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The Wishlist: 20 Best Gifts For The Gearhead

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Gearheads are a peculiar breed. For though most people are concerned with that morning’s headline, last night’s game, or the latest chart-topping single, these high-octane enthusiasts live and die by the smell of exhaust fumes and the sound of an engine redlining. To call it a mere interest is to do a gearhead a disservice. It’s an all-consuming obsession — an oil-infused way of life if you will.

As such, they’re a tricky bunch to please when it comes time to exchange gifts. With specific needs and a discerning taste, even a casual gearhead can make even the most well-intentioned of purchases seem wildly off base. Thankfully, we’ve done our homework, scouring the web for a grip of goods that are sure to make their eyes alight. From everyday essentials to big-dollar buys, here are our picks for the best gifts for the gearhead.

Filson C.C.F. Work Vest

Made from rugged duck canvas with triple-stitched seams and rivets for added reinforcement, this vest is a hard-wearing gift that’ll serve the gearhead in your life for years to come. It also features a drop-tail design for a bit of extra coverage.

Purchase: $125

EarPeace Motorcycle Earplugs

Give the gift of ear protection with these moto-specific plugs from EarPeace. Trust us when we say that if loud engines are your soundtrack, the resulting hearing loss is real.

Purchase: $25

How To Build A Motorcycle

Why spend the daydreaming up custom bikes when you could read this book and learn some genuine practical knowledge? This is one book that’s more than worth its weight in gold.

Purchase: $25

Turtle Wax Ultimate Car Care Kit

Any self-respecting auto enthusiast takes pride in giving their vehicle a good wash. This 10-piece Turtle Wax kit comes with everything you could need to make a car really shine.

Purchase: $30

L’Art De L’Automobile You Are What You Drive Cap

Part exclusive exotics dealer, part apparel vendor, L’Art De L’Automobile makes some of the best auto-inspired goods in the game. This hat is made from 100% cotton and includes classy front and back embroidery.

Purchase: $65

Carrera DTM Master Class Slot Car Set

No matter your age, slot cars are a fun way to enjoy a bit of friendly competition. The kit featured here comes with two Audi RS5 DTM cars and over 29ft of track to keep you entertained for hours.

Purchase: $114

Café Leather Triton Driving Gloves

Inspired by classic racing and handcrafted in Spain from vegetable-tanned leather and Goatskin, these driving gloves are the perfect gift for the nostalgic gearhead.

Purchase: $140

LEGO James Bond Aston Martin DB5

In addition to being fun to build for all ages, LEGO sets are also incredibly accurate scale models. For instance, this DB5 Bond car comes with a raisable bullet shield, a working ejection seat, and a rotating license plate.

Purchase: $150

Sena 10C Pro Bluetooth Helmet Cam

With a built-in HD camera for filming ride footage and a 4-way Bluetooth intercom for communication, Sena’s 10C Pro makes for an excellent do-it-all solution to helmet-mounted devices.

Purchase: $310

Persol 714SM

What better pair of sunglasses to get your gearhead than the same silhouette worn by the King of Cool himself? Inspired by the pair of 714s featured in the Thomas Crown Affair.

Purchase: $390

SA1NT Unbreakable Slim Jeans

If you know a motorcycle rider that’s not in riding jeans yet, do them a favor and get a set from SA1NT. Woven with bulletproof Dyneema fibers, they’re not just protective; they’re virtually indestructible.

Purchase: $365

Wolverine 1000 Mile Evan Boot

Based on the Wolverine 1000 Mile boot first introduced in 1914, the Evans comes with several key updates like Goodyear Welt construction and Vibram rubber outsole components in order to bring the iconic design into the 21st century.

Purchase: $400

Arcade 1Up Outrun Arcade Cabinet

Boasting renowned racing titles like Outrun, Turbo Outrun, Outrunners, and Power Drift, this classic cabinet setup is a must-have for any gearhead that honed their skills in the arcade.

Purchase: $500

Porsche Design 911 Speaker

Made from the original exhaust pipe of a 911 GT3, this speaker from Porsche Design features Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, apt-x technology, and impressive 60W system performance.

Purchase: $550

Bell Eliminator Carbon Helmet

Inspired by the auto racing helmets of yesteryear but updated with a modern design, Bell’s Eliminator helmet comes with a dual-paned ProVision face shield and pockets for communication devices.

Purchase: $600

Autodromo Le Mans Blue

Autodromo makes the best automotive-inspired timepieces bar none. Done up in red, white, and blue, this Heritage 67 chronograph pays homage to Ford’s historic Le Mans victory.

Purchase: $800

Schott Vintaged Fitted Cowhide Leather Motorcycle Jacket

From Marlon Brando to James Dean, Schott has long been the choice of counter-culture heartthrobs. With off-the-bike style as important as on-the-bike protection, this jacket makes for a great retro gift.

Purchase: $900

Garmin Catalyst Driving Performance Optimizer

Encyclopedic car know-how is nothing without the driving skills to match. Give your gearhead a better racing line with this coach from Garmin that gathers performance data and uses GPS tracking to give pointers in real-time.

Purchase: $1,000

Black Widow Professional Motorcycle Shop Kit

Sure, those epic rides are unforgettable, but it’s the daily upkeep that keeps the wheels turning. This kit includes a lift with a 1,500lb capacity and a host of other heavy-duty tools.

Purchase: $1,550

DirtFish Mill Run Rally Driving Program

Located on a 300-acre range in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, DirtFish is the definitive off-road rally racing school. After a morning of warm-up, students spend the afternoon on the infamous Mill Run Circuit.

Purchase: $2,300

Car Furniture Engine Coffee Table

Made from a GM 4.8L V8 engine, this coffee table is a piece that will surely impress. And with a variety of colors and finishes, you can tailor it to your tastes.

Purchase: $2,600

The 20 Best Driving Gadgets


Looking to round out your gift exchange with some essential everyday tech? Head on over to our list of the best driving gadgets to see what electronic upgrades your ride could use.