Gift Ideas for Bikers

​What to Buy a Biker for Birthdays or Christmas?

This may seem like an odd question for this blog, but what gifts do you buy for bikers? Since I'm married to one, it's a question I have to ask every year on  gift giving occasions. 

Cruising into our seventh (my gosh) Christmas together...I'm still no expert. But luckily, I know someone who is.

​So if you are shopping for someone who is deeply into motorcycles, and you are wondering what in the world to get them, the answers are right here. ​

Okay. 

There is only ONE universal answer. 
​
Another motorcycle. 

Chances are that may not be in your budget, so let's look at some biker approved gift ideas that are a little more realistic: 

Note: When I say "biker" here, I'm talking old-school, Easy Rider  guys and gals. Although some gifts may suit any enthusiast, this is the group I know the best. 

They can be the easiest group to buy for (anything motorcycle is good) or the hardest group to buy for (they already own just about everything you can think of).

Most of them are brand enthusiasts, so a Harley-Davidson person is going to love anything with Harley-Davidson on it.

(Which is why I'm stuck with a Harley-Davidson shower curtain in my bathroom.) 
​
So, here's what works: 

Stocking Stuffer or Gift Basket Items for Bikers

Mugs 

Traditional coffee mugs with images of bikes or a brand logo. Personalized is always a nice touch.

Insulated travel mugs are getting pretty popular too, since more new bikes are equipped with cup holders. 

Keychains

Again, anything with a motorcycle-related image is hawt, as are keychains with biker quotes.

Durable, heavy, metal is better than plastic or acrylic, and those with a clip attached make for more secure keys. (Pretty important not to lose your house keys out on the highway somewhere!) 

Wallets

Wallets with chains are popular because there is less chance of losing them while riding.

Not everyone likes this style though, but just about any nice leather wallet is a welcome gift. Personalized wallets and those with tooled decorations are super nice. 

Small Riding Accessories

According to my resident expert, small accessories such as riding gloves, bandanas, knit hats, etc. are cool to get as gifts. But not so much the big ticket items such as chaps, jackets, vests, etc. which a rider probably wants to pick for him or herself. 

Helmets seem like a good idea, but they all fit differently, so unless you know for sure, don't get something like this. The rider may have a particular brand or style they prefer. 

Another, often overlooked accessory used by men and women alike are hair ties. Riding with long hair means lots of snarls and possibly a good hair lashing. (looks cool in movies, actually stings in real life.) 

Cosmetics 

Lady biker? How about waterproof eyeliner and mascara? Don't forget some durable nail polish ( I personally like to match my polish to the bike when I ride) and lip balm with sunscreen. 

Did you know wearing eyeliner while riding is not just a sexy style statement? It also helps to cut road glare. Since both a rider and a passenger need to be watchful, the eyes need a lot of protection. 

Also, all that wind and sun can be a killer for the skin, so lotion, face and hand cream, and sunscreen are good gifts too. Don't forget to throw in a compact mirror for those on-the-go mascara checks. 

Saddle Bag Emergency Supplies

At the very least, a good saddlebag will have a tire gauge and a flashlight. Small LED flashlights are an excellent, inexpensive stocking stuffer and can be incredibly useful out there on the road. 

And of course, you can never have too many tire gauges. They disappear as fast as scissors. 

One thing that stays in ours these days is a small, waterproof bag with some basic first aid supplies. Bandaids, pain killer, alcohol pads, tweezers, and a card with contact numbers and any special medical info. 

I also recommend a laminated card with this information for that new wallet, since bike accidents can happen and emergency responders need that information. 

Lighter

Just about any lighter will do, buta Zippo is still the best since it can be lit even in windy, damp conditions. And trust me, I've seen guys use a lighter to fix a huge variety of mini-emergencies in a flash. 

Gift Card

Bikers love to ride, and when they ride, they get hungry. Throw in a couple of gift cards for the their favorite restuaraunt. 

Or, just give them a gift card they can spend on that one motorcycle tool or toy they are definitely going to see while out and about. 

