Finding a gift for a car enthusiast, or even just seeking inspiration for your own Christmas list, can be a challenge. We’ve scoured the market to find perfect petrolhead presents, ranging from practical and useful to fun and conversation-starting.
This list focuses on gifts priced under £50, though many cost significantly less, making them ideal for Secret Santa exchanges or stocking fillers. Here are our top 20 picks:
Fun & Playful Gifts
- Autobahn Tape (£16.95): Perfect for kids (or the young at heart!), this 20-metre roll of sticky tape looks like a highway, complete with white lines and zebra crossings. It allows for the creation of entire road networks on carpets or desks, ideal for “road testing” Hot Wheels cars. The kit also includes pop-out cardboard cars, traffic lights, and cones for added fun.
- Playforever Luft Hopper (£39.70): These high-quality, friendly-looking toy cars are safe for children over 12 months, but adults will love them too. The Luft Hopper, based on a 1970s Porsche 911 Targa, is a standout choice.
- Scalextric Christmas Jumper (£28): Get into the festive spirit with this Scalextric-themed jumper, featuring the brand’s signature blue and yellow colors, track designs, and snowflakes.
- Volkswagen GTI Baby Romper Suit (£40): Start the next generation of car enthusiasts early with this adorable romper suit, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Subscription & Reading Material
- Auto Express Subscription (From £30): A subscription to Auto Express is a fantastic gift for any car fan. It provides access to the latest news, opinions, and product tests, both in print and digitally.
- Classic Cars Book (£30): Encourage a lifetime love of cars with Nigel Boothman’s “Classic Cars,” a directory of 100 iconic vehicles. It’s a great way to spark conversation and provide a glimpse into automotive history.
Practical & Stylish Accessories
- Michelin Bibendum Tyre Pressure Gauge (£9.99): This practical stocking filler is both functional and fun, shaped like the iconic Michelin Man. It accurately measures tyre pressure and doubles as an attractive keyring.
- Streetwize Car Key Faraday Box (£20): Combat car theft with this Faraday signal-blocking box, which prevents thieves from intercepting signals from car keys.
- Tolman Beanie Hat (£25): Show your appreciation for motorsport with this stylish beanie, featuring the logo of Tolman Engineering, the company behind the Tolman Edition Peugeot 205 GTi.
- Motorsport Aroma Candle Tin (£18): This set of scented candles evokes the essence of motorsport. The tin resembles a tyre, and the scents range from Italian citrus (Monza) to woody Finnish notes (Rally Legend).
- T-Lab Roadtrip Paris T-Shirt (£34): Pay homage to French driving culture with this vibrant T-shirt, featuring a design inspired by an Airfix model kit.
- Save The Manuals Socks (£12): Celebrate the disappearing manual gearbox with these socks featuring the shift-pattern maps of various cars.
Unique & Special Gifts
- Mattel Brick Shop Maserati MC20 (£21.99): Challenge older kids and adults with this 250-piece Maserati MC20 model, requiring assembly. It includes decals, two sets of wheel covers, and a metal signature plaque.
- Porsche Crest Espresso Duo (£49): For a touch of luxury, consider this set of two porcelain espresso cups and saucers, shaped like engine pistons and featuring the Porsche crest.
- Playforever Luft Hopper (£39.70): These high-quality, friendly-looking toy cars are safe for children over 12 months, but adults will love them too. The Luft Hopper, based on a 1970s Porsche 911 Targa, is a standout choice.
- Volkswagen GTI Baby Romper Suit (£40): Start the next generation of car enthusiasts early with this adorable romper suit, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Lasting Impressions
- Save The Manuals Socks (£12): Celebrate the disappearing manual gearbox with these socks featuring the shift-pattern maps of various cars.
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