Rev up gifts for car enthusiasts

For clients who love cars, get them gifts that show you pay attention. But, some gifts are more effective than others.

A minimum order of 500 car fresheners with Canadian flags from Artik.com costs approximately $900. Taxes and shipping are extra. While a client might hang it from his rearview mirror, he’ll likely forget the token came from you. There are better options.

Low cost, high impact $12.99/client

Give your clients tickets to a classic car event in the area, or send them a brochure if the event is free. For example, the Barrie, Ont. Car Show and Flea Market costs $10 per day—a weekend pass is $20, plus $5 a day for parking. Deliver the tickets in a diecast model of a racing car or Lamborghini. You can get a Lamborghini diecast replica for $12.99, or a radio- controlled Ferrari for $22.99 from collectablediecast.com.

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Medium cost, high impact $60/client

Winter is tough on cars. Come spring, give your clients the gift of a car- detailing package. In St. John’s, Nfld., the Hickman Automotive Group offers packages that range from $60 for an exterior hand wash, interior clean and deodorizing. A wash, engine degreasing and cosmetic paint restoration costs $249. In Regina, Sask., Ron’s Auto Detailing offers packages, starting at $140 for an interior and exterior wash and wax, up to $379 for a top-to-bottom scrub and polish with a hand wax finish.

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High cost, high impact $594/client

The North American International Auto Show takes place in Detroit, Mich. every January. Ticket prices for adults in 2015 are $13 per day, plus the cost of transportation and hotel. Flight, hotel and car rental packages range from $816 to $1,100.

Three-day gold tickets for the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Montreal in 2015 are $594 each. Silver three-day tickets start at $476.

Or, book a 30-minute fantasy test drive with Exotic Car Tours in Oakville, Ont., and your clients can drive a Lamborghini Gallardo or a Ferrari F430 for $299. They also offer track days at Mosport Park that let clients drive on the racetrack in a Lotus, Ferrari or Ariel Atom. One car and two laps costs $258; multi-car packages are also available.

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by Lisa MacColl, an Ontario-based financial writer.