Used to be the local gas station was where you might stumble into on Christmas Eve, attempting the impossible by buying last minute gifts for family and friends. Ice scraper or pretzels, anyone?

Now, at Canadian Tire, things are a little different – even on Christmas Eve.

Gifts galore at almost every price point, something for the auto enthusiast or just someone who drives a car.

We recently had an opportunity to check out and experience some items from the Canadian Tire winter gift catalogue to test their practicality – and value. And since this writer lives in Central Ontario and it is December, the products were all truly tested!

First up?  “Justin Case” 5-in-1 emergency tool. Clearly made in China (thank you, Goo-be-Gone for assisting in the removal of an almost nuclear-type adhesive sticker off the product. Here’s an inexpensive, MSRP $9.99 tool for any individual who drives. Five tools in one: an LED flashlight; and emergency signal light; a glass-braking hammer; seat belt cutter; and, bonus – its base is magnetic!

Ever had to change a tire roadside or “felt” a wobble coming from a wheel while driving? The Billy Club Universal Lug Wrench may make things a little easier – and it takes up way less room than a conventional tire iron when stored. With four available nut sizes, SAE 11/16”; 3/4”; 13/16”; and, 7/8”, it’s quite practical – the accessories conveniently store in the ends of the handles. Word to the wise. Be well-advised that someone with an odd sense of humour designed the protective packaging. Perhaps they have a sadistic streak? Brew a fresh pot of coffee before attempting to remove this tool from its blister-pak packaging; if you don’t and you need to use this in an emergency, you may well give up before you even use it! MSRP of $44.99.

Next up was a Garant scratch-free 36” snow brush. Worked great – it does, however, need a telescopic option – it was hard to remove a roof muffin-top of snow from a Honda Odyssey. Otherwise as advertised – excellent for removing 26 plus centimetres of heavy, wet snow! Designed to clear off snow from side mirrors quite easily and front windshield wiper wells, too! MSRP of $19.99.

Ever been stranded in a highway back up during inclement weather when the snow is flying? Not pleasant, by any stretch of the imagination.  We tried out a Canadian Tire-branded commuter kit. Resembling a red and white compact doctor’s-sized bag, it contained a blanket, one-size fits all cotton gloves, an emergency, waterproof poncho, small, very basic first aid kit, small flashlight – and two fresh batteries, jumper cables, a sturdy tow cable, and an “SOS” banner and reflective warning triangular-shaped sign – all for the MSRP of $29.99.

Another interesting and self-contained kit was again, Canadian Tire branded. This one will fit perfectly into most auto glove boxes and contains a combination glass break hammer and seat belt cutting tool, a tire pressure gauge, a small, six-LED light flashlight and a set of multi-function, multi-device USB cable connectors and a universal charging unit to run off a 12-volt in-car outlet., available at an MSRP of $14.99.

An absolute necessity in poor weather conditions are Bosch Icon windshield wipers. While perhaps not bargain-basement priced at an MSRP of $24.99 each, they are one of the best investments you might make for any vehicle during our unpredictable winters – that and winter tires! The visibility difference after installation was instant and impressive, handling rain, snow, slush and ice with ease! Even if you drive a beater, install these. Send me a thank you note in care of this medium.

I think that we can all agree that there are certain aspects of winter, especially when describing or experiencing road conditions, that just plain suck. Sometimes even with appropriate tires (winter, please and thank you) extricating your vehicle from a snow bank can be the equivalent of experiencing a master-class in frustration. Now, that can be minimized – and without carrying around a 5 or 10 kilogram bag of cat litter. Traction is crucial. Litter and a rocking motion may get you out. But what if you could find something with an MSRP of $39.99 that when affixed temporarily to one or two primary drive wheels, will give you that added traction just when it’s needed most? Without the mess. Then the Trac Grabber is for you! The ultimate self-rescue gear, simply fit and affix the strap to the wheel, cinch it down tight and then slowly, drive off.  There are two “grabbers” per box, each with a moulded heavy-duty piece of rubber which will bite into snow for that added purchase.

Finally, the perfect gift; with an MSRP of $159.99 – even if never used for its true intent – is worth each and every penny. In fact, one of Santa’s elves whispered in my ear that it is even on sale for $119.99 right now – the NOCO Genus Mini Booster! Here is a compact, fully self-contained device that can jump start your car in seconds, moments after you remove it from your vehicle’s glove box. From a full charge, you could wander the highways and byways offering jump starts to as many as 20 vehicles! Perfectly safe with any engine up to six litres that is “powered” with a 12 volt lead acid battery. Further, it is considered the ultimate emergency tool – equipped with an ultra-bright dual LED flashlight which has seven different modes, including SOS – and it may even serve as an emergency strobe. But wait, there’s more! With this very same device, you have the ability to recharge virtually any USB device, including some smartphones and tablets. Auto manufacturers would do well to consider making a unit like this standard emergency equipment with every new vehicle sold – that’s how versatile it is. Plus recharge is a breeze while you drive around.

Have you been naughty or nice this year? Anything here you might like to see under your tree – or that of a friend? So much more than windshield fluid and chocolate bars, I’m sure you would agree. Heck, they’d all make good gifts almost regardless of the time of year!