Yahoo Autos 50 Perfect Automotive Gifts: The Ultimate Gift Guide for Car Lovers
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This article was updated in November 2024 with new products and information.
Car enthusiasts are a particular bunch to buy gifts for, but that doesn't mean you have to play it safe. With years of gear-testing experience and more than a few thousand miles under our belt, we're here to help you find the right gift for the car lover in your life.
As the seasons change and the holidays rapidly approach, here are some details on our favorite products to get you started. With the rush of online shopping impending, don't wait too long before deciding on what you want to gift-wrap this year.
More Gift Ideas: Best Gifts for Motorcyclists | Best Gifts for Mechanics | Best Gifts for Overlanding and Car Camping
The Ultimate Gift Guide for Car Lovers
G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Floor Pedals
With dual-motor feedback and helical gearing, the G920 is the definitive sim racing wheel for the latest Xbox One and PC titles. On-wheel controls and paddle shifters are easy to access, and the separate pedal unit gives you natural, responsive control, with a nonlinear brake pedal that mimics the feel of high-performance vehicles.
Technic Porsche 911 RSR
Car people love to tinker. And what's more fun to tinker with than LEGO? Give the gift of creativity with this massive 1580-piece Porsche 911 RSR set. This LEGO Technic set is a massive hit with car lovers, and it's easy to see why. There are tons of realistic details built into this Porsche 911 to make it look like the real thing, including steering that works and a very detailed engine.
Chronograph 1 Hodinkee 2024 Edition
How would Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche have designed the Chronograph I today? After all, he is not only the designer of the timeless Porsche 911, but also the creator of the Chronograph I. Porsche Design and Hodinkee are bringing the legend back to life as part of an exciting trilogy – for anyone who wants to feel the Porsche legend on their wrist.
Ray-Ban Scuderia Ferrari Sunglasses
Ray-Ban is the official eyewear manufacturer for Scuderia Ferrari, and these red/black shades come in five colorways. Ray-Ban offers 24 (!) styles of Ferrari shades, so pick the one that best suits your favorite car lover.
Windshield Head Up Display
Heads-up display is all the rage these days, and rightfully so, By displaying information closer to where your eyes are while driving, checking your speed becomes less of a distraction. But what if you want to see more information on your vehicle? This heads-up display shows coolant temperature, engine RPMS, and more. It simply plugs into your OBD-II port and mounts on your dashboard.
Adobe Road Racing Series Wine Gift Box
The Racing Series by Adobe Road is comprised of four ultra-premium, California red blends inspired by the race track. The Box includes 750ml bottles of Apex Red, Redline Red, Shift Red Blend, and the 24 GSM blend. Total Wine ships nationwide or you can order this box online, and pick it up at a local store.
Wolfbox G840S Mirror Dash Cam/Backup Camera
When the Gear Team tested backup cameras, we named the G840S our Best Overall. The team said the Wolfbox "has it all and then some: a massive 12.0-inch display that doubles as a mirror, a high-quality camera that performs fantastically well both day and night, and an integrated dashcam built into the display for recording what's going on in front of you as well."
Backseat 3 in 1 Car Charging Station
As your passengers enjoy more and more electronic devices, the demand for charging them grows. This backseat charging station aims to solve that, offering three varying USB-style charging ports. It mounts to a headrest and the cords coil back up into the housing to prevent tangles and messes.
Road & Track All-Access Membership
Give your car-lover a behind-the-scenes look at Road & Track magazine with a Road & Track All Access membership. They'll receive unlimited digital access to RoadandTrack.com including exclusive content, Road & Track magazine delivered to their doorstep, invitations to virtual editor roundtables hosted by R&T editors, inclusion on Road & Track’s member-only R&T Insider newsletter, and discounts and free shipping on the Road & Track online shop. It’s the perfect gift for the ultimate enthusiast.
Genuine Leather Driving Gloves
Want to gift the car lover in your life something meaningful without breaking the bank? Consider a pair of driving gloves. In addition to keeping steering wheels clean and undamaged, driving gloves can help protect skin from blistering during constant hard driving. Plus, they look cool, especially when they're used to steer a vintage car.
