Thoughtful Gift

Are you looking for a gift for a loved one, and want to achieve a high thoughtfulness to cost ratio? I have the solution. I call it the Dilbert Car Kit. For Christmas, I made two for my wife: One for her car and one for mine when she is a passenger in it.

The idea is that you take notice of all the things he or she routinely wishes was in the car on trips. Then you find a generic storage case and fill it with just those items, to keep beneath the seat of the car. It’s nerdily delicious.

Here’s a picture of the one I put together.

My kit has the following items:

Pen
Notepad
Contact lens case
Contact lens liquid
Lint roller
Advil
First aid kit
Tic Tacs
Tissues
Chapstick

As time goes by, I wish I had added a few more things:

Sun block
Sunglasses
Snack (protein bar)
Wet Napkin packet

Your kit will differ, but the key to making it a good gift is picking the items that are customized to the recipient.

Now some of you will say, “That’s what a glove compartment is for,” or “It’s called a purse.” But we all know that glove compartments are nothing but a practical joke involving crap that falls out when you open the door. And you can never find what you need with the front-load design no matter how long you paw around in there.

Women often change purses, or leave them behind. The car kit fills the gaps.

Now go forth and be thoughtful.

Comments

[Darx]

Sorry, Scott, my boyfriend made me one of those 3 years ago when he got his Prius with its extra bonus glove compartment and storage console. He also keeps a hair clip and a brush in there for me, eyeglass cleaner and cloth, salty snacks (he prefers sweet snacks), hand lotion, plastic utensils for emergency food consumption, and my favorite: an emery board and orange stick. Oh, and dental floss! Yeah, he takes good care of me.

[Ben]

I used to keep a can of military survival rations in my van. Come to think of it, I think the can is still around somwhere.

[Marilyn Scott-Waters]

Nerd husbands are the best!

I'll take my Computer God, book reading hubby over Brad Pitt anyday.

[The Super Bongo]

how about a knife/corkscrew/bottle opener?

[Tristan]

Of all the things I wish I had in a car, I would need a rooftop carrier. Then again that is outside the car :]
Good idea I'm making on in 5 minutes!

[Mike]

Who needs a car kit....

There are only two essentials I take with me when I travel: Jessica Simpson and my pet yak.

[Silvox]

Flares!! I can't stop laughing when I thought of this. The planet...... oh no! I didn't mean link. Oops, I've forgotten that.

[melinda]

Many parents have compiled just such kits, sans the catchy name. I used the term "parents," but this could apply to caregivers, grandparents, guardians, spouses, team parents, or anyone else who has chauffered others around on a regular or semi-regular basis.

Although some individuals who "travel smart" may simply be extrememly organized, I'm willing to bet that most people learned to do so the hard way. After one too many trips when someone needed/wanted something that wasn't in the car, I now make it a point to bring along anything and everything which will help circumvent the inevitable whining that good drivers shouldn't have to drown out with Baby Mozart, Metallica, or Lawrence Welk's greatest hits played at maximum volume (never say never).

[Martin Beeby]

It's my strong feeling that Scott has fundamentally missed the point about gifts for women, here are 10 reasons why:

http://www.thewayithink.co.uk/post/Thoughtful-Gift-10-reasons-it-isnt.aspx

[Sujay]

A thoughtful gift from Scott...THIS Idea from Scott??!! the guy with turd fasination and triple entendre...i want my 5 minutes back with a completely hilarious post...Wally could have done better i thot.

[nsf]

This is the apogee or perigee of my romantic life.

I have read a 'thoughtful gift' suggestion online.

I have immediately embraced it as a great idea.

The great romantic idea came from...the creator of Dilbert.

Fortunately, I think my wife would love it. She's the engineer in the relationship.

[Dr. Zeuss]

Wow, the quantity of haters in your comments is bizarre.

I think this is a great idea.

[Bob]

If you had actually thought about this gift, Scott, you would realize that the amount a woman likes her gift is directly proportional to how much it costs.

[haslina]

great idea ! not as a special gift (read: anniversaries or birthday) but brilliant as an everyday gift.

[Dave]

OK, did you seriously just come up with the "idea" of putting notepads and tictacs into a box, and then try to tie the Dilbert brand to it? The Dilbert Car Kit?

Have book sales really been THAT terrible?

[Leora]

Wow. I already have one of these. But I made my own--my man knows better than to second-guess me on car stuff.

I actually use my glove box for the often-used essentials like the Swiss Army knife, small butane torch, flashlight, ibuprofen, travel wipes, bandaids, spoon, etc. If you store them in ziplocs or a pencil case, they'll stay organized and clean. The sunglasses clip onto the visors, both the main pair and a backup pair. And I have a visor-clip small tissue case, too, so I can actually find and reach a tissue when I need one.

