Updated on May 18, 2023
It has become a holiday tradition here at Garage Tooled to scour the web and find products that make great gifts, be it Christmas stocking stuffers, birthday gifts, anniversary gifts, or simple ways to say “I love you as much as you love cars” over the coming year.
For 2023, we bring you this list of 42 new gift ideas for that car lover or car enthusiast you know (even if that person is you). You can also go back and browse our our previous gift guides for 109 additional gift ideas:
As always, we’d love to hear what items filled that “perfect present” itch the most or suggestions for us to consider adding to next year’s list. Please leave a comment at the bottom.
Best Gift Ideas for Car Guys and Gals
Like all children and spouses, a car or truck is a valuable family member that brings a lifetime of joy when treated to a little TLC and attention. The following items are perfect for that automotive enthusiast or car lover that you know.
Brush Hero Water Powered Brush
Have some nice wheels on your car or truck but hate washing them due to all the openings and crevices? This water-powered brush is a dream come true for fast and easy wheel cleaning. It does almost all of the work for you.
The motor provides a slow, steady amount of torque for maximum scrubbing power without scrubbing off your chrome finish. The brush has both hard and soft heads, allowing you to use it on a variety of detailing projects such as wheel rims, bike spokes, grills, and patio furniture.
>> Check current price <<
I’m a Mechanic Mug
Everyone knows the most important part of any DIYer’s life is coffee (or an equivalent hot beverage). This little mug adds a little humor with a nice high-gloss finish. Best of all, this is a gift they can take with them anywhere to show their mechanical pride.
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“Missing 10mm Socket” T-Shirt
For that person that continues to misplace the holy grail of tools, the 10mm socket, this shirt will be a perfect match. For non-mechanics, a 10mm socket is likely the most often used size, but also one of the most often lost.
This shirt will help remind your loved one to keep a strong grip on that socket the next time they’re elbows-deep in a car engine. Available in sizes ranging from small to 2X.
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10mm Socket (10-Pack!)
Whether you pair it with the t-shirt above or simply buy it for yourself, this multi-pack of 10mm sockets should get you or someone you know through the next few months of socket use.
Included in the set are six 3/8” drive sockets (two each of 6-point deep, 6-point shallow, and 12-point shallow) as well as four 1/4″ drive sockets (two 6-point shallow and two 6-point deep). Not enough? Upgrade to the “shop pack” which includes (26) 10mm sockets.
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DBPOWER Portable Car Jump Starter
Keep your loved ones safe and never have to worry about them depending on another person to jump start their vehicle when their battery simply doesn’t have enough juice. This compact portable jump starter easily fits in your glove box and really packs a punch.
They’ll be able to jump start their car or truck (up to 6.5L gas or 5.2L diesel) with 600 amps of peak current and do so up to 20 times before its battery needs recharging. Best of all, it doubles as a charging station for a laptop, smartphone, tablet, or other USB enabled device.
Along with the integrated flashlight and compass, it can truly be a life saver in emergency situations. It won’t replace a good car battery charger but that’s not its purpose.
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Car Mat Drink Coasters
Tired of your loved one bringing pieces of the car into the house? Annoyed at all the glass marks on your coffee table? Well now you can kill two birds with one stone, thanks to these handy silicone car mat coasters.
Dishwasher safe and able to support cups of various sizes, these tough silicone mats have deep grooves to provide superior protection for your furniture.
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Klein Tools Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
With all the different Bluetooth speakers out there, which do you get for the car enthusiast? Naturally, you’d get one made by one of the best tool brands around. Measuring about 4″ wide, 3.5″ tall and 2″ deep; this little Bluetooth speaker puts out great sound and has an open space range of around 33 feet.
It can be magnetically mounted or attached to a tripod using the 1/4 20 threaded mount on its bottom. You can also physically attach the speaker to any device using a standard auxiliary cord. With a 10-hour battery life (rechargeable with the included micro USB cable), drop protection, and built-in speakerphone, this is one portable speaker that should be in every garage.
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Adam’s Foam Cannon Kit
Unless you’re the Karate Kid, you probably don’t want to put in a lot of extra work when washing your vehicle. A foam cannon attaches to your pressure washer and produces super-sudsy results with far less effort.
