No limit:

There’s nothing like turning heads.

If I really want to add some frosting to a friend’s gingerbread Christmas, I help them do just that.

I’d give them a 1955 Austin Healey BN1 two-door roadster.

Big engines are nice, and everyone enjoys the fastest, more powerful new playtoy for Christmas (ask my wife and her iPad from last season) but while this roadster won’t blow anyone’s doors off literally, it might do it figuratively.

It’s been in my family (never in my hands) since my Uncle Gary bought it from its original owner in 1957.

Travelling the roads of Vancouver Island with my aunt, after she had it restored following Gary’s passing, there’s something special about owning a ride as unique as the Healey.

Perfect in its restoration, right down to the bright orange of the original carpeting, she grabs the attention of the most avid car fanatic.

Can yours outperform mine? Probably. But you’ll never own a ride like mine.

That’s class.

If I could, to my closest this season, I would give the gift of being kickass.

$50 and under:

If I’m looking under $50, I’ll make a quick stop at Danier Leather for gloves. The selection under $50 is always high quality and classic. Genuine leather gloves for the Canadian winter. There’s no reason for bright blue nylon behind the wheel. A slick black or brown leather will always impress.

Or maybe it’s time to spend money on socks. This might be a gift wrapped in cliché, but don’t go boring or inexpensive. I’m a big fan of buying the items nobody spends money on themselves, and blowing a little bank.

Ever try a nice pair of $10 argyles as compared to the standard black or white from the 12-pack? You’ll be surprised, and so will the friend receiving them. My favorite spot here is Holt Renfrew, but pick your poison. If the shirts are way too expensive, the socks will probably be perfect.

$100 and under:

If I’m thinking about blowing a C-note on you, this means I really care. I’m going to consider a trip back to one of those designer stores to see what kind of bathrobes I can find. It will take coin to impress, so I’ll look for a sale.

If my friend is a parent, however, I’m scanning used bookstores. Gordon Korman is a seriously underappreciated Canadian writer of fiction for youth. His stories are hilarious, smart and engaging. It’ll grab the eyes like Harry Potter, and a collection of his largely out of print classics will make a great gift for a parent with a young child. It’s going to be a hunt, but it will be worth it.

Besides, you’re going to want to drive that new roadster around the neighbourhood anyway.