The holidays are just around the corner, meaning it's time to start thinking about gifts! For the sim racing enthusiast in your life—or maybe just a treat for yourself—finding the right gear can make all the difference. Whether it's a top-tier racing wheel or a convenient gift card for PlayStation or Xbox, we've curated a list of the 10 best gifts to ensure every racer feels like a pro this season.
Best sim racing gift ideas - Quick list
- Logitech G923 Racing Wheel and Pedals - a full package for any platform
- Logitech G Driving Force Shifter - a manual shifter to pair with a wheel
- Thrustmaster T-LCM Pedals - brake later and accelerate faster
- Fanatec CSL DD QR2 Ready2Race Bundle - a complete sim racing package
- Fanatec GT DD Pro Wheel Base - level up to Direct Drive
- GT Omega Classic Wheel Stand - a place to mount that racing wheel
- Playseat Challenge Racing Cockpit - a stand and a seat in one
- aikeec 64-Bit USB Handbrake - perfect for rally stages and drifting
- Alpinestars Tech 1-K Race V2 Gloves - add an extra element of realism
- PlayStation Store Gift Card / Xbox Gift Card - spend on whatever's needed
1. Logitech G923 Wheel and Pedals
Best racing wheel gift idea
* prices are subject to change
Why we chose the Logitech G923 Wheel and Pedals
Perhaps the best gift you can buy any keen racer is a sim wheel and pedal set, if they don't already own them, of course. The Logitech G923 stands out as a great gift option in this field as it's not overly expensive, and it's compatible with both the PlayStation and Xbox, provided you buy the correct version.
This wheel will also allow you or a loved one to enjoy the thrill of force feedback, a simulation technique that aims to replicate the experience of racing in-game with the conditions of racing in real life. Therefore, this wheel and pedal set is the ultimate gift for in-game immersion.
2. Logitech G Driving Force Shifter
Best racing shifter gift idea
* prices are subject to change
Why we chose the Logitech G Driving Force Shifter
Pairing the Logitech G923 racing wheel with its perfect counterpart, the Logitech G Driving Force Shifter, can elevate the racing experience to a whole new level.
This gear stick is a seamless match, providing impeccable compatibility across all platforms. Its classic H-pattern design is ideal for navigating older cars in games like Gran Turismo, giving enthusiasts an authentic and immersive feel. Again, this gear stick is inexpensive and, therefore, a top pick for anyone looking to expertly time their gear shifts to dominate the track.
3. Thrustmaster T-LCM Pedals
Best racing pedal gift idea
- Amazon - $214.99 / £152.99
- Thrustmaster - $249.99 / £159.99
* prices are subject to change
Why we chose the Thrustmaster T-LCM Pedals
The pedals that come with the likes of the Logitech G923 are good, but investing in an individual set, such as these Thrustmaster T-LCM pedals, can take you or any loved one's pedal module to a whole new level.
They're a universal fit, working seamlessly across all platforms, and they feature cutting-edge 100kg load cell technology, giving a realistic sensation of pressure under your feet. Plus, with Thrustmaster's HallEffect AccuRate Technology (H.E.A.R.T), durability is given, ensuring these pedals stay top-notch for years of use.
- Read More: Best sim racing pedals
4. Fanatec CSL DD QR2 Ready2Race Bundle
Best sim racing bundle gift idea
- Fanatec - $399.95 / €399.95
* prices are subject to change
Why we chose the Fanatec CSL DD QR2 Ready2Race Bundle
If you or someone you know needs a complete racing wheel setup, or is just overdue an upgrade, Fanatec's CSL DD QR2 Ready2Race Bundle is the ultimate solution.
Included in the package is a set of CSL Pedals, a CSL DD QR2 wheel base that can deliver 5 Nm of direct drive power, and a CSL P1 V2 wheel that features a 300 mm diameter, rubberized grip, and a three-digit LED display for heads-up telemetry data.
It's got everything to increase immersion and improve lap times, hence it earning a spot as an ultimate sim racing gift.
5. Fanatec GT DD Pro Wheel Base
Best wheel base gift idea
- Fanatec - $599.95 / €599.95
* prices are subject to change
Why we chose the Fanatec GT DD Pro Wheel Base
If the above bundle is a little too much, then perhaps investing in a Direct Drive wheel base such as the Fanatec GT DD Pro is your next best bet if you're struggling to think of a way to upgrade a racing setup this holiday season.
Besides, if you or the person you're buying for already has a wheel, then you don't need to go all in on buying a brand-new wheel with this option. Delivering 8 Nm of torque as standard, it's bound to blow the socks off anyone you buy it for.
6. GT Omega Classic Wheel Stand
Best wheel stand gift idea
* prices are subject to change
Why we chose the GT Omega Classic Wheel Stand
So you've got the wheel, pedals, shifter, and so on. You or a loved one is also going to need somewhere to mount all this gear. Enter the GT Omega Classic Wheel Stand.
This sturdy, adjustable bit of kit is compatible with Logitech, Thrustmaster, and Fanatec racing equipment, and it can be folded away once you're finished racing. That means you won't be annoying any partners or family members by gifting this stand either.
7. Playseat Challenge Racing Cockpit
Best racing seat gift idea
* prices are subject to change
Why we chose the Playseat Challenge Racing Cockpit
You can take things a step further and invest in a full-on racing cockpit, like this Playseat Challenge, as a gift if you want to go all-in and provide a seat with a stand. This particular option isn't that expensive either, making it great for those who don't exactly want to break the bank by buying a present.
This seat aims to provide a realistic racing sensation with its design. It's also foldable, meaning it can be compacted away when not in use to free up floor space to, once again, avoid annoying any living companions.
8. aikeec 64-Bit USB Handbrake
Best racing handbrake gift idea
* prices are subject to change
Why we chose the aikeec 64-Bit USB Handbrake
A handbrake may not be essential for most racing games, but for rally stages and drifting, owning a handbrake can become much more beneficial for the added control one can bring.
This aikeec bit of kit stands out as a great gift in this category thanks to its premium build of aluminum and steel, hall-effect precision technology for added realism, and its relatively inexpensive price tag to keep costs a little lower this holiday season.
9. Alpinestars Tech 1-K Race V2 Gloves
Best racing gloves gift ideas
* prices are subject to change
Why we chose the Alpinestars Tech 1-K Race V2 Gloves
This entry is a little more fun and perhaps best suited to the racing fan who already has everything. However, the Alpinestars Tech 1-K gloves aren't just a novelty, as they can bring an extra element of realism to any home sim setup.
They do have their use too, especially in winter if you want to keep you or a loved one's hands warm. They won't be hot though, as the gloves are made from mesh with lycra fourchettes promoting comfort, airflow, and durability. They also feature elasticated wrists for essentially one-size-fits-all entry.
10. PlayStation / Xbox Gift Card
Best console racing gift ideas
Why we chose gift cards
If you're completely unsure what to buy the racing fan in your life, consider investing in a gift card, as it means you don't have to worry about buying the correct game, equipment, or in-game currency yourself.
With a gift card, you're giving the recipient complete freedom to buy whatever they want from the online store, or they can use it to invest in an online pass to race with their friends across the world.
A gift card provides a freedom you don't get with other options on the list, although we appreciate it's not completely racing-related... However, we feel it's a great way to round off our sim racing gift idea collection.
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