Blog
By Colin
Posted: December 18, 2024
From the supercar dreamer to the track day addict, the Sunday driver, the F1 mega-fan and the Hotwheels aficionado - you're sure to find something special that puts a smile on their face.
Browse gifts by price, using the links below and skip to a section that suits your budget.
- Gift ideas for car lovers: £50 and under
- Gift ideas for car lovers: £50 - £100
- Gift ideas for car lovers: £100 - £300
- Gift ideas for car lovers: £300 +
You've got car mail! A budget-friendly gift that keeps on giving. Choose from a wide range of well-known car magazines that will fulfil your car lover's need for speed.
Price: From £5
Shop: magazine.co.uk
For kids and grown-ups alike - Top Trumps is a family favourite. Learn all about your favourite racing F1 drivers. A great game to travel with.
Price: £6.00
Shop: Top Trumps
All petrolheads understand how important tyres are to vehicle handling, not to forget fuel economy. This is why the Highway Code suggests you check your tyre pressures weekly. This handy digital tyre pressure gauge provides instant and clearly lit readings - a practical stocking filler.
Price: £11.99
Shop: Ring Automotive
Heel Tread offers a collection of socks inspired by some of the world's most iconic automotive designs. Whether it's the Martini Sparco, Lotus, Superturismo or the classic pink pig socks, their collection celebrates the spirit of motorsport and design, bringing automotive passion to your everyday wardrobe.
The collection is a tribute to automotive enthusiasts—those who see beyond wheels and appreciate the art in automotive history.
Explore their full range of automotive-inspired socks and find the perfect pair for your petrolhead.
Price: From £12.00
Shop: Heel Tread
Machine Driven air fresheners offer a tailored twist for car lovers: select from an extensive library of models including a Ford Focus, Porsche, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Lamborghini and Ferrari. There are further options to tailor the car by choosing your preferred colour and even personalising the number plate.
Price: From £9.99
Shop: Machine Driven
Add a touch of personality to any charm bracelet with car-inspired charms from The Charm Works. Perfect for auto enthusiasts, these sterling silver charms capture the essence of iconic vehicles—speedy race cars, rugged rally cars, and the beloved Mini—creating treasured keepsakes for years to come.
Price: From £15.55
Shop: The Charm Works
For the F1 obsessed. A comprehensive guide complete with bespoke digital maps of each course, written by motorsport journalist Maurice Hamilton.
If you're interested in F1 circuits, also check out our blog on Silverstone Circuit History & Corner Names.
Price: £30
Shop: Waterstones
This stylish spanner bottle opener combines utility with automotive flair. Crafted from sturdy stainless steel and designed to mimic a drop-forged spanner, it’s not only practical but also a great conversation piece.
Price: £18
Shop: Me and My Car
Based at Silverstone, the home of British motorsport, Grand Prix Racewear has been supplying the best race and kartwear for over 30 years. If you have a budding racer to buy for, a voucher will help them get kitted out either instore or online.
Price: From £10
Shop: Grand Prix Racewear
This puzzle features detailed illustrations of Grand Prix motor racing cars, tracing the sport's evolution from its origins in 1894 France. Initially a simple road race, it developed into a test of endurance for both cars and drivers. This 1000-piece set offers a challenging and enjoyable activity for enthusiasts of automotive history and puzzle fans alike. Perfect for those who appreciate the rich history of motor racing, it’s a fantastic way to engage with the sport’s heritage.
Price: £15.00
Shop: Goodwood
Improve your skills and confidence on the road with this essential duo. Roadcraft: The Police Driver's Handbook provides advanced guidance used by the IAM, ROSPA, and DVSA, while The Official DVSA Guide to Better Driving explores the psychology of driving with practical strategies to manage stress and boost safety. Perfect for motoring enthusiasts and anyone looking to elevate their driving.
Price: From £14.99
Shop: Roadcraft/ Better Driving
The KitSound MyFM2 is a handy device for older cars, enabling them to stream music or podcasts directly through the FM radio. It's designed with a USB charging port, built-in microphone for calls, and a sleek, clutter-free look—perfect for seamless audio connectivity on the go.
