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Car enthusiasts are naturally meticulous and picky about their preferences, so shopping for them during the holiday season can be a challenge. I know from experience because I'm one of those people.
If you don't have the know-how or the funds to gift them the rare and expensive cars or parts they dream of, there are still a ton of cool and useful gifts any car lover will appreciate. To make shopping for the car enthusiasts on your list easier, I rounded up 32 clever gift ideas they'll be happy to receive.
Most of these items are available with two-day shipping, so don't stress too hard about your last-minute shopping — just remember that the sooner you order, the better your chances of a timely arrival.
Still shopping for more gifts? Check out all of Insider Picks' holiday gift guides for 2018 here.
A wooden gift crate filled with auto-care products
Man Crates Auto Care Crate, available at Man Crates, $99.99
Man Crates has a huge selection of gifts for men, and the Auto Car Crate is the perfect choice for the car-loving guy on your list. Instead of giving him a delicately wrapped gift with a bow on top, he'll need to use the included crowbar to pry open the crate. Inside, you'll find Chemical Guys Honeydew Snow Foam Auto Wash, a Chemical Guys Ultimate Fire Hose Car Wash Nozzle, a scratch-free chenille wash mitt, three professional grade microfiber towels, and a collapsible bucket.
An Alexa-enabled car charger
Roav Viva by Anker with Amazon Alexa, available at Amazon, $49.99
Most people enjoy using Alexa in their homes, but the Roav Viva by Anker now makes it possible to bring it on the road. Simply plug it in the 12-volt adapter and gain voice-controlled access to music, directions, audiobooks, and more. It also provides two USB high speed charging ports for your devices.
A smartphone mount
iOttie Easy One Touch 4 Phone Mount, available at Amazon $24.95
Car lovers would much rather spend their money on cool parts and accessories than pay a hefty fine for using a phone while driving. Giving them the iOttie Easy One Touch 4 is like giving the gift of safety. It can be mounted to the dash or windshield, and is compatible with all smartphones.
A car cleaning kit
Chemical Guys 16-Piece Car Wash Bucket Kit, available at Amazon, $99.99
They say a clean car always drives better, so any auto lover will appreciate The Chemical Guys 16-Piece Car Wash Kit. It includes wash soap, detail spray, glass cleaner, wheel cleaner, cream wax, tire shine, and professional grade accessories like a wheel cleaning brush, scratch-free microfiber cloths, and a wash mitt.
A Bluetooth aux adapter
Mpow Bluetooth Aux Adapter, available at Amazon, $15.99
If you're shopping for someone who recently upgraded or will soon be upgrading to a smartphone without a 3.5mm auxiliary port, the Mpow Bluetooth Aux Adapter is an extremely thoughtful gift. Rather than spending hundreds on a new Bluetooth-compatible car stereo, they'll be able to pair their phone via Bluetooth with ease. I recently bought this and had great results in my own car. Read my full review here.
The Brush Hero
Brush Hero Water-Powered Wheel Brush, available at Amazon $39.99
One of the hardest areas to clean on a car is the wheels — especially if they're a tightly woven pattern. The "Shark Tank"-featured Brush Hero harnesses water pressure from a garden hose to knock away dirt and grime without ruining the finish of wheels. After testing it on my own car, I know that any car enthusiast will appreciate the amount of time this clever device can save them.
An Alexa-enabled navigation system and dash cam
Garmin Speak Plus with Amazon Alexa and Dash Cam, available at Amazon, $149.99
Designed to provide turn-by-turn directions with a clear, unobstructed view while driving, the Garmin Speak Plus is super compact. With Alexa integration, they'll never have to pull out their phone to get directions, control music or make a phone call. On top of that, the windshield-mounted device has a built-in camera for added safety like forward collision and lane departure warnings.
A die cast model car
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible Black 1/18 Diecast Model Car, available at Target, $46.99
Realistically, the vintage car enthusiast on your holiday list probably wants a real vintage car — but that may not be completely possible. If the 1957 Chevy Bel Air they've been dreaming of isn't quite in your budget, a die-cast model car is the next best thing.
A LEGO Bugatti Chiron
LEGO Technic Bugatti Chiron Building Kit, available at Amazon, $349.95
If they're more interested in new cars than old ones, this gift is sure to please. The LEGO Technic Bugatti Chiron is nothing like the LEGOs they played with as a kid. This 3599-piece kit can be built into a stunning supercar that auto enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy building. The $350 price tag might sound like a lot, but it definitely beats the $3 million price tag of a real Chiron.
