5 Last-Minute Thoughtful Gift Ideas for the Petrolhead!
Do you have a petrolhead in your life that you’d like to impress? Are you struggling to come up with a list of gift items for just that very purpose?
With Christmas just around the corner, there’s definitely an anxiety in trying to find the right gift for that special someone. But fret not, we’ve got your back, and here are a couple of gift options for three different budgets!
Under $10
Buy Your Loved Ones a Replica of Their Car
There’s something nostalgic about the Hotwheels and Tomicas of our childhood. These manufacturers are obviously still at it, creating ever more accurate replicas of popular cars, legitimately bordering on the territory of boutique companies creating true-to-life collectibles.
The best thing is that the prices, whilst greater than when we were much younger, have remained relatively affordable. Another big plus point is their relative availability - you’d be able to find them at most department stores, or even some gift shops! These scale models often retain their value very well, so it makes for a really thoughtful, and inexpensive, gift!
Under $100
Dashcam
It’s 2022 - everyone should have a dashcam. If you notice that your dear friend doesn’t currently have one fitted to their vehicle, you should seriously consider gifting them a dependable dashcam. Prices of these cameras have fallen in recent years, with even the lower tier ones packing plenty of features and solid image resolution for not too much cash.
(Photo Credit: 70mai)
A sensible budget option is 70mai’s Dashcam 1S. It is a 1080p, wifi-enabled camera, and can be optionally wired permanently into the car’s circuitry. Images are clear enough even in low-light, which is crucial as you’d want to be able to make out number plate details in the event of a night time accident!
Quality Racing Gloves
It is safe to say that the #stancebois and the ricers are a small minority in the car scene. If you know of someone who falls into either of these categories, we’d suggest you not buy this item - it is clear that they have no interest in driving anyways.
(Photo Credit: OMP)
But if they own a tastefully modded car equipped with proper performance upgrades, or have expressed interest in going on trackdays/karting, a pair of quality racing gloves can really make the driving experience for them. They offer superior grip, and protection from abrasion that can result from kickback of the steering wheel. Offerings from both OMP and Sparco can be had for not too much cash!
Under $600
An Aftermarket Steering Wheel
Consider purchasing a nice aftermarket steering wheel for his/her actual daily driver. It may not be as well suited for a newer car, seeing that they usually have many steering wheel-mounted controls, but older cars can definitely be vastly improved upon with the addition of a quality wheel.
(Photo Credit: Sparco)
Also true of older vehicles is the fact that they may have foam-based steering wheels that may already be desperately worn out. This makes for a less-than-ideal experience on their daily drives, so a proper leather aftermarket steering wheel and the appropriate boss kit can really transform the interior experience of the vehicle!
Realistic Simulator Steering Wheel
Allow your loved ones to satiate their need for speed in safety with a realistic simulator steering wheel. The Thrustmaster T300 is a reputable wheel that many e-sport drivers use in competition, combining excellent value with outstanding realism and performance. Trust us when we say that it is an affordable gateway into the really expensive hobby of simulator racing.
The basic setup is enough to get you started on your journey to hone and refine your driving skills. We recommend Assetto Corsa as an all-round driving simulator for not too much cash. You may want to add some additional equipment down the line, but we strongly suggest that the next thing you buy is a wheelstand or rig of some sort!
Show That You Care
These gifts are a surefire way to show the car-loving family member/friend that you care for them. If you wanted to get into their good books - do consider these items IF you have the budget for them!
Super App for
Vehicle Owners
Read More: The Motorist’s Festive Gift Guide for the Petrolhead Under $100
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