11 Perfect Last-Minute Gifts for the Car Enthusiast
From tools to tech, gizmos to gadgets, here’s some great stuff guaranteed to arrive in time for Christmas.
Saturday, December 25 is less than two weeks away. Alarmed? Stressed? Freaking out!? No need to get frazzled. We’ve put together 11 ideal presents guaranteed to please most any driver, and everything here is listed as “Arrives Before Christmas” by Amazon. So if you order today, you should be good to go on the gift-giving front.
Our Top Picks
- Front and Rear Dash Cam Next Base $270 AT AMAZON Read More $270 AT AMAZON
- Extreme Long-Range Laser/Radar Detector Uniden $300 AT AMAZON Read More $300 AT AMAZON
- Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Set DeWalt $80 AT AMAZON Read More $80 AT AMAZON
- OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone & Android BlueDriver $120 AT AMAZON Read More $120 AT AMAZON
- F1 2022 – Xbox Series X EA & Codemasters $35 AT AMAZON Read More $35 AT AMAZON
- Universal Car Seat Covers Oasis Auto $170 AT AMAZON Read More $170 AT AMAZON
- Roof Cargo Bag Toolguards $78 AT AMAZON Read More $78 AT AMAZON
- Matte Black Vinyl Roll for Full Car Wraps VViViD $264 AT AMAZON Read More $264 AT AMAZON
- Rolling Pneumatic Creeper Garage/Shop Seat Big Red $65 AT AMAZON Read More $65 AT AMAZON
- Interior Smart LED Lights Govee $17 AT AMAZON Read More $17 AT AMAZON
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From tools to tech, gadgets to gizmos, there’s plenty here to satisfy anyone who owns a car, works on cars, or spends their days daydreaming about cars. Sound like anyone you know? Of course it does. Even the most casual automotive fan will appreciate one or more of these awesome gifts. But don’t put it off another day; order now, so your present arrives in time for the holiday. You’re welcome.
Next Base Front and Rear Dash Cam
When it comes to tech and gadgets, you tend to get what you pay for, and proven brands always cost a bit more than knock-offs. Next Base introduced its first dash cam in 2012—an eternity in tech years. We’ve used this particular setup ourselves and have to say, installation and use are easy and intuitive. The 322GW kit offers 1080p front and 720p rear recording, and a magnificent 2.5-inch high-res touchscreen. Best of all, it overwrites its oldest files so it’s always recording, even if your SD card gets full.
Uniden Extreme Long-Range Laser/Radar Detector
Now 25% off
$300 AT AMAZON
Perfect for the leadfoot on your list, the R3 from Uniden is one of the most popular radar detectors among enthusiasts because of its power and reliability. The Extreme Long-Range detection senses both laser and radar. It uses GPS to monitor red-light and speed cameras, and lets you mark fixed false alerts you might pass daily, like automatic door openers on storefronts. In addition, 360-degree protection and voice alerts keep it hands-free and easy to use. Best of all, at press time it was a full $100 off its regular price.
DeWalt Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Set
Now 50% off
$80 AT AMAZON $76 AT HOME DEPOT $100 AT TRACTOR SUPPLY CO
Every driveway mechanic needs a quality set of tools, and this 108-piece set from DeWalt makes the perfect gift. It includes two 72-tooth pear-head ratchets and a variety of sockets, extensions, and adapters for almost any application. Comes complete with vinyl carrying case. Pros, noobs, and everyone in between will love this set for years.
BlueDriver OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone & Android
Now that they’ve got a killer set of tools, your favorite DIY mechanic needs this OBD II scanner to quickly and easily diagnose problems and issues with any 1996-or-newer vehicle. It plugs right in under any dash, providing a complete repair report with thousands of fixes verified by ASE Certified Technicians. Your giftee will save a ton of money on repair bills by eliminating the need for diagnostic check-ups and estimates.
EA & Codemasters F1 2022 – Xbox Series X
Now 50% off
$35 AT AMAZON $44 AT WALMART $70 AT ADORAMA.COM
The familiar faces of Formula 1 return in F1 22, with an emphasis on driver and cosmetic customization. If someone you know is a fan of the series, this game makes you feel like you’re taking part. Read our entire game review here.
Oasis Auto Universal Car Seat Covers
Spruce up any car interior with this universal set of seat covers. It fits any four-door sedan, SUV, or pickup truck. We chose the gray leatherette covers here, but there are dozens of colors and styles to choose from to suit any taste or vehicle paint scheme. If your favorite enthusiast’s seats are beat, you can’t go wrong here.
Toolguards Roof Cargo Bag
Now 28% off
$78 AT AMAZON
Free up space in the cabin by placing luggage on the roof—and protect it with this 100 percent waterproof cargo bag. It’s made of heavy-duty, military-grade tarpaulin and features waterproof zippers and seals, plus a carrying bag and TSA-approved locks. Thanks to the multipurpose strap system, it works with or without roof racks on any hardtop car or SUV, providing 15 cubic feet of extra storage. Any road trip fans on your gifting list? This is a great deal.
VViViD Matte Black Vinyl Roll for Full Car Wraps
Now 20% off
$264 AT AMAZON
Not that we’d wrap our Porsche, but we can think of a ton of rides that would benefit from some fresh skin. And menacing matte black is all the rage these days. The 3.9-mm thick vinyl wrap comes in a 50-foot-by-5-foot roll for a complete kit big enough to cover most cars. It’s great for fleets, kit cars, and motorsports, too. Designed for DIY installation, it uses a solvent-based, repositionable, permanent adhesive that won’t damage paint. The finish should last up to seven years.
Big Red Rolling Pneumatic Creeper Garage/Shop Seat
Now 16% off
$65 AT AMAZON $65 AT WALMART
Here’s a handy gift any garage mechanic or DIYer will appreciate. With a segmented storage tray for small parts and tools, quality 360-degree swivel casters, and a padded seat, the Torin is perfect for wrenching, detailing, or just chilling with a cold one and admiring your handiwork. It’s got a pneumatic pedestal that adjusts 4 1/2 inches up or down, and it supports up to 250 pounds.
Govee Interior Smart LED Lights
These interior LED light strips are super popular, and this set is controlled via an app that allows your favorite enthusiast to easily change colors, brightness, and effects. Four flexible strips on two lines are ideal for accenting any interior cabin; it connects via the cigarette lighter outlet. One mode is for “music sensitivity,” so if your favorite driver likes the cars that go “boom!” this tasty gift is sure to please.
Armor All Complete Car Care Gift Pack
Every car owner would appreciate this easy, inexpensive, and thoughtful gift. You could spend a lot more on a detailing kit, but this handy collection has everything they’ll need. It includes original Armor All Cleaner and Protectant, plus Ultra Shine Wash & Wax, Tire Foam Protectant, and a can of 25 handy Glass Wipes. And you know you can trust the brand name. If you’re in a bind thinking of a last-minute gift, look no further.
From: Autoweek
Collin Morgan Associate Commerce Editor Collin Morgan is the Associate Commerce Editor at Hearst Autos, where he presents the best gear for your automotive endeavors.
