Holiday Gift Guide: Christmas Gifts for Gearheads

Many of us scramble to find the perfect gifts for our loved ones during the holiday season, and it can be a difficult task to sort through the endless gift options available, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. When you’re shopping for an automotive enthusiast, the task can seem even more daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.

If you need help selecting the right gift for your favorite gearhead this year, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top holiday gift picks, guaranteed to make them as happy as a young child on Christmas morning.

 

Diecast Car Models for the Collectors

Price Range: From about $1 – $1,000+

Maybe you want to give your loved one his or her dream car, but if that’s not in your budget, a diecast model can be the next best thing. Diecast cars were first manufactured in the late 1940s, and they have been popular among collectors since that time.

Today’s diecast cars include the traditional fixed 1:64 scale models, from names such as Matchbox and Hot Wheels, as well as model kits. Diecast cars are named for the process used in their creation. Die casting happens under high pressure when molten metal is forced into a mold cavity. Diecast cars typically have rubber and plastic accents, including tires and windshields.

Collectible diecast cars differ from toy models in several ways. Whether the diecast collectible is a replica of a supercar, passenger car or race car, it is typically larger than a diecast toy. The largest diecast models are 1:18 or 1:12 scale and they are designed for display. You can complement your collectible diecast car gift with an anti-tarnish bag for storage and a diecast detailing kit, which typically includes wax and cleaning solution as well as applicators.

Supercar or Race Car Experience

Price Range: $150+

Depending on where you live, your gearhead can have the driving experience of a lifetime. Whether their dream car is a high-end supercar or authentic race car, you can make their dreams come true on a number of racetracks throughout the country.

Check out the options available through Xtreme Xperience, which puts racing enthusiasts behind the wheel of a Ferrari, Porsche or even the long-awaited Acura NSX.

Dash Cams, Dash Cams Everywhere

Price Range: $100 – $500+

Dash cams have become popular in recent years as they can help determine who is at fault in the case of an accident. They can also record inclement weather and seemingly-impossible roadway occurrences. Like the vehicles in which they are installed, dash cams vary significantly in features, price, and ability.

When you’re shopping for a dash cam for your favorite gearhead, look for one that is resistant to various weather conditions, has a large memory capacity and captures video in high definition.

If you’re on a strict budget, you can find a no-frills, basic dash cam with a single lens for $100 or less. Or you can wow your loved one with a commercial-grade dash cam. Designed for use in professional settings and fleets, these high-end dash cams exceed basic dash cams in a number of ways, including memory card capacity and operating temperature range. Additionally, many professional-grade dash cams are tamper proof, but they come with a hefty price tag, often exceeding $500.

Car Key Tracker

Price Range: $25+

A great stocking stuffer for every automotive enthusiast, car key trackers come in a variety of styles and price points. Even the most diligent among us misplace our keys from time to time, but today’s advanced car key trackers make lost keys a thing of the past. To take full advantage of their new car key tracker, gearheads will need Bluetooth connectivity through their smartphone.

Clothing and Accessories

Price Range: $50 – $1,000+ (the sky is the limit)

Your gearhead can show off his or her enthusiasm for racing, a particular vehicle model or cars in general while wearing custom clothing designed for automotive enthusiasts. While the options are too numerous to list completely, here’s two of our top picks in clothing and accessories:

Autodromo Stradale Automatic

The ultimate in luxury, this Autodromo Stradale watch will make every gearhead feel refined and gentlemanly. With designs based on the dashboard instruments of Italian race cars circa 1960, the Stradale has a custom leather band and real sapphire accents.

Heritage driving gloves by Outlierman

Another Italian tradition, driving gloves add a touch of adventure to even the most mundane of commutes. While there are numerous driving gloves on the market, we love these handcrafted silk Heritage gloves by Outlierman due to their quality, detailed construction.

 

Gear and Tools

Price Range: $20 – $200

Most automotive enthusiasts love gadgets almost as much as they love their vehicles. You can please any gearhead with tools and gadgets that complement their project vehicle or that make their drive more convenient. Our top gear and tool gift choices include the following:

1. Touch capable gloves

Starting at $19.99, touch capable gloves keep hands warm and devices accessible. Home-based and professional mechanics alike can stay protected while working and refer to Internet tutorials without removing their gloves.

2. Portable battery jump starter

Gearheads want to be prepared for anything, making a portable battery jump starter the perfect gift. The Stanley J5C09 Jump Starter is reasonably priced at about $70 and puts out 500 amps of continuous power.

3. Digital pressure gauge

When it comes to maintaining vehicles, sometimes the little details can make a huge overall impact. A digital tire pressure gauge allows you to accurately check air pressure on your own time, and fully inflated tires help conserve fuel and prolong the life of your tires.

4. Windshield polishing kit

Windshields are subject to constant hazards, from wind to rain, sleet, and ice. Gearheads can keep windshields strong and looking great with their own polishing kit, available at a starting price of about $50.

5. WeatherTech floor mats

WeatherTech floor mats are crafted with pride in the U.S. by MacNeil Automotive and fit snugly in most vehicles. MacNeil’s exceptional floor mats are sleek and eye-catching, and they can stand up to all weather conditions.

6. M-550 Pro Bugout Frag Survival Grenade

The ultimate gadget for every gearhead, however, is the M-550 Pro Bugout Frag Survival Grenade. Essentially a complete survival kit within a rope “grenade,” the M-550 contains a variety of items, including a P38 can opener, fishing hooks and line, and four water purification tablets. At a retail price of about $70, the Survival Grenade is the perfect stocking stuffer for your gearhead or prepper, and it fits nicely in any glovebox.

Merry Christmas to Gearheads Everywhere

As we hope you’ve learned from this list of our favorite gifts, gearheads are actually easy to shop for! Whether you give them memories that last a lifetime behind the wheel of their dream car or a gadget they’ll love to use, there’s an endless number of amazing gifts out there that will please any automotive enthusiast.

 

 

 

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