Best Gift Ideas for Kids Who Like F1, Racing & INDYCAR (2025 Guide)

Andy Amendola
2025-12-01T15:34:11-05:00

Best Gifts For Little Racing Fans Gift Guide 2025 From Red Racer Books, Get racing related gift ideas, books, and more for kids and the kid at heart

A quick hello from Andy, Founder and Author

Do you have kids who are obsessed with cars, asking for a kart for Christmas, or glued to racing on TV? If you are looking for the best gifts for the little race fans in your life, including ideas for great gift bundles, stocking stuffers, or splurge items, I am here to help.

I am Andy Amendola, founder of Red Racer Books, a small independent publisher of children’s books about racing. I became obsessed with racing after binging Drive To Survive and going down the fan rabbit hole of Formula 1. When I fell hard for racing I went looking for bedtime books to share with my kids. We have a nightly reading ritual and I could not find many, so I made my own. Fast forward to today. We make a variety of children’s books for Formula 1, INDYCAR, and the Indy 500. We have board books for babies and toddlers and picture books for kids under 5. We also publish biographies with iconic drivers for kids over 5, plus non-fiction fact books that act as a friendly guide to racing for little fans and curious parents. Next year we will launch a book with NASCAR.

Now let’s talk amazing gifts for little race fans and car loving kids of all ages, and the young at heart. and Happy Holidays!

F1 related gifts for kids

LEGO picks for every age

F1 has been on a roll with toy and kids product partnerships. This year LEGO and F1 put out an awesome range from DUPLO for toddlers, to mini builds, all the way up to Technic sets like the McLaren. You can even find classics like Senna’s McLaren MP4/4 for the bigger kids.

F1 gift bundle idea for ages 0 to 3

Pair LEGO DUPLO F1 cars with our ABCs of Racing: Baby’s First Formula 1 Book for a great gift combo.

And check out these cool race track rugs for kids from Carpits.

F1 gift bundle idea for ages 3 to 8

Pair an F1 LEGO set with the STEM-focused All About Race Cars. Add a little team or official F1 merch and you have a fun and educational set for kids 5 to 10.

Hot Wheels for quick fun

The Hot Wheels partnership brings F1 team cars to the most popular toy cars in the United States. It is a great entry point for little kids to start playing and getting to know the machines. These make perfect stocking stuffers and there are great track sets that will keep kids playing and imagining all winter.

UNO F1 for game night

There is a new twist on the classic Mattel game. UNO Elite F1 brings drivers into the deck and adds a few special cards. I cannot wait to get my hands on this one.
Link: https://a.co/d/0aej9h0

Die-cast cars for display and play

If you love hot wheels and toy cars but want more realistic models, check out Bburago. They make F1 die-casts in several sizes for ages about 4 to 14. Many include drivers and the details are great. You can usually find them at Target. These pair nicely with our hardcover All About Race Cars so kids can learn about wings, tires, and engines while they hold the model in their hands.

Room decor for little fans

I did not have this on my bingo card, but Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen made one of my favorite F1 collections. From furniture and bedding to lighting and accessories, there is a lot to love.
Neon F1 Logo Sign: https://www.pbteen.com/products/formula-1-neon-sign/
Play Rug with Track: https://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/formula-1-play-rug/

Ten years ago I would have done our nursery with this. There is a Teen line too, so maybe it is not too late. Fingers crossed!

Disney x F1 vibes

F1 teased a big Disney Kids partnership for 2026. We got a small taste with a Las Vegas Grand Prix merch drop. Most apparel skewed older and sold out fast, but a few accessories like key chains lingered. I am expecting more fun collabs to come. Check out the merch line here.

INDYCAR, Indy 500, and other racing gifts for kids

Must have for track kids - headphones

As a dad and motorsports author and publisher, I spend a lot of time at tracks. One thing we cannot live without is hearing protection. Our kids love these. They fit well, feel comfy, and they do not complain about wearing them, which is the real test. Perfect for a first race or the fifth, especially at loud places like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
ZOHAN Kids Ear Protection 2 Pack.

A water bottle my kid is obsessed with

My son spotted this big red Fueler bottle shaped like a fuel can and it was love at first sight. He took it everywhere. Now it is his official chocolate milk tanker at home.
IMS Fueler Bottle.

Theses gifts pair nicely with our Indy 500 Books like Josef's BIG Dream an inspiring biography of Josef Newgarden and his chase to win the INDY 500 race.

INDYCAR youth merch picks

The Shop Indy kids gear

If you want official gear with a clean and chic look, check out The Shop Indy. It is officially licensed and the designs feel timeless. Personally I love this 500 Mile Race Badge Youth tee.

Official IMS Store Gear, Merch and More

Both the INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway have great online stores with tons of great merch and gifts, with tons of discounts for the holidays. Check out this cozy sweater from the IMS Store that feels festive and track ready!

Indycar related children's gifts will pair perfectly with our kids guide to INDYCAR Racing, the ABCs of INDYCAR Racing, which is a perfect introduction to the sport full of bold illustrations and fun facts. It's currently 50% Off on our site.

Experience Gifts that Create Memories

If you have an adventurous kid in your life and you want to get them closer to the action there are plenty ways to do that, from taking them karting at a local indoor karting facility, to getting them a starter kart that's electric and low maintenance, to visiting one of the amazing motorsports museums around the USA.

K1 Speed Karting Track Gift Cards

A K1 gift card is an easy way to let kids try karting in a safe indoor setting. It builds confidence, coordination, and race craft. Pick up a gift card to cover a few sessions and tuck the card into a book for a reveal they will remember.

Kat’s Magic Helmet gifting bundle idea: Perfect book for Girls 3-8

Kat’s Magic Helmet follows a young racer who learns focus, courage, and kindness on and off the track. Short chapters and bright art make it perfect for reading together with your little racer. Kat's Magic Helmet is based on Katherine Legge’s early days in karting, this empowering story introduces young readers to the thrilling world of racing through the journey of one of motorsport’s most fearless trailblazers.

IMS Museum tickets at The Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum brings racing history to life. It's been recently renovated and updated with all new exhibits and interactive stations to learn about racing past, present and future. Kids love seeing the cars up close and hearing the stories behind the legends. A pair of tickets with a book turns into a full day adventure they will never forget.

Indy 500 fan gift bundle for ages 0 to 5

If you are a big fan of the Indy 500 (and how could you not) here is a cozy, cute bundle for your little bundle of joy. Building a gift around a book is always a great idea, especially a bedtime favorite like Goodnight Racetrack. Pair it with a soft, comforting checkered blanket and add some youth merch from your favorite driver. Josef Newgarden has a great merch line with kids options that match this title, which was written by his wife, Ashley Newgarden.Check out their gear at https://shop.josefnewgarden.com/

More gift ideas from past guides

Holiday Gift Guide 2023

A classic round up with bundles, stocking stuffers, and reader picks that still hold up.

My 2024 motorsports reading list

A mix of racing books for parents and older kids who want to go deeper.

Presents for the F1 racing fanatics in your family

A focused guide for F1 loving kids and families from 2022.