33 Gift Ideas for Gearheads

With Christmas fast approaching, gear/petrol heads across the globe scratch their heads trying to come up with ideas to tell parents or significant others. Sure it would be great to get a fully functioning RX-7 or R34 GTR, but who really has that much money? Personally, I was dissatisfied with online articles or videos on youtube relating to this subject, so I decided to make my own list. This list is sorted into six segments, all based on price range. The majority of us will fall into the first 3 segments, which is $1-200 USD. With that said, lets get started. (if you don’t want to read this, skip to the bottom and watch the video instead)

1. 1:64 scale diecast cars.

($5-10)Great for young kids. I know I loved getting these as a kid. There are plenty of pictures of 5 year old me playing with my little matchbox cars. I’m not into them any more but I still have 20 or so displayed on my TV stand.

2. Phone mount for windshield

($10) Most of us probably have one already, but if not, a phone mount can be a life saver (literally) because your phone is secure and at eye level instead of being in your lap or holding it in one hand as you try to steer and shift at the same time. A phone mount is an inexpensive way to save a lot of headache while driving.

3. Bluetooth receiver for stereo

($10-15) Still have the factory radio in your 2002 Ford Focus? That’s ok. Just buy a bluetooth receiver instead of getting a new stereo. You plug in this device into your 12 volt outlet and tune your radio to the same channel as stated on the receiver, then boom, you can play music from your phone through your car radio without using any wires or auxiliary hookups.

4. Tire pressure gauge

($10) A nice tire pressure gauge is underrated in my opinion. You can get more accurate readings, plus decrease tire pressure while the gauge is still plugged in. Sure its not a fancy gift, but you’ll realize you like it way better than your cheap pressure gauge.

5. OBD II reader with app

($20) This is something I didn’t know existed until a few days ago and now I really want one. First you get the OBD II plug in with bluetooth, then download the compatible app on your phone (Torque is one such app) and now you can read check engine light codes and see live data from your cars computer, all for $20. These are way cheaper than an actual OBDII reader which makes them a great gift option. Note however, that you can’t clear a code with this setup. You’ll need a real scanner to do that.

6. 12 volt air compressor

($20) Just like the pressure gauge, a small air compressor is underrated. If you’re familiar with DAGGERs Garage, you’ll know we do a fair amount of autocrossing, and having a portable air compressor is a must for an autocrosser. I have forgotten to pump up my tires before going to an event sometimes, and having my small air compressor was great since I could fill them up at the event itself. These are nice even if you don’t autocross, because I’ve known plenty of people that have a flat, then put on the spare only to realize its semi-flat as well. With the air compressor, you can at least get yourself home in a pinch.

7. 1:24 or 1:18 scale diecast cars.

($30-70) You knew this would be on the list. What better gift for a petrolhead than a scale model car? Currently I have a Ferrari F50, a Boss 302, and a ‘69 Charger, and I’m always looking to add to my collection.

8. Car focused video games

($60-70) I’m guessing if you’re reading this you probably already have at least one of these games. GT Sport, Forza motorsport 7, Project Cars 2, or Need for Speed Payback. But just incase you don’t have any of these, add this to your list, as each of these games has it own unique style that fits any personality.

9. Car related apparel

($20-50) Who doesn’t love a new Tee shirt or Hoodie with your favorite car or manufacturer on it?

10. Poster or Banner

($50-70) Just like a tee shirt or hat, but you hang it on your wall. It is my belief that every car enthusiast should have at least one poster or banner hanging in their room. (just like this one)

11. Detailing Kit

($40-60) Winter is going to be hard on your ride. So, either give it a last minute polish or wait until spring to clean off the salt soaked paint and under-body.

12. Driving gloves

($40) Want to fell like a real racer? Driving gloves are great. Those of us with metal shift knobs know that they get really cold in the winter and driving gloves will help insulate your hands as well as help you grip the wheel.

13. SCCA membership

($70) Maybe you’ve been on the fence about joining the SCCA? Make this the year. With a full membership, you’ll get a discount on autocross and track days, plus you can get access to certain “members only” events.

14. Go karting!

(~$70) If you’ve never been karting before… do it. You won’t regret it. Take some family or friends and prove to them that you should have been a racecar driver. Or if you’re young enough, start your F1 career by tearing up your local go karting circuit.

15. Racing shoes

($100) As we enter the more expensive price range, you’ll find that more stuff become racing related. Partly because racing isn’t cheap (unfortunately). Racing shoes aren’t a “must” when autocrossing or tracking, but they can definitely help your technique with petal feel and heel-and-toeing.

