer incidence 'yellow'/natural light or you can run both simultaneously. Very large but would fit all sun visors. No magnification (that I am aware of), but its clarity makes you think it does. Battery is chargeable but we have not needed to recharge it yet due to its long battery run time. It's inexpensive and needed for anyone who loves to finish getting ready in the car." —Chris Cook Get it from Amazon for $19.79+ (available in three colors and two-packs). 31. A set of resin car coasters to not only keep the bottom of your cup holders clean from the spilled soda that ends up a sticky mess, but also to add a little glitz and glam to your car. Isthmus and Elm / Etsy Isthmus And Elm is a small business based in Lakeside, California that specializes in handmade epoxy creations. The small is approximately 2.6-inch diameter, and the large is approximately 2.85-inch diameter. Or you can download the provided size guide if you're not sure how to measure. Promising review:"I got these for my new car, and I'm so glad I did. I love how they sparkle when the sun or light hits them. They are so beautifully made." — Amy Clift Get two from Isthmus And Elm on Etsy for $9.50+ (available in two sizes and 23 colors). 32. A changing wallet perfect for any parents of diaper-wearing kiddos who know the importance of having an extra stash in preparation of any potty emergencies that happen while you're out and about. Nothing worse than running a "quick" errand and not taking the diaper bag just to have a ~situation~ as soon as you get there. Huhu I have one of these, and it's truly so convenient to have this in my center console for emergencies when I don't have the diaper bag but my baby desperately needs to be changed. It also come in handy when I do have my diaper bag but haven't refilled it so I'm not actually as prepared as I thought I was 🤦🏻♀️. This has a spot for diapers and wipes *and* has a removable changing pad in the back that I can set out in my trunk when we are in a pinch and have nowhere else to change her. Promising review: "Love knowing I only have to grab one thing when changing on the go. I love that I can grab wipes with one hand, too!" — Mailee B Get it from Huhu for $55 (available in four colors). The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.
Buzz Feed
30-03-2025
- Automotive
- Buzz Feed
If Your Next Family Vacation Involves A Long Car Ride, You Probably Need These 28 Products
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. If your kids won't stop reading what the billboards say (even after you told them to stop), I suggest flipping open the road trip Mad Libs to ~nonchalantly~ stop them. 1. An over-the-seat organizer that'll hold everything your kid's heart desires 'cause telling them not to bring three mini plushies is a recipe for disaster — aka, you'll experience a meltdown before you even start driving. It can hold snacks, coloring books, and a tablet, so you never hear the words "Are we there yet?" But no promises, though. Promising review: "These were a last-minute purchase before a summer road trip with our 4- and 7-year-old sons, and I couldn't be happier! It's a great way to keep the car organized with games, toys, colors, devices, water bottles, etc. Definitely recommend for everyday and road trip uses!" — Kathy Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in five colors). 2. A car cup holder and eating tray for when you're on a 12+ hour car ride 'cause you're gonna want to eat in the car to get to your destination before nightfall. With this, you can have something to eat over so you won't get ketchup from your double cheeseburger all over your clothes — happens to the best of us... Make sure to *not* eat while you drive — it's dangerous! Promising review: "I used it for a 13-hour road trip to Colorado for camping/wheeling, and it held up great. So nice to be able to throw snacks, fries, or whatever on there while I was driving. Perfect arm's length for everything I needed for the long drives. When I got home, I just removed the table part and used the big drink holder. Perfect to have a large water bottle in one and a big coffee tumbler in the other." — SamoanJoe Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available with different add-ons). 3. A fluffy pillow 'cause napping in the car not only hits different, but it'll make you feel like you're on the road for less time — which is super important on long hauls. Reviewers say this *actually* gives good support, so you don't have to press your head up against the window — and tweak your neck in the process... It's designed for kids *and* adults! Promising review: "My second grader used this while we road-tripped for two weeks. It eliminated that awkward contortion that kids do when they nap in the car. It was definitely one of our more useful purchases for the trip. Keep in mind that the pillow is large and can take up some space in a cramped car. Outside of traveling, my kid likes to use it inside the house since it's so soft. She naps with it on the bed or just snuggles with it while reading." — Sarah Aquino Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in two styles and various colors). 4. Andddd, a super comfortable sleep mask when the car turns right onto a new highway and the sun is GLARING in your face. It's designed to fully block out light, leave no pressure on your eyes, and be comfortable in any sleep position you may find yourself in. And that's highly important when you *finally* feel comfy enough to fall asleep. Promising review:" Never thought I'd spend this kind of money on a simple eye mask, but I did and don't regret it at all. Yes, it's perfect for side sleepers; it doesn't move and blocks out every bit of light. The game changer is the space around your eyes so it's not pushing on your lashes. Buy this, and you'll never look back." — Jessica Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in eight colors). 