The included car shampoo mixes with water and creates a thick foam coating quickly, allowing you to skip one of the most time-consuming steps of detailing and reducing the risk of scuffs or scratches. A synthetic wool pad is also included.
Note that this product does require a pressure washer. For something similar which only requires a garden hose, a foam gun such as Foam King will give you some of the same benefit as a cannon. For those who plan to really spoil a loved one, add in Adam’s air cannon (see below) to create a detailer’s paradise.
>> Check current price <<
Americaloc Portable Real Time GPS Tracker
Resembling a cat-scaled cell phone, this portable tracker for cars is rated the best GPS tracker according to CarTreatments.com. It’s able to monitor movement, speed, and user-created zone entry/exits. By default, it updates every minute but can be configured to as little as ten second intervals. Great for keeping an eye on new drivers as well as recovery of a stolen vehicle.
The battery will last for several weeks on a single charge and can be tracked in countries all over the world. You can even track movements for an entire year, receive email notifications of certain events and access the data from a computer, phone, or tablet.
>> Check current price <<
High Performance Blinker Fluid
Lights going a little dim on the car? Do you want to send a message to that someone who feels like they need to get every single accessory available for their car? There’s no better gift.
If you’re looking for the perfect gag gift or white elephant gift for your car loving friends, you’ve found it. Simply hand this prank container to your victim loved one and ask them to get you a refill at the local auto parts store and see what happens.
Disclaimer: Inflict at your own risk. GTA cannot be held liable for any physical injuries you may incur from using this product on those with no sense of humor.
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Neon Light Garage Clocks
Here are four neon-lit clocks that are perfect for the garage, but also perfect for the man cave, den, or themed room. The Ford Genuine Parts clock has a beautiful blue glow, while the Chevrolet clock features a double chrome rim and yellow neon middle ring.
A Mopar clock also has a blue ringed face, but it uses a more modern simplified number design compared to the more traditional 12-number Ford design. Finally, a green Sinclair clock features a hand blown green neon ring and has a feel that harkens back to classic fuel pump stations.
>> Check current price <<
Auto Mechanic Warning T-Shirt
Anyone who has an auto enthusiast in their life likely wishes they’d been able to see this shirt’s warning before striking a conversation. Available in five colors and a range of sizes for men, women, and children, it’s tough not find a perfect match to add this important warning label to someone you know.
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StarFlare LED Emergency Road Flares
Emergency flares are an essential car item that have had some kinks over the years. These LED flares solve many of these problems, with a safer no-flame design and the ability to work in all sorts of weather.
They’re shatter and crush proof with a visibility of up to a mile and nine different modes so you can use them as an SOS beacon or emergency flashlight. This set of three come with batteries installed and ready to provide up to 36 hours of continual use.
>> Check current price <<
Adam’s Air Cannon Car Dryer
Tired of dealing with water spots on your car after it dries? Hoping no birds decide to decorate your vehicle before you can get the wax on? Look no further! This powerful air dryer has an extendable 30-foot hose to reach every corner of your vehicle.
Unlike using towels or terry cloth, there’s no risk of scuff marks or scratches and you won’t be left with hard water spots. The motor is mounted to sturdy castors for easier movement while it provides warm, filtered air through a noise reduction system so your neighbors don’t think there’s an approaching tornado (unlike that old garage air compressor).
Between the safety slow-start and the 58,000 feet per minute blowing capabilities, this is one gift that belongs in the “I wish I had that!” category.
>> Check current price <<
Chemical Guys Leather Care Kit
One of the most trusted names out there in auto cleaning and detailing, Chemical Guys is known for their excellent products and this complete leather care kit is no exception. While most car owners car how their car looks from the outside, true car lovers understand the importance of clean and conditioned leather seats.
Usable on any type of leather (including synthetic), the kit was formulated to work as a full system for maximum cross compatibility between products. The kit includes 16oz bottles of leather cleaner and conditioner, a 4oz bottle of quick detailer, three microfiber towels, two applicators, and a horsehair brush. Works great for leather seating in the home as well.
>> Check current price <<
Streamline Hand Tool Pens
Perfect for the DIYer in your family, this set of four tool-shaped pens add a wonderful novelty touch that both kids and adults will enjoy. The highly detailed set includes a screwdriver, nail, hammer, and wrench that all feature fine tips and black ink.