Price: £17.99
Shop: KitSound
Ideal for new drivers or new cars. This kit includes a hazard warning triangle, ice scraper, high-vis vest and emergency life hammer with seatbelt cutter.
Price: £36
Shop: EVAQ8
The All-in-1 Choice Gift Card is perfect for anyone, no matter their interests. Whether your recipient is planning a road trip, buying car accessories, or just needs a versatile option for their next adventure, this card has them covered. It can be used at a wide range of retailers, making it a great choice for any occasion when you're unsure exactly what to get. With the flexibility to be used at multiple locations, your loved one can make their dream purchase, whether it's car gear, a new hobby, or even a night away.
Price: From £10
Shop: GiftCards.co.uk
For when you can't afford the real thing! The Tamiya scale car model kits are highly regarded for their ease of construction and quality. A great way to while away the hours over Christmas. There is a large range to choose from, whether it's a Mercedes Benz 300SL or an F1 McLaren Honda MP4-30 that takes your fancy, there is something for every car and motorsport fan.
Price: From £21.50
Shop: Wonderland Models
Perfect for anyone who enjoys cars and wine, albeit not at the same time!
Price: £18
Shop: Me and My Car
Car Key Tracker with SOS Feature Elevate your key ring with a practical twist; Tile isn’t just for finding your misplaced car keys. With a simple tap in the Tile app, your key ring will chime to reveal its location. Beyond its locating capabilities, this key ring doubles as a safety tool, allowing you to discreetly send an SOS alert to your family through the Life360 integration—ideal for those who value both convenience and security. Available in various colours and designs, these trackers can also safeguard your wallet, bag, and other essentials.
Price: From £24.99
Shop: Tile
A unique insight into the secretive, technical world of F1 car design, written by F1's infamous Adrian Newey OBE. If you travel a lot, why not download the Audiobook version?
Price: £16.99
Shop: Axel Books
Celebrate the iconic cars of James Bond with this ultimate collector’s book. Bond Cars: The Definitive History takes you behind the wheel of every 007 vehicle, featuring exclusive call sheets, technical drawings, storyboards, and never-before-seen photography. With insights from Bond legends Michael G. Wilson, Barbara Broccoli, Daniel Craig, and veteran special effects supervisor Chris Corbould, this book is a must-have for film and car enthusiasts alike.
Price: £23.83
Shop: Amazon
With such a wide range of Motoring cufflinks, these subtle accessories make a great stocking filler.
Price: £19.95
Shop: Cufflink Man
Enjoy your favourite tipple chilled with official Porsche ice! A stocking filler your Porsche-obsessed loved one is guaranteed not to have.
Price: £17
Shop: Porsche
Much more than a stocking filler ... 'Your Track Day Guide' is a pocket-sized resource packed with tips, insights and advice. A must-read for all track day goers - an ideal gift for all petrolheads.
★★★★★
"A must have for every track addict"
★★★★★
"Great preparation for trackdays"
The paperback price has been set to realise a £5.95 per copy royalty - this to be given to charity. From launch in February 2021, Mission Motorsport - the Forces' Motorsport Charity, will be the benefitting entity.
Price: £18.50
Shop: Amazon
Never driven competitively in the world of motorsport but thinking you’d like to, or know someone who would? With inside information for novice racers thinking about starting their journey, this second book from Colin Hoad is the perfect read.
All royalties (£7.49) from your purchase are donated to Mission Motorsport - the Forces' Motorsport charity.
Price: £25
Shop: Amazon
Navigate your drinks with the precision of a champion with the Le Mans Track Circuit Coaster. Inspired by the iconic Le Mans race, this coaster is made from soft, washable silicone and features detailed track inlays. It's a stylish and practical addition to any motor enthusiast's collection, ensuring your surfaces are protected without any slip-ups. Perfect for adding a touch of racing spirit to any setting.
Price: From £6.50
Shop: Iconic Coasters
You'll be onto a winner with some tickets to the hottest new attraction for motorsport fans. The new Silverstone Experience includes an impressive display of iconic racing cars and bikes, as well as an interactive tech lab the kids will love!