5. A license plate game that'll make the minutes whizz by as you scour the lanes of traffic to find Alaska's plate — be patient, you'll probably find it once you get to Mt. Rushmore (everyone road trips there, after all). Plus, it's a great way to sneakily keep your kids from being on their tablets so much! The little pieces are magnetic, so they're less likely to end up underneath the seat! Promising review: "I love this for road trips. I bought this for our first road trip that was longer than we have ever gone. Now I take it every time we go more than two hours from home. I, the mom, love it the most. I'm always looking for plates now. Haha. A fun activity for the whole family to do that is not just iPad time." — Amanda Gainey Get it from Amazon for $12.68 (available in 10 other styles). 6. A Springer leak-proof water bottle with a built-in bowl, so when you pull off the highway to let your dog stretch their legs, you can give 'em a little H2O, too. Just squeeze the bottle to fill it up; when you're done, the bottle sucks the leftover water back in. That's especially useful when you're nowhere near a rest stop, and your dog is THIRSTY. Springer Pets is a woman-owned small business run by a mother-daughter duo (and the dogs who love them). They were also featured on Shark Tank! Promising review: "I am extremely happy with this purchase! We have two medium-sized dogs (30 lbs and 42 lbs), and this was a LIFESAVER. We beat the heat, car anxiety, and quenching thirst by providing our fur babies with much-needed water breaks. This bottle is 'mess-free' and was absolutely easy to provide water to our dogs even while we were driving. No water spills, no need for extra plastic water bottles or collapsible bowls. Throw some ice cubes in there, and you'll see it holds cool and fresh water for a good amount of time." — Tatiana Get the 22-ounce size from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in five colors). 7. A kid's car seat lap organizer that'll make a great travel companion, thanks to the tablet holder, dry-erase board that doubles as a food tray, anddd pockets for whatever else your child insists on bringing. This will keep their crayons, markers, water bottle, toys, and coloring books all nice and secure, so you don't have to pull over to pick up anything off the floor. Some color options come with dry-erase markers and an eraser included. Promising review: "Are you a parent who is sick of picking up everything your kid accidentally drops off their lap while on a car ride? If not, lucky you. If you are… this thing is great! We recently went on a beach vacation that involved a 9-hour drive each way with my 4-year-old. Usually, he drops stuff while playing with it. With this, everything stayed on the tray! It also helped him balance his tablet to watch, held his drink and foodstuff in place without anything spilling, and gave him a space to draw and play on. Easy to take on and off for potty breaks." — Dawn Michele Get it from Amazon for $27.95+ (available in 13 colors). 8. A Mad Libs on the Road sure to make you *and* the rest of your crew laugh like hyenas. It has 21 stories all about adventures on the road that'll surely get VERY whacky. Promising review: "Our 8-year-old and 3-year-old LOVE playing mad libs. We keep it in the car to play while we wait for the bus or on car rides. I like that it's educational, too — reinforcing parts of speech and practicing spelling and reading, as well as broadening their vocabulary. A must-have for every family!" — Chelsea Peterson Get it from Amazon for $5.57. 9. A memory foam car seat cushion if that dull, persistent feeling in your butt is ~driving~ you up a wall. This will help ease the discomfort and relieve the pain you can get in your legs. You'll love it so much, you may just want to put it on your pool chair as you lay and soak in the sun once you (finally) get to your destination. ☀️ Promising review: "It worked great for long road trips to help with fatigue and lower back pain. I never imagined this would work as well as it did, and as an added bonus, it worked as a great pillow when we needed to pull over for short sleep [breaks]. It's worth the price for the pain it relieved." — Jess Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in three colors). 10. And a back cushion that offers lumbar support and can help improve posture so you don't feel as much pain creeping up on you when you're on hour two of the drive. The ergonomic design can be used to help with lower *or* upper back pain, depending on which bothers you the most. One reviewer with spinal stenosis who also drives 40+ hours a week said they're "grateful every day for this pillow." Promising review: "I bought a BMW with sport seats, and my back would hurt every time I sat in it. I tried several different pillows, but none of them helped. This one was a lifesaver — I can now drive for long periods without back pain, and it saved me from having to replace a brand new car." — Michael Shamis Get it from Amazon for $26.69 (available in various styles). 11. A Febreze Unstopables car freshener if the mix of fast food and your kids kicking off their shoes is making your car smell a little... FUNKY. Just clip this onto your AC vent so you can neutralize that and any other odor you want to hit the road. 