Valentine’s Day is tomorrow – have you shopped for your sweetie yet? If not, don’t despair.  Here are some great last minute gifts any car lover on your list will love:

1. Favorite Car Magazines
You can pick up a few of these almost anywhere.  They range in price from $1.99 to $6.00 and come in a variety of different types, like Car & Driver, Hot Rod, Motor Trend, Road & Track, Low Rider and many more.  Combine a few with a big box of chocolates or a favorite road trip movie and you’ve got a great gift to give.

2. Movies
Speaking of movies, these days there’s a ton of DVDs to choose from, including new releases and oldies but goodies. Some ideas:

• Thelma & Louise
• Bullitt
• Fast and the Furious
• Vanishing Point
• Gone in 60 Seconds
• Two Lane Blacktop
• Gumball Rally
• Corvette Summer
• The Hollywood Knights

Pair a movie or two with some popcorn and snacks and you’ve got yourself a treat for your sweetie.

3. Gift Cards
You can never go wrong with the right gift card from a favorite automotive store or hobby shop. 

4. Photos
These days it’s easy to print your own photos.  Take a few photos, upload them to your PC and print them out on your computer printer.  Place them in personalized or awesome frames and add a festive red bow!  Too cool!

5. Books
Who doesn’t love a good book, especially when it involves cars?  Check out your local bookstore for books on a variety of car topics.  One of the coolest gifts I received last year for my birthday was a book called The Illinois Road Guide to Haunted Locations, which is a road guide for finding haunted bridges, cemeteries, schools, historic homes, hotels, railroad tracks, and well…other roads! More book ideas:

• Classic Cars
• Convertibles
• Buying Guides
• Concept and Production Cars
• Racing
• Muscle Cars
• Car Repair
• Rare and Collectible Cars
• High Performance Cars
• Route 66
• Roadside Attractions
• Road Food
• Road Trips
• Scenic Highways
• Road Atlas

6. Music
Like making your own photos, making your own CD to give is a piece of cake these days.  Load up some of your favorite road tunes and burn a CD for your beloved!

7. Mini-Fridge or Cooler
These little things are great for the traveler, college student or those who have long commutes.

8. Excitations
Excitations offer awesome gifts – especially for those who love to be behind the wheel. While some “gift experiences” might be a little pricey, they’re well worth it, especially when you factor in many of these are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here is just a small sample of what’s available.  Unfortunately, Excitations is only available in limited areas, but maybe there’s one near you! 

• Secret Agent Driving Experience
• Corvette Driving Experience
• Extreme Stock Car Driving
• Karting
• Dune Buggy Tour (this would be something I would love!)
• Exotic Car for the weekend
• Formula 1 Race Car Driving
• Slot Car Racing

9. GPS Navigator
For the road traveler, these provide detailed directions, maps, and save a lot of time. If you’re not sure which brand to buy, get a gift card and let your recipient choose their own.

10.  Custom Gift Basket
Make your own gift basket by filling it with all kinds of things like shop towels, car cleaning supplies, a key chain, travel mug – or even a few things from today’s list! 

Stay safe today – it’s Friday the 13th! – and have a lovely Valentine’s Day weekend!

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