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Hotor Portable Car Vacuum
Dust Devils took the home market by storm, providing portable, lightweight power vacuuming. Hotor’s answer to this is a car-only variant that plugs right into your lighter port. For quick cleanups, there’s no need to get out your shop vacuum. The 12-volt vacuum has three heads and a removable stainless steel HEPA filter cup for easy cleaning.
Easy to clean and store thanks to the washable filter, detachable head, and convenient storage bag, this wonderful gift means no more excuses when it’s your spouse’s turn to clean the car cabin out.
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Lego Technic Sets
LEGO’s Technic line has always brought something to the table for model enthusiasts, but they’ve really stepped it up recently with an entire series of realistic car models. These amazing builds are faithful to their namesakes and feature a wide range of extra details, such as functional steering, detailed interiors, full engine builds, and opening doors and hoods/trunks.
Designed to scale, they’re amazing display pieces and also fun to put together. We’ve picked three (from high to low price) from the Technic line to give you a good sample of this line’s quality: the 1:8 scale Porsche 911 GT3 RS that stared off this amazing line, the Porsche 911 RSR (1:8 scale), and the cool looking Volkswagen T1 camper van (1:18 scale).
Even non-Lego fans will want at least one of these on their birthday or Christmas wish list. Keep in mind that these sets range anywhere from 1,334 all the way 2,704 pieces so they will take a few hours (or days) to put together. Fortunately, the full color instructions are easy to follow even for Lego newbies.
>> Check current price <<
Form-A-Funnel Flexible Draining Tool
Liquids are the bane of any mechanic’s life, with motor oil, brake fluid, and other substances leaking all over the place. This handy tool allows you to drain or direct leaking fluids to an oil drain pan or other receptacle with ease.
Popular with motorcyclists for years, this tool is just as good for cars, trucks, riding lawn mowers, and farming equipment. Absolutely perfect for no-mess oil changes.
The flexible yet firm material holds to any funnel shape or size you need, allowing you to mold it to the exact specifications you need for any job. It wipes clean, stores flat, and has a long lifespan, making this another of those “I never knew I needed this” wonder gifts.
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Ai13 Race Universal Flex Nozzle
Motorsport enthusiasts, are you tired of your nozzles that get stiff, crack or break? It’s time to throw those away for this 100% USA made race universal flex nozzle.
It’s designed to fit any utility jug (ie: VP Racing) with a 3/4″ NPT with no adjustments needed. This 14″ flexible spout enables easy pouring at any angle without spills and can also withstand temperatures down to -40 degrees.
>> Check current price <<
Relentless Drive Car Duster Kit
Cars accumulate dust and dirt quickly, both inside and out. This kit contains two dusters, a larger one for your car’s exterior and a smaller one for the cabin. The electrostatic microfiber chenille grabs dust as efficiently as a Swiffer and can simply be shaken clean after use.
Using a quality duster means fewer car washes are needed during the year and no lint is left behind (as it is with many cheap brands).
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Lodesol Flexible Magnetic Tool Holder
One of the most frustrating things a mechanic has to deal with is sliding under a car on their creeper only to have their tools out of reach or scatter when they pull the tray close. This flexible magnetic holder puts an end to such frustrations by securely holding onto any metal tool and having enough low clearance to easily pull along with your creeper.
Even better, you can stick it onto a ferrous surface such as the fender to ensure your tools are accessible wherever you’re working. When not being actively used, the thin magnetic material makes for a great tool drawer liner.
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Meguiar’s Complete Car Care Kit
This 12-piece professional quality set has everything you need for cleaning your car inside and out by a brand that’s preferred by many car enthusiasts.
The kit includes: 16 oz bottles of Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo and Conditioner, Gold Class Carnauba Plus Liquid Wax, Gold Class Endurance High Gloss Gel, Quick Detailer, and Quick Interior Detailer; two 50-gram clay bars with a clamshell container; PlastX Plastic Cleaner & Polish; ScratchX; foam applicator pad, microfiber wash mitt, and microfiber towel.
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Aukey 1080P Dashcam Recorder
Have you ever watched a dash cam video of a bad driver, police pursuit, road rage incident, or accident and wished you had one of those nifty cameras the last time you were caught in an accident?
This popular compact recorder fits snugly above the rear view mirror, yet can capture a 170 degree wide field of view in 1080p quality. Aukey dash cams have been top sellers for years and they continue to improve.
