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Recession-Minded Gift Ideas for the Car Enthusiast
Dec 10 2008 by Courtney Messenbaugh
With the economy in the tank, buying the car enthusiast in your life an actual car might be out of the question, but there are some car-themed gifts that could make him or her very happy (or leave them wondering what in the heck you were thinking).
Nordstrom offers Porsche Design cologne for men called “The Essence” for the “instinctively, self-assured man” (who makes this stuff up?). If your man fits that description (and wears cologne, which mine doesn’t so he’d wonder why in the heck I was giving him this) and you’re into a spicy, refined and woody scent, buy your man this Porsche. It’s a mere $54 for 1.7 ounces of eau de toilette, and you can even get matching hair and body shampoo ($28) and deodorant ($20). Talk about a full frontal attack on the olfactory system! At $102 for the set, it sure beats the $76K or more you’d spend on a 2009 911.
Restoration Hardware is auctioning off a one-of-a-kind Shelby Black Hornet with opening bids starting at $100K, but you shouldn’t feel left out if that price is too steep. You can fill everyone’s stockings with Carroll Shelby collectibles from Restoration Hardware. There’s everything from black leather Shelby driving gloves ($69) to the World’s Greatest Shelby Slot Car Racetrack ($249).
For a more fashion-conscious choice, you can buy your Volvo-driving, soccer- and hockey-mom friends a Volvo Bespoke Bag designed by British designer Ilse Crawford. Of course, the hockey-moms will be expected to carry their lipstick in these bags. The totes are made of the same perforated white leather that can be found in Volvo’s S80, V70, XC70 and XC90. Fancy that. I’m a believer that a girl can never have too many handbags, but a Volvo bag might be a little too kitschy for even me to handle. If you’re into it, however, I hope you don’t have too many friends because only 100 handbags were made, and one purse will set you back $685.
What if the recession doesn’t bother you and your man already owns a 911 or two? Look no further as I’ve found the Porsche Design Kitchen built by Poggenpohl. It’s as high-tech as a kitchen can be with brushed aluminum and polished glass. It’s sleek, angular and includes top-of-the-line minimalist appliances. It’ll run you about $75K. Oddly though, it sure doesn’t give off a “come cook” vibe. Porsche has branded this the “kitchen for men.” Now I get it…since it’s a kitchen for men, there’s no reason to have a “come cook” vibe since men don’t cook. Ouch. That was a low blow. Sorry guys, I’m fully aware that some of you are fabulous cooks, but it was too hard to resist that perfect of a set-up! Happy shopping!