A remote-controlled drift car
RC Racing Drift Car, available at Amazon, $56.99
Unlike most remote controlled (aka RC) cars with basic controls, the Drift Furious Turbo 9 RC car can effortlessly slide around corners like a high performing drift car. If you're shopping for a drifter or a kid who has grown tired of their normal RC cars, they'll definitely get a kick out of this one.
Two personalized leather keychains
JooJoobs Custom Leather Keychain, available at Etsy, $36.75
Most car enthusiasts are all about customization and that even includes minor details like keychains. These custom leather keychains can be personalized just for them. For $47 you can get one side of each keychain stamped with words or letters of your choice. For $57 you can have both sides done.
A Tile Mate keychain
Tile Mate, available at Amazon, $19.99 for one or $59.99 for four
Going on a spirited drive will almost certainly put a smile on the face of a car enthusiast, but without car keys, it won't be possible. The Tile Mate Key Finder is an easy solution to keep track of the keys. It attaches to your key ring, syncs to your smartphone via Bluetooth, and can be tracked down using GPS on the Tile App. A map shows where that specific Tile Mate is so you can better locate it. Tile Mates also work well with wallets, so they won't have to worry about not being able to find their driver's license before heading out.
A book on the history of cars
"Car: The Definitive Visual History of the Automobile", available at Amazon, $29.48
Covering everything from the very first automobiles to iconic cars like the Ford Model T, Porsche 911, and Ferrari F40, this book will keep any car enthusiasts entertained for hours on end. With a plethora of pictures and information from past generations of cars, it makes for a great coffee table read.
An augmented reality Hot Wheels track
Hot Wheels Augmoto Augmented Reality Racing Track Set, available at Amazon, $64.63
Hot Wheels have been on holiday wish lists for many generations, but this year's hottest track is truly from the future. They'll get to control the track through their smart device using augmented reality. The Hot Wheels Augmoto Track brings the action to life with explosions, fireworks, cheering crowds, and more.
A mechanic's tool kit
Craftsman 450-piece Mechanic's Tool Set, available at Sears, $189.99 (Originally $459.99) [You save $270]
Every car person needs their own set of tools. Instead of rummaging through the random assortment of tools they've accumulated over time, the Craftsman 450-piece tool kit is well organized and includes everything they'll need to tackle mechanical work. At just $219.41, the kit will practically pay for itself. With the tools and confidence to work on their car at home, there's no need to pay a mechanic for labor.
NASCAR HEAT 3 for PlayStation 4
NASCAR HEAT 3 for PlayStation 4, available at Best Buy, $39.99 (Originally $49.99) [You save $10]
NASCAR HEAT 3 is the racing game you'll want to buy for PlayStation 4 owners. The game includes realistic race modes that simulate some of the most iconic NASCAR tracks as well as fun, mud-slinging race modes. Plus, they'll receive a $50 NASCAR ticket to attend a real race. And if you want to make their in-game driving experience even more realistic, pick up this Logitech racing wheel, pedal assembly, and shifter set.
Forza Horizon 4 for XBOX One
Forza Horizon 4 for XBOX One, available at Best Buy, $34.99 (originally 59.99) [you save $20]
If the car enthusiast you're shopping for owns an XBOX One, Forza Horizon 4 is the best racing game for their console. It features a realistic competitive racing game that can be enjoyed at any level. To make the experience even better, pick up this Logitech racing wheel, pedal assembly, and shifter set.
A cordless tire inflator
Autowit Cordless Air Compressor, $69.99, available on Amazon
This air compressor is a gift anyone, whether an enthusiast or not, will be able to use. It's cordless design makes inflating tires easier than ever before. And with an auto-off feature, they'll never have to worry about over-inflating.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch, available at Best Buy, $59.99
Although the driving experience is far from realistic, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is extremely fun. They'll race their way through crazy tracks filled with obstacles like banana peels, bombs, and more. Car fan or not, it's a must-have game for all Nintendo Switch owners.
Clutch and Gas Socks
Clutch and Gas Socks, available at Amazon, $7.95
If you insist on buying that special someone a pair of socks for the holiday season, these clutch and gas socks are a fun option. Even when they're not behind the wheel, they'll remind them of their love for driving.
Gear to match his BMW, Mercedes, or dream Ferrari
Shop the Puma Motorsport Collection here.
