Here’s What to Gift Someone Who’s Obsessed With All Things Auto
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Automotive fans can be tricky to shop for if you’re not into cars or if you aren’t an actual gearhead yourself — but not to worry! After hours of research and testing, we picked over 30 of the coolest and most useful gifts for car lovers that are guaranteed to impress enthusiasts of all ages. And, of course, we are constantly evaluating new products to keep our selection up to date.
The products that we vouch for range from tools that will take their car and driving experience to another level — through various tech gadgets created in partnership with iconic car brands — all the way to fun apparel and everyday accessories for them to show off their BMW, Ferrari, Ford, or Corvette pride. Believe it or not, there are even a few memorable options here for less than $20!
It's time to pick out the perfect present with these gifts for car lovers.
Looking for more gift ideas? Shop our guides to the best gifts for men, gifts for husbands, and gifts under $100.
Technic McLaren Formula 1 Race Car
The Netflix Formula 1: Drive to Survive series has brought hundreds of thousands of new fans into the sport. Despite the recipients' team affiliation, this Lego Technic model of McLaren's MCL36 Formula 1 car is likely to impress. The kit has a whopping 1,434 parts and elaborate detailing throughout—including many of the intricate aerodynamic appendages seen on the real car.
In case you find the McLaren a tad too big (or pricey), consider this more affordable Lego Speed Champions Ferrari F8 Tributo instead.
More: The Best Car Coolers for All of Their On-the-Go Needs
Boost Plus GB40
Dead car batteries are an unfortunate eventuality for all motorists but can be especially bad if you're out in the boonies. That's why we included this portable jump starter from Noco that allows you to refire your car yourself.
Along with fulfilling its jump starter duties, the Noco also features IP65 water resistance along with a USB-A port, 12-V outlet, and a 100-lumen flashlight—all while weighing in at just under half a pound.
AirTag
We all have that one person in our life who's prone to misplacing, well, just about anything. Car keys are a common item that can go missing, and that's not to mention that they're likely attached to a key ring with a number of more important keys attached. Airtags are a relatively affordable item that allows you to gift someone peace of mind — which is frankly priceless.
It's important to note that you'll need an airtag holder before it can be attached to your key ring.
CRATE Basic Pack
Many car lovers obsess about keeping the outside of their car spick and span but often end up leaving the interior in a state of disarray. We subscribe to a mandatory policy of mise en place in our automobiles, which refers to having a place for everything and everything in its place.
These crates from SIDIO are an easy (and handsome) solution to store and organize items in your truck or car.
PO9649S Pilot Sunglasses
Any Petrolhead knows that Steve McQueen was the king of cool both on set and at the race track. An iconic man needs an iconic pair of sunglasses, and McQueen's Persols were definitely up to the job.
You keen readers will likely notice that he wore a pair of Persol 714s for most of his time on screen, but these 649s are just as handsome and come in at nearly half the price.
HOL169 16-Piece Car Wash Kit
Tons of car lovers obsess over keeping their vehicles clean. Getting into the detailing ecosystem can often be prohibitively expensive, but Chemical Guys is one brand that's looking to lower the barriers to entry.
This 16-piece detailing kit offers everything you need to get going without breaking the bank; that includes everything from plush microfiber towels all the way to a dedicated foam cannon.
TWC-01 Car Vacuum
A true car lover will want to keep their interior impeccably clean. Gift them this compact yet powerful car vacuum. It has a 16-foot cord, meaning it'll reach all the nooks and crannies to make sure that there's no dirt or debris in their beloved ride.
Funny Car Guy T-shirt
This fun T-shirt is guaranteed to make a lasting impression on a guy who’s obsessed with cars. Made from a soft blend of cotton and polyester, the product has a large “car guy” print, as well as a smile-inducing definition of the term.
There are several colors of the tee to pick from. And be sure to check out the best gifts for men on Amazon for even more things he will love.
Echo Auto
The Amazon Echo Auto is a great gift for car lovers who use Alexa regularly. The nifty gadget will allow users to integrate the virtual assistant into their car and use its vast powers to both entertain and help them get from point A to point B.
Compact, easy to install, and affordably priced, the Echo Auto has five built-in microphones for seamless control with voice commands.
