Editor’s Note: Finding that perfect item for the car nut on your shopping list gets tougher and tougher every year. TheDetroitBureau will be offering up some suggestions during the next few days in hopes spreading some holiday cheer — or easing the headache associated sometimes associated with gift giving.
It’s that time of year again, Christmas. And despite the fact that we have 364 days to prepare, many of us put it off, particularly if we’re buying a gift for an auto enthusiast in our life.
But buying for the car guy or gal doesn’t have to be difficult, and to prove it, we here at the gift-giving desk of TheDetroitBureau have a few gift ideas, in order by price, with suggestions for children and adults.
A car-lover’s stocking stuffer: KeySmart key holder, $22.99
If car keys are jangling in your purse or pocket, or poking you through your jeans, KeySmart stacks your keys like a pocket knife, with this model holding up to 14 keys. The pricier KeySmart Pro uses the Tile app to locate your keys or mobile phone, and it includes a flashlight and bottle opener. A loop at its end holds your car’s key fob.
(Auto-themed book an ideal last-minute gift for the car fan on your list.)
For the automotive wine enthusiast: Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gear Knob Wine Bottle Stopper, $23
While we do not endorse drunk driving, we do love a great glass of wine when the day is done. What better way to keep an open bottle fresh than with this stainless steel and wood wine bottle stopper? Its look is inspired by the gearshift knob from the 300 SL, and sure to bring cheers when seen.
For those who misplace their car keys: Tile Pro, $29.99
This is the perfect gift for those who never know where they left their keys. The Tile Pro clips onto your key ring and works with the free Android/iOS app to ring your Tile Pro when its within 400 feet. Outside of that range, the app will detect your Tile Pro’s most recent location. You can also use it to find your misplaced phone.
For drivers who need to get somewhere on time: Scuderia Ferrari Aspire watch, $87.50
While there are a number of high-end automakers who offer watches with equally high-end price tags, including Ferrari, Movado offers a less-expensive line of Ferrari quartz movement watches that any car lover would like. This is one, with a 42mm black face and a stainless-steel bracelet, is classically sporty, like Ferrari.
For the careful driver: Garmin Dash Cam Mini, $90
If the dangers of driving and the fear of accidents worries your friend or loved one, this dashcam is the perfect gift. It’s one of the smallest available, with 1080p resolution and a 140-degree-angle field of view. It also automatically detects and records accidents through its smartphone app.
For the auto enthusiast’s garage: Framed 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS Historic Mod Print, $90
Culled from General Motors’ extensive archives, this historic mod print of the 1967 Camaro SS is just one of the choices available at GM’s company store. This framed print measures 19-by-23 inches and is professionally matted. T
he frame includes a heavy-duty wire hanger for wall hanging; just add a nail.
For the automotive audio lover: Ford Mustang Ion Audio Bluetooth Speaker, $94.95
This is possibly one of the coolest Bluetooth speakers ever, one that resembles the instrument cluster of the first Ford Mustang. While we can’t vouch for its sound quality, we can tell you that it’s a wireless boombox with two 3-inch woofers, rear-firing radiator for deep bass, an AM/FM analog tuner and a rechargeable battery.
(First Drive; 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E.)
For the shade-tree mechanic: BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII Scan Tool, $99.95
If the grease monkey in your life needs a 21st century update, this is the tool to have. Plug this unit into your vehicle’s OBDII sensor, open the free BlueDriver app on your iPhone, iPad or Android, and you’ll learn if your vehicle has any problems, and get the verified fixes from a professional mechanics’ database.
For the future car-lover: Hot Wheels ID Smart Track Starter Kit, $120
Hot Wheels’ ID connected die-cast car set measures and record speed, laps and performance, while the track itself features a booster that launches cars at speeds of up to 900-mph scale speed. It’s all captured on the Hot Wheels ID video game app for tablets and smart phones, allowing children to track their progress.
For those who camp in their car: Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap Sleeping Pad, $124.95
Available in regular, large, and extra-large sizes, this inflatable sleeping pad is three inches thick, and is made of a compressible foam core that has extra foam where your body exerts pressure. And since it’s inflatable, it easily deflates into a reasonable size for storage.
For the tailgater in your life: VBENLEM Portable Car Refrigerator, $185.99
If the party before the game is more important than the game, this 22-liter (16-quart) refrigerator is the perfect gift. It uses an LG compressor, has an internal temperature display, comes with two power cables – one for 12/24 V DC car use, and another for 110- or 240- volt AC power. While you’re at it, opt for Mr. Steak, a $230 compact infrared grille with a gas-and-infrared burner that can sear food up to 1,000 degrees. Its electronic ignition provides fast lighting, while its removable grease tray makes for easy clean up
For motorists concerned about urban mobility: BMW City Scooter, $209
This bit of urban mobility is the result of a joint venture between Micro Mobility and BMW weighs a mere five pounds, and features large wheels, splash protection, adjustable handlebar height and an integrated kickstand. And it folds.
The aforementioned group of presents should be enough to make anyone happy. However, if you’re looking to take it up a notch or get real extreme in your gift giving this year, we have you covered there too.
For the anglophile motorist: Bremont Jaguar D-Type Chronograph Watch, $6,895
While you may know about high-end automaker-branded watches from Oris (Audi), Porsche Design (Porsche) and Breitling (Bentley), you may not know about Bremont’s association with Jaguar. Founded in 2002, Bremont watches are designed, manufactured and assembled in England, not Switzerland, China or Japan, including cases and movements. After all, if you drive a British car, you should own a British timepiece.
For the motorist with money, LOTS of it: Bugatti Baby II, €30,000-€58,500 ($36,550-$71,285)
Yeah, you can buy a BMW Motorsport Baby Racer III ($142) toy car for your toddler, but it’s so, well, common. May we recommend a Bugatti Baby II instead? Based on the original Bugatti Baby built by Ettore for his four-year-old son Roland, and based on the Type 35, it comes in three trim levels with composite, carbon fiber, or aluminum coachwork. It’s powered by a 1.4 kWh or 2.4 kWh electric motor, with a 28-mph top speed.
(Former Michigan Governor in line for Secretary of Energy post.)
For those who have everything: Museum membership, price varies
A membership to a car museum offers the motoring enthusiast in your life access to rotating exhibits, special events and more. Some of the larger ones include the LeMay Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington (from $50), the Petersen Car Museum in Los Angeles (from $114), the Simeone Foundation in Philadelphia (from $25), Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Leeds, Alabama, (from $66), among many others.