Studebaker 3-Speed Turntable/Radio with Bluetooth
Everyone knows by now that vinyl is back, and we can't imagine a better garage, workshop, or she-shed turntable for any car lover. With glossy paint right off a ‘57 Chevy, this unit not only sounds great but its retro style complete with chrome push-button controls is undeniably fun. While it surely won't deliver audiophile-quality sound, its kitsch value is undeniable and yes, it works just fine. With an AM/FM stereo radio and Bluetooth capabilities, you can stream music, podcasts, or anything else. It's a great gift idea.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Keeping your eye on your vehicle's tire pressure is very important. Many new vehicles these days come with this option, but for older cars, you might need to buy a kit separately. This set from Tymate does the trick—the solar-powered display mounts on your dash, and reads tire pressure via individual sensors on the valve stems. The system can alert rapid air leakage, high pressure, and more to keep everyone in the vehicle safe.
Beyond City Limits, Austin, TX
Buckle up for curated group drives through the region’s finest roads led by Road & Track editors. Gear up for an adventure through the heart of Texas, including stays at boutique hotels, and unforgettable culinary indulgences. Participants will step into a Formula 1 driver’s shoes and take on the track at COTA. Immerse yourself in all things automotive on this down-south adventure and create long-lasting memories with fellow enthusiasts and Road & Track editors alike.
Escort MAX360C Laser Radar Detector
If your favorite car lover has an issue with speeding tickets, consider gifting this radar detector from Escort. While it's not cheap, you could spend a lot more. It's one of the very best on the market. Stay alert, stay safe.
Engine Block Coffee Table
For a real conversation starter, check out this engine-block coffee table. For even more customization, you can choose from a variety of color options. The tables begin as GM 4.8/5.3L blocks, which slowly morph into the table thanks to the addition of some pistons and a slab of glass. For a truly unique table, you can't go wrong with this.
Jack Daniel's McLaren Racing Limited Edition Whiskey
A celebration of JD's collaboration with McLaren's F1 racing team. The ideal gift for whiskey lovers and Formula 1 fans, it's available at our local Total Wine store and is available for shipping (but only to some states).
Weather Resistant 800mA 12V Battery Charger
We can't imagine a car lover who couldn't use one of these. This rugged weather-resistant battery charger and maintainer has all the features of best-selling Battery Tenders in a mountable water-resistant package. This 800-milliamp battery charger is also shock- and vibration-resistant. It's perfect for all types of ATVs, personal watercraft, motorcycles, boats, and other recreational vehicles that may be exposed to the elements.
IQAir Atem Car Portable HEPA Air Purifier
The road outside is filled with harmful air pollutants, like disease soot and sulfur dioxide. The AQ Atem car air purifier sets out to capture these pollutants in our car. Affixed to the headrest, this sleek and compact air purifier uses hyper HEPA filters to turn out the purest air to breath for you and your loved ones. This air purifier is a great long-term health solution for car enthusiasts who want to prioritize their well-being while on the road.
Car and Driver Intellidash Pro X10 Wireless Carplay
Bring Apple CarPlay or Android Auto into any car with the top-of-the-line Intellidash Pro X 10. Access music streaming, explore maps, make calls, and send and receive messages hands-free and on the go. Featuring larger icons, a simplified interface, and easy-to-use voice actions, your favorite driver can minimize distractions and stay focused on the road.
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Whether there are kids at home or someone is trying to find their inner child, a Lego set is a foolproof gift for any of the car lovers in your life. This Lego Technic Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 pays homage to the modern classic with two pull-back motors for racing fun once complete. At $40, it's hard to beat the joy this toy will bring. And if the Mustang isn't your thing, feel free to find a car of your choosing, with hundreds of models available.
Finish Line Socks
Socks. They're a tried-and-true option you can never go wrong with. The Hoonigan Finish Line socks, in particular, are a good bet for car enthusiasts, especially those with some drifting aspirations. These cotton-derived, standard calf socks provide a solid cushion while letting everyone know about your driving skill, real or not.
