Chicago Auto Show Blog

Father's Day Gift Ideas for the Car Dad

Father's Day is just around the corner. If you're still scrambling to find that special dad a unique gift, our team has pulled together some suggestions for that car lover of yours. Check these ideas out or use them as inspiration do start some google searches.

1. Dolan Paper Company (Dolanpaperco.com)
   • Car Art - Prints and apparel.
   • Find all sorts of makes and models such as Alfa Romeos, Aston Martins, Batmobiles, Muscle Cars and of course my favorite, the Honda Prelude. 
   • Prints feature sketches of the cars profile, front, rear and a view from the top in a line drawing format similar to an architect's rendering. 
   • Starting at $14, it's a unique and affordable gift
   • 13 pages of cars and a variety of print sizes available. 
2. Blipshift.com - Car Shirts and now Face masks!
   • New art featured daily from artists around the world. 
   • Catchy automotive phrases, featured vehicles in a variety of colors and artistic styles.
   • Minimal quantities available so you have to grab them when you see them
   • Good Quality shirts ranging in prices from $15-$20 for t-shirts and $35 for a sweatshirt
3. If Dad is a Coffee Guy, check out Motorized Coffee Company  or Drive Coffee.com (https://www.motorizedcoffee.com/) (https://www.drivecoffee.com/)
   • Motorized Coffee Company has coffee from all around the world with catchy names such as Nitrous Oxide, Turbocharged, Morning Drive and Rapid Grandpa Joe for $14.99
   • Drive Coffee has Nitro cold brew and a variety of coffee beans; Le Mans, Monaco, Imola and more.
   • Throw in some swag like a travel mug or camp mug and you've got an affordable little gift basket
4. A variety of toy options:
   • From Lego models (https://www.lego.com/en-us/categories/cars) to radio control cars & trucks (http://www.newbright.com/) , bring out the kid in dad with some fun around the house. 
   • Some of the RC cars available now are pretty realistic and have a huge range in prices. 
   • New Bright (http://www.newbright.com/) makes everything from monster trucks to Bugattis, Corvettes, and more. 
   • Sizes range from 1:43 scale up to 1:12 scale
5. Car-themed experiences
   • Road America - driving school, race tickets, store gift cards (https://www.roadamerica.com/)
   • Badland's Off Roading Park pass or merchandise (https://badlandsoffroad.com/)
   • Skip Barber Racing School (https://www.skipbarber.com/)
   • Chicagoland Speedway - keep an eye on their schedule for future events (https://www.chicagolandspeedway.com/)
   • Go Karting - Take on dad at the track. Chicago has three great go karting facilities. K1 Speed is located in Addison and Buffalo Grove and Accelerate is located Mokena. 
6. Specs - You want to look for 3 things: Polarized to reduce glare, curved lenses to protect the eyes, and thin temples for best peripheral vision. Top pics include:
   • Oakley Plaintiff
   • Smith Optics Serpico 2.0
   • Serengeti Silio
   • Maui Jim Kapalua
7. For the "Detailing Dad" - Ensure your vehicle is clean (and looking good!) with these products:
   • Cordless handheld wet/dry vacuum
   • Another car vacuum, but this one is corded 
   • Ultimate car wash mitt - lint and scratch-free 
   • Stain Eraser - Have a messy pet (or kids!)? This will do the trick.
   • Leather seat wipes  
   • In-vehicle "trash can" for long road trips
   • Complete car care kit - if you're looking for a one-stop-shop, Turtle Wax has a good option.
8. Gifts for the non-car lover
   • Tile Pro - A unique device designed to help you quickly located lost keys.
   • Uber Appliance Chill Mini Fridge - Keeps things cool or hot, in the car.
   • WeatherTech Cupfone - Keep the phone handy, but secure.
   • Mpow Bluetooth Receiver - Give that old car, new-car tech.
   • Waylens Secure360 Dash Cam - Added security for older drivers. 

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