It’s designed to turn on automatically as your vehicle starts moving and can record time-lapsed video of your journeys. In the event of an accident, the camera automatically captures footage the moment a shift in gravity occurs (such as slamming on the brakes).
>> Check current price <<
Haynes Build-Your-Own V8 Engine
Whether for a teenager interested in mechanics or to be kept as a functional display, this realistic plastic model kit allows you to not only build an engine, but actually run it using AA batteries.
The movement mimics that of a real engine, while clear coverings allow you to enjoy watching the parts move. This kit is a good way to learn how engines work while giving some quality parent/child building time in the process.
>> Check current price <<
Lifeline AAA Emergency Roadside Assistance Kit
The most trusted name in roadside assistance brings one of the best kits for vehicular emergencies. This 76-piece kit contains tools, jumper cables, tire inflator, and first aid supplies in a durable and compact travel case.
Perfect for both veteran drivers and your teen’s first car, this is a gift that could save your loved one’s life one day.
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Milwaukee M12 Compact Inflator
One of those things you don’t know you need until you’re stranded, this small power device can be easily stowed in a vehicle and might prove a lifesaver one day. It works similar to a typical 12v air compressor but since it’s cordless, you can inflate tires in any situation.
It can top off a car tire in under a minute and fill an LT truck tire within four. You can preset the pressure up to 120 psi with a gauge accuracy of +/-3. Never worry about going flat on a deserted back road again with this little treasure.
>> Check current price <<
Magic Creeper
A classic of innovative garage tool designs, the Magic Creeper has a lower clearing than any other creeper out there and is one of our favorite mechanics creepers overall.
It has a tubular design to allow the user to glide up to five feet without repositioning and the interior enables effortless movement in all directions. It stands up against water, oil, and punctures while still being soft enough to use safely on a wooden floor.
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Mychanic Detailing Rig
Cleaning and detailing your car can be a real chore without the right equipment. This detailing stool makes life easy with a wide range of features including: 5-gallon bucket with grit trap, bottle racks, cup holder for your coffee, storage trays, and water resistant EVA cushion that can be used for either a seat or kneeling pad.
A five castor base and powder coated steel frame can carry up to 350 pounds across the garage or driveway with ease. For detailing your car, we’ve found no other setup that works as well. While a regular old creeper seat can also get the job done, this all-in-one rig is unbeatable for auto detailing.
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Dremel Tool Engraver
Know someone who is always lending their tools but never seems to get them back or works in a shop atmosphere? Is your son or daughter getting their first tool set and you want to keep it separate from yours? This handy tool engraver made by Dremel uses a carbide point to easily engrave a name, initials, or whatever else to help with identification.
The soft grip means you can retain control without your hand wearing out in the middle of a complicated design. Control the engraving depth with a cutting dial and take advantage of the included stencil to get a head start on carving letters and numbers.
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General Tools LED Magnetic/Mechanical Pick Up Tool
Drop a nut, bolt, or screw in an impossible to reach area? This pick up tool has an impressive 24-inch reach and LED light capable of illuminating whatever dark recess the object fell into.
A powerful magnet can grab ferrous items up to two pounds, while a four-pronged retractable claw allows you to get anything the magnet can’t. Both the light and claw are easily operated from a plunger on the opposite end.
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Wrenchware Silverware Set
As any DIYer knows, having multi-function tools are important, and emergencies spring up all the time. Lighten that kitchen utility drawer with this nifty gift set of food and repair tools.
Made of drop forged polished steel, each utensil is fully functional at the dinner table while also being sturdy enough to perform some quick repairs between bites using the mini wrenches on the opposite end (note that the pliers are decorative only). This is the mini (4.5″ long) version but a larger 8-inch version is also available.
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Vanitek Magnetic Tool Holder Racks
Perfect for the garage, workshop, tool shed, or even the kitchen, this set of four foot-long magnetic bars are easily flush-mounted to the wall. Simply take your screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, kitchen knives or any other ferrous tool and stick it onto the bar for easy access when you need it.
With the ability to hold objects weighing as much as 5 pounds each, you can even store hammers safely.
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Sure Shot Compressed Air Sprayer
This sprayer is able to hold up to a quart of oil or solvent-based liquid, dispersing a fine mist similar to an aerosol can (without the environmental hazards of aerosol). Simply add a penetrating oil, degreaser, cleaner, or non-water based chemical to the can, connect to an air compressor, and spray away.