😉 Promising review: "These are great and pretty strong. I made the mistake and tried another scent after using these, and you have no idea how much I'm still regretting it. The scent lasts long after the oil inside is done, and it hits you as soon as you open your door, without being overbearing." — camelia virgo-evans Get a pack of four from Amazon for $12.88 (available in three scents and five pack sizes) 12. A car power adapter that can charge six devices at once so when your child's tablet dies, you don't have to give up your charging slot. This way, everyone gets a fully charged device — which is very important when you're in the middle of nowhere and can't even play punch buggy. This comes with a lighter adapter and allows you to plug in four USB chargers and two AC outlets! Plus, it has a built-in fan so it won't overheat. Promising review: "I purchased this item for long trips with my grandkids to keep snacks cool in my plug-in cooler, but more importantly, for their medication that needs to be refrigerated. It has a cooling fan built into it. A few USB ports to charge electronics like phones and tablets, and regular plug outlets for anything else. I used so many things on it and all at once. Definitely pulled its weight. What a monster workhorse it is. It's compact enough and doesn't take up a lot of space. It's pretty quiet even with the fan running. It's great quality and the functionality is better than I expected. Such a cool little gadget. It would totally make a great gift for someone that travels a lot and spends a lot of time in their car. Will definitely buy this little beauty again." — Ginger Pasquale Get it from Amazon for $20.95+ (available in two sizes). 13. An auto bingo card — it combines I Spy and bingo into one thrilling game, even if it's not as thrilling as a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. Just close the *built-in* red windows when you find the thing (like a horse, fire hydrant, tow truck, etc.), and whoever screams BINGO first, wins! Reviewers love that their kids were taking in their surroundings instead of staring at screens! Reviewers love that their kids were taking in their surroundings instead of staring at screens! Regal Games is a small business based in Chicago, IL and has been around for over 70 years creating games for all ages. Promising review: "I purchased as a gift for my daughter to use in the car with her children. These are perfect to occupy them on long road trips. She keeps them in the seat pocket so they are readily available. The sliding door for each square makes it very easy to play. No added pieces or markers to have to use." — noreen Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in five styles). 14. A sleek seat gap filler 'cause McDonald's fries, loose change, and other mystery tidbits are bound to pile up when you're in the car forever. Now you won't have to clean that weird, hard-to-reach area post-road trip. Amazon, Drop Stop is a small business that specializes in car accessories. Promising review:"Somehow my phone manages to ALWAYS fall perfectly between the large gap between my console and seat. And MAN when I'm driving it is so frustrating, because I can NEVER reach it without stopping the car, because it's wayyyy under my seat. Before I ordered this I tried the traditional insert that is a popular solution because it gives you extra storage and such, but it didn't fit the gap, it was loose, sloppy and would literally slide forward with the brakes. UGH, Those are now sitting on my bar waiting to be gifted to some lucky person hopefully with a smaller gap. I immediately ordered these and love love love them!" — Ronald & Shannon White Get a two-pack from Amazon for $24.99. 15. Or, a console side pocket if you want something that blocks stuff from falling into that deep crack and provides more storage for your things — AND adds an extra cup holder!! You'll ~roll~ up to your destination with three drinks and your phone and lip products in arm's reach. 😏 Amazon, The gap has to be *at least* .3 inches for this to fit — just FYI! Promising review:"I put this in last night and went to work today and everything was perfect. I did have to install the foam spacers (included) to make it a really snug fit. It would have still worked without it but I like things perfect. So now the coins go in the coin pocket and my keys and other work related accessories go in the bigger pocket. This is one of the best cheap life hacks you can get if you're a car person and/or just like being organized and neat." — R Get it from Amazon for $27.99 (available with or without cupholder). 16. A mini car trash can that's cuter and more functional than just filling up a gas station plastic baggie. After a long day on the road, the last thing you want to do is pick up wrappers, napkins, and empty bottles, so have your kids throw their junk into this instead! You can secure it to a headrest for *extra* convenience. Promising review: "These are the perfect size. We are going on a road trip, so I got one for each of my front seats. They're not too bulky, and they hold a fair amount of trash. Love that they are adjustable and have pockets on the outside. Great for holding knickknacks or extra trash bags." — Katlyn Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in two sizes and nine colors). 