The Wishlist: 13 Best Gifts For The Gearhead In 2024

Whether they possess a proclivity for cars, trucks, motorcycles, or any combination of the three, diehard vehicle and motorsport enthusiasts tend to be a particularly staunch and opinionated bunch. So, even if you know what type of rides they’re into, these people can still be notoriously difficult to shop for — as we know firsthand from falling under this umbrella ourselves. So, in order to ensure that the motoring gifts you give actually resonate with their recipients, we’ve compiled this handpicked list of the best gifts for the gearhead.

G-SHOCK GA2100BCE-1A

Tough enough to handle everything from outdoor use to wrenching under the hood, the G-SHOCK GA2100BCE-1A is a sleek digital timepiece that’s crafted around a shock resistant 45.4mm carbon fiber-reinforced resin case. The Carbon Core Guard structure provides lightweight, high strength and superior weather resistance. Water resistant down to 200 meters, the watch also comes paired with a rugged CORDURA® Eco Fabric strap. 

Carchitecture Houses with Horsepower Coffee Table Book

A coffee table book that’s sure to be appreciated by any fans of both vehicles and architecture, Carchitecture: Houses with Horsepower is a recently published work that includes 192 pages of iconic vehicles showcased alongside equally iconic buildings. 

Deus Ex Machina Machina Towel

Measuring 40” x 70”, the Deus Ex Machina Machina Towel features a jacquard weave and an 815gsm looped terry back, as well as a classic “Frontal Matchless” illustration from Deus’ famed creative director Carby Tuckwel. It really is just as much of a piece of artwork as it is a fully functional beach towel. 

Uncharted Supply Co Zeus Pro Jump Starter 

The Uncharted Supply Co. Zeus Pro Jump Starter is a small but mighty mobile power bank that contains a massive 20,000-mAh cell that allows it to replenish a laptop battery several times over, or seven jump start a car’s battery — plus it’s got a built-in LED flashlight and comes with mini jump cables. 

Ritter Goods 1:43 RUF CTR YELLOWBIRD MODEL

Another one of the coolest automotive gifts this season is Ritter Goods’ all-new RUF CTR YELLOWBIRD MODEL. This 1:43-scale features a playful design that’s brimming with lifelike details including a roll cage, gauge cluster, shifter, steering wheel, realistic lighting elements, replica bodywork, exhaust, turbo waste gates, engine, suspension, and highly lifelike wheels complete with tires and back calipers with drilled rotors —  all of which are accurate to the original RUF Yellowbird. 

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3

Measuring just 2.04” x 1.24” x 0.80”, the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 is a tiny third-generation dash camera that boasts 1080p resolution and a 140-degree field-of-view in a ridiculously compact package. Equipped with a built-in Clarity Polarizer, this automotive gadget also benefits from voice control capabilities. 

AvalonKing Armor Shield GOAT

Unequivocally one of if not the single most cutting-edge vehicle finish protection formula in the world, the AvalonKing Armor Shield GOAT is a pro-grade, ultra hydrophobic, rapid curing Nanodiamond tech solution infused with the world’s hardest inorganic polymer. In layman’s terms, it’s a ridiculously advanced vehicle coating that completely protects a car or bike’s finish for an entire five years!!!

Fun-Tech-Lab Windsible Desktop Wind Tunnel

Easily one of the coolest gifts a gearhead can receive for under $250, the  Fun-Tech-Lab Windsible is a fully functional desktop wind tunnel designed to accommodate 1:64-scale models. Toss in a few Hot Wheels or Matchbox cars and you’ve got one seriously memorable gift that any motoring enthusiast is sure to love. 

Sonic Editions 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans

Taken by Rainer Schlegelmilch  at the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans, this limited edition (1 of 495) print shows a traditional Le Mans-style race start, with John Surtees and Richie Ginther running to their respective Ferrari 3330P and Ford GT40 Mk.1. This print is also available in five sizes and can be purchased framed or a la cart. 

Formawerx OpenSpec DTM

Offered in a myriad of top-shelf constructions including Perpetua stainless steel and Zero-RT Titanium, the Formawerx OpenSpec DTM is a super premium bespoke car key that’s precision-machined in Germany to Swiss watch standards. Inspired by the boxy and wedge-shaped rides of the 1980s, the OpenSpec DTM key is compatible with all vehicles made before the turn-of-the-millennium. 

Red Wing GORE TEX Moc

The Red Wing GORE TEX Moc is a modernized take on a legendary boot that first debuted in 1952. While they maintain the appearance and silhouette of the Classic Moc, this more contemporary version hides a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX membrane — thereby elevating an already iconic timeless piece of footwear. 

Dainese Smart Air Motorcycle Airbag Vest

Dainese’s electronically actuated D-air system already represented one of the most advanced pieces of moto safety gear on the planet, though this already-cutting edge vest has recently been treated to a massive update that makes for an even lighter, even more effective airbag vest. While it doesn’t come cheap, this truly is the pinnacle of protection for riders on two-wheels. 

Persol 714SM Steve McQueen Limited Edition

When it comes to men’s clothing or accessories, it’s hard to go wrong with replicating any the style of Steve McQueen, as the so-called “King of Cool” simply had impeccable taste when it came to fashion — as evidence by his signature choice of shades, Persol’s folding 714SM (or “714 Steve McQueen”). While they do cost a bit more, this particular pair is a limited edition model produced in extremely limited numbers.