If you have any true motoring enthusiasts to buy Christmas gifts for this year, you have plenty of options. There are lots of items aimed at “petrol heads” and you still have time to order something in time for the big day.
We’ve trawled the Internet to find some items that car-obsessives will be glad to open on Christmas morning, so if you’re still trying to think of something to buy someone who meets the “petrol head” description, this list should hopefully provide a little inspiration.
1. Something to watch
Top Gear – The Complete Specials Box Set
While its impossible to deny that Messrs Clarkson, Hammond and May divide option amongst the general public, it’s fair to say that most car enthusiasts have quite a soft spot – for them, and for Top Gear.
With The Grand Tour still exclusive on Amazon Prime, there’s no box set of that available yet, so the next best thing is this 13 DVD set of all the most memorable Top Gear specials.
Included are specials recorded in Botswana, Australia, Italy, and ten other countries. In many cases, they are “Director’s Cut” editions that weren’t shown on mainstream TV.
There are plenty of laughs and no doubt some controversial moments if you choose to seek them out. All in all, however, this will provide hours of entertainment for Top Gear fans.
Positives:
- Great value for many hours of entertainment.
- Includes previously unseen footage.
Negatives:
- Top Gear doesn’t appeal to everyone!
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2. Something for eager new drivers
AA Learner Driver Bundle
If you have a teenager in the family just itching to get behind the wheel and approaching the right age, this driver bundle will whet their appetite (and perhaps raise your blood pressure!)
Containing magnetic “L” plates, probation plates and a Highway Code, it’s everything required to get a learner started. It doesn’t matter if they’re a few months away from their 17th birthday – it’s never too early to start learning the rules of the road.
Positives:
- A good value gift for learners.
- “P” plates encourage new drivers to display their novice status after passing their test.
Negatives:
- Magnetic plates don’t mount well to all vehicles.
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3. Something for racing fans
F1 2016 Official Review
If you know someone who’s Formula 1 obsessed, this is the perfect gift – and after such an exciting season there are plenty of people who will be keen to relive it.
When we began our petrolhead gift search, we looked for some F1 books, but this double-DVD official review of the season grabbed our eye as a rather more interesting present. (It also didn’t help that many related books seem to be out of stock in the run-up to Christmas.)
A particularly great thing about this gift is that the set was only released on 19th December. As such it’s fairly unlikely that the recipient is going to end up with a duplicate gift from another friend or relative!
Positives:
- Perfect for all F1 fans.
- Previous 2015 edition received great reviews.
Negatives:
- Nothing!
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4. Something to read
How To Drive: The Ultimate Guide
Written by Ben Collins, the man who was formerly the famous “Stig” on Top Gear, this “How to Drive” book is perfect for those people for whom driving is a leisure pursuit and a pleasure.
This isn’t a book designed to turn people into racing drivers – there’s actually a lot of practical information about driving safely and economically.
Reviewers state that they have learned lots of new driving techniques based on the information in the book, which is equally suited to experienced and enthusiastic drivers, as well as those taking to the roads for the first time.
Positives:
- “Stocking filler” price.
- Great for drivers of all experience levels.
Negatives:
- Not suited to those who don’t appreciate a humorous read.
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5. A real experience!
Buyagift Driving Thrills Experience
If you really want to treat the car enthusiast in the family, this “Driving Thrills” experience is just the thing – and it allows the recipient to choose exactly the experience that appeals to them.
There are over 400 experience options, driving everything from supercars to trucks and quadbikes. It’s also notable that the voucher lasts for two years, rather than just one, and that there are enough possible locations to make using the voucher an enjoyable and hassle-free experience rather than a chore.
Positives:
- Loads of options.
- Long expiry.
- Experiences for one or two people.
Negatives:
- More expensive than some of our other gift ideas!