A Guide to Good (and Bad) Car Gifts

As the holiday season approaches, you may encounter a problem: finding a good gift for your car-loving friend or family member.

Getting holiday gifts for anyone can be tricky, especially if they like cars. The market is awash with subpar automotive gifts, and, as is the case with most niche interests, there are about a thousand different types of car enthusiasts and they all like different things, so it's far easier to get a gift wrong than it is right. But don’t stress, we’re here to help.

The best advice we can offer when it comes to automotive gift-giving is the same as any good gift-giving advice: know the person, research their interests, and, most importantly, put some real thought into the gift. If you don’t know where to start, we created this gift guide to help you shop for the car enthusiast in your life.

LEGO

LEGO sets are universally loved by both adults and children. There appears to be a profound joy that everyone gets from putting together a LEGO set. For the car enthusiast on your list, LEGO offers a decent selection of automotive LEGO sets, ranging from Formula 1 cars to supercars and some iconic performance cars. Even if the favourite car of the person you’re shopping for isn’t available, this is one of the rare gifts where the fun experience of putting it together could be more important than the final product.

Merch

Automotive merch, for the most part, is straight-up bad. Most items that can be bought directly from the manufacturer are generic shirts or mugs with the brand's logo, name, or corny marketing slogan; it really fails to excite or come across as thoughtful.

Independent sellers and fashion brands often make far cooler automotive merch than automakers. Another good option is going the vintage route; finding a vintage shirt, jacket, hat, book, or piece of advertising is far more personal and unique than something purchased brand new. The item will be unique, but it also shows you went out of your way to find it. Online marketplaces like eBay or Etsy are great options, but you might also get lucky at a local thrift store or antique market.

For a clothing gift to be well received, it's important to understand who you’re shopping for in terms of car taste, clothing style, and proper sizing.

Posters

Posters may appear to be an easy gift, but finding someone decor for their personal space can be tricky, even if you know them really well. One rule to follow: avoid AI-generated slop images and opt for art by real artists and photographers. Unfortunately, there are way too many AI designs out there, and they never look right.

Instead, opt for an actual photo, a retro-inspired poster, or something more abstract. Another option is a vintage print ad that can be framed for display. In this case, it's OK not to find the person’s favourite car, and if the car pictured generally aligns with their car tastes or their favourite era, that’s completely fine as long as the poster itself is interesting or unique.

Scale Models

Scale models are a solid choice; nothing speaks to a car enthusiast like a miniature car. Scale models can be purchased directly from OEMs, but there are hundreds of options available, even a cheap Hot Wheels or Matchbox goes a long way, as long as you put some thought into it. One of the best cars you can find is a miniature version of the car the person owns. There is something inherently cool about having a tiny version of your car.

Racing Games

If the person you’re shopping for is an avid gamer who likes racing games, then this option could be just perfect. Some downtime during the holidays means your loved one can sit and enjoy a bit of virtual driving. Whether it’s Gran Turismo, Forza, Need For Speed, or even a simulator, a game is always a good gift for a gamer.

Key Chain Charms

Buying a little novelty car-themed keychain is a great, affordable little gift. Sure, it may not be the most elaborate present, but it definitely makes an excellent little stocking stuffer. Get a little car model or a cool badge keychain, and boom, there's an easy gift add-on.

Car Air Compressor or Battery Booster

Going down the more practical route for a gift is a great option. Making someone’s life easier is always appreciated, and while air compressors or battery boosters are not whimsical gifts, they are probably the most useful in-car accessories. Skipping that annoying trip to the gas station or relying on a stranger or tow truck driver to help boost a dead battery will probably be one of the best gifts imaginable. The gift of convenience is a gift that will never go underappreciated. 

Car Detailing Voucher

An excellent gift is one that someone would never buy for themselves. While running cars through a car wash is easy, getting a professional detailing to rejuvenate the interior is something many people, even car enthusiasts, don’t do. Finding a reputable local car detailer and getting a voucher for someone is an excellent gift, the equivalent of buying someone a spa day for their car. Maybe even look for a mobile detailer who can do the work right in someone’s driveway to make it even more convenient. It's a practical gift, but going that extra little step on the small details makes it feel special.