The 2013 AOL Autos Holiday Gift Guide
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- Image Credit: Alamy
It's that time of year. The weather is crisp, the decorations are up and automakers are running commercials trying to get you to buy your loved one a car as a present for the holidays. Those ads are driving us crazy, too. Buying a red-bow-topped car as a gift just isn't realistic.
Fortunately, there are other ways to keep your favorite car buffs in mind this holiday season without giving them a vehicle with a giant red bow on top. We have some interesting ideas that won't bust your budget, and are pretty cool and unique. They're sure to put a smile on any auto lovers face.
Click through to get some great gift ideas. If you're looking for ways to thank us, we're particularly fond of number seven on this list. Happy holidays! -
- Image Credit: Forza
Forza Motorsport 5 video game
Racing exotic cars on famous foreign raceways has never been so realistic. The graphics in the new Forza Motorsport 5 are incredible, putting the auto enthusiast as close to in the driver's seat as possible. You will of course run the risk of having your car lover monopolize the TV for the foreseeable future, but the enjoyment they'll get out of your thoughtful gift should be worth that sacrifice.
Forza 5 costs $59.99. You also need a Playstation 4 or Xbox One if you want to experience the awesome new visuals. -
- Image Credit: Ferrari
Ferrari Perfume/Cologne
You may not be able to afford a Ferrari, but you can, apparently, help someone smell like one. Ferrari offers a surprisingly wide range of colognes and perfumes for those looking for an exotic musk to dab on before heading out each morning.
Ferrari scents are quite affordable, with bottles going for between $20 and $50. -
- Image Credit: Bentley
Exotic Car Rental
If there's one thing that a car enthusiast wants more than anything in the world, it's to drive an exotic car. Since you probably aren't hitting the Bentley dealers for this holiday's gift, you can give the car lover in your life a dream-come-true by renting an unattainable ride. It's still somewhat expensive, but the look on their face when they get behind the wheel and hear 12 cylinders fire up is sure to be priceless.
Exotic car rentals are available in a variety of metro areas. Rates can vary depending on the company and car. For example, a day in a Bentley Continental GT from Gotham Dream Cars costs $675. -
- Image Credit: Flickr
Vintage Automotive Signs
Vintage automotive signs add pizzaz to any room or office and also showcase a car enthusiast's appreciation for the history of the industry. Turn back the clock to a time when Packards and Oldsmobiles roamed the roads and advertisements, especially for the auto industry, were often actual works of art by picking up a few of these beauties for the car guy or girl in your life.
Vintage signs or posters can be had for as little as $10. -
- Image Credit: Getty Images
Driving Gloves
Driving gloves provide extra grip on the steering wheel while shielding skin from harmful UV rays and keeping fingers warm on frosty winter days. They also have the power to make anyone in any car feel like a bonafide F1 driver. It's a great way to spice up weekend trips to Kroger, even if it's done in a minivan.
Prices can range from $20 to well over $100 for a nice leather pair. -
- Image Credit: Flickr
Car Computer Mouse
What better way to say "I'd rather be driving" while constructing a PowerPoint presentation on the annual budget than this awesome, fully functional car computer mouse? Available in a wide variety of colors and models, this little tool plugs directly into a USB port and instantly adds a dose of personality to a drab cubicle or office.
The price for a mouse like this is generally between $10 and $30. -
- Image Credit: PitStop
Racing Office Chair
Speaking of automotive-themed office supplies, the car lover in your life is sure to enjoy this racing office chair made from a body-hugging bucket seat. Additional details include an aluminum shifter knob that controls the chair's height and a brake caliper base above the wheels.
The cost of the chair and desk, which is similarly styled, from the company PitStop is $399. -
- Image Credit: Getty Images
Assorted Automaker Swag
Since such a low percentage of us will ever be able to afford an exotic car like a Ferrari or Porsche, luxury automakers have begun selling branded swag that allows an enthusiast to feel like part of an exclusive club even if their income is in line with the rest of the real world. Companies like Audi, Lexus, Aston Martin and many others sell hats, jackets, shirts, shoes and accessories with their logos prominently emblazoned all over.
This stuff generally isn't cheap, but it's considerably less than one of their cars. -
- Image Credit: Flickr
Performance Driving School
Performance driving school is a great gift for the car enthusiast. Not only does it help them become a safer and better driver, it also gives them the opportunity to get behind the wheel of some really sweet ride in which they can let loose in a controlled environment.
Driving schools are available all around the country. Costs can vary quite a bit depending on the school and length of the program.
