Carma’s expert picks: the best gifts for car lovers

Looking for the perfect gift for the car lover in your life? We asked Carma’s experts to share their favourite car-related gift ideas, from practical accessories to useful gadgets and essential tools. Whether you’re shopping on a budget or looking to impress with a premium gift, this guide has something for every car enthusiast, and every price range.

Budget-friendly gifts (under $50)

Dog seatbelt/ seat cover

For car owners who travel with pets, this is a smart pick. Keep your pup(s) secure while protecting your car’s interior from fur, scratches and saliva, making every trip safer and easier.

Chuck, Vehicle Buying Specialist, recommends: These dog seat belts and protective car seat covers from Amazon.

Going away with a pooch? Why not pitstop at one of the best dog-friendly camping spots in NSW?

Custom hoodie

A simple way to let enthusiasts show off their passion. A hoodie featuring their favourite car make or model is practical, stylish, and something they’ll actually wear.

Nick, Recon Lead, recommends: Any of these fun custom car hoodies from Etsy.

Fragrance diffuser

A fresh-smelling car makes even the most mundane drives enjoyable. A diffuser is an easy, thoughtful gift that adds comfort and a little bit of luxury to any car.

Vanessa, Vehicle Buying Specialist, recommends: These re-fillable car fragrances from Glasshouse.

Hot wheels premium

Perfect for collectors or enthusiasts, these detailed diecast models let car lovers celebrate their favourite makes in miniature. A fun, thoughtful gift that’s as much about passion as play.

Desmond, Vehicle Buying Specialist, recommends: Whatever car’s their vibe from Southern Diecast.

Mid-range gifts ($50–$150)

Mini car vacuum

A handy gift for anyone who likes a tidy car. Compact and easy to use, a mini car vacuum makes quick clean-ups a breeze, keeping interiors looking sharp without the fuss.

Rob, Sourcing Coordinator, recommends: A portable handheld vacuum cleaner like these options from The Good Guys for all those hard to reach places.

Custom sunshade

Keep their car cool and protected with a personalised sunshade. It’s practical, adds a personal touch, and helps prevent sun damage to interiors, perfect for everyday drivers.

Billy, Inspector, recommends: A custom sun shade like this BMW one from Etsy.

A vehicle detailing kit

Perfect for anyone who loves (or needs) a clean, shiny car. A basic detailing kit provides the tools to keep their car looking its best, without the help of a professional.

Jamien, Inspector, recommends: This comprehensive clean and shine kit from Salty Captain.

Check out our guide for tips on how to clean your car like a pro.

Supercheap Auto voucher

The gift that’s always well received. Let them pick exactly what they need, whether it’s parts, accessories, or detailing gear. Practical, flexible, and guaranteed to be appreciated.

We recommend: Grabbing a gift card online from Supercheap Auto.

Premium gifts ($150–$500)

Carwash subscription

The gift that keeps on giving. Perfect for anyone who loves a clean car (or is constantly mucking theirs up) a carwash subscription makes it easy to maintain that freshly-washed look all year round.

Laura, Wholesale & Remarketing Operations Manager, recommends: Crystal car wash’s unlimited wash club for access to, you guessed it, unlimited washes!

Socket set

For car owners who like to get hands-on, a good socket set is essential. It’s practical, versatile, and a must-have for any DIY maintenance or small repairs.

Scott, Delivery Team Lead, recommends: A capable socket set from Sydney Tools to help them get the job done.

Not sure what monthly maintenance checks you yourself could be doing? Don’t worry, we’ve got a helpful guide for that too.

Polisher kit

Ideal for enthusiasts who love their car to shine, a polisher kit helps maintain that showroom finish at home. It’s a thoughtful gift for anyone who really takes pride in their ride.

Megan, Senior Lead, recommends: A polisher they’ll be able to rely on for years to come like this one from Car Care Products.

Sydney Motorsport Park experience voucher

For the ultimate thrill, a voucher to Sydney Motorsport Park lets car lovers get behind the wheel of supercars on a real race track. A memorable gift for anyone who lives for speed.

Scott, Delivery Team Lead, recommends: Any of the thrilling car experiences on offer at Sydney Motorsport Park.

These expert picks show just how many great options there are for car lovers at every budget. Whether you choose something practical, thoughtful or a little more premium, you’ll know you made the right choice with these recommendations from people who live and breathe cars every day. And if you really want to spoil them, you could always surprise them with a high quality pre-owned car they’ll love from Carma.