Presents I’d like to give and receive from my fellow motoring people

Christmas has sneaked up on us again like it was just last month (maybe because you just finished paying for your 2011 Santa spree last November.) Once more it is time to rack your brains on the perfect gift to give to your loved ones or people you need to impress. Gift-giving is some sort of test on how much you know the recipient and unlike in the United States where you can return your gift to the store, we are stuck with what we receive (until you recycle it). So just to help you out, here are some gifts worth considering for a car enthusiast. Some are obscenely priced while others are more affordable but any of them will surely be appreciated.

1) The Audi R8

Whether your fantasy is Christian Grey’s “Fifty Shades of Grey” or Tony Stark’s “Ironman,” the Audi R8 is one of the ultimate dream cars. The Audi R8 boasts a V10 engine and has a top speed of 316 KPH, said to be one of the most drivable supercars available, but the look…the look of this baby just screams “Take Me… I’m yours.”

2) The BMW 1M

The pocket rocket which is cute enough for women and packs enough heat for any man; its spurts in just 4.9 seconds from standing still to 100 kph and has 3-liter, 6-cylinder engine with M Twin Power Turbo. This is no lapdog, this is all bark and bite.

3) The Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupe

The 7-Speed manual or optional dual clutch with a top speed of 302 kph just looks so different and iconic, you feel you need to have one. This in white will go well with any look whether it would be a casual drive to Antonio’s or a dress-to-impress night out.

4) The Subaru BRZ or the Toyota 86

Sharing the same platform, the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota 86 are basically twin brothers trying to steal the limelight from each other. The good news is the launch of these two affordable racecars has given those without supercar budgets a fantastic play car with character.

5) Louis Vuitton Tambour Capsule Voyagez II

Stepping away from the usual Rolex Daytona and other usual suspects, the LV New Capsule Voyagez took its design cues of vintage speedometers and has a function to read and measure speeds up to 300 kph. Plus of course being limited to 888 pieces adds to the appeal.

6) Foil a Car

Can’t afford a new car? Then try foiling it. Although sometimes the price of foiling is almost the same as buying a used sub compact car, nothing says, “I’m in” as much as a matte black or neon-foiled car. Not only does it change the look of your car, it also helps protect the original color from scratches and the price devaluation. Plus the fact it just shows you have money to burn.

7) Apple TV

Apple TV is like having your own Blockbuster video, a DJ’s Ipod and all of the perks of the World Wide Web in the comforts of your bed and on your big flat screen for just P5,000. Works best with high-speed Internet like PLDT Fibr or the likes.

8) Oakley carbon plate prescription glasses

Carbon fiber hood…carbon fiber interior fittings…carbon fiber ipad case…can’t get enough of the carbon fiber look? Get the Oakley ultra-lightweight titanium and flexible carbon fiber. Claims to have a barely there feel with Unobtanium components that increases grip when you perspire.

9) Johnnie Walker New Odyssey

For scotch drinkers, a special edition is like a trophy that you display like you have been chosen to own and drink it. For those who missed the Platinum and Blue label limited edition bars and engraved bottles, this one will just fit the bill right.

10) Alcohol Breathalyzer

Nothing shows how much you care by not letting your loved ones drive drunk. Options are available from a P350 key ring to an P8,500 Breathalyzer—all available for your browsing at Sulit.com.

11) Car cufflinks

Can’t afford the car but you still can give a piece of metal by giving him his favorite emblem as cufflinks. Since men have limited jewelry pieces, and a diamond-studded emblem is way past cool unless you are the president of the company, the cufflink is a subtle yet classy affinity to the brand.

12) BMW USB

Actually this is a very good April fools gift, but since we don’t give gifts during April Fool’s, give this cleverly made USB stick masked as a BMW key as a humorous novelty gift this Christmas (until of course you see the price tag to it.)

Christmas gifts are just symbols of how much you cherish a person on this special occasion. It is the thought that counts. The receiver should not use the cost as a gauge on how much you love them or how important this person is to you. Whoever gives the gift makes it special, even if it is as simple as a fruitcake from like… my hubby.

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TAGS: auto, Christmas gifts, Motoring