Price: From £22.50
Shop: Silverstone Museum
Well known in the motorsport community, the friendly Merlin Motorsport team are THE go-to experts for performance parts and racewear. From exhausts to clutch parts to HANS devices they have any track day or racing driver covered.
Price: From £20
Shop: Merlin Motorsport
This premium bodywork collection is an ideal gift for anyone who likes to keep their pride and joy looking it's best. Six carefully selected Autoglym products to clean, enhance and protect your bodywork, glass and wheels. Their Luxury Bodywork & Wheels Collection won’t disappoint.
Price: £53.99
Shop: Autoglym
Over time the elements can take their toll on your car trim causing it to become cracked or faded. The Gtechniq trim restorer is a highly regarded solution that restores the exterior trim back to tip-top condition and protects it for up to 2 years. Just the job for someone who takes pride in looking after their car.
Price: £22.50
Shop: GTechniq
Inspired by the sleek designs of Lotus racing, this robust leather case, features a magnetic clasp and fabric lining. Perfect for a day at the races or simply safeguarding your glasses with a touch of motorsport flair.
Price: £25
Shop: Me and My Car
A handy gadget for keeping your phone charged on long journeys. This charger snaps right onto your iPhone with its magnetic hold, making it dead easy to use one-handed—spot on for anyone with an older motor who's not keen on letting go of their tunes or podcasts while driving. It's the perfect present to keep them connected without the fuss, especially during those long, leisurely drives.
Price: £34.99
Shop: Belkin
Gran Turismo 7 is the ultimate pick for racing enthusiasts, blending photo-realistic graphics with enjoyable gameplay suitable for all skill levels. It offers an extensive lineup of tracks and cars, regular free updates, and is optimized for an immersive experience on PS5, including VR capabilities. Perfect for both casual gamers and hardcore racers.
Price: From £59.99
Shop: Grand Turismo
For petrolheads in the making... Playforever are create art toys that are built to last a lifetime. These just might be the coolest pre-school toys we've seen. The cars are designed in the UK and tested to the highest safety standards.
Price: £29
Shop: Playforever
Primina Maserati Pen
For the Maserati fans, these sleek pens are available in sleek white or black. Featuring the iconic Maserati trident and crafted from turned aluminium, this compact pen is perfect for notebooks and travel. Its innovative Ethergraf® tip requires no ink, offering an endless writing experience that leaves a unique soft grey mark, blending the qualities of a pencil and a pen.
Price: £39
Shop: Me and My Car
Racing Coffee
Launched in 2021, Motorsport Coffee aims to energise the British Motorsport Industry with high-quality, ethically sourced coffee from top regions like Brazil and Indonesia. Our expertly roasted blends are designed for enjoyment anywhere from the racetrack to your home. Follow us on social media to be part of our coffee-fueled journey!
Price: Froom £9.95
Shop: Motorsport Coffee
Simply Carbon Fiber offers phone cases made from aerospace-grade carbon fiber, designed for durability and style. These luxury cases, perfect for motorsport enthusiasts, provide protection and enhance the look of your device. Ideal for personal use or as a thoughtful gift, each case showcases the pinnacle of automotive-inspired craftsmanship.
Price: From £39.99
Shop: Simply Carbon Fibre
Hot Wheels Cars
For decades, Hot Wheels has been a favorite of car enthusiasts and collectors, offering high-performance die-cast cars that fuel creativity and imagination. From classic racers to bold futuristic designs, this collection has something for everyone—perfect for building epic tracks or expanding a cherished collection.
Price: Varies
Shop: Hot Wheels
Airfix Model
Unleash the inner builder with Airfix's Starter Car Collection. Perfect for any model enthusiast, this set includes the iconic Aston Martin DB5, Bugatti Chiron, and Pagani Huayra. An ideal gift for young petrolheads, offering a fun and engaging way to bond with family while diving into the world of model building.
