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7 Christmas Gift Ideas For The Dad Who's A Total Gearhead

by Alexa Mellardo

Dads, you gotta love them. From his super corny (yet we have to hand it to him — pretty impressive) dad jokes, to his genuine want to give you the whole world, Dad is truly the real MVP. He certainly deserves something very special on Christmas for his endless amount of support and love, contagious sense of humor, and being one of the few people in life you can always count on. Even if he says he already has everything he could ever want, it's prime time to tailor a gift to one of his passions. If you're absolutely, positively lost when it comes to figuring out what to give him, we have you covered with the ultimate Christmas gifts for dads who love cars.

When it comes to being Santa's helper throughout the season, and picking out the perfect presents for each one of your loved ones, it can be struggle city. Dads can be especially difficult to shop for if they already have everything and don't drop any hints. Luckily for me, my dad casually left a Rodder's Journal Holiday Catalogue on the coffee table next to my laptop. Smooth, dad, real smooth. He's a gearhead and has essentially taught me everything he knows about hot rods and muscle cars since the actual day I was born (no joke).

If your dad is as much of a car fanatic as mine is, check out these seven gift ideas he'll be super impressed with.

01A Model Kit Of His Favorite Car

Auto World Store

AMT 1968 Shelby GT500 1:25 Scale Model Kit, $23, Auto World

OK, I may be a bit biased because I love mustangs to the moon and back, but how dope is this 1968 Shelby GT500 model kit? Auto World offers a bunch of different model kits to choose from, but this one takes home the gold (literally).

From the parts to the lime gold paint job, your dad will definitely have fun putting this model kit together in his free time. When it's all done, he can add it to his impressive collection in the display case.

02The 2018 'TRJ' Calendar

Rodder's Journal

2018 TRJ Calendar, $20 – $30, Rodder's Journal

You really can't go wrong with a calendar for Dad, especially one that showcases 15 photos of the hot rod life in the late '60s. This package actually includes two calendars, so your dad can keep one in his office, and one at home. Or, if you're a sucker for the classics as well, the extra one can be a merry little Christmas present to yourself (we won't tattletale).

03An Exotic Car Driving Experience At A Racetrack

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Exotic Driving Events, prices vary, Thompson Speedway

Give Dad the opportunity to put the pedal to the metal and drive a few of his dream cars with this exotic car experience. This particular package at Thompson Speedway in Thompson, CT includes the Lamborghini Performante LP 570, Ferrari California and 458 Italia, and Nissan GT-R. Dad will seriously be in his glory zipping around the track in these hot super cars.

04A T-Shirt

Rodder's Journal

TRJ Shield Logo Tee, $20 - $22, Rodder's Journal

If your dad is anything like mine, any sort of car-themed apparel item will surely put a smile on his face on Christmas morning. He'll be reppin' his T-shirt proudly... up until Mom tells him to put a button-down shirt on for dinner plans. Oh, #Dads.

05'Porsche 70 Years: There Is No Substitute' Hardcover

Amazon

Porsche 70 Years: There Is No Substitute by Randy Leffingwell, $37, Amazon

For the dad who cannot get enough of his car magazines and books, this hardcover gem about the history of almost seven decades of Porsche is the way to go. It makes for a great coffee table read, and I'm sure Mom would approve as well. It's a win-win.

06A Vintage Hot Rod Sign

Tin Sign "#S2032 Hot Rod / Custom Car", $14, Etsy

Whether Dad hangs it up over his toolbox in the garage or in his man cave, this vintage hot rod sign is a fun and unique way to show how much you care about his passion. Etsy has a variety of different tin signs, so you can choose the perfect one you think your dad will love.

07A Witty Mug

Etsy

Car Coffee Mug, $15+, Etsy

If your dad lives for his coffee press in the morning, why not give him a witty car-themed mug? Any car fanatic would appreciate enjoying their cup of Joe out of this gem. This one is also neutral enough that it won't clash with Mom's kitchen decor.