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We all need a hobby to relax and unwind from the stress of life. They are also a great way to immerse yourself in science while having fun. Cars are one of the best hobbies for learning different sciences, math, reasoning and usually patience. The latter was true for me perhaps as much as all the other things.
I’ve put together some great gift ideas for car lovers of all ages. Please don’t think of these as toys for boys. Cars for everyone. Science for everyone. I buy my nieces science toys and toy cars every chance I get and they love them. Either way, shop for the scientists and car enthusiasts on your list and buy them something they’ll love for years to come — instead of a sweater. Happy holiday.
The best car toys and hobby gifts in 2024
Best RC Builder: Team Associated RC10 Jay Halsey Edition 1/10 Electric 2WD Buggy Kit
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I’m pretty sure I could build this car from memory. Getting an RC10 when I was 13 is one of the reasons I spent most of my adult life working in the automotive industry. I can also bet that any car enthusiast who was alive in the 1980s and early 1990s either owned or at least knew someone who owned one of these. It’s the ultimate nostalgia gift for grown-up car enthusiasts. It’s also a great way to get young car enthusiasts into the technical side of cars.
This kit is just a car. It still requires an engine, battery, full electronics, and best of all, unlike most cars today, you can put it together yourself. Driving and working on it will be fun, educational, and in the case of a lot of people I know who work in the industry, life changing. Get a Team Associated RC10 for your child and start them on their way to a fulfilling life in STEAM. Santa, if you’re reading this, I’ve been good this year and I’d like one of these.
Porsche RC through the ages: Tamiya Porsche 956 1/10 2WD On-Road Kit
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My first RC car was a Tamiya Fast Attack Vehicle. Tamiya is renowned for creating high quality, realistic and reliable vehicles and this Porsche 956 is no exception. Tamiya’s original Porsche 956 was a 1/12 scale car. It could not be driven on a surface rougher than a bowling alley. This larger 1/10 scale version is based on a tub design with more ground clearance and suspension travel. This one is also 19 inches long, so it’s big.
Even though it’s more modern, it still comes as a kit, so you’ll need to assemble it and paint the body. You’ll also need to supply the electronics and battery, but it includes the 540 engine. Considering this Porsche 956 is modeled after 1982, it’s still a bit nostalgic. However, car enthusiasts of all ages will be delighted to receive this as a gift.
Click on German Radwood: HPI RS4 Sport3 BMW e30 M3 Wartsteiner 1/10 RTR 4WD Touring Car Radio 7.2V Battery Charger
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This is not a kit and everything you need to drive is in the box. HPI Racing is known for producing high-quality, driveable RC cars. If you’re shopping for someone who wants to open a gift and go on a drive, this is for them. Especially if they’re fans of Redwood-era German touring car racing. The RS4 is an all-wheel drive, mid-shaft drive touring car that will take a lot of abuse. This is a 1/10 scale model, so it is 17 inches long.
The M3 body looks great on them, and the gold BBS wheels and rubber tread tires are nice touches. The car has metal differentials, oil shock absorbers and even ball bearings. The kit includes a Nimh battery, but the electronics are compatible with LiPo batteries, so you can upgrade later. While you may not have the fun of building it yourself, it still provides all the foot and a half long physical lab fun of other RC cars.
Legendary RC Truck: LAEGENDARY 1:10 Brushless RC 4×4 Off Road Monster Truck
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I’ve been into RC cars with varying degrees of seriousness for most of my life, and I’ve always been one of those people who will tell you that the only way to go is to buy something “hobby quality”. What this means has become rather blurred in recent years. I tested this Laegendary Thunder a few months ago and I can’t believe how good it is for the money. This is a ready-to-run kit. It includes everything you need out of the box. A 2S 5200mAh LiPo battery, brushless motor, full metal transmission, oil shocks, 2 housings, radio, charger and some spare parts are part of the deal.
The biggest complaint most people have about DTC remote control cars is the lack of replacement parts and aftermarket parts, but there are plenty of them online. It will not satisfy the hardcore racers. But if you’re just looking to buy someone a fun, fast RC truck, it’s hard to beat for the money.
Peak Nostalgia: Carrera Evolution Speedway Champions Analog Electric 1:32 Scale Slot Car Racing Track Set
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Who else is like me and as soon as they read a slot machine or even see a picture of it, they immediately smell ozone? This Speedway Champions set from Carrera delivers all the thrills you remember, with a slightly more modern twist. The cars in this set, the Ford Torino and the Dodge Charger, are 1/32 scale. They are twice the size of the Hot Wheels arcade machines you remember. The banked three-oval includes two lane changes and requires approximately 9×9 feet of space to race. These are probably more expensive than you remember the slot machines in the Sear’s Christmas catalog. But everything here can be maintained and even upgraded, so it will serve you not for months, but for years.
The best LEGO builder: LEGO Technic Fast & Furious Dodge Charger House Building Toy
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As I write this, at least 30% of all horizontal surfaces in my house have Lego. Lego is recognized as a hallmark of educational toys around the world. Although building from your own imagination is probably more instructive, you have to get those bricks somehow. So, you can also buy such a cool set. It’s a Dom charger and I don’t need to add that it’s from Fast and Furiousbut i will. This set contains 1077 pieces, almost all of which are black. Your builder will be able to put together a V8 with a supercharger, roll arch, and even NOS (pronounced nawz) little bottles in the trunk. Yes, Lego has gotten expensive, but can you put a price on it, family?
Best LEGO Mechanical: LEGO Technic Formula E Porsche 99X
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This kit currently sits in my entertainment center, between Senna’s McLaren and Hamilton’s Mercedes. It has a reverse thrust engine. So there are some mechanical parts inside that you can build. This includes a rather ingenious locking mechanism for the drive motor. Built it is about a foot long. While it’s fun for adults to build, it’s easy enough for young builders. There are only 422 pieces in the set. So, even to marvel at how it was designed and take your time with the decals, this build is no more than a couple of hours of your time. It’s not as fragile a kit as most Technic kits, so it will be stiffer for racing.
Hot Wheels Standard: Hot Wheels Premium Car Culture Set of 5 toy cars in Che Figata collectible container
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Every member of my family gets at least one Hot Wheels car for Christmas; it is a tradition. This collectible set features Italian legends Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo and Lancia. Five cars are included and come in a box that resembles a shipping container. If there’s a gift that transcends age, it’s Hot Wheels. If you’re on the fence about what to buy a car enthusiast, here’s your new go-to gift that will never fail.
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