31 gifts for the gearheads in your life, from custom floor mats to driving loafers

If they want to improve their driving simulator experience, the best solution is to replace the video game controller with a steering wheel and pedal set.

Replace those tacky tree-shaped air fresheners with a better-looking and better-smelling option. Drift clips onto the sun visor and use essential fragrance oil blends to keep the car smelling fresh for more than a month.

The Blaupunkt Bremen headunit is the best way to integrate modern audio functions into classic cars while maintaining the period-correct look of the ’80s and ’90s. While it appears to have a cassette player, useful inputs like USB, SD, and AUX are hidden under the flap. And with Bluetooth connectivity, it has all of the features of a modern headunit. 

You might not think twice about the steering wheel in your car, but auto enthusiasts pay attention to everything from the way it looks to how it feels. Founded in San Francisco, CA, Renown USA makes a variety of motorsport and race-inspired steering wheels that can be fitted to virtually any car that can be fitted with a MOMO hub adapter.

Going on a spirited drive will almost certainly put a smile on the face of a car enthusiast, but without car keys, it won’t be possible. Apple’s AirTag is an easy solution to keep track of keys. It attaches to the key ring, seamlessly syncs to iPhones, and can be tracked down using GPS. They also work well with wallets, so your giftee won’t have to worry about not being able to find their driver’s license before heading out.

Featuring a front-facing camera and an interior-facing camera, the Cobra SC201 is one of the best dash cams you can buy for road safety and security. You can easily monitor your car while it’s parked and quickly download recorded clips.

Real car lovers look back at their ride whenever they park it and start to walk away. With a Respoke Collection Custom Car Print, they can get a glimpse of their car even when they’re not in the driveway, garage, or parking lot. Simply upload a picture of their personal car (or another favorite car) and have it turned into high-quality wall art.

Coco Mats makes some of the best-looking, best-fitting, and most durable floor mats you can buy. The brand has custom-fitted floor mats for a wide assortment of vehicles and probably has a template for the car you’re shopping for. If not, it will send you blank templates you can cut to the exact specifications. The Gift Box comes with floor mat swatches and a gift certificate.

The LEGO McLaren Senna GTR is nothing like the LEGOs from back in the day. This 830-piece kit can be built into a stunning supercar that auto enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy building. 

They say a clean car always drives better, so any auto lover will appreciate The Chemical Guys 16-Piece Car Wash Kit. It includes wash soap, detail spray, glass cleaner, wheel cleaner, cream wax, tire shine, and professional-grade accessories like a wheel cleaning brush, scratch-free microfiber cloths, and a wash mitt.

Although you don’t necessarily need to be a car enthusiast to enjoy a good pair of driving loafers, this pair from Rothy’s is one they’ll appreciate. The shoes are super lightweight, breathable, and made from recycled plastic bottles. Whether they’re going for a spirited drive or walking around, their feet will always be comfortable.

Read my full review here.

If you’re shopping for someone who recently upgraded or will soon be upgrading to a smartphone without a 3.5mm auxiliary port, the Anker Soundsync Bluetooth Receiver is an extremely thoughtful gift. Rather than spending hundreds on a new Bluetooth-compatible car stereo, they’ll be able to pair their phone via Bluetooth with ease via the aux port. 

Most car enthusiasts are all about customization and that even includes minor details like keychains. These custom leather keychains can be personalized just for them. For $47.25, you can get one side of each keychain stamped with words or letters of your choice. For $57, you can have both sides done.

Covering everything from the very first automobiles to iconic cars like the Ford Model T, Porsche 911, and Ferrari F40, this book will keep any car enthusiast entertained for hours on end. With a plethora of pictures and information from past generations of cars, it makes for a great coffee table read.

Every car person needs their own set of tools. Instead of rummaging through the random assortment of tools they’ve accumulated over time, the Craftsman 450-piece tool kit is well organized and includes everything they’ll need to tackle mechanical work. 

If the car enthusiast you’re shopping for owns an XBOX, Forza Motorsport is the best racing game for their console. It features a competitive racing game that can be enjoyed at any level. 

This air compressor is a gift anyone, whether an enthusiast or not, will be able to use. Its cordless design makes inflating tires easier than ever before. And with an auto-off feature, they’ll never have to worry about over-inflating.

If you insist on buying that special someone a practical gift like a pair of socks, these clutch and gas socks are a fun option. Even when they’re not behind the wheel, they’ll remind them of their love for driving.

Shop the Puma Motorsport Collection here

Puma is one of the most deeply rooted sportswear brands in racing culture and its Motorsport collection proves that. With apparel for BMW Motorsport, Mercedes-Benz AMG, Ferrari, Porsche, and Redbull Racing, they’ve got pieces for lovers of Bimmers, Benzes, and more.

Even if you’re not shopping for a race car driver, a pair of driving gloves will be appreciated by any car enthusiast. During the fall and winter, they keep hands from freezing on a cold steering wheel without losing the necessary grip for maneuvering.

Although the driving experience is far from realistic, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is extremely fun. They’ll race their way through crazy tracks filled with obstacles like banana peels, bombs, and more. Car fan or not, it’s a must-have game for all Nintendo Switch owners.

The California Car Duster is an awesome gift for all types of car enthusiasts. Whether they’re a meticulous collector who needs to dust off their garage queen every so often or they just like to keep their ride free of pollen and dirt in between washes, it’s an effective tool to have.

Search for local Groupons in your area here

Not every gift you give has to be tangible. In fact, experiences are sometimes an even better option and Groupon has plenty to choose from. If you want to gift the person on your list an unforgettable experience, you can find everything from auto-cross lessons in an exotic car to go-kart races and rentals. Since search results vary based on your location, you should browse Groupon to see what’s available in your area.

If you’re shopping for the auto enthusiast who already has everything you could possibly think of (and you happen to have an extra $3,300 lying around), this big-bore, V8-style engine block coffee table will blow them away. Plus, you probably won’t have to buy another gift for the next few years.

Since keeping the inside of a car clean is equally as important as the outside, a hand-held vacuum is another must-have for car lovers. This vacuum fully charges in six hours to provide strong and efficient suction. With a flip-up brush head for dusting and cleaning upholstery and a pull-out crevice tool for hard-to-reach areas, it’ll clean every corner of a car’s interior.

Hot Wheels have been on wishlists for generations and that’s not changing any time soon. This set is great for kids, but chances are older car lovers will have fun with it, too.