No matter the occasion, if you're on the hunt for a gift for the auto enthusiast in your life—a family member, co-worker, or just a buddy—we've got editor-picked gift ideas just for you.
Looking for a gift for the car lover in your life? Well, you’ve come to the right place. The Road & Track staff is packed full of auto enthusiasts who know what makes car nuts happy. We’ve plumbed the depths of the internet to bring you the best gift ideas for the car lover in your life, no matter the occasion.
Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or some other special occasion, we’ve got you covered. From action cams to driving gloves to LEGOs, these are the best gifts for the gearhead in your life.
best driving sunglasses gift Porsche Design Classic Driving Sunglasses
- Titanium construction
- Available in four frame/shade options
- Pricey, but worth it
If you’ve ever sat behind the wheel of a car, you’ll know sunglasses can come in clutch. Sun visors can only do so much to protect your eyes from the sun, so having a pair of sunglasses by your side is key.
These sunglasses from Porsche Design are the perfect gift for anyone who loves to drive. They go with any look or style and are incredibly well-made.
best lego gift for car lovers LEGO Technic Porsche 911 RSR
Now 11% off
$159 AT AMAZON $249 AT WALMART $150 AT ZAPPOS
- Not just a toy! Makes a great collectible
- Great bonding tool for parents and kids
- For ages 10 and up
Car people love to tinker. And what’s more fun to tinker with than LEGO? Give the gift of creativity with this massive 1580-piece Porsche 911 RSR set.
This LEGO Technic set is a massive hit with car lovers, and it’s easy to see why. There are tons of realistic details built into this Porsche 911 to make it look like the real thing, including steering that works and a very detailed engine.
best gift for classic car owners Amazon Echo Auto
Amazon
Now 70% off
$15 AT AMAZON $50 AT QVC $25 AT B&H PHOTO
- Hands-free = safe driving
- Updates older vehicles with modern tech
- Not everyone uses Alexa
The ideal gift for drivers of classic cars who want to add a bit of tech without disturbing the vehicle’s aesthetics, the Echo Auto brings hands-free Alexa utility into any vehicle, as long as the driver carries a smartphone. Take and make calls, choose music, set timers and reminders, dictate notes—all without taking your hands off the steering wheel.
best driving gloves for gifting Riparo Driving Gloves
- Available in six colorways
- Made of genuine leather
- Not touch-screen friendly
Want to gift the car lover in your life something meaningful without breaking the bank? Consider a pair of driving gloves.
In addition to keeping steering wheels clean and undamaged, driving gloves can help protect skin from blistering during constant hard driving. Plus, they look cool, especially when they’re used to steer a vintage car.
gift for the best automotive experiences Road & Track The Track Club by Road & Track
- Access to exclusive events and perks
- A must for any auto enthusiast
- It only works if you take advantage of all the benefits!
Car lovers worldwide are members of the exclusive R&T Track Club, a thriving community of auto enthusiasts, adrenaline junkies, gearheads, and driving aficionados. Whether they spend their weekends tinkering in the garage or taking leisurely cruises, give your favorite car lover a membership in the Track Club. They’ll enjoy special perks, events, test drives, track days with the editors, and much more. Normally $975 per year, right now they can join for just $475—and of course, that includes a subscription to Road & Track magazine.
best action camera gift GoPro HERO9 Black
- Livestream capable
- 5k Ultra HD video
- Audio not supported when used as a webcam
If your car enthusiast loves going out on track days or slaying autocross cones on weekends, they’ll need an action camera to record their best moments. GoPro remains the go-to action cam for enthusiasts around the world, and the waterproof HERO9 can capture it all from anywhere.
GoPro has a ton of assorted mounting mechanisms perfect for car enthusiasts. Whether you want to mount the camera on your helmet, windshield, or roll cage, there’s an accessory for you.
best gift for parents of new drivers Bouncie Car Tracker
- Easy to use and discreet
- Multiple logins available so anyone can track a vehicle
- Monthly subscription fee
If you’re a worried parent of a new driver, or the concerned child of an older one, keeping tabs on your loved one’s car can bring priceless peace of mind. Not only can you follow any vehicle via Google Maps, but you’ll get real-time notifications in the event of an accident. You can also set geo-zones so you get an alert whenever the vehicle enters or leaves certain areas.