BougeRV 12 Volt Portable Refrigerator/Freezer
We named this BougeRV our Best Compact Car Cooler in our test. It's smaller than many of these devices, so it'll fit nicely in almost any vehicle for tailgating, car camping, and road trips. The perfect gift for any auto enthusiast.
Velox Magnetic Wireless Air Vent Mount
A sleek and powerful wireless charging mount from iOttie designed specifically for MagSafe-compatible iPhones (12 and newer). It keeps your device fully accessible and at a perfect at-a-glance viewing angle thanks to the adjustable rotating ball joint. Siliconized prongs provide a secure and easy installation. With powerful magnets and up to 7.5W of wireless charging power, you'll never have to worry about running out of battery again.
Car Tracker
If you're a worried parent of a new driver, or the concerned child of an older one, keeping tabs on the location of your loved one's vehicle can bring priceless peace of mind. Bouncie plugs into the OBD-II port in any car and for just $8 a month updates a vehicle's location every 15 seconds while a person is driving. Not only can you keep tabs on the vehicle via Google Maps, but you'll get real-time notifications in the event of an accident.
GoPro HERO12 Black Waterproof
If your car enthusiast loves going out on track days or slaying autocross cones on weekends, they'll need an action camera to record their best moments. GoPro remains the go-to action cam for enthusiasts, and the waterproof HERO12 can capture it all from anywhere. GoPro has a ton of assorted mounting mechanisms perfect for car enthusiasts. Whether you want to mount the camera on your helmet, windshield, or roll cage, there's an accessory for you.
Garmin Dash Cam 57
This pocket-sized Garmin dash camera goes virtually unnoticed on your windshield. It automatically records and saves video of incidents with GPS location, plus date and time. A wide 140-degree lens records 1440p HD video with Garmin Clarity HDR optics for crisp detail. Voice control lets you use spoken commands to save video, start/stop audio recording, take still pictures, and more.
Gran Turismo 7 25th Anniversary Edition
Driving in the real world costs money. From gas to tires and brake wear, it can seem like enjoying a drive is never a cost-free endeavor. But you can still experience driving joy without necessarily jumping in your own car, thanks to the newly updated Gran Turismo 7 25th Anniversary Edition. Gran Turismo has always been at the forefront of racing-game development, and this version is no exception, with all your favorite cars and tracks. Enjoy the drive from the comfort of your home; your wallet will breathe a sigh of relief.
Road & Track T-Shirts
Make a statement with these ultra-soft tees from Road & Track or Car and Driver. Whether your favorite car lover is the type to go for a quippy slogan or something more understated, one thing is for certain—they’re an enthusiast through and through.
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Even if your favorite driver already has a set of wireless earbuds or AirPods, these newer-model Pro 2s improve the listening experience. With ANC and four sizes of tips, they can also listen to select songs, shows, and movies in Dolby Atmos. And with Siri Interactions, a simple nod "yes" or shake of the head "no" replies to Siri when it asks if you’d like to hear a message, answer a call, or manage a notification.
Mechanics Tool Set
Any driveway mechanic will tell you that hand tools have a way of sprouting legs and making a run for it, and are usually successful in getting away. Refresh your favorite car tinkerer's kit with this DeWALT Mechanic's Tool Set. It comes in 84-, 172-, 205-, and 247-piece configurations in a hardshell blow-molded case with 72-tooth ratchets.
Car Cover
If you're looking for a car cover, we were pleasantly surprised with the EzyShade overall. It's a funky mix between a universal and model-specific car cover—make sure you use the sizing chart to get the right one for your vehicle. For an outdoor car cover that'll protect your ride against all but the worst elements, we like the EzyShade.
Eye2Pro Dashcam
An affordable dashcam makes a great gift for any driver. Car and Driver's Road Patrol Dash Cam features 1080p HD video and a supplemental in-cabin camera, and it mounts easily via a suction cup. The 3-inch touchscreen is a cinch to use, and the 150-degree wide-angle front camera and 110-degree interior camera simultaneously capture the road ahead and the vehicle's cabin. The built-in GPS automatically records your favorite car lover's driving route, location, and speed, ensuring they have all the information they need for every journey.
