In this guide
Buying for someone who's into cars, music or the outdoors is easy to get wrong and very satisfying to get right. Here's what we'd actually recommend this year, grouped by budget, from the people who sell and fit it.
Under £100
A dongle DAC (£85) is our favourite gift in this bracket — it upgrades every pair of headphones they already own, and most people have no idea how much their phone was holding back. Soundproofing kits also land well with anyone mid-conversion or restoration.
£100–£300
This is dash cam territory, and the new VIOFO A149 Pro Duo (£249.95) is the one we'd buy: 4K front, Sony STARVIS 2 and a rear camera included. For the driver who already has one, the BP60 battery pack (£199.95) is the upgrade they've probably been putting off.
£300–£600
A portable power station changes how someone camps, works outdoors or copes with a power cut — the Anker SOLIX C1000 is the sensible size for most. For content creators, the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 and Osmo Action 6 are both genuinely exciting to unwrap.
The serious end
Speaker upgrades, a CarPlay head unit or a full install are better handled as a gift voucher than a surprise — fitment depends on the car, and the recipient gets to choose. We're happy to arrange this, and to talk through options with you rather than guessing.
Not sure?
Tell us who it's for and roughly what they're into and we'll give you two or three honest suggestions — including telling you when the cheaper option is the better gift.
Frequently asked questions
What's a good gift under £100?
A quality dash cam, a dongle DAC like the iFi Go Link 2 Max, or a soundproofing kit for someone mid-project. Plenty of genuinely good kit sits under three figures.
What if I don't know what car they drive?
Stick to things that aren't vehicle-specific — dash cams, portable power, audio gear, camera accessories. Or ask us about a gift card and let them choose.
Can you deliver in time for Christmas?
We offer free UK mainland delivery and hold stock in Nottingham. Order deadlines are published as December approaches — ask us if you're cutting it fine.
Written by the CEN team in Nottingham — car audio, dash cam and outdoor tech specialists. Questions? Contact us or call 0115 924 0666.
