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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 $12.99+ (available in 13 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 $33.99+ (also available with two cup holders).
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 $11.16.
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 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, chapstick, 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 year 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.
Promising review: "Very sturdy and great quality. Awesome design and plenty of room for all the documents and then some." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $15.97+ (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?
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 $11.99.
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.
The shield cover is made with straps that hang down and attach to your cars' 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 you...this 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 $28.95.
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 $129.99+ (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.
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 reviews: "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
"Amazing for the price! There are four sections total, so I did two in the front, one on either side, and then there are two under the front seats facing toward the back, so the back seats can see them also. They work great I still can't believe it for the price. Very happy." —Jeepet76
Get it from Amazon for $16.99.
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.
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.
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 $9.20.
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.
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 non-slip 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 cut-out trees everyone uses. And with the wide variety of scents available, you can grab one for each season or change them with your mood.
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 $9 (available in 28 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 $89.99 (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 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 5 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 $5.99+ (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 $39.99 (available in three 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 $105.25+ (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 Geary
Get it from Amazon for $13.95.
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.
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 $9.99+ (available in three 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 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 $6.99+ (available in four colors).
29. A pair of kick mats to keep the back of your seats looking fresh, no matter how many times your kid decides to kick you during your 10-minute drive home.
It fits most sedan, SUV, and minivan seats. They buckle on using two elastic straps.
Promising review: "This was exactly what I needed to protect my leather seats. I didn't need a pocket for activities as we don't go on long excursions. Even after just two pick-ups I see the dirt on these that would have been on my leather seats. Great price, easy to install!" —Pamela Whitney
Get a set of two from Amazon for $18.59.
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 $21.99+ (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 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+ (available in two sizes and 24 colors).
The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.