For the complete package, including a hard-wired rear camera, opt for the Nextbase 622GW front- and rear-camera kit. It's a gem.
Road Trip Hits Air Fresheners
Let's face it, our cars don't always smell the best inside. Whether it's burning oil, stale lunch, or just the classic Volkswagen crayon smell, there are odors you don't want sticking around. Thankfully, D.S. & Durga, a New York City–based fragrance and candle company, has got you covered with a set of five automotive-inspired air fresheners.
The Road Trip Hits Collection features rearview mirror hangable scents like "Big Sur After Rain" or "85 Diesel" that mimic classic roads or classic car interiors for your nose's enjoyment. Trust us, they all smell much better than Little Tree's Black Ice.
Car Wash Kit
A car wash kit is always a thoughtful gift for car lovers. Honestly, we could have gone with almost any kit on the market, but we've used Chemical Guys products extensively and have always found them to be top-notch and affordable. This 16-piece kit has everything a car nut could want when it comes to taking care of their most prized possessions.
For a more affordable car wash and wax kit, we recommend this excellent one from Meguiar's.
Stone Air Freshener/Odor Eliminator
Drift car air fresheners are made to uproot your typical air freshener with sophisticated, functional designs and organic designer and luxury-grade scents. Crafted with natural essential and fragrance oil blends to deliver a great scent free of harmful chemicals all day, this set includes a metal clip to attach to your car visor.
Tesla Charging Adapter J1772
Everyone knows Tesla cars are outliers, and that includes their charging stations. If your car lover owns a non-Tesla EV, this J1772 Charging Adapter from Lectron will allow them to access more than 15,000 Tesla charging stations in the U.S. We want to point out that the J1772 is not compatible with Tesla Superchargers—only Level 1 and 2 Tesla chargers.
Better still, if your family has more than one EV and one of them is a Tesla, now you can use the same charging station for all your EVs. Best of all, it stashes easily in the trunk or glove box.
Bowers & Wilkins PX8 McLaren Edition
It's the official audio supplier to McLaren automobiles, so it's only natural that British company Bowers & Wilkins would develop a pair of its top-notch "cans" with McLaren style. The PX8s are possibly the best over-ear headphones we've ever had the pleasure of slipping over our ears. The sound and the fit are lush, and the easy-to-use B&W app lets you dial in noise-canceling, EQ settings, and more, to your liking. We're never taking them off!
OBD-II Diagnostic Scanner
You could spend a bundle on a feature-laden OBD-II scanner, but unless your favorite car lover is a pro mechanic or serious garage rat, it'll be more diagnostic power than they'll ever use. Instead, opt for this easy-to-use and affordable model from MotoPower. It'll tell them everything they need to know when an idiot light comes on.
For complete diagnostics, choose the Foxwell NT604 Elite. It scans and diagnoses SRS/airbags, check engine, transmission issues, and ABS systems.
Air Compressor Kit
You could buy your favorite car lover any of a number of portable air compressors to toss in their trunk. But if we're gifting an air compressor to a real car nut, we're going big-time with this Viair heavy-duty kit. It clamps directly to the car's battery leads, and with 150 psi of working pressure, it's powerful enough to inflate even off-road tires on trucks and jeeps. Getting a flat tire miles from a service station can spell doom, even if you've got a plug kit handy. But this kit will get you back on the road in no time.
RC Cars
The old adage "fun for all ages" is rarely more apt than when RC cars are involved. This Bugatti Divo is hot and speedy and comes equipped with a rechargeable 7.4V 900mAh battery, which has 40 minutes of run time at maximum power and full charge. It seems to light up the faces of children and adults alike, as long you can keep it in one piece.
Car Cover
This premium all-weather, UV-protected 18-layer iCarCover comes in multiple sizes to fit cars of all types. Weatherproof, fitted, and durable, it makes a useful and affordable gift. Corrosion, water damage, and UV rays all work together to destroy your car, but a car cover helps keep these forces at bay. For those with project cars living outside, or even older models prone to corrosion, a car cover is a must.