The nozzle is set to spray, but can be easily removed to provide a steady stream. Made in the USA with heavy duty construction. Holds up to 32 ounces of oil or solvent based material.
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OEMTools Portable Tear Down Tray
Designed with workshops in mind, this portable EVA foam work surface can be adjusted between 33.5 and 49.2 inches in height. The all-steel construction adds durability while rubber bumpers and powder coating help protect innocent walls and furniture from damage.
The tray can hold up to 55 pounds and includes surface liners to help keep tools from sliding about. Granted, this tray is marketed for workshop use, but we could think of dozens of uses for inside the garage.
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Ironclad Touch Screen Work Gloves
No matter the task at hand, it can be quite annoying to have to de-glove that hand when an important call or text comes in. These high-visibility mechanics gloves put an end to the frustration by combining conductivity with durability.
A neoprene padded knuckle helps against impacts, while the terry cloth sweat wipe keeps things nice and dry. Best of all, these gloves can be tossed in the washer without any risk of losing functionality.
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I’ll Be In My Office T-Shirt
As any mechanic will tell you, the office isn’t some stuffy, cluttered room with a desk, it’s a stuffy cluttered room with a car that’s been half disassembled. Give them a shirt befitting their passion with this fun item, which comes in five different colors and sizes for all your family members.
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Sunbelt Gifts Tire Pen Holder
Whether you have a workshop in your garage or just want a nice desk gift for that car lover in your family, this nifty pen holder will help ensure essentials such as pencils and scissors don’t go missing.
Three realistically molded tires stacked together make for an attractive and functional display piece at an affordable price.
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Riparo Leather Driving Gloves
Once a staple of driving, these soft, supple leather driving gloves bring the tradition back with style. They come in a variety of colors with contrasting stitching on some. The palm allows for a good grip, making driving a lot more enjoyable.
If you have a loved one who likes comfort (and fashion) while driving but hates the cheap look of regular touch gloves, this is a must have gift. Most will want to order one size smaller than normally since you’ll want these to fit snug.
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PowerCap 2.0 LED Hat
Functional and fashionable, this ball cap might not represent your loved one’s favorite team, but it’s comfortable and includes a handy 75 lumen headlamp that lets you see up to 45 feet for as long as 12.5 hours. You can also change the light intensity to medium (30 lumens) or low (15 lumens).
Perfect for keeping in the car for roadside emergencies or just to have on hand when helping a buddy out fixing their car at night. Great for camping as well. It’s easy to wash, yet the electronics are water resistant.
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Grease Bully Nitrile Gloves
Whether you need them for automotive use, first aid, or preparing steak, Grease Bully is the disposable glove you never knew you needed! The nitrile composition is safe for those with latex allergies and provides superior durability with its 6mm thickness (twice as thick as some of the competition).
Texturing allows for better grip, while the thickness is enough to resist tearing.
>> Grease Bully Nitrile Gloves <<
Beer Chiller Sticks
Whether you’re in the middle of a changing your timing belt or simply lounging on the back patio during summer, it’s easy for your bottle of beer (or soda) to get warm as fast as a knuckle gets scraped from a rounded bolt.
Simply put these sticks in the freezer for 45 minutes and slide them into the mouth of your beer bottle to keep the drink nice and cool between sips. As an added bonus, the top of each stick fits over the mouth to provide protection from brake dust, flies, or other debris.
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No Longer Available
Infusion Living Collapsible Bucket
Made of sturdy silicone and steel, this two-gallon bucket is perfect for quick car washes, wheel cleaning, camping, household chores, or emergency cleanups. You can extend the bucket between three different volumes or collapse it all the way into a tidy two-inch pancake for storage.
The silicone is lightweight and easy to clean while providing high durability, making this a great all-around gift for anyone in your family.
Tachometer Wall Art
Know someone who loves to live life in the fast lane? Remind them to take it easy once in a while with this high-quality laminated canvas print.
Perfect for the man-cave, garage, or any wall in a home full of car enthusiasts, the five-panel print is resistant to scratches and fading, making it a present that will last.
As a car enthusiast, one of the best gifts I’ve ever received was a gift certificate to an auto detailer. That’s my go-to gift idea now for any car person.