In the back is a tote box with booster cables, various fluids in smaller quantities (brake fluid, oil, antifreeze, PSF, lock de-icer), 12V tire inflator, reflective safety triangle, Tyvek coveralls, latex gloves, electrical tape, cable ties, rad hose quick repair kit, fuses, socket set, adjustable wrench, and screwdriver set. Believe it or not, it all fits in an 18L box (about 2ft long, 1ft wide and a foot and a half deep). In the winter I add a folding steel shovel, traction grips, extra mitts/hat/scarf, and candles. Of course, it helps if you have some idea what to do with these things. I've only had to do roadside repairs maybe three times (in the middle of nowhere, out of cell phone range), but I've helped all kinds of other people out.

I'm still trying to figure out why that one dude wanted to carry an oil filter and 5 litres of oil. How the hell do you lose an oil filter on the road?

[Lymonhead]

A suggestion. Instead of criticizing corporate life only, perhaps explain more of what they can do to improve corporate life. For example, in addition to the 3rd world competition, maybe a utopian company where things actually go "properly." maybe a British utopian society manned and womanned only by aliens since humans don't SEEM to get it right. or a smaller company that beats Dilbert's company b/c it doesn't have all of the red tape and so on.

[tubaguy]

We have a supplementary wedding gift that we only give to young couples we really know well. It's all the things that newlyweds don't realize they need on hand until the moment of need arises.

The basic set includes:
--- a small garbage can
--- garbage bags to fit
--- a can opener
--- a toilet plunger
--- a toilet brush
--- bathroom deodorizer
--- a whisk brush and dustpan

We don't wrap it. It all fits in the garbage pail, but one of the tool handles gets a bow. That way, they'll see they have it and know where to find it when they need it.

We also get strange looks when we hand it over to the gift receivers. So it goes.

[Emily]

I retract my marraige proposal to webar. I just realized only a female would have written that post.

[Marcia]

I think Scott is joking. For evidence, he has a photograph of the box with sundries. Like we need a visual for a 'generic box' of Kleenex.
When has he ever posted a photograph?
He's setting us up.

[Larry H]

Now the real proof of commitment will be for you to remember to replace all the expired products in there every 6 months.

Contact lens liquid must be an unopened container, and may go off quicker in the heat of summer.

[dargaud]

In every one of the family backpack there's the following emergency kit:
- lighter
- thin gloves
- emergency space blanket
- compass
- whistle
- energy bar
- tiny LED headlamp
- minimalist swiss-army knife
Of course, it's not meant to be used in downtown L.A.

[Crimson_Sky]

I think this is a wonderful idea and very thoughtful! Sure, it may seem cheap for a present as some have said..but so were all the homemade crafts I gave as presents as a kid. ;) There are some cases when being thoughtful can override a high cost value. Too many gifts are useless, but expensive. This one is very practical and says you care and pay attention to what she wants when in the car!

If I had a car, I'd do this too.

[Nimrod]

This is the most romantic gift ever. Sure to make panties drop. And the best part is everything can be found at the drug store.

[Todd]

Do you have an opinion on Daylight Savings Time? Apparently one study shows that, contrary to saving energy (which I understand was the original intent of DST), we actually end up using more energy.

[Peter Payne]

I have one of these. Because I live in Japan, and go to "onsens" (hot spring baths) all the time, I've got an extensive bath kit inside, with razors, toothbrushes, towels, and a couple books with the covers tapes to protect them from the water in the bath. Thus, I can relax for for 1-2 hours in the onsen bath and get a ton of reading.
http://www.jlist.com

[http://stafex.net]

NEW SITE FOR ONLINE TV AND MOST POPULAR TV SERIES:
http://stafex.net

[Mary]

If my husband surprised me with such a 'gift', I would be forced to retaliate. My box for husband would contain anything left in the car after I cleared it out for his road trip. There'll be a lot of stuff left...squashed tissue boxes, sunblock with the dirt and hair encrusted tops. He can have that. I would leave the dog's blanket in the car for him because the dog hardly uses it. There now, everything he needs while I look for someone off the autistic spectrum.

[Melissa]

I would like to marry the person who wrote the first post. Webar, I believe. Are you single?

[Regina]

I am a woman, and I would like to tell men that this should not be a gift for a special occasion. I would not even classify it as a gift. If you want to do this, just say, "Look what I put together for you. I hope it comes in handy."
Do not present this as a 'gift' on Valentines Day, a birthday, whatever. I cannot tell you how underwhelming a box of chapstick and tissues for storing under the car seat is. No matter how customized.
It's a nice idea. Thank you, Scott.

