With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to actually start looking for those presents you should have bought weeks ago. You can only put it off for so long and short of heading out to the garage on Christmas Eve, there aren’t many shopping opportunities left to pick up a Christmas gift.
If you’ve been putting it off because you’re lacking ideas, then maybe we can help. We’ve put together a helpful list of gift ideas for everyone from your mother in law to your boss.
Obviously being the UK’s leading provider of temporary insurance, you might notice a slight motor theme to our Christmas gift recommendations.
1. Build your own V8 engine – £40 (Halfords)
If you have a friend or loved one who has always wanted to build their dream car in the garage, then this gift could be a great bit of practice. Designed for young and old alike, although specifically those aged 10 and up, this build your own V8 is ideal for anyone with a burning passion for engineering or mechanics.
With working lights and sounds, you get the whole experience of a real life V8 and a great sense of achievement when it’s all done.
2. Nextbase 512GW Dash Cam – £119 (Argos)
With car insurance prices on the rise, more and more drivers are turning to dash cams to show insurers what really happened before, during, and after a crash. While there are many different brands, makes and models on the market, the Nextbase 512GW offers incredible recording at 30fps with1440p Quad HD quality.
With Intelligent Parking Mode, the dash cam automatically records when a jolt is detected to protect your car from knocks. While it may be a more expensive than other models, it’s high-quality image could save the recipient of this gift a lot of money in the future.
3. Tile Mate Key Finder – £16.95 (John Lewis)
The second generation Tile Gen 2 improves on the first version to help make finding those dastardly keys or other small items a doddle.
No bigger than a standard keyring, it hooks easily to your house or car keys and can even be attached to larger items like laptops, handbags and suitcases. Use the simple and straightforward app to find the last location of your items or connect with other Tile users to get some help finding your belongings.
It’s also great if you’ve lost your phone. Simply tap the “e” button on the Tile and your phone will ring (even if it’s on silent) as long as it’s within 100-foot Bluetooth range.
4. Classic 911 Speedometer Cufflinks – £22.50 (Zazzle)
For the well-dressed car fanatic in your family, these stylish classic 911 speedometer cufflinks are a subtle way of showing off your love of automobiles.
Their simple yet elegant design can finish off any outfit nicely, making them a great stocking filler this Christmas.
5. Audio Bluetooth Cassette Adapter – £29.99 (Amazon)
While technology may have evolved beyond cassettes, there are many classic car fans whose vehicle hasn’t kept up with new innovations and are still getting around with a trusty cassette player.
As well as updating your cars sound system to allow you to stream music from your phone or tablet, it’s built-in microphone also allows you take hands-free calls effortlessly. It’s the simple and affordable way to drag any sound system into the 21st century.
6. Senna DVD – £4.99 (Zavvi)
Although it’s seven years old, this breath-taking documentary about the life and death of Brazilian F1 world champion Ayrton Senna still holds up as one of the greatest sports documentaries of all time.
A must watch for any motor enthusiast, not just fans of Formula 1, the film shows you the man behind the legend using home clips recorded by his family.
The film packs an emotional punch, and even if you know the events surrounding 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, you’ll be enthralled all the way through.
7. Sports Car Top Trumps – £3.99 (Tesco)
Ideal for young car enthusiasts, this sports car edition of the world-famous Top Trumps is a great way to get under the hood and learn a bit more about some of the most powerful cars in the world.
Featuring the likes of the Ferrari F40, the Aston Martin Vantage and of course the Bugatti Veyron, its perfect for some family fun over the festive period. Armed with a range of facts, your little one will be a sports car expert in no time at all.
8. Mercedes-Benz Nail Varnish Set – £22.50 (Mercedes-Benz)
For diehard fans of the Mercedes F1 team looking to show their support for Lewis Hamilton or Valtteri Bottas, this nail varnish set in Petronas green and arrow silver is the perfect present.
Whether they attend races regularly or just watch from home, any Mercedes fan would love to open this in their stocking.
9. Ring Car Winter Rescue Gift Set – £14.99 (Halfords)
It may not be the most glamorous of gifts, but these could be a real-life saver over the Christmas period. With the cold weather well and truly here, you can help a loved one be safe in cold and wintery weather.
It features a snow shovel, a torch which doesn’t need batteries and will never be flat as well as warm, non-slip gloves and a high viz vest to ensure you’re seen if you break down at night.
It’s the kind of gift you would rarely buy for yourself and is always handy to receive.
10. Yeti Glove Ice Scraper – £6.99 (Prezzybox)
Speaking of cold weather, what better way to maul the ice away this winter than with this fun Yeti glove ice scraper. Perfect for early risers up before the sun has a chance to do the job for you, this handy ice scrap is a fun novelty with a useful purpose.
Keep warm and get your windscreen and windows cleared quickly. It’s also the beginning of a pretty realistic looking Yeti costume for Halloween.
11. Donington Grand Prix Collection Visit – £12.99 (Virgin Experience Days)
A trip to Donington park is something of a pilgrimage for any racing fan and a great excuse to visit this year is to see The Donington Grand Prix Collection. Hosting over 100 exhibits including the largest collection of McLaren, Vanwall, and Williams vehicles anywhere their factories as well as the Lotus that Stirling Moss drove in 1961.
This gift includes two adult tickets for the collection as well an experience gift pack including personalised voucher and message card. The voucher is valid for six months from the date of issue so remember to remind them before it runs out!
12. 6 Retro Oil Mechanic Mugs – £24.99 (Etsy)
Etsy is full incredible rare, handmade, and personalised gifts and one our favourites are these handmade ceramic mugs in the style of old oil cars.
These Incredibly detailed and high-quality retro mugs are a perfect and unique gift idea for petrolheads everywhere.
13. Road Rage Swearing Punch Ball – £4.99 (Find Me A Gift)
If you’ve got a friend or family member with a short fuse, help them overcome their road rage this Christmas with a novelty swearing punch ball for their car.
This fun toy says a range of colourful phrases and is a great way to release all that pent-up frustration without having to leave the car.
Simply stick it to the windscreen using the attached sucker and they can let rip next time next time they’re stuck behind a learner or someone cuts them up.
14. Henry Car Bin – £7.99 (The Gift and Gadget Store)
If you’ve ever found yourself getting a lift with a friend, only to open the door and watch a slew of water bottles, sweet wrappers, and McDonald’s cups fall out then this is the present you HAVE to get them.
With the classic Henry hoover design, these collapsible car bin is a fun way to remind your messy friends to try and keep their car clean. A friend on long journeys and quick and easy to empty, the Henry car bin is a useful present for all car owners.
Of course, you can give the greatest gift of all this Christmas – a temporary insurance policy for a car, van, or motorbike. Get hourly (1-12 hours) or daily (1-28 days) short term insurance for a friend or family member to use your vehicle for the festive period.
It provides comprehensive cover as standard and protects your No Claims Discount should they have an accident while using your car. It’s ideal for a range of everyday situations including sharing a long drive to visit family or to get you home after a few drinks out.
Whatever the situation, you can get a quote online at any time, including Christmas day and your policy documents will be emailed to you instantly so there’s no waiting around.
