NASCAR sizzles while Ferrari snoozes

Nika Rolczewski

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Gifts for me, under $50

NASCAR by Harlequin

I'm always up for some good reading; I can spend an afternoon curled up on a couch with a good book. Harlequin has come out with a NASCAR series that includes some fast-action racing romance. It's the perfect match – and I should know since I fell in love at a race track. Titles include Turn Two by Nancy Warren, Speed Bumps by Ken Casper and Back on Track by Abby Gaines, to name a few.

Perfect stocking stuffers. $5.99 each; eharlequin.com and select bookstores.

Accident Reporting Kit

Recently, a friend was involved in a car accident. It made me realize how important it is to have certain aids in your vehicle to help in an unexpected situation.

While many of us carry emergency kits, we normally don't carry a disposable camera to take pictures of car damage, a pen and notepad. The glove compartment kit includes a measuring tape, flashlight and a detailed report form that can help when dealing with insurance companies. It's a gift you never want to need, but it is great to have in case you do need it. $14.99; hedonics.com

Sirius Satellite Radio

I'm addicted to satellite radio. If I'm not singing along to the oldies, I'm learning to beat egg whites by listening to Martha Stewart. With more than 100 channels on my vehicle's Sirius Satellite Radio to choose from, there's always something to listen to and that makes commuting a breeze. I would never go on a road trip without it.

Month-to-month plan, $14.99; siriuscanada.ca

Gifts to give, under $250

Ferrari in a Bottle

Italian spirit distiller Mazzetti d'Altavilla has 160 years of experience making grappa, the high-alcohol beverage made from grape residue left over after wine pressing.

Inside its newest decanter is one of the most iconic Ferrari race cars, a 1961 156F1 Sharknose. Ferrari won its first Formula 1 World Constructor's Championship, and driver Phil Hill won the driver's World Championship in this car.

It is an elegant gift for the car enthusiast who loves a high-octane, after-dinner drink. $122.75; at the LCBO, #49098

Clean Park Mat

With the few old cars we have in the garage there's always a chance of oil dripping on the floor. The Original Park Smart Residential Clean Park Mat catches every drop of fluid and keeps it from spreading. It is also great for snow and mud, to keep dirt from tracking into the house. It is a durable mat that even comes with a warranty. $209.95 for the 7.5-foot-by-20-foot large mat; garagestrategies.com

Lego Ferrari

My husband is happiest when behind the wheel of his race car. Unfortunately, it will be a few months before he'll get the opportunity to do it again. So to pass the time I want to buy him the Ferrari 1:17 F430 Challenge Lego model. The 690 pieces should keep him occupied and the car comes in yellow just like his full-sized race car. I just need to figure out how to add his signature red stripe. $69.99; LEGOshop.com, 1-800-453-4652

Gifts for me, no limit

Gran Turismo Luggage

Designer Salvatore Ferragamo knows leather. His family fashion empire has partnered with car maker Maserati to produce beautiful leather luggage that can be personalized with the colour of your Maserati Gran Turismo's interior. Five pieces make up the collection: a suitcase, weekend bag, beauty case, garment holder and, of course, a much needed shoe case. $5,480, an option that can be ordered at the same time as the car; at Maserati dealers. The Maserati Gran Turismo starts at $140,000 and is the perfect accessory for the luggage ... right Santa?

Rally School

Watching well-known rally driver Michelle Mouton's left foot brake through tight gravel corners was exciting – and an inspiration. I want to expand my rally skills by taking the four-day Ivor Wigham's European Rally School in Florida. If Santa does not want to spend $5,850 (U.S.) then there's the one-day introductory course for $675 (U.S.). gorally.com

Furrari dog bed

What better to buy for "Enzo," my mutt, but a Furrari dog bed by Haute Diggity Dog – a U.S. company famous for it's luxury parody items. This Ferrari 430 Spider-inspired pet bed is purrfect for the fast and furryious.

Santa Paws found this comfy dog bed along with a pink Catillac and Furcedes. At $299.99, that's a lot of bones, but my pooch deserves to be pampered, too; Global Pet Foods, Bloor West Village

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