For our money, car covers by AmazonBasics are a fine option. Made of heavy-duty marine-grade 150D Oxford polyester, they also come in multiple sizes to fit most any car.
Auto Portraits
We spend a lot of time in our cars, sometimes without a say in the matter. As cars lurch through traffic around the world, you can take solace in knowing you're not in it while paging through Michael Spano's Auto Portraits book. Chock-full of scenes from Manhattan rush hour, you'll get a glimpse into the madness and monotony that is NYC traffic without having to endure it. I think we can all be thankful for that.
Honda Vintage Distressed Civic T-Shirt
We love vintage automotive shirts, and this one from Popfunk celebrates the iconic Civic in all its throwback glory. Featuring a cool blue background with a classic Civic font and the car star of the show, it's a must-have for any JDM fan.
Maybe Hondas aren't your thing. Maybe you're a muscle-car person. If so, check out these vintage domestic manufacturer shirts from Joe Blow Tees for all your Mustang and Camaro needs.
Truck Bed Tent
Truck lovers are always looking for ways to utilize all that space, and truck bed tents are improving in quality and affordability every year. This Backroadz two-person truck bed tent makes a great gift for any truck owner. It comes in multiple sizes and styles, and features a full floor, rain fly and storm flaps, and plenty of windows.
Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
Tire pressure is an important thing. Even if your tire doesn't appear low, just a few PSI away from the ideal tire pressure can lead to heavy steering, poor fuel efficiency, and sloppy handling. For precise pressure readings, having a Digital Tire Pressure Gauge handy is key. Whether you're optimizing for track use or just keeping your daily ride in shape, this gauge from AstroAI is sleek, lightweight, and will read exact pressures for years to come. It also comes with a flashlight to help find the tire valve stem on low-light occasions.
Windshield Sun Shade
Tired of burning your hands shifting into gear or buckling your seatbelt? When all else fails, you can't go wrong gifting a windshield sun shade. After all, most of us are still rocking the ones we got for Christmas five years ago. This EcoNour is one of the most popular sun shades on Amazon, is often on sale, and works as well as any of them.
Electric Pressure Washer
While it's not strong enough to strip a deck, the Sun Joe SPX3000 is ideal for washing automobiles, RVs, and boats. The 14.5-amp/1800-watt motor generates up to a claimed 2030 psi and 1.76 GPM, and it comes with two onboard detergent tanks and five distinct angle tips, plus a 20-foot hose, 35-foot power cord, garden hose adapter, and two-year warranty. Perfect for eliminating those corrosive elements like salt and moss.
We also like the Greenworks Pro 2300 electric pressure washer. It comes with a three-year tool and 10-year motor warranty.
Remote Start System
If your favorite driver lives in a harsh climate or drives an older vehicle, consider gifting this affordable remote start system. You get two transmitter key fobs to start, stop, and unlock vehicles up to 1500 feet away. It's a bare-bones option, but is useful to get the AC or heater up and running when the weather is extreme. Don't be afraid to have a professional install these systems—they can be daunting.
For a fully featured remote start automotive security system that works up to a full mile away, opt for the Viper Responder LC3.
Bell Racing K1 Pro Racing Helmet
Track driving is always a great time, and—as any track rat will tell you—it becomes an addiction. You legally get to push your car to the limits, and with minimal things to hit, what's not to love? Safety equipment is a big part of what makes the experience so fun. To keep your noggin in check, and within the regulations of most SCCA events, the Bell K1 Pro Helmet is a midrange option with all the right features.
It's Snell SA2020 certified, meaning you can take it to just about any track day. But it's also got price-point leading creature comforts, like direct flow vents, integrated channels for communications systems, and anchor attachment for HANS neck devices.
Why Trust Us?
With the legacies of Autoweek, Car and Driver, and Road & Track behind us, the Hearst Autos Gear Team is more concerned with our readers' trust than with our bottom line. We won't tell you to buy something if we wouldn't buy it ourselves or recommend it to our friends, and we'll never claim to have used or tested something if we haven't.
We've evaluated dozens of products, from catalytic converter protectors and EV car chargers to foam cannons. Our picks and recommendations of products and gear are based on testing and knowledge, not hype.