[Stanley]

Nice thinking. I would add a swiss knife to this. As Rita mentioned before, a cutting tool of some sort becomes essential. A Victorinox is a very good choice since it occupies very little space.

[Brandi]

Hey Scott,

Having never commented on your blog before, I'm surprised at how mean-spirited your readers are!

Oh, wait...you're the righter of the Dilbert comic...my bad.

Anyway, I think this gift rocks. Great job, Good Husband.

[jerry w.]

If I enclose a vibrator in the car kit for my wife, could I call it a "Dildobert" (tm)?

Talk about good vibes!

http://boskolives.wordpress.com/

[AJ]

What? no fart or sex jokes or witty comments on weird news stories?!? Scotty baby, you must be getting old...

p.s. I haven't seen any "dance monkey dance" posts lately! (hint)

[Seraph]

And here's a way to make the average girl go -totally- crazy over this gift:

Put everything in one of those nifty little cases with all the little compartments, so that everything has a place (the way they do with first-aid kits). And in one of the compartments...

Jewelry. If you're a man that does actually know how to take a hint, get a necklace or whatever you know she's been admiring, and if you're not, anything tasteful and sparkly. You get points for both the thoughtful useful gift she really needs, and the shiny useless gift she wants.

[Arby]

Cripy, reading the comments you would think people are expecting Armageddon. Next we will all be packing bazookas, grenade launchers, surgical hospital field kits, sea and land survival gear, GPS and enough hardware to rebuild and run an aircraft carrier. What happened to KISS---Keep It Simple Silly……They have what they call, convenience stores on every street corner in America and they do sell tissue in Kansas.

[Steve]

Kudos to Scott for getting away with giving his wife something *practical* as a gift. That almost never works well, I've found.

Better yet, he gave his wife a version of what my dad calls the "overnight sex kit" -- it can essentially be used as your own portable medicine cabinet.

Still, some parts of the kit are problematic depending on where you live. Maybe not for them in CA, but I live in New England and as much as I want to keep contact lens fluid in the car, the weather variations cause the bottle to just dry up periodically. Pens last better than someone suggested, but don't work very well when it's cold, and run the risk of exploding pen.

[mat]

thats a cool kit, i must say!!

[the_schnugger]

Can't believe no one has mentioned a disposable camera. Invaluable if you don't have a camera phone (or if it's nighttime) and you get in an accident (ok, one you can walk away from). This is the only way I was able to prove what resulted when a drunk rammed into me at a stop light -- invaluable. Once they move the cars, the stories sure start changing quickly, but there's nothing like instantly taken pictures that can be corroborated by witnesses.

[Mobiletechzone]

Well i'll suggest try to add travel mobile charger & ipod. that will be good.
_______________________________
www.mobiletechzone.blogspot.com

[Melba Rhodes]

This was a very sweet a loving gesture. The world needs more men like you. Of course I go with the other guys that said this better not have been the ONY gift, but knowing sweet, loving you this came with jewelry for car comfort wearing.

[Karl N]

When you go to the bathroom, do you also take a Dilbert sh*t in the toilet? Just wondering.

[RainbowW]

you might want to write about how today's cartoon might read to some like a wetback joke. not good.

[Steven McDaniel]

Scott, you have made my day! Now I know where to put my junk that otherwise overcrowds my storage spaces in the car, like medicine, mints, batteries etc. Brilliant idea. By the way, me finding it useful for myself doesn't mean I'm not still a guy, does it??

[Michael]

Heey scott.

You're current strip series of dilbert is going to be tricky... I hope you keep it on my good side.

Michael

[Merv Hughes]

Slightly off-topic, although it's a gift: Heard of LifeGems? It's a diamond made from the cremated remains of a loved (or vaguely liked) one: www.lifegem.com/secondary/whatisLG2006.aspx. There's enough material here for a whole series of blog entries...

[quantum_flux]

your commercialism is very helpful :)

[MelC]

Having just wrestled with mine; "But we all know that glove compartments are nothing but a practical joke involving crap that falls out when you open the door", had me laughing out loud. Nice idea too.

[Airmanf7]

I'm sorry Scott, it is a great idea and a nice gesture, but it is not gift worthy.

[Dustin]

Car kits are not a new idea in the frozen north. Just remember that sunblock does little good when stuck in a snow bank trying to stay warm. Typical kit for winter should include small bag of cat litter or salt, a warm blanket, a snack that will not freeze or spoil, matches, candles or flashlight, spare gloves and cap, a deactivated cell phone with a charged battery (still good for 911 calls), a small shovel, small wood planks (put under the tires if stuck), and a book.