Bluetooth 5.0 FM Transmitter
Designed by automotive experts from Car and Driver, this do-everything car charger is a fantastic gift for owners of older and vintage cars that lack modern infotainment systems. The accessory is not only a versatile charger with a trio of USB ports but a Bluetooth 5.0 and FM transmitter, as well as a reliable tool for managing phone calls. Its multifunction button makes the last-mentioned process and accessing a virtual assistant distraction-free.
Additionally, the gadget can play audio files from a flash drive or a microSD card. Its customizable ring light will allow it to blend nicely into the interior of just about any car.
Formula 1 Stainless Steel Watch
Tag Heuer's F1 is one of the French brand's most affordable watches, yet still brings a lot to the table. Despite lacking a chronograph, the F1 offers a quartz movement — meaning it doesn't need to be wound to keep ticking—encased in a stainless steel case with a sapphire (scratch-resistant) watch face. We like to think it's just nice enough to be considered a timepiece compared to a measly watch.
Along with being a genuinely great watch for the price, the brand was a major sponsor of the Williams Formula 1 team — all before Techniques d'Avant Garde (TAG) acquired Heuer. File this lux option as a great gift for special occasions like a college graduation or wedding.
Easy One Touch 5 Cup Holder Car Mount
This accessory by iOttie — a known maker of stellar phone accessories — is an excellent gift because it will transform a car's cup holder into a superb phone mount. Its base will lock into the car's standard cup holder, ensuring that the user's phone is easy to charge and in place. A magnetic cord organizer will keep their cables in order, too.
The accessory is compatible with any smartphone, regardless of size — from compact to big-screen. It is compatible with landscape and portrait viewing modes and has a one-touch setup for quick mounting and release.
G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel
The Logitech G920 racing wheel is a great gift for car lovers who love racing games. It has a beautiful design, excellent craftsmanship, elaborate controls, and exceptional in-game force feedback. It comes bundled with high-quality pedals, too.
The product is compatible with Xbox One and PC racing games. This Logitech wheel is the one to get if you shop for a PlayStation gamer. An optional gear shifter for both products is also available.
RAD 480i Laser Radar Detector
The RAD 480i laser radar detector by Cobra is a great gift that will hopefully also make the recipient a more responsible driver. The gadget can accurately detect laser and radar well in advance in front of and behind the user’s vehicle.
It has built-in tech to reduce distracting false alerts, and there’s a companion mobile app that can deliver real-time updates from a large community of drivers.
More: Our Favorite Tech Gifts
Magnetic Wireless Car Charger
This magnetic wireless car charger by Satechi — one of the premier makers of Apple accessories — is an amazing gift for users of MagSafe-toting iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models. Designed to attach to an air vent, the wireless charger doubles as an iPhone mount with available landscape and portrait mode.
Like many Satechi products, the charger has a sleek aluminum housing with a space gray finish. It comes bundled with a USB-C cable.
More: Our Guide to Shopping for a New iPhone
Heated Razor Bugatti Limited Edition
This limited edition of the Gillette heated razor has been created in collaboration with Bugatti, so it’s a great gift for a car enthusiast. It rocks the iconic car maker’s branding, as well as one of its signature colors — Agile Blue.
The high-tech razor heats up in a matter of seconds to deliver a warm towel-like shaving experience. Its magnetic charging stand has matching blue accents.
Ultimate Exotic Car Racing Experience in Las Vegas
OK, so this one is a little steep, but if they have plans to be anywhere near Las Vegas, this Cloud 9 Living experience is an extremely memorable gift for car lovers, and it will be the thrill of a lifetime for them.
With the base package, drivers will get the choice of five supercars that they'll be able to lap around the Las Vegas Speedway's road course. Packages with more laps are also available.
Keychain Car Escape Tool
Every driver should carry an emergency escape tool on the same chain as their car keys or key fob, making this Resqme offering a great gift option. Crafted in the United States, the reasonably priced tool has an integrated glass breaker and seat belt cutter. It’s incredibly lightweight, and you can order it in a multitude of colors.
Classic Cars Coloring Book
A coloring book with classic cars is a great, insanely affordable gift that will help gearheads unwind by customizing some of history’s most iconic cars. There are over 100 models to pick from, ranging from 1950s classics, through vintage muscle cars, all the way to 21st-century hypercars.
The book is ideal for car enthusiasts of all ages. To make the gift complete, consider adding on a set of coloring pencils for less than $10.