But there’s no need to spend a lot on a vehicle tracker, or even sign up for a monthly data subscription. Apple AirTags are great for iPhone users and very affordable.
best t-shirt for auto enthusiasts Road & Track Road & Track Icon Logo T-shirt
- 100% cotton
- Pre-shrunk and side-seamed
- Are there any??
What better way for your favorite car lover to represent their favorite automotive publication than with a T-shirt? Our heathered gray shirt is a timeless classic, with our simple ampersand logo on the front and Road & Track on the back. Grab a couple today before stock runs out (it usually does over the holidays).
best gift for sim racing enthusiasts Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Floor Pedals
Amazon
Now 33% off
$200 AT AMAZON $260 AT WALMART $259 AT B&H PHOTO
- Hand-stitched leather and stainless steel components
- Built-in clamps and bolt points
- Only works with Xbox One and PC games
With dual-motor feedback and helical gearing, the G920 is the definitive sim racing wheel for the latest Xbox One and PC titles. On-wheel controls and paddle shifters are easy to access, and the separate pedal unit gives you natural, responsive control, with a nonlinear brake pedal that mimics the feel of high-performance vehicles.
best gift for quick cleanups in the car Black+Decker Dustbuster Car Vacuum
Michael Simari
Now 31% off
$45 AT AMAZON $50 AT WALMART $91 AT OVERSTOCK
- Affordable and versatile
- Improved charging base/stand
- Weak battery life
The winner of our Best Car Vacuums of 2022, Tested was Black+Decker’s Old Reliable, the Dustbuster. It wasn’t the smallest, the most powerful, or the longest lasting, but its large mouth opening allowed it to suck up Cheerios and other chunks of debris as well as, if not better than, much higher-priced competition. And its household versatility means its uses extend far beyond seats and floorboards.
best gift for hands-free phones iOttie Wireless Charging Phone Mount
- Automatically clamps onto your phone
- Charges wirelessly, even through most phone cases
- Must use a Qi-enabled phone to charge, but will hold any phone
When we tested car phone holders earlier in 2022, we tabbed the iOttie Auto Sense as the best cupholder mount. It charges wirelessly as you drive, and the automatic clamping is a fantastic feature. Just twist the base to secure it in your cup holder. It’s also available in dash- or window-mounted styles.
fun for any age Miebelly RC Cars
- Built-in auto-jamming so multiple drivers can race without interference
- 2.4GHz remote control
- A toy, not designed for competition
The old adage “fun for all ages” is rarely more apt than when RC cars are involved. This Bugatti Divo is sexy and speedy and comes equipped with a rechargeable 7.4V 900mAh battery, which has 40 minutes of run time at maximum power and full charge.
For a more rough-and-ready off-road RC experience, this Bezgar Crawler is ready for gravel, dirt, and grass, only adding to the RC fun.
best gift for road trippers Cobra Compact Walkie Talkies
- Voice-activated transmissions
- Water-resistant (IPX4)
- Two AA batteries required
If the car lover in your life likes to go on fun drives with friends, it’s always great to have walkie-talkies on hand. This way, your loved one and their friends can talk to each other on the move, without having to rely on cell service or waste time on stops.
This set of Cobra units has 22 channels to choose from and a 35-mile range.
best gift for keeping an extra eye on the road Car and Driver Dash Cam
Now 22% off
$140 AT AMAZON $180 AT HOME DEPOT $256 AT WALMART
- Easy to install and use
- Full 1080p HD video
- No rear-view camera
An affordable dash cam makes a great gift for any driver. Car and Driver’s Road Patrol Dash Cam features 1080p HD video, a supplemental in-cabin camera, and mounts easily via a suction cup. The 3-inch touchscreen is a cinch to use, and the 150-degree wide-angle front camera and 110-degree interior camera simultaneously capture the road ahead and your vehicle’s cabin.
The built-in GPS automatically records your driving route, location, and speed, ensuring you have all the information your favorite car lover needs for every journey.
best car gift for extreme climates Crime Stopper Remote Start System
- Start, stop, and unlock vehicles up to 1500 feet away
- Two fobs included
- Spend a little more, and you’ll get a lot more features
If your favorite driver lives in a harsh climate or drives an older vehicle, consider gifting this affordable remote start system. You get two transmitter key fobs to start, stop, and unlock vehicles up to 1500 feet away. It’s a bare-bones option, but is useful to get the AC or heater up and running when the weather is extreme. Don’t be afraid to hire a professional to install these systems—they can be daunting.
for Tesla and other EV owners Lectron Tesla Charging Adapter J1772
- Provides access to over 15k Tesla charging stations
- The only adapter that supports 48A of current and 250V of voltage.