The last thing might be instructions to survive in cold if the car stops working or gets stuck. If you have the tools listed above, try to do your best to dig your way out if stuck. Never spin the tires, that only makes more ice as it refreezes. The best thing is to stay with the car and wait for help to come to you. If it is really bad blizzard, it is easy to get lost and freeze to death or get hit by another car. Run the car only for 15 mins every hour so it does not fill with CO gas and waste all your gas. Always tell someone where you are going and how long you plan to be gone or take to get there. Keep a cell phone on you or have a backup in the car. Never drive on less than a 1/2 of gas.

Many of the other suggestions are good. However, your kit has to change with the area and weather you plan to drive in.

[Ally Eden]

I have all that stuff under my seat but on in a clear plastic zip bag. I also have scotch tap for sealing mail and tiny bottle of hand lotion for church after shaking hands :-) never know what lives on those generous hands!

[Patti]

Patti says..for me:
gift cards to starbucks
a map
address book w/telephone numbers
stamps
small pad/pen
scotch tape/scissors/nail file/clippers
needle & thread/safety-pins
pair of new-panty hose
hand lotion/sanitizer
gum/mints
toothbrush/paste
kleenex
asprin
small bottle of water
extra pair cheap sunglasses
lipstick & comb
fix a flat
umbrella
small camera
stun gun
_______________

For him:
a picture of .... ME
deodorant
after shave
disposable razors
nail clippers
comb
can of fix a flat
flares
bottle of water
gum/mints
toothbrush/paste
hand-wipes
kleenex
asprin
map
pad/pen
extra pair cheap sunglasses
baseball bat/numchucks

[John V]

This alone should qualify you for a Noble Peace Prize!

[Rachel DC]

My car kit contains:
blanket (seasonal item)
kitty litter (seasonal item)
tire inflator
cloth grocery bags
bottled water
granola bars
flashlight
pens
cash & change
checks
notepad
jumpercable
pressure gauge
a copy of Dare to Repair Your Car
an umbrella
work gloves
first aid kit
fire extinguisher
reflective wrap
reflective vest
camera
diabetic supplies
cables (for large loads)

coming soon:
old shirt
oil (?'s about safety)
seatbelt slasher + windshield buster combo
cell phone charger
pocket knife
emergency allergy items
gym clothes
self-defense item (undecided)

[Nicole]

I would like to try an LED maintenance-free flashlight. http://www.lehmans.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=6037&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=669&iSubCat=687&iProductID=6037

The bulb never needs replaced, and it uses no batteries. You shake it up to charge the light. A magnet moves through a coil to create electricity.

This would be good for me because I might go years without using the flashlight, forget it even exists, and then find it dead when I really need it in an emergency.

[Jon]

What about the adult diaper for long trips?

[Gabriel Leow]

To simply pack random things into a plastic box and give it a fancy name, its just classic.

[dayj]

Wait til you have children. Your engineering creativity will get a real workout...

[Jeremy]

I'm part of a high school company that makes travel kits. We have a bunch of stuff, but it's still way overpriced at $12, so I doubt we will sell too many.

[DarthMommy]

I keep an all-purpose tool kit in my car that my MIL gave me for Xmas one year (probably the worst thing (in her eyes) she could have ever done, as it has contributed greatly to saving our marriage (always have your own tools, ladies!)). I also keep a spare change on clothes in a waterproof backpack and a towel (because I'm a hoopy frood). I also keep an emergency sewing kit, a pair of scissors, a tube of lotion, and a package of band-aids. My purse and diaper bag take care of everything else.

Personally I think it's a sweet idea of you to consider your wife's comfort and needs/wants. Some people may think it's not a very sexy gift, but that you take the time to think about and prepare for what she needs ought to make a difference. It would to me, if I were her.

I would only add that you should stash a little money in the case (if she needs gas or to make a phone call when the cell phone battery dies or something). [I have tried to stash money in the car, but my husband finds it and uses it without replacing it.] Also, put some kind of tape (Scotch or bandage) in there -- you'd be surprised how useful it can be.

[A. Guy]

>If your wife married you for your money, she must be vastly disappointed.

Yeah, because it's not like there's any way except Christmas gifts to benefit from your spouse's money.

God, I hate gifts! Just take my money and buy whatever you want, but don't make me read your mind. Thank God me and my wife figured that out long ago. The kids get gifts, of course.

[Dom]

Glove compartments are for gloves. Nothing else. Everyone knows that.