The Drive Bin
This Drive Bin will keep their car looking clean on the inside, so all their trash has a place to go that's not the floor.
The waterproof bin comes with disposable plastic bags that make it easy to dispose of the garbage once they're home. It’s easily adjustable, too, with a quick-clip strap that stores it on a headrest.
Driving Gloves
The driving gloves by Riparo Motorsports are a great gift for car lovers, thanks to their effortlessly cool looks and ergonomics to match. Crafted from a combination of high-quality perforated and soft leather, the gloves will develop a beautiful patina as they age.
The gloves are equipped with a wrist-snap button for a secure fit. There are also multiple sizes and colors to choose from.
SC100 Smart Dash Cam
A high-quality dash cam is a great gift for any motorist who doesn't own one yet. The reasonably priced Cobra SC100 is a great option with minimalist design, easy installation and intuitive controls, as well as the ability to capture Full HD video in all lighting conditions. The SC100 can also inform an emergency contact and the driver's insurance company if necessary.
Slyde Rechargeable Flashlight with Work Light
The NEBO Slyde is a sleek and powerful flashlight that’s a fantastic gift for car lovers. As its name suggests, the product also has a handy slide-out work light with various modes. It also has a magnetic base, so the recipient can mount it while taking a peek underneath the hood of most cars.
The Slyde is impact-resistant and IP67 waterproof. It has a rechargeable battery with a convenient USB-C connector.
‘Ford v Ferrari’ Ultimate Collector’s Edition
Ford v Ferrari is rightfully among the greatest motorsport movies of all time. This collector's edition which includes 4K Ultra HD and Blu-Ray discs, as well as a digital copy, is a great gift that's a must-watch for automotive enthusiasts.
Based on a true story, the film offers a thrilling look at the epic duel between Ford and Ferrari in the 1960s at Le Mans — the most grueling car race.
48W Dual Car Charger
This fast and reliable car charger from the team behind Car and Driver magazine is a fantastic gift for drivers (and passengers) who own multiple tech gadgets. The gadget has a fast USB-C port, as well as a speedy full USB connector, so it's as versatile as it gets.
This nifty gadget is designed to plug into a car's 12-volt socket. Despite its reasonable price, it comes in gift-worthy packaging.
231C Super-Duty Air Impact Wrench
This top-shelf impact wrench from Ingersoll is built like a tank, so it can effortlessly deal with rusted fasteners.
The two-piece design of the Ingersoll Rand 231C makes it easy to operate and maintain. We like that you can adjust the device's torque output to your exact liking.
Airbase Pro Car Phone Mount
Keep their eyes on the road with the Kenu Airbase Pro. It'll stay front and center on their vehicle's dashboard, so they won't have to look down to glance at the navigation.
The accessory's arm grips expand to hold even the largest of smartphones. It rotates, too, so you can use your phone in landscape or portrait mode.
Travel Duffel
The Peak Design travel duffel is a great gift for car enthusiasts because they'll need the right gear to successfully pack for a road trip. The product is elegant and versatile, plus it has ample capacity for clothes and other essentials.
Peak Design has equipped the duffel with convenient handles and shoulder straps. The accessory has a weatherproof exterior (in black or sage) and a lifetime warranty.
D01 R-Spec Wallet
The D01 R-Spec wallet by Dango Products has design and craftsmanship inspired by today's best high-performance cars, so it's a perfect gift for car lovers. The elegant accessory is made using aerospace-grade aluminum, carbon fiber, and high-quality leather, so its tactility is as awesome as its design. It has enough space for up to 12 cards, RFID-blocking tech to prevent identity theft, and a built-in bottle opener.
Manual Transmission Gear Shift Cufflinks
A manual transmission is rarely available in new cars, making these cufflinks a great gift option for enthusiasts. Each cufflink has a domed shape and polished silver finish with a traditional manual transmission layout with six gears. The reasonably priced set comes in a gift-ready box that makes it look more expensive.
BMW M Motorsport Roma Via Shoes
With BMW M Motorsport branding and color accents, these timelessly cool Puma sneakers are a great gift for car lovers. Fans of the legendary German car manufacturer, in particular, will be especially thrilled to receive them. Crafted from quality materials, the shoes are an equally great option for long drives or walks.
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