A startrescue.co.uk story...

Aside from car breakdown cover from Start Rescue, what else can you slip into the Christmas stockings of the petrolhead in your family?

Without overdoing it and buying an actual car, there are plenty of fantastic auto-related gifts to give this festive season.

A remote controlled car

The technology behind the remote control car has come on leaps and bounds from the early eighties, when they were first purchased in great numbers. Today, with smaller (as well as much larger), more agile cars and better control systems, they're more fun than ever. But perhaps the best aspect of modern RC cars is the fact that you don't need to feverishly hunt around the whole house in order to find 10 AA batteries! Recharging is much simpler and quicker today.

A sports car experience day

Experience days of all kinds are becoming increasingly popular as gift ideas, but the sports car experience day remains one of the most popular. Whether your loved one wants to drive a Ferrari, a Lamborghini or a McLaren, there is sure to be a package that perfectly fits the bill. Guaranteed to put a smile on their face, packages usually start from around 300 pounds for an experience day at Silverstone - not cheap, but for many people they offer the chance to experience a car they would otherwise never get the chance to drive.

A classic car umbrella

When they first open this gift, your loved one may find it hard to disguise their disappointment - until they discover the classic car gear stick handle! A fun gift if you can't quite stretch to the sports car day.