[Martin Price]

I did a similar thing a while ago but in a slightly different way. I gave my wife an "anti-parking ticket kit" (a roll of quarters) and an "anti-speeding ticket kit" (3 types of lip gloss she particularly happens to like). The level of thought went down surprisingly well - I figured I was treading a fine line by pointing out the excessive rate at which she got tickets.

[max]

its true!

[kman]

So at Christmas when your wife's family or friends came over flaunting their diamonds, new fur coats, gift certificates to the spa and such your wife proudly whipped out her 2 highly thoughtful, Dilbert Car Kits to show off?

[rita mae]

REMO says: [Tedious, boring and dull. Try and write about something that's at least slightly interesting.]

Rita Mae says: Hey, Remo. Go to another blog and crab at them. We like Scott just the way he is. Or start your own blog and try to come up with something that EVERYONE will say is brilliant everyday. PFFFTTTTTTTT.

Rita (don't mess with Scott) Mae

[sevendra]

Sounds a lot better than most of the gifts my ex got me. It's the thought that counts, provided the thinker is also a good listener.

My birthday was yesterday, btw. But I don't make much of a deal about it any more. I have almost everything I ever wanted already, and I am just happy to be alive.:)

[Chaykin]

Nice! Do you celebrate International Women's Day in your family? One thing worth mentioning - notice how wife reacts when you remind her of this kit and gauge how her mood changes afterwards.

[webar]

I am appalled.

Giving your wife a plastic box full of cheap junk is just... mean.

Keeping a constantly replenished supply of comfort items on hand is sweet and thoughtful, but trying to palm it off as a gift is totally unacceptable.

[Desiree]

If your wife married you for your money, she must be vastly disappointed.

[Jason]

awesome!

[Slap D. Monkey]

Nice idea, but I would add:
a telescoping back scratcher,
a travel pillow,
some hair clasps or pony tail holders,
and, of course, a vibrator (if mama ain't happy, nobody's happy).

[Mark Thorson]

The suggestion about needle
and thread is good. That
could be used to close a large
wound.

I forgot to mention cable
ties. They can be useful for
reattaching a radiator hose,
improvised handcuffs (use two
or more to extend length as
needed), and, of course, for
an emergency tourniquet.

[rita mae]

JERRY W. Shame on you. I loved it. Made me laugh hard. You were teasing, right? Wait until you wife and mother read that.

Rita Mae

[Mark Thorson]

A pen will go bad in the car,
whether you use it or not.
A pencil would be a reliable
choice, either a mechanical
pencil or a wood pencil plus
a sharpener.

Where's the spare key?

You also don't have any form
of cutting tool. A straight
razor wouldn't take much room,
and it could be a real life
saver, for example if you
needed to perform an emergency
tracheotomy.

[Menel]

Front load design? Not in any car I've had. Though not been many... I must admint, my old 92 Nissan, nor my 05 Acura. They both pulled out at an angle with a mostly top design.

A side, horizontal loading glove compartment would be very foolish design IMHO.

I'd hate to have my gun accidentally falling out every time I opened the compartment. As it's always the top item, most of the time it's inside my belt... but some places must put it away =/.

[infidel]

How about a small assortment of tools? Or a leatherman-esque toolset? We frequently try to open something on the way home from a store only to be foiled by the dastardly packaging.

[GLK]

Scott you hopeless romantic you!

Do you seriously think this is going to keep the home fires burning? I have never known a single woman whose heart would swell with fondness for the man who gives her the gift of a plastic tub full of "thoughtful" supplies. Maybe if I lived in Alaska where survival gear is taken more seriously? Or maybe if you included it in the trunk of a new Lexus. Yep, that'd do it.

[remo]

Tedious, boring and dull. Try and write about something that's at least slightly interesting

[Danial]

Not nearly so thoughtful as it was for getting brag rights with "your buddies down at the blog".

[Sondra]

Chapstick is addictive. Please switch brands.

[the omelette master]

Scott, surely you need a piece of some kind? Just in case.

[L. Silva]

When I get a new phone book I put the old one in the car in case I am looking for a place that I don't know the address. You can look it up in the phone book and will even have their number if you need to call for directions.

[Zzyzxmo]

Scott, you left out the "spare-tire-in-a-can".
If you live where your cursed with snow, you might want to also keep blankets and extra clothing and small snow shovel, tire chains, a cb radio with extra batteries, food and water. Don't forget your AAA card. Let's not forget the flare gun too.
If you live in the urban southern california area you might also want to include a tactical trunk monkey, and loaded twelve gauge shotgun in your easyrider rifle rack.