16. Shift knob

($70-100) Every project car needs a new shift knob. A shift knob is one of those small details that can separate a good car from an awesome car. Hundreds of options for these exist, so find the one you like best and swap it with your current knob.

17. Track sculptures

($100) Sure I lifted this one from a CT article from a year or two ago but who cares? Track sculptures are sweet. Banners may not be classy enough to hang in a living room but track sculptures definitely are.

18. OBD II scanner

($90-100) What’s the difference between this and #5 on the list? These will give you the ability to clear the code, plus monitor other systems like the ABS. If you drive a Volkswagen I highly recommend this.

19. Action camera

($80-200) GoPros are nice, but expensive. Instead, look for knock off cameras. You can find surprisingly good cameras for around 100 bucks.

20. Steering wheel

($200) The next segment really gets into race specific stuff, starting with a new steering wheel. These are also great for the project car that needs a few special touches.

21. Racing seats

($300) Another must have item for track/ project cars.

22. Race helmet

($200-300) If you do any autocross/ rallycross/ track days, you’ll know an up-to-spec helmet is a must. Sure most organizations have loaner helmets, but its way better to have your own. Most organizations require at least a SA2010 or newer helmet though, so do your research before buying one.

23. Track Day!

($400-500) One of the most depressing truths for me as a gearhead is the cost of a track day. Not only are they expensive to run, but they can take a toll on your car too. I’ve been wanting to do one for years now, but I don’t want to ruin the brakes/tires/other stuff on my daily. But, don’t let this stop you. Track days can be a great way to unleash your inner driver in a controlled environment.

24. GoPro

($500) You’ll need to record that track day of course. What better way to do so than with an industry leading GoPro. I said earlier in this article that good alternatives to Gopro’s exist, but at the end of the day, a GoPro is still the best in video quality and sound.

25. Spectator event

($100-700) Lets shift gears for those of us who don’t race. Get tickets to a race event. Watching on TV simply cannot replicate the sound, smell, and feel of being at a race. This is another thing every petrolhead needs to do at least once.

26. Car stereo and speakers

($300-600) Admit it. The radio and speakers in your car are crap. Its embarrassing to drive with the squad because your audio sucks. Upgrade your equipment and you’ll start hearing parts of songs you didn’t know existed. Just don’t loose your hearing in the process.

27. New exhaust

($400-600) Maybe you want good sound in other places too. Its time for some new mufflers. Please get some nice ones though, not the $20 muffler from Advance Auto Parts that is basically a wheezing fart cannon. Take it from me, I upgraded my Foxbody’s mufflers and it made my 4 cylinder sound just like a V8.

28. Dream racing experience in Las Vegas

($1000-2000) Yep, were getting expensive now. But if you’ve never heard of this its actually pretty cool. You pay them X amount of dollars, then they let you drive real performance cars around a real track (such as a Ferrari 458, Lamborghini Hurican, Mclaren 650s, Porsche 911 GT3, etc.) This is definitely on my bucket list. I just need to get to a point in life to where blowing 2K on 10 laps of driving is acceptable.

29. Driving School

($1500-2000) Another thing on my bucket list. Driving schools can teach you way more about how to drive a car than autocross or go karting yourself ever can. You can learn all sorts of driving techniques that help you really improve you lap times.

30. New autocross or track tires

($600-1200) The one thing holding me back from becoming competitive in my local autocross region is my crap tires. I’ve been using my old street tires, with the understanding that once they are done for, I’ll buy some good tires. Autocrossing is 75% driver and 20% tires, so help yourself buy making the most of that 20%.

31. Parts car or project car

($500-3000) Petrol heads don’t have enough to waste money on already right?? Help feed our obsession by buying a parts car or project car.

32. Buy a new car

($6000+) If you’re reading this article, I highly doubt this is an option, but what the heck. Plenty of car dealers offer special Christmas financing and other deals, plus you’ll get a giant red bow to go on the hood.

33. Buy a classic car

(10000+) Maybe a new car isn’t what you want? Buy the classic car of your dreams then. I know there are plenty on my list that I’d love to have. So make someones day or have someone make your day by getting your dream car.

SUMMARY

Too long, didn’t read? That’s ok. We have an 8 minute video you can watch instead. The point is, there are many gift options over a broad price range. So send this article to your parents or loved one and tell them anything on this list you’d love to have.

Thanks for reading/watching! Look forward to more from DAGGERs Garage in the future. And if you haven’t checked out our YouTube channel, do it!

This content was originally posted by a Car Throttle user on our Community platform and was not commissioned or created by the CT editorial team.