Everybody knows somebody who really loves and cherishes their car, whether it’s your partner, child, parent, friend, or even your work colleague or boss. But, since motoring enthusiasts tend to be extremely particular about what goes in or onto their vehicles, they can easily become the most difficult person to buy gifts for when it comes to birthdays or festivities.
Although you can always ask them in advance what they’d like in order to make sure that you get the gift just right, there’s always the risk that their ideal gift could be simply out of your budget. Not to mention that asking in advance always ruins the element of surprise, which is the best part of giving or receiving a gift for many people. Even if custom-built wheels and supercharger kits aren’t in your gift budget, there are several great ideas that any car enthusiast is sure to love. Read on for our top picks!
#1. A Private Number Plate:
If you’re looking for a special gift for that special somebody in your life who just happens to love their car, then look no further than a private number plate. Every driver knows that a personalized car registration number is more than just a status symbol on the road; it can help set your car apart from the rest and make it truly unique and personal to the driver.
Private number plates can be personalised by using a varied combination of numbers and letters to include the owner’s name, nickname, initials, date of birth, or something else that’s significant to them. And, the best part is that private number plates are often more affordable than most people expect them to be – opt for a ‘current’ style plate displaying the car’s registration year or older for some of the cheapest deals. Or, if you’d prefer to splash out, a dateless registration plate can be made even more special and hide the actual age of the car in the meantime. Take a look at the various private plates from British Car Registrations – they have millions available for you to choose from and you can get a free online quote so you can be sure the plate is within your budget.
#2. Car Care Crate:
If you can’t settle on just the one gift, then why not go all out and make a crate of gifts that any car enthusiast will be excited to receive. Anybody who takes pride in their car will want to make sure that it’s looking and running it’s best at all times, so fill a crate with some of the best auto care essentials, such as shampoo and waxing products, new air fresheners for the inside, and a scratch-free chenille wash mitt to name a few ideas. You can buy pre-made car care crates or put together your own using products that you know the recipient will trust. If you’re making your own, then always opt for high-quality brands; car enthusiasts often refuse to use any old brand on their prized set of wheels!
#3. Smartphone Dash Mount:
Although many newer car models are fitted with an in-car satellite navigation system, it can still be handy to have your smartphone where you can see it when driving. This is especially true for drivers who may prefer to use various navigation apps instead of their car’s system or want to be able to see what is happening on the screen when using their phone hands-free. A safe and secure smartphone dash mount makes hands-free phone use easier when driving, along with providing the driver with a suitable place to keep their gadget whilst behind the wheel. Opt for a mount that’s universal to any smartphone to ensure that it lasts through any future upgrades.
#4. Dash Cams:
Unfortunately, car accidents can happen at any time, no matter how safe the driver is behind the wheel. In addition to the risk of injuries, one of the biggest problems that drivers face when involved in a car crash is getting their car repaired and back on the road again with the help of their insurance company. Making a claim through your insurance company is always going to be an easier process if you have video footage available to prove exactly what happened, so a dash cam is a great gift idea for anybody who drives a lot. Dash cams range in price from budget options to premium models with all the bells and whistles, so it pays off to research beforehand and make sure that you’re getting the most for your money. Dash cams that record video at both the front and back of the vehicle are a great idea, since they’ll also capture any accidents that occur due to another vehicle going into the back of the car.
#5. An Emergency Breakdown Kit:
Anybody who drives a lot will know that their risk of breakdown is going to be higher. Most cars today are built to withstand long and regular commutes, but even the most reliable of cars can have problems from time to time. For most drivers, getting stuck on the side of the motorway waiting for their breakdown company in the cold is their idea of a worst nightmare. An emergency breakdown kit can be an awesome gift idea, especially for somebody who’s recently had a breakdown and doesn’t want to go through the same experience again. You may not be able to prevent their car from breaking down again, but your kit can make the whole ordeal more bearable. Items such as a jump starter, blankets, emergency repair tools and even snacks can all be super useful during a breakdown and will definitely be appreciated.
#6. Supercar Driving Experience:
As much as the car enthusiast in your life loves their own car, they probably wouldn’t pass up on the chance to drive a super-fast Ferrari, Jaguar or Porsche. Supercar driving days are available from most good experience companies like Supercar Hire, and the best part is that you often don’t have to book dates straight away, making it easier for the recipient to make arrangements at a time and date that suits them best. They will usually be presented with a range of supercars to choose from and may even be able to take a passenger along with them for the ride.
#7. Customized Gear:
If you’re on a smaller budget or want to get an inexpensive but meaningful gift, there are plenty of great options to choose from. For example, a personalised leather keychain can make a stylish addition to any set of keys, or customised car air-fresheners can look amazing hanging from the rear-view mirror or placed in the car’s air vents. Some drivers like to make their car their own by using stickers and other decorative accessories; this could also be a great choice of gift.
#8. Anti-Theft Gadgets:
Last but certainly not least, no car lover will want their pride and joy to be stolen from them. Whether you own a reliable old car or an expensive brand-new BMW, having your car stolen can be a heart-wrenching experience. Help your recipient prevent theft of their vehicle by gifting them a GPS tracker that can be easily connected to their smartphone to send them alerts of any suspicious activity. For cars with keyless entry and stop/start technology, a key case to block the signal when the car is parked is a great gift idea.
Would you like to receive any of these gifts? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.