Other small things can include: 

• Magnets
• Coasters
• Pens 
• Sunshade case
• Thermal socks
• Personalized phone case
• Watch
• Biker decals for their car or truck
• Belt buckles
• Jewelry
• Snack items
• Candy
• Picture​

​Biker Gifts For Under the Tree

​If you have a Harley lover, like me, then shopping is pretty easy because you find H-D everything. Literally.

​But bikers often like stuff other than just their favorite brand logo. These include items that go with the lifestyle, even if they don't specifically say "biker".

This includes emblems such as flags and eagles, and vintage items such as road signs and jukeboxes. Also the "badass" stuff like skulls, reapers, tattoos, wild animals, etc.

Here are a few ideas: 

Harley-Davidson Seat Covers

Yep. You can make their other vehicle look like their favorite vehicle. You can get floormats, seatcovers, steering wheel covers and other car accessories with several styles of the H-D logo. 

Small Igloo Cooler

Long trips or all-day events mean racking up a heck of a bill for snacks and beverages. Small coolers can be strapped to luggage racks and they pair nicely with the travel mug. 

Throw Blanket

A thick biker-themed throw blanket is great for at home or keeping in the truck. Some are pretty attractive for tossing over a bed too. (And warm!)

Wall Art

You knew that was coming, right? Motorcycle paintings, photo prints, posters, etc. are all good choices.

Depending on your giftee's style, other artwork such as tattoo style art, skulls, eagles, etc. may also be a good choice. Even quote art!

Motorcycle Photo Frames

For that great motorcycle artwork. You have a lot of choice when it comes to motorcycle photo frames.

You can find anything, from elegant to kitschy, steampunk to rustic. My husband has a ceramic frame that has a huge 3-D gas pump stuck to it. Yikes. 

Digital Frame

Are these out of vogue now? Maybe so, but I bought my favorite biker a digital frame last year and he keeps it in his shop office filled with photos of bikes he has owned or restored/repaired for other people.

It's a perpetual slideshow of his life in bikes, along with photos of his riding buddies (some of whom are no longer with us). It makes for some great nostalgia and works as a conversation starter with other enthusiasts. He loves it. 

Signs

Oh yes. I battle the signs all the time. They keep creeping into the house, and I keep sending them back to the shop. 

Vintage signs, such as road signs (especially iconic signs like Route 66) are good choices. And of course, the signs that say things such as "motorcycle parking". 
 
There are also personalized options like "Ted's Garage" or "Ted's Harley Parking". You can browse Etsy for some cool ideas and designs. ​

​
​Puzzle and Game Box

Model motorcycle (or car) kits are a timeless way to have fun when the weather is too bad for riding.

Don't forget jigsaw puzzles and a deck of custom cards. If they are mechanically minded, then desktop gadgets and gizmos are fun to tinker with too. 

Desk Accessories

Because riding isn't (usually) a day job. But some motorcycle themed organizers can make the weekend wait a little more tolerable. Plus, they make great conversation pieces. 

• Biker mousepad
• Motorcycle organizer
• Sticky Notes

Clocks

There are tons of awesome clocks out there to choose from. Traditional styles, motorcycle-themed clocks, and even neon "pub" clocks. Every shop needs a cool clock. Or maybe two. 

Tools

Always tools. I do recommend doing a bit of sleuthing or straight up asking for a list of tools. Tools are almost as personal and touchy as leathers. 

I highly recommend one of these portable chargers. Not only did ours keep my husband from being stranded one day, they are pretty awesome in the house for charging phones. 

Home Accessories

And of course you can always find some themed accessories such as: 

• Bar stools
• Mirrors
• Lights
• Bar ware
• Dinner ware
• Knick-knacks
• Sheets and bedding
• Shower Curtains
• Rugs
• Banks
• Collectibles

T-Shirts

Last but not least, don't forget the biker wardrobe. My husband's side of the closet had, at last count, 78 motorcycle themed black tees, 15 in grey, 6 in white, and 2 in orange.

That's proof that you can't go wrong with a good, old-fashioned graphic tee.