Price: From £15.99
Shop: Airfix
For the car enthusiast who loves to tinker: this vintage-style workshop sign is crafted from durable, waterproof aluminium with a faux rust design for a classic look. Personalise it with a name to make any space feel like their own. Ideal for garages, sheds, or workshops.
Price: £11.50
Shop: Giraffe & Custard
For the petrolhead who spends hours scrolling through car pictures on Instagram, treat them to a print they can admire in their own home. Professional Automotive Photographer Rich Pearce has a range of stunning prints to choose from and also offers automotive photo shoots - why not turn your car into a piece of art?
Prints: From £35
Shop: Rich Pearce Photography
Struggling for a gift that will impress a car-mad tween or teenager? PSR Experience offer a range of super cool driving experiences for Juniors from 10 years old. Running from a choice of venues.
Prints: From £29
Shop: PSR Experience
Racetrack Art
Handcrafted by Racetrack Art, these impressive wall sculptures of iconic circuits, like Nürburgring, Silverstone, Spa, and Monaco, are perfect for any motorsport lover. Made from Finnish Birch and topped with Phenol Resin, these thick, high-quality pieces add a striking touch to any home or office space.
Prints: From £45
Shop: Retro GP
We're obsessed with these incredible-looking gingerbread car biscuits! Each biscuit is carefully hand decorated by an army of London-based artists. The ultimate British classic car collection includes a Jaguar, Rolls Royce and Aston Martin! When all the biscuits are gone (which probably won't take long), the hand-illustrated tin doubles as storage for the garage!
Price: £50
Shop: Biscuiteers
For collectors, kids and big kids alike. Pick an iconic diecast model for a bit of racing nostalgia, like this heritage Ford GT. There are lots to choose from.
Price: From £14.99
Shop: Mini Model Shop
Takona, a motorsport clothing brand with a heart committed to "driving mental health awareness through automotive-inspired design," goes beyond stylish threads. They generously donate 10% of profits from their diverse range of clothing, prints, and accessories to charity. More than just a stylish gift; it's a meaningful gesture with a purpose.
Price: £34.99
Shop: Takona
Motormouse
A wireless marvel that zooms across your desk. Inspired by the sleek lines of classic autos, it also featured in Dragon's Den. With its chrome wheels and rubber tyres, this mouse doesn’t just scroll—it cruises. Choose from different models like the Sportscar, the Mini Cooper or the London Taxi, and give your desktop setup a dash of motoring magic.
Price: From £19.99
Shop: Autoregalia
Ideal for both weekend racers and pros. Hydrorace water bottles are designed for racing drivers. The longer straw enables drivers to stay hydrated when their helmet is on.
Price: £34.99
Shop: Hydrorace
A car magazine as beautiful as the machines it features. A subscription to this award-winning magazine is sure to make the recipient's day.
Price: £54
Shop: Magneto Magazine
Show your love for Formula 1 with a stylish cap or beanie from the biggest teams in the sport. Whether it's a Lewis Hamilton special edition or Max Verstappen's iconic orange, each cap is a great way to keep a piece of F1 magic close, making it a perfect gift for any racing fan. Check out the full range and find the ideal fit for both adults and kids.
Price: £36
Shop: F1 Shop
Sparco is a brand synomous with racing. Their Racing Spirit trainers collection retains their iconic motorsport look, but are designed for everyday wear and driving. With a range of colours to choose from these are an ideal gift for anyone with a racing spirit.
Price: €29.90
Shop: Sparco
Historic moments in motorsport, reimagined with a fresh perspective. These stunning prints come from Automobilist's limited Collectors Edition. Only 500 numbered prints are produced.
Price: From £79
Shop: Automobilist
Whether you class yourself as a car lover or not, tyre pressure is critical to the safety of your car on the road. In addition, for any track day goer, tyre pressure is also an important factor in getting the maximum enjoyment out of the day. For easy pressure setting, this rapid digital air compressor makes selecting the required pressure easy.
Price: £59.99
Shop: Ring Automotive
A perfect interactive project for both adults and kids, making it an ideal gift for budding petrolheads. This kit allows enthusiasts to construct a simplified yet functional model of a V8 engine, complete with motorised parts and sound effects. It also includes an augmented reality app for an immersive learning experience about the engine’s components.