17. A Travel Tray you can slip into your cupholder to make snacking easy *and* safe as you drive cross country. Have the passenger princess pour your snack of choice into the little tray so your driver has plenty of fuel to run off of — aka a Monster energy drink and M&M's. Travel Tray is a small business that makes convenient products for easy snacking on the road. Promising review: "I bought this for our car seat to use during a road trip. It really came in handy, and it's so easy to clean and reinstall. Bonus that it's snug enough in the cupholder, but not so snug that it makes getting drinks out of the holder hard for the child. I would buy this again." — Emily Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in six colors). 18. A waterproof backseat pet protector 'cause your pup is ALWAYS sneaking their way up to the front no matter how many treats you throw back there. This not only gives them a comfy place to relax, but it also contains their shed hair and protects them from falling into the footwell if you slam on the brakes — which can happen on the highway! It's non-slip so your dog can have good traction on it. Plus, you install it by looping it around your headrests — easy peasy! Promising review: "Perfect for travel. Didn't get to test it much because my pup just HAD to be in the front seat with me the whole time. I bought the front seat cover to match, so I know the material is amazing. Pretty comfortable, canvas-type material. Easily cleaned and mostly water-resistant. Had a slight spill on the front seat cover that was wiped rather quickly, and none transferred to my actual car seat. The adjustable straps and backseat anchors are easy to install." — Ashley C. Get it from Amazon for $22.37+ (available in five colors and an optional dog seat belt). 19. A Munchkin Snack Catcher if your little one just loves to make their snacks end up everywhere but their mouth... This will be able to minimize the spillage thanks to its soft, protective flaps, so once they get hungry, their Goldfish go straight to their belly and not the car floor. Promising review: "I absolutely love these. They are easy to use, my kids love them, and they are great for preventing spills! The lid has a unique silicone-type opening that the kids can just squeeze their hands through and grab some snacks. I would recommend this due to its versatility for road trips, events, etc. I am writing this review after owning these cups for YEARS. I have purchased them over and over again. They're fantastic. Never broke either, I've ordered more as I lost the original, so great investment for help with a mess-free life." — Amazon12x Get a two-pack from Amazon for $5.96. 20. And a portable car vacuum because the best way to have a clean-ish vehicle post-road trip is to clean as you go — and this makes it possible! If your kid spilled their Goldfish crumbs everywhere (I WARNED YOU) or your dog's fur is all over your seats, you can quickly suck it up with this. It's powerful and can even fit in a cup holder! Promising review: "This little crumb-sucking machine is awesome! I have had mine for about six weeks now. As a mom of four, I find that my kids are always dropping crackers or dry cereal and then stepping on them. The car seats are known to have entire ecosystems in all the nooks and crannies. This vacuum tackles all of them without trouble. I leave mine in the trunk of the van plugged into the outlet back there so that it's always charged when I need it. Worth every dime! It hasn't died on me yet… And I've run it 20 minutes straight before." — Wundermama Get it from Amazon for $69.99 (available in five colors). 21. A comfy seatbelt shoulder pad so you don't have to tug at the strap that's uncomfortably chaffing your neck as you drive across Route 66 to sunny California. Reviewers who are shorter swear by this because it's soft, durable, and makes driving more enjoyable! Promising review: "We absolutely love these shoulder pad cushions in our car. The seatbelt, even at its lowest setting, would scratch my neck. I would be left with scratches on my neck as a result. My husband often pulls his shoulder strap out on long trips because he is uncomfortable. Since purchasing these, I no longer get scratches and my husband is comfortable even after eight hours in the car. Great purchase!" — Fourth Grade Teacher Get it from Amazon for $6.79 (available in 18 colors). 22. A battery-operated fan if the air in your car gets a little stuffy *but* you don't want to drain your gas by using the AC — I mean, you JUST filled it up, and you're in the middle of nowhere... This will circulate the air in your car without affecting the temp. Just attach it to a car seat or headrest, or stand it up on the middle console — yep, you can just put it where your heart desires. 💞 Promising review:" I really love this fan because you can literally hang it or stand it on just about anything. I took it on a 12-hour road trip and stopped for a couple of hours to take a nap, and the fan lasted on high for about 2–3 hours. I still haven't had to charge it since I got it, but I probably will soon. I have another long drive, and I'm camping, so it's great to have it with me. It's also super light but feels like a quality fan. Hardly made noise, and the low hum it did make was soothing to me. I recommend this fan!" — Kelsey O'Leary Get it from Amazon for $23.69 (available in three colors). 