10 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Your Carpool or Vanpool Crew
Valentine's Day isn’t just for romantic partners—it's also the perfect time to show your carpool or vanpool crew some love. After all, these are the people who endure your questionable morning moods and DJ skills. Here are ten fun gift ideas to surprise your commuting BFFs this year:
1. Personalized Travel Mugs
Nothing says “I appreciate you” like a mug with their name or an inside joke etched onto it. Bonus points if you fill it with their favorite coffee—because who doesn’t want a caffeine boost to survive your 8 a.m. rants?
2. Curated Commute Playlist
Want to flex your DJ muscles? Create a playlist with everyone’s favorite bops… and be sure to include some nostalgic bangers. Think sing-along classics and songs for your commute that spark a carpool karaoke session. Who needs James Corden when you’ve got your own vanpool?
3. Car Air Fresheners with a Twist
Upgrade the commute vibe with quirky air fresheners. Whether it’s lavender for the chill vibes or “new car smell” to mask last week’s fast-food run, it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
4. Snack Packs
You can never go wrong with snacks. Assemble packs filled with trail mix, granola bars, or their guilty pleasure candy. They’ll appreciate it when the mid-commute hunger strikes. Pro tip: label the snacks “For Emergencies Only” for extra laughs.
5. Portable Phone Chargers
For the person who’s always at 2% battery—you know who you are. Keep everyone’s phones juiced up so they can scroll Insta instead of awkwardly pretending to look out the window.
6. Fun Car Games
Make the ride more interactive with travel-sized games or conversation starter cards. “Would You Rather” at 7 a.m.? Absolutely. Try not to laugh too hard when someone inevitably admits they’d rather fight a duck-sized horse.
7. Customized Keychains
Carpool Bestie keychains? We love that for you. Whether it’s a funny nickname, an emoji, or something that screams “We survived this commute together,” these tiny trinkets will bring a smile to their face.
8. Reusable Shopping Bags
Stylish and sustainable, these foldable bags are perfect for quick errands or spontaneous Trader Joe’s runs. Plus, they’ll remember you every time they use them—like when they overestimate their spinach needs for the third week in a row.
9. Inspirational Quote Cards
Imagine starting your commute with a card that says, “You’ve got this,” or “Coffee first, adulting second.” Hand out a new quote each day to set the tone for a positive and slightly less grumpy ride. Because nothing screams millennial like starting your day with caffeine and a (slightly cringy) motivational mantra, amiright?
10. ConnectingVA Ride Home Rewards Program
The ultimate gift that keeps on giving. Introduce your carpool or vanpool crew to the ConnectingVA Ride Home Rewards program, courtesy of goCommute and DRPT. It’s like getting rewarded for doing something you’re already doing—except now there’s an incentive to keep it up. Save money, reduce traffic, and improve air quality? Yes, please!
Why These Gifts Matter
Aside from solidifying your title as “Commuter Solutions MVP,” these thoughtful gifts make the ride more enjoyable and stress-free. Plus, incorporating songs for your commute and other goodies will have everyone excited to hop in the car. Sustainable commuting never looked so fun.
About goCommute
At goCommute, we’re all about making your commute smoother, greener, and more rewarding. Our commuter services are designed to reduce traffic, improve air quality, and save you money. Whether you’re carpooling, vanpooling, or just trying to make your journey more enjoyable, we’ve got you covered.
This Valentine’s Day, show your commuting crew some love. You’ll not only brighten their day but also make your shared ride a little sweeter. And remember—you’re all in this (traffic) together!