[Davesnothere]

Already been invented by Al "car kit" Wilson back in 1953.

Dave

[Lannie Kenton]

When you consider the fact that many of us eat in our cars, one of the things I have found useful is a spot remover. They have products that have Shout, or one of the other brands of spot remover, included in a wet nap-type packet, thus providing not only the cleaning solution but something to apply it. It's the perfect thing to have when you accidentally drip something on your shirt before a big meeting.

[ShirtBloke]

There's nothing new under the sun.
Hunter S. Thompson had this idea years ago.

"We had two bags of grass, seventy-five pellets of mescaline, five sheets of high-powered blotter acid, a saltshaker half-full of cocaine, and a whole galaxy of multi-colored uppers, downers, laughers, screamers... Also, a quart of tequila, a quart of rum, a case of beer, a pint of raw ether, and two dozen amyls. Not that we needed all that for the trip, but once you get into locked a serious drug collection, the tendency is to push it as far as you can."

[jerry w.]

My kit for when I go to work on a far from
home location would need to have the following:

A condom dispenser pack

Paper towels for in-car, ummm..... spills

Business cards with someone else's name on them

"Instant tan" cream to remove the wedding ring's tan gap

California wad (thirty one dollar bills between two crisp twenty dollar bills)

If my wife or one of her friends is reading this, remember it's a humor based blog.

http://boskolives.wordpress.com/

[Stargoat]

Scott,

I live near Chicago, and we have extremes in temperature. My kit has to alternate between seasons. I have got a plastic box with lid in the trunk of my car. I keep the following items for both picnics and emergencies.

Adjustable Wrench
Altoids
Aspirin (better for heart-attacks)
Atlas of the United States
Book, interesting
Bottle of Motor Oil, 10w30
Bottle of Windshield Washer Fluid, good to -40 degrees
Buck Knife
CAT 5e Cable, 7'
CAT 5e Cable, crossover, 7'
Chapstick, not Carmax (Carmax turns to liquid and gets everywhere when it gets over 100 degrees)
Duct tape
First Aid Kit
Flares
Insect Repellent
Jumper Cables
Matches
Pamphlet, common Midwestern birds
Pencil, Paper (ink can freeze)
Sun Screen
Two bottles of water, only in spring, summer, and fall
Two Hankerchiefs, one white, one plaid
Winter, Spring, Fall: Boots; Summer: Sandals and Boots
Wool Blanket

[minister of silly walks]

You forgot blow-up doll for the HOV lane.

[Peter Pancake]

How about one for wives to give their tailgating husbands.
It would include:
-Matches
-Spatula or tongs
-BBQ Sauce
-Small bottle of lighter fluid
-Sunglasses
-Small alcoholic beverage (sealed of course)
-Small collapsible chair
Granted this won't go under a seat, but its could be stored in the bed of a truck or back of car.

[Cathy D.]

Swiss army knife type thing--make sure it includes a wine corkscrew. You wouldn't believe how many times it comes to the rescue.

[BigMal27]

For the guys, don't forget the mechanical-type stuff they wish they had when the car breaks down. Store in a generic cardboard box, most likely an empty case of motor oil. I've tried to be comprehensive but I'm positive I'm missing something.

(Alcohol to make the emergency go away doesn't count -- in a true emergency you need your wits. Beer is for when you're working on the car at home with your buddies, especially when waiting for the wax to dry.)

Basic list for common emergencies:

* 4-5 quarts of oil (whatever your vehicle needs)
* 1 gallon of washer fluid (2 if it's winter)
* oil filter (the RIGHT one)
* tools necessary for an oil change (like filter wrench, oil drain plug socket, oil pan)
* Rags In A Box (NOT generic paper towels -- this is VERY thoughtful)
* big, flat piece of cardboard to lay on the ground (or even better, a mechanic's dolly or whatever you call it)
* cross-rim wrench (the sturdy X-type, not the cheap-o wrench that comes with the car)
* jumper cables (not home-made!)
* duct tape

Intermediate list (these should at least be in your garage or workshop, and you still need the Basic list):

* other fluids (antifreeze/coolant, brake, power steering, transmission) as necessary, based on how fast your car consumes them
* decent hydraulic jack (NOT those manufacturer-supplied joke jacks that come with the car)
* First Aid kit
* flashlight and spare bulbs, either rechargeable in the car or with spare batteries
* spare bulbs for the car (turn signals & brake lights most common)
* replacement wiper blades or just refills
* general screwdriver, allen wrench and socket set, along with locking and regular pliers, utility knife, electrical and decorative tapes, etc. (aw, heck, pack the whole toolbox!)
* various cleaners, both cosmetic (e.g. Armor All) and functional (like fuel and oil system cleaners, etc.)
* emergency flares
* 2nd roll of duct tape -- bonus points if it's not gray (black, clear, red, other color...)