23. A tissue holder that clips onto your sun visor so you don't have a clunky box slipping and falling all over the place — and that makes the top tissue gross anyways... Now the next time your kid has a sneezing attack or feels a bloody nose coming on, you can quickly grab a tissue and hand it to them. They'll be *so* impressed with how prepared you are. People have also put napkins or disposable face masks in these! Promising review: "This is my second time buying it; this car tissue holder makes my car more organized and saves space. I love this car tissue holder! So when my sister got her new car, I ordered this again for her as a gift. She loves it, too. She said the design is amazing; the clip holds on tightly. When she is driving and needs a tissue. No more stopping alongside the road looking for the box. This car tissue case is attractive, elegant, and modern. Good quality!" — Cathy Get it from Amazon for $9.79+ (available in four colors). 24. A 3-in-1 car phone mount with a powerful suction cup that can attach to your dashboard or windshield — or just clip it onto your air vent! If you swear by your Apple or Google maps, this will keep your directions close by and up high so your eyes *stay* on the road. And if you take the wrong exit (that happens!), you are in a completely new part of the country after all... This has a retractable arm and 360° rotation for the perfect positioning you want. Promising review: "I had bought another auto phone holder but this was the best. Rather than placing it in the middle of my dash or blocking my front view, I placed it on the left of the steering wheel in an area that was already a blind spot. I was able to spin, bend, and tilt it to exactly the right position. The quick-release button for my phone is so convenient. It has held in place for three months now, even when the windows are down and the wind is blowing. Finally! My phone is not inconveniently taking up one of the spots in my cup holders." — Anonymous genius Get it from Amazon for $12.99. 25. A portable Wi-Fi hotspot so you can keep scrolling away on TikTok and Reels like you're in your bed at home. It offers 4G WiFi for up to 18 hours, connecting up to 10 devices so you *and* your fam stay connected to the world even if you feel like you're driving through Ghostown, USA. Promising review: "Portability and keeping me connected to the internet while traveling is the best. Kept my 6-year-old granddaughter connected to the internet while we drove for seven hours. Prior to that, she had only ridden in the car for no more than 60 minutes (and was not happy about it). Successful trip thanks to Solis Lite." — Steve P. Get it from Amazon for $91.99+ (available with different GB plans). 26. A portable multipurpose cooler you can place in the middle seat so your kids have access to everything (and I mean everything.) they want. It has two water bottle holders, side pockets (for toys, tablets, and overflow of stuff) andddd last but certainly not least, the middle is a COOLER. That means you can fill it to the brim with your child's favorite snacks so you never hear "IM HUNGRY" when you're two hours away from civilization. Bonus: the top of this can be used as a desk for coloring! Amazon PSA: *ONLY* use ice packs (aka ice is a no-no) for up to eight hours and do not leave perishable food in it without ice packs for more than 2 hours in a vehicle over 85 degrees F. Promising review: "Have had this bag for about 5 years now and used it for numerous road trips. We fill the main compartment up with snacks and the pockets with a few activities like car trip scavenger hunt cards. It's still going strong and plan to use it for an upcoming summer vacation. We do whatever we can to keep our young son content on days-long road trips and he likes to be able to access his own snacks and have an extra place to store his things. Part of the excitement of upcoming trips is filling this bin with road trip goodies that he normally wouldn't have access to." — lady.k Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in two colors). 27. A little cleaner spray that comes with a microfiber cloth so your greasy fingers (from the large McDonald's fry) don't smudge up your car's touch screen, making you take the wrong exit to Disney World. I would say it's no big deal, but your kids say otherwise. Just spritz this onto the screen and wipe it dry! Promising review: "I have a touch screen display in my truck and my wife's car. In the sunlight, fingerprints show up like a crime scene. This product and the cloth remove all "evidence" of using the touch display and without leaving streaks or requiring tons of effort. I find it works best to spray the cloth and then the larger bottle is great for me in the truck, and the small one is perfect for my wife's sports car. Also, the cloth is modest in size, and that's a plus too." — Brian A. Get it from Amazon for $17.99. 28. A handy foldable doorstep if you have a rack or roof box on top of your car that's filled with allll the things you want once you get to your destination. It's designed to fit both feet so you can feel balanced *and* eliminate the need for a ladder — which doesn't get you that close to your roof anyway. Forget the days of getting your dirty shoes all over your seats to grab what you need up there! Amazon To use it, just hook this onto your u-shaped door latch in your vehicle's doors. This *new* design can fit any car. Btw, you might've seen this on Shark Tank! Rightline Gear is a small business that designs and manufactures outdoor gear for cars and people. Promising review: "Really well made. Very pleased with this product. I tested it on a 2025 Subaru Forester and it works great — no indication of denting the car body when using. Great product! I've spent years climbing up hanging on with my toes on the seats when installing pods. Well, no longer." — Al Harlow