- Does not work with Tesla Superchargers, only Level 1 and 2
Everyone knows Tesla cars are outliers, and that includes their charging stations. If your car lover owns a non-Tesla EV, this J1772 Charging Adapter from Lectron will allow them to access more than 15,000 Tesla charging stations in the US. We want to point out that the J1772 is not compatible with Tesla Superchargers—only Level 1 and 2 Tesla chargers.
Better still, if your family has more than one EV and one of them is a Tesla, now you can use the same charging station for all your EVs. Best of all, it stashes easily in the trunk or even the glove box. It’s also available direct from Lectron—and it’s often on sale.
best gift for car collectors Stark USA Car Wheel Moving Dollies
- Foot-operated hydraulic lift mechanism
- Should work for most cars, plus light trucks and vans
- Each lift rated at 1,250 pounds
Real car nuts swear by these wheel dollies, sometimes called “car skates,” which allow you to move disabled and show-ready vehicles around garages, showroom floors, and almost anywhere else without starting and driving, or pushing, the car. This set of two car wheel dollies from Stark USA, designed to fit tires up to 12 inches wide, is perfect for collectors, dealerships, and anyone else who struggles to store their vehicles in a limited space.
best gift for track days Bell Racing Helmet
- One of the most trusted names in helmets
- Available in various sizes
- Pricey gift, but what price safety?
For most entry-level forms of performance driving, the only things you need to show up with are a working car and a helmet. So get your loved one a certified Snell-rated helmet so they can get to driving.
Bell makes some of the best helmets around, and they’re pretty affordable too. This BRUS model has a 2020 rating, which means it’s good to use at most tracks and autocross events until 2030.
best gift for family drivers Amazon Basics Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag
- Waterproof and fade-resistant
- Easy to install and remove
- Only good for occasional trips
Amazon is flush with rooftop cargo carriers in all shapes, sizes, and colors; we chose this Amazon Basics bag because it’s black—and super affordable. With 15 cubic feet of storage, it’s waterproof and comes with stay-dray flaps over its zipper opening. It also features a one-year warranty. For the occasional road tripper, it’s ideal.
for the outdoor adventurer Napier Truck Bed Tent
- Sets up in 10 minutes
- Five styles to suit any truck
- Straps could scratch paint
Truck lovers are always looking for ways to utilize all that space, and truck bed tents are improving in quality and affordability every year. This Backroadz 2-person truck bed tent makes a great gift for any truck fan. It comes in multiple sizes and styles, and features a full floor, rain fly and storm flaps, and plenty of windows.
for the speeding ticket connoisseur Escort Radar Detector
- 360-degree protection
- Built-in WiFi for automatic updates
- Price might be an obstacle
If your favorite car lover has an issue with speeding tickets, consider gifting this top-of-the-line radar detector from Escort. It was the top pick in our most recent radar detector test. While it’s not cheap, it just might be the very best on the market.
best gift for complete car care Chemical Guys Car Wash Kit
Now 30% off
$91 AT AMAZON $185 AT WALMART
- All-in-one car wash kit
- Includes foam cannon that works with garden hose
- Real car geeks may already own one or more of these products
A car wash kit is always a thoughtful gift for car lovers. Honestly, we could have gone with almost any kit on the market but we’ve used Chemical Guys products extensively, and have always found them to be top-notch and affordable. This 16-piece car wash kit has everything a car nut could want when it comes to taking care of their most prized possessions.
best gift for ritual car washers Sun Joe Electric Pressure Washer
Now 41% off
$118 AT AMAZON $169 AT HOME DEPOT $169 AT WALMART
- Quiet operation
- 20-foot hose
- Not strong enough for household or commercial use
While it’s not strong enough to strip a deck, the Sun Joe SPX3000electric pressure washer is ideal for washing automobiles, RVs, and boats. The 14.5 amp/1800 watt motor generates up to a claimed 2030 PSI and 1.76 GPM, and it comes with two onboard detergent tanks and five distinct angle tips, plus a 20-foot hose, 35-foot power cord, garden hose adapter, and a two-year warranty.