Expert list (now we're getting fancy):

* battery-powered anything, but air compressor and portable car starter / batter recharger are most handy
* 12V tools, including vacuum cleaner, 120V AC inverter, and whatever else you can think of
* short work ramps and/or jack stands
* assortment of fuses (especially if you're using the 12V socket for tools!)
* duct tape of every color

Any additions, guys?

[Diana W]

It's a good idea as long as that's a supplemental present and not the main event. The one downside - you realize that you're forever obligated to keep it stocked, right?

[Art]

Let's see. . . For the road rager.
Really dark sunglasses.
A pack of smokes.
A pint of Yukon Jack.
A switchblade.
Extra ammo (your caliber here).
Fingerless gloves.
A get out of jail free card.

[Mike]

I think John MacEnroe had a quote which would suit this blog.

[Hillary]

This has nothing to do with your post today but I had a thought on the way to work this morning and it goes as follows:
I am a professed news junkie, mainly NPR. If feeds both sides of my brain and heart. So here's my new "how to save the world theory". If you aren't a news junkie then you may not know about the Arab man who went into an Isreali school and let loose on the kids with a rifle. This along with the Gaza strip mortar attacks are putting the very delicate peace process in danger so they're flying in Dr. Condi Rice to put them back on track. This tells us that she has great power and sway between the two sides that they would jet her in to get them back on track. They clearly respect her and listen to her. So who would be even more effective in that role? My answer is the voice over industry. Marketing using the power of the voice to get things done. If it's a celebrity voice all the better. I mean right now Mike Rowe has me convinced I need to buy a Ford F-150 truck. Everytime I hear Queen Latifa tell me pick up the phone and call Pizza Hut I come very close to doing it (yes that could also be seen as suicide but stay with me). So let's get their voice over people and do a conference call ( i figure their voice is more powerful than their presence unless they're very intimidating or distractingly beautiful/hansome looking) w/ the leader of all the parties. We can acknowledge Hamas and Hezbollah for a milisecond on the call. Get some copy writers and political writers, or just use some hippie "let's all love on another" peace song they can take turns reading the lines from and get that situation taken care of.

If this is successful then we can try it w/ Afgahanstan, Pakistand and Iraq. I bet somewhere in Hollywood is a great bin Laden impersonator.

[fatmantheinvincible]

The other part of the equation is to have a periodic inventory/restocking/maintenance plan:

1) toss/replace expired drugs
2) replace dried out wet naps (mine tend to dry out over time, even if they're properly sealed)
3) toss or eat the energy bar and replace it. Or use something with a longer shelf life, like beef jerky.

Other stuff that would be handy for almost anyone (if they're not already included in the first aid kit):
pen knife
matches/lighter
pen light
nail clippers
hand sanitizer
old cellphone and car charger (or you could keep this in your road emergency kit)

[Steven]

First of all, congrats on the thoughtful gift. I might do something similar. What kind of feedback from your spouse did you get?

I do have to ask, that isn't all your got your wife for xmas right? If it was I think you can rename your blog entry from "thoughful gift" to "Best selling author and millionaire gives wife box of crap for xmas"

[dennis]

Nice Scott NICE!!!!!

[Matt]

Absolutely Brilliant! Not only does this make a great "thoughtful" for cheapskates to give, it provides a huge benefits compared to the relitavely low cost. Scott, screw thoughtfulness! You should market this thing! And make even-more money than you know what to do with. Seriously, this is the kind of gift I need to pickup for my wife at Walmart or Target. C'mon, otherwise I have to make one myself, and.... I... don't... want... to... get... up... from... the... computer.

[Real Live Girl]

My glove compartment just holds car related paperwork and maps. So I have a small plastic box hidden in the car that has all those kit contents too, except the snack bar.

But I had to add other girly things: travel size hand/body lotion, kleenex, hand towel, antibacterial cleaning wipes and baby wipes (for sketchy public bathrooms at the beach) - along with the discretely packaged emergency feminine products.

On top is a folded sweatshirt in case I need something to sit on outdoors (or get cold while out and about), and a Padres baseball cap. It's come in handy a lot.

[dsg]

Hi Scott,

This is what happens when sentimentality interfaces with practicality. I hope your wife thought it was as thoughtful as you saw it. If so, it looks like your wife may have some nerdish traits. Sounds like a good match.