Price: £66.99
Shop: Haynes Motor Museum Shop
McLaren Monolopy
McLaren Monopoly offers fans of the brand and classic board game enthusiasts alike a unique twist on a family favourite. This special edition features official McLaren branding and exclusive tokens shaped like various McLaren supercars. Gather friends and family for a fun game night, or take the challenge online and compete to become the ultimate McLaren Monopoly champion!
Price: £70
Shop: McLaren
Truly unique unisex jewellery crafted from luxury cars. Each piece starts life as a door, hood, fender or quarter panel that is being replaced on a luxury car such as a Rolls-Royce, Maserati, Audi, Mercedes or Porsche. A one of a kind gift that has a story to tell.
Price: From $95
Shop: CRASH Jewelry
Bring the thrill of the racetrack home with a Scalextric set. Perfect for motorsport fans of all ages, with iconic cars and track designs. Whether it's a classic circuit or an adrenaline-pumping modern setup, hours of racing entertainment is guaranteed.
Price: From £79.99
Shop: Scalextric
An essential piece of kit for any track enthusiast.
Price: £177
Shop: Hilka
Ekodoki transforms discarded seatbelts into the durable, stylish RE-BELT bag collection, embracing sustainability through upcycling. Each bag features a lining certified by "Made in Green by Oeko-Tex®," ensuring production in eco-friendly and socially responsible facilities. The hardware on these bags is made from recyclable aluminium and stainless steel, with a significant portion derived from recycled materials, emphasising a commitment to environmental consciousness and resource efficiency. Perfect for the eco-minded individual.
Choose from keyrings, bumbags, rucksacks and briefcases.
Price: From £113
Shop: Ekodoki
Charabanc redefines car fragrance with a nod to classic motoring, offering handcrafted diffusers in iconic driving colours and scents inspired by global drives. Made in Britain, each piece combines fine craftsmanship with elegant design, making any journey a sensory experience.
Price: £195
Shop: Charabanc
As engineers ourselves, we appreciate the detail and precision Limited100 apply to each and every print they produce. Working with the finest automotive photographers, they handpick the stunning cars and locations used in their finished pieces. Each image is limited to a print one of 100 to ensure exclusivity. A perfect gift for someone who sees the beauty in detail.
Price: From £119
Shop: Limited100
The BG Racing Infrared Pyrometer is an ideal gift for racing enthusiasts who seek accuracy and performance. It offers precise surface temperature measurements and versatile functionality, making it a valuable tool for optimising race performance. It's a thoughtful gift for anyone passionate about racing.
Price: £94.99
Shop: Merlin Motorsport
The Demon Tweaks Kit Bag in black is a fantastic gift for the racing driver in your life. It's equipped with a compartment to safeguard your helmet and offers ample space for all your race clothing and accessories. Plus, the retractable handle and smooth wheels make it convenient for your racing adventures.
Price: £80.50
Shop: Demon Tweeks
Essential kit for any Track day lover or Racing driver to capture the action on circuit. The GoPro Hero Mini is tiny, durable, and packed with features that make it perfect for capturing thrilling drives. With 4K video quality, 2.7K60 slo-mo, and 12 megapixel photos, every twist and turn is captured in stunning detail. Plus, the built-in mounting fingers make setup a breeze for in-car or on-track shots.
Price: £199.99
Shop: GoPro
One for the explorers. Yeti has designed this sleek cool box with road trips in mind. Created to provide maximum storage but take up minimal space. The roadie sits comfortably in the passenger footwell.
Price: £225
Shop: Yeti
The ultimate travel companion for car enthusiasts who love gadgets. This smart dash cam offers cutting-edge features like 4K recording, image stabilisation, and what3words integration for precise location sharing—essential for emergency situations. With Alexa built-in, you can control music, navigation, and calls hands-free. It’s a must-have device for anyone looking to enhance their driving experience and safety on the road.
