Our list of Valentine’s Day gifts for car guys & gals will have your partner singing your praises on February 14th – if you can pull them out of the garage.
Valentine’s Day Gifts for Car People
With February 14th just around the corner, you may be racking your brain for what to get your favorite car enthusiast to show them your love. Which is why we put together this list of Valentine’s Day gifts for car people. Safe to say, there won’t be any supermarket roses or Russell Stover sweets on this list. No, the ideas below are focused on things that are sure to show your partner that you really DO understand their all-encompassing love of cars – even if you don’t.
Virgin Driving Experiences
From the conglomerate founded by British billionaire Richard Branson comes the opportunity to put your better half behind the wheel of all manner of four-wheeled vehicles as part of their driving experiences. With locations across the country and price points ranging from $65 to north of $1000, there should be something here for every car lover. Highlights include driving an Indy car, racing a Lamborghini, and piloting a real-deal dragster.
Daytona 500
Perhaps you’d prefer to watch the pros than get behind the wheel. If so, qualifying for the legendary Daytona 500 in warm and sunny Florida takes place the day after Valentine’s Day. The race itself is on February 19th with plenty of other racing events happening in between. When a racing fan dreams about a romantic getaway, this is it.
Headlight Restoration Kit
For those with a car enthusiast that likes to get their hands dirty, this kit from Griots Garage is just the thing. Of course, you’ll want to make sure said enthusiast has a car with oxidized or yellowed headlight lenses. Though the idea of giving someone a headlight restoration kit as a present may be unwelcome, this particular cleaning-oriented present will surely put a smile on the receiver’s face.
Diagnostic Scan Tool
Though the words “diagnostic scan tool” might seem out of place when it comes to Valentine’s Day, a car enthusiast will be stoked at such a gift. Nothing worse than a Check Engine light illuminating that requires a $50 trip to the mechanic only to find out the gas cap was loose. Give your partner the ability to diagnose their car’s issues and feel like a pro in the process.
Automotive Wedding Ring
Whether you’re already married or heading in that direction, nothing shows your love like a wedding ring sporting a tiny reproduction of a classic blown HEMI. The artists at the appropriately named Hi Octane Jewelry are capable of this and a whole lot more like the front end of a ’67 GTO. If this is too over-the-top, there are plenty of options out there for simple rings with tire tread designs or carbon-fiber construction that lend a car-friendly vibe.
The Leatherman
If the Valentine’s Day gifts question is leaving you stumped, the Leatherman is what you need. Even if your partner already has one, having an extra for another car’s glove box is always appreciated. There are a wide array of models to choose from. We like the Surge because of its 21 handy tools including needle nose pliers, a wire stripper, multiple screwdrivers, and the always-needed bottle opener.
Lego Creator Car Kit
Looking to bring out your loved one’s inner child? For a car enthusiast, there is no faster way than a Lego Creator car kit. Falling under the “Expert Toys” category, Lego pulls hard on the nostalgic heartstrings with kits like the DeLorean from Back to the Future, replete with a flux capacitor light brick, and ECTO-1 from Ghostbusters that includes a tiny remote ghost-trapping vehicle.
Driving Shoes
Does your better half wish they were piloting a Ferrari F50 with 12 cylinders of glorious Italian engineering shrieking behind them? Yes. Are they actually driving a minivan with six shrieking 8-year-olds? More likely. But hey, if they are sporting a pair of Grand Prix Original racing sneakers trimmed in sueded Nappa leather with a checkered flag heel, that dream will feel so very much closer.
All-Season Floor Mats
Though you may think floor mats are about as dull as a box of door knobs, kindly peruse the online catalog at WeatherTech. These are not just any old strips of rubber that you cut with a pair of scissors to fit your car. These are laser-measured carpet guardians that are custom fit to anyone’s ride. You may be shocked, but the look of joy on your partners face while installing these American-made wonders will be memorable. Ask me how I know.
Automotive Decorations
Does your partner get excited to show you an old piston that they found in the junkyard and keeps because it’s so neat? Have we got the Valentine’s Day gift for you! The wizards at AutoDecors have such wonders as a cigar ashtray made out of a piston, a spark plug turned into a bottle opener and a turbocharger that works as a lamp. For those with a larger budget, may we recommend the table made out of an engine? So cool.
Sports Car Club of America
With programs spanning autocross, rallycross, time trials, and road racing, the SCCA has something for everyone’s racing bug. If your loved one has been itching to hit the track, an SCCA membership is just the thing. It’ll get them access to most regional events plus a subscription to SportsCar Magazine. This is the kind of driving experience gift that keeps on giving.
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