Puma is one of the most deeply rooted sportswear brands in racing culture and its Motorsport collection proves that. With apparel for BMW Motorsport, Mercedes-Benz AMG, and Ferrari they've got pieces for lovers of Bimmers, Benzes, and the Prancing Horse.
A timing chain wall clock
Auto Timing Chain and Gears Wall Clock, $125, available at UncommonGoods
Designed to look like an engine's timing chain, this wall clock is a super cool addition to any auto enthusiasts garage or office space.
A pair of driving loafers
Wolf and Shepherd Gunner Driver, $195, available in four colors
For days when full race gear isn't needed, a nice pair of driving loafers are the perfect shoes for cruising. The Wolf & Shepherd Gunner Driver are handcrafted using waterproof suede and are super comfortable. Car guys will be able to easily hit the clutch when driving and still look stylish when they park the car and get out.
A pair of driving gloves
Riparo Genuine Leather Full-Finger Driving Gloves, available on Amazon, $51.97
Even if you're not shopping for a race car driver, a pair of driving gloves will be appreciated by any car enthusiast. During the fall and winter, they keep hands from freezing on a cold steering wheel without losing the necessary grip for maneuvering.
Car-themed cufflinks
Car-Themed 3-piece Cufflinks, available on Amazon, $17.59
Cufflinks are a fun way for any guy to incorporate personality into their style. This three-piece set, in particular, was made for car enthusiasts. Including, 5-speed shift patterns, speedometers, and steering wheels, he can show off his passion for cars in the office.
A California Car Duster
California Car Duster, available on Amazon, $19.99
The California Car Duster is an awesome gift for all types of car enthusiasts. Whether they're a meticulous collector who needs to dust off their garage queen every so often or they just like to keep their ride free of pollen and dirt in between washes, it's an effective tool to have.
A portable jump starter and power pack
TACKLIFE T6 Car Jump Starter and Power Pack, available on Amazon, $78.97
Traditional jumper cables, are useless without another car to use for power and a helping hand. The TACKLIFE T6 packs 16,500mAH of power, so jump-starting a car all alone is no problem. It also comes with a flashlight attachment and operates as a battery pack for devices like your smartphone or tablet. As a super convenient accessory, it has a place in everyone's car, not just enthusiasts.
An experiential gift
Search for local Groupons in your area here.
Not every gift you give has to be an item. In fact, experiences are sometimes an even better option and Groupon has plenty to choose from. If you want to gift the person on your list an unforgettable experience, you can find everything from auto-cross lessons in an exotic car to go-kart races and rentals. Since search results vary based on your location, you should browse Groupon to see what's available in your area.
An outrageous coffee table
Engine Block Coffee Table, available on Houzz, $1,499
If you're shopping for the auto enthusiast who already has everything you could possibly think of (and you happen to have an extra $1,500 laying around), this big-bore, V8-style engine block coffee table will blow them away. Plus, you probably won't have to buy another gift for the next few years.
A handheld vacuum
BLACK+DECKER Lithium Hand Vacuum, available at Amazon, $49.99
Since keeping the inside of a car clean is equally important as the outside, a hand-held vacuum is another must-have for car lovers. The BLACK+DECKER Lithium Cordless Hand Vacuum fully charges in 6 hours to provide strong and efficient suction. With a flip-up brush head for dusting and cleaning upholstery and a pull-out crevice tool for hard to reach areas, it'll clean every corner of a car's interior.
Note: In stock on December 24, 2018 — may arrive after Christmas.
A race-inspired watch
MOMO Design MD1007L-BK-11 Diver Pro Automatic, available on Amazon, $425
Known for making car parts like steering wheels, shift knobs, and seats, Momo took its racing heritage and put it into a watch. The Driver Pro Automatic watch features a large dial that's distinctly automotive and a black rubber strap. Any car guy will love this watch, but if you're shopping for a true high-end option, you'll want to check out the Rolex Daytona— the most iconic race watch ever created. Learn more about purchasing Rolexes safely online here.
Note: Expected to arrive after Christmas.
A laser radar detector
Cobra RAD 450 Laser Radar Detector, available at Amazon, $149.50
You shouldn't encourage the car lover on your list to exceed the speed limit, but let's face it — some people just have a heavy foot while driving. The Cobra RAD 450 Radar Detector can help alert them of police scanners ahead, so they'll know when it's time to slow down. If it saves them from getting one speeding ticket, it will essentially pay for itself — and then some. Keep in mind that radar and laser detectors are legal in all states except Virginia and Washington D.C.
Expected to arrive after Christmas.