Price: £239
Shop: Nextbase
Logitech G923 Steering Wheel & Pedals
For the Sim racer! Compatible with Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, this wheel integrates TRUEFORCE feedback technology to deliver high-fidelity game physics directly to your hands, offering unprecedented realism.
Price: £379.99
Shop: Logitech
An action-packed day ripping a Subaru Impreza around actual forest stages, which includes the 'ride of a lifetime'. The perfect gift for any Carlos Sainz or Colin McRae fan.
Price: £399
Shop: Phil Price Rally School
The Scorpion S7-ALS Tracker is perfect for the car enthusiast who values both security and smart technology. Thatcham and insurance approved, this reliable tracker not only offers round-the-clock theft monitoring but also a slew of advanced features like live tracking, journey history, and vehicle management—all from the convenience of a mobile app. Designed and manufactured in the UK, it includes fitting in its price, making it a stress-free addition to any vehicle. Ideal for those looking to blend high-tech vehicle security with peace of mind.
Price: £329
Shop: Scorpion Tracker
Nothing beats the sound of a Porsche, but the sound of your favourite tunes blasting from an original 911 GT3 exhaust-pipe has got to come a close second!
Price: £330
Shop: Porsche
For the love of track days. This GPS based performance meter by Racelogic is the perfect track day partner for drivers looking to improve their performance understanding.
Price: £204
Shop: VBOX
Finely tuned, highly engineered and expertly crafted, cars and watches have always had a symbiotic relationship. Very few watches, however, can claim to be designed by a car designer. Automotive Designer, Matthew Humphries, combined his keen eye with his passion for watches to create a stunning collection of automotive timepieces.
Price: From £575
Shop: MHD Watches
The perfect introduction to CAT's unique training style. A place with 5 other enthusiasts provides a full days experience. Our car clubs have been enjoyed by hundreds of individuals from numerous car clubs and forums. Modelled on attendance at track days, the itinerary is an advanced driving course giving an introduction into performance driving for road or track. Attendees benefit from 1 hour 40 minutes driving time across the day with their dedicated instructor.
Read more about the Car Club day here. Alternatively, you can get in touch with Jo or Lynne to organise your Car Club Gift Pack.
Price: From £485
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Of course, we couldn't create a gift for car lovers without including the best one of all! Make this Christmas extra special. All drivers with a passion for the road, track or race will benefit from our unrivalled driver training at our unique venue - UTAC Millbrook, (formerly known as Millbrook Proving Ground) in Bedfordshire. The best driving gift your money can buy. Choose between a Driving Gift Voucher that can be used towards the course of the recipient's choosing or a bespoke Driving Gift Course pack. Find out more here or get in touch with Jo or Lynne and discuss what options best suit the car lover in your life in a format that suits your budget.
Price: Starting from £795 for a day on the public highway
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We hope this gift guide has provided some inspiration. Please get in touch to recommend any car gift ideas you think we should include. Happy shopping!
Please note that the prices listed were correct at the time this article was updated in June 2023.
Read Next: Best Car Books
Call: 01234 757 633
Email: info@catdrivertraining.co.uk
Attend a course & feel your knowledge & technique has not developed, you've not been taught new skills, or not been treated with respect & professionalism, your money will be refunded. It’s as simple as that.
The CAT Team look forward to working with you.
Colin Hoad
CAT Driver Training is the fast way to develop & improve authentic dynamic driving skill, technique & knowledge from the Best. OEM recognised driver training for individuals & the motor industry. As the leading UK based independent advanced performance driving skills company, we exist to make your driving experience even better. Explore your cars potential, fulfill your own. Coaching advanced road & track skills, safety driver training courses for individual driving enthusiasts & advanced driving for all facets of the motor industry. The only training company resident within UTAC's Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, within easy reach of London, & all surrounding counties: Hertfordshire; Buckinghamshire; Oxfordshire; Nottinghamshire; Cambridgeshire; Norfolk; Suffolk; Essex; & Surrey. Clients travel from the World over & the UK to learn from the authentic evidence based dynamic driving & vehicle dynamic experts. | All Rights Reserved | Copyright 2005 – 2024
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