Leaving out the snack was a good idea, it would not survive. Sunglasses are a good idea, but not for the kit, they need to be ready at hand. Instead of wet napkin packets, put baby wipes in the kit. These have dual purposes in an emergency. They make good hand cleaners, or any other body part should the need arise, plus most come in re-sealable packages. Those are a top priority in my fishing boat.

I would make something like this for my wife, but any more stuff in her car is a bad idea. When we commuted together I could help her keep our car organized, now her car looks like her office, of well.

Thanks for the ideas,
dsg

[dave]

Needle/thead safety pins
disposable camera

[E]

Scott,

Excellent idea, two points. I'll do this for my lady as well... and it won't diminish my goodwill at all in her eyes when I tell her that I got the idea from you.

That is because she is the perfect woman.

[Muppet]

I can only imagine how many will reply with "you forgot this or that".

You already stole my reply when you said it's a purse. Actually, I call it a man's purse.

[Mokkery]

It's like an enhancement to a woman's purse -- it's all the things she needs, but doesn't necessarily want to carry in her purse. If there was a Nobel Purse Prize you would win for sure.

What would be really special is to wrap it up and hide it under the seat before a trip. Then when she needed something you could take it out and say "surprise!"

[HannahsDad]

Great idea! My friend had the opposite idea for his wife's birthday present last year.

He bought her a brand new Vespa Scooter, worth about $4000. Nothing wrong with that, but she works 300 miles away from their home (where the bike's kept) so she won't have a chance to ride it for the next 3 years. Also, she doesn't like scooters. And it wasn't even her birthday, it was 4 months early. He paid for it from their joint account.

He loves it.

[Bundy]

The sunglasses were definitely an initial oversight. Those are the one thing that my passenger is always wishing they had. The only other addition I can think of is lotion. Ladies love the moisturizers.

[rita mae]

Did I mention cell phone?

Rita Mae

[Craig]

You magnificent bastard!

[Jerry]

A flask of Jack Daniels - strictly for medicinal use only ;-) is an absolute MUST!

[rita mae]

Sorry. That IS what a purse is for, Scotty. And I never change purses. Leave my purse behind? What a joke. I take my purse everywhere. It contains my life. The only thing on your list I don't have in my purse is the contact lens stuff. I wear glasses. I don't poke things in my eyes.

I won a prize at a church dinner for having the purse that weighed the most. They had women bring their purses up to weigh them and my kids kept telling me to take mine up. I finally did and, of course, I won. Two pounds over the next woman. I have candy, scissors, tape measure, baby wipes, toys, playing cards, nasal spray, safety pins, hand sanitizer, ........

I really don't have time to list all the things I have in there ............. but, if it's not in my purse, you don't need it. AND, I know where everything is. So don't say I'm a pack rat. I need my shit.

Actually, my purse is a big black diaper bag, that looks like a purse. Inside I have little bags containing various products. Health care, tissues/baby wipes, makeup items, food, tools, toys, plastic cutlery, notebook & pen/pencil, etc. Not to mention my billfold with pictures, credit cards, et al. The kids laugh. But if they need something, who do they go to? You know the answer.

Rita "big tote mama" Mae

PS BTW, that is a nice kit you put together. It could fit in my purse, too, but would be superfluous.

[Billy Arvia]

Scott,

Isn't it funny how some days ideas for blogs flow like Niagara Falls and on other days the well runs dry...

http://triplebee.squarespace.com/journal/

[Sam Davis]

You realize, of course, you can set up a website and sell customized kits and make even more money than you're making now.

You go to the site, check the kit cover you want, then check items from a long list of choices. Then, you use your credit card or PayPal and it's shipped. You get a small discount for ordering more than one. It could be run out of your home, with arrangements made with a friendly company in Singapore or Mumbai to drop ship.

The typical man (like me) probably loves this idea, but, also typically, would prefer to pay someone else to do it and have it delivered.

Likely now that this is online, someone will take this idea and run. Maybe those two recent computer science grads in Mumbai wondering what kind of online business they can do that's unique.

Here it is, guys. You can send me an idea fee if you like, or let me write copy for your website.

[John]

Why's it called the DILBERT car kit? This has nothing to do with Dilbert, unless that's all you want to be known for.

Also, I vote for more posts about boobs.

[adora]

I always keep a kit in my car, I would also include Purell.
It's sweet if my boyfriend would have offer such kit for me in his car.

[Soso]

What about condoms?

[Mark Green]

I'm sure that, when historians ask, "Where did the tide finally turn against the evil that is Scott Adams?", they will point to today.

I didn't know you did thoughtful, Scott.