best gift for hauling extra gear Weize Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Increases cargo capacity by 10 square feet
- Folding 2-inch shank
- Good for coolers and luggage, not machinery
Measuring 60 x 24 x 6 inches, this Weize hitch carrier adds up to 10 square feet of storage space to almost any vehicle with a trailer hitch. It’s the number-one hitch carrier on Amazon; we’re guessing it’s not just because of the folding 2-inch shank that lifts it up and out of the way when you don’t need it, or the wire mesh flooring that keeps smaller items form falling through to the pavement. It has a max weight capacity of 500 lbs. and comes with two tie-down straps and a cargo net.
best gift for the garage handyman DeWALT Mechanics Tool Set
- Plenty of size options to cover every need
- Trusted brand name
- Sockets are not designed for impact wrench use
Any driveway mechanic will tell you that hand tools have a way of sprouting legs and making a run for it, and are usually successful in getting away. Refresh your favorite car tinkerer’s kit with this DeWALT Mechanic’s Tool Set. It comes in 84-, 172-, 205-, and 247-piece configurations in a hardshell blow-molded case with 72-tooth ratchets.
best gift for driveway mechanics MotoPower OBD-II Diagnostic Scanner
Now 26% off
$20 AT AMAZON
- Saves big bucks on mechanic bills
- Ideal for most drivers
- The more you spend, the more OBD-II you’ll get
You could spend a bundle on a feature-laden OBD-II scanner, but unless your favorite car lover is a pro mechanic or serious garage rat, it’ll be more diagnostic power than they’ll ever use. Instead, opt for this easy-to-use and affordable model from MotoPower. It’ll tell them everything they need to know when an idiot light comes on.
best gift to keep their ride protected iCarCover Car Cover
Now 29% off
$70 AT AMAZON
- Anti-scratch microfiber lining
- Fitted, double-stitched elastic hems
- Large SUV/truck sizes are often sold out, so nab one if you can
This premium all-weather, UV-protected, 18-layer iCarCover comes in multiple sizes to fit cars of all types. Weatherproof, fitted, and durable, it ain’t sexy—but it makes a great gift that’s useful and affordable.
best gift for DIY mechanics Viair Air Compressor Kit
Now 22% off
$171 AT AMAZON $219 AT HOME DEPOT $188 AT WALMART
- Inflates up to 33-inch tires
- 27 amps of power
- Gets hot during operation
You could buy your favorite car lover any of a number of portable air compressors to toss in their trunk. But if we’re gifting one to a real car nut, we’re going big-time with this Viair heavy-duty kit. It clamps directly to the car’s battery leads, and with 150 psi of working pressure, it’s powerful enough to inflate even off-road tires on trucks and jeeps.
best gift for battery charging DeWALT Portable Power Station
Now 12% off
$159 AT AMAZON $150 AT HOME DEPOT $150 AT TRACTOR SUPPLY CO
- Includes air compressor, work light, and one-year warranty
- Reliable, well-known brand
- Pricier than some, but worth the cost
Yes, there are a bajillion jump-starters and battery chargers on the market, some for far, far less than this. But the DeWALT DXAEJ14 Digital Portable Power Station offers 1400 peak amps and 700 instant starting amps, plus it sports a 120 psi digital compressor and dual-in USB charging ports. It even offers an LED work light and a built-in alternator tester. Best of all, you can charge via any ordinary household extension cord—no need to buy into a proprietary Li-ion battery pack system.
for those who hate hot steering wheels EcoNour Windshield Sunshade
Now 34% off
$15 AT AMAZON
- Keeps interior cool and fresh
- Prolongs life of the dashboard
- Flimsy but affordable
When all else fails, you can’t go wrong gifting a windshield sunshade. After all, most of us are still rocking the ones we got for Christmas five years ago. This EcoNour is one of the most popular sunshades on Amazon, is often on sale, and works as well as any of them.
Jon Langston The Senior Commerce Editor for Hearst Autos, Jon Langston is an avid motorcyclist and gear collector whose work has appeared in Men’s Journal, The Drive, Rider, Task & Purpose, Cycle World, and more. Collin Morgan Collin Morgan is the Assistant Commerce Editor at Hearst Autos, where he presents the best gear for your automotive endeavors. Brian Silvestro Road & Track staff writer with a taste for high-mileage, rusted-out projects and amateur endurance racing.
Keyword: The Ultimate Gift Guide for Car Lovers