Five Gift Ideas for Gearheads

GreenLight Pickup Truck Camper — GreenLight is an Indianapolis-based maker of die-cast collectibles, and their detail is superb. Shown here is a 1:64 1970 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne with a large camper top.

*Photo: GreenLight*

Builders of the Hoosac Tunnel — Nearly a decade before the Brooklyn Bridge opened for business, tunnelers successfully bored 25,081 ft, or roughly five miles, through the Hoosac Mountain in western Massachusetts.

*Photo: Peter E. Randall Publisher*

Black+Decker Cordless Jigsaw — Released in the fall, this cordless jigsaw's 20-volt, lithium-ion battery pack provides ample run time and power.

*Photo: Black+Decker*

Jay Leno's Garage DVD — Before there was "Jay Leno’s Garage" the YouTube channel or CNBC television show, there was this 2005 edition of the “My Classic Car” video DVD series.

*Photo: Amazon*

Stick Shift Wine Stopper — When you are downshifting for the evening, here's a fun conversation piece to keep your varietals fresh.

*Photo: Amazon*

This past Thanksgiving holiday weekend was a good time to get some much-needed household projects out of the way. As I was laying down some flooring for a room remodel, it hit me: It’s time for another annual list of gift ideas. If you have any additional tips, please jot them down in the comments below.

GreenLight Diecast Models

I saw these for the first time while strolling through a children's museum gift shop, but they really aren't an item for kids. If you collected Hot Wheels or Matchbox cars as a kid, you might graduate to GreenLight as an adult. One of my favorite lines is the “Hitch and Tow” series, including a vehicle and detachable trailer. Get them online or at a participating retailer for about $15 each.

Builders of the Hoosac Tunnel

Nearly a decade before the Brooklyn Bridge opened for business, tunnelers successfully bored 25,081 ft, or roughly five miles, through the Hoosac Mountain in western Massachusetts. For more than 40 years after opening in 1875, it was the longest tunnel in North America. In 645 pages, construction engineer, scholar and historian Cliff Schexnayder, P.E., documents the people, dynamite and drama associated with this important project. Available in hardcover and e-book formats for under $30.

Black+Decker 20V MAX Cordless Jigsaw

I recently had to scribe around some stonework for a home-improvement project, so I reached for a cordless jigsaw that B+D sent me to test out. I already had several corded tools plugged in, so this jigsaw liberated me from the power struggle. Released in October, the 20-volt cordless tool provides ample run time and power. The trigger controls variable speeds at the blade, which can be switched out easily, and the jigsaw features a trigger lock and bevel shoe. It retails for about $5 0, but be warned: unless it is part of a tool bundle, batteries may not be included.

Jay Leno: Certified Car Nut

Before there was "Jay Leno’s Garage" on television and YouTube, there was this 2005 edition of the “My Classic Car” video series. Take a stroll through Jay Leno’s voluminous car collection before his YouTube channel went platinum and he got a new show this fall on CNBC. Copies of the DVD are available for just under $10.

Stick Shift Wine Stopper

When you are downshifting for the evening, here's a fun conversation piece to keep your varietals fresh. Another value item on this list, it sells for about $15 online.

After a short stint as a freelance contributor to ENR, Tudor joined the editorial staff in 2002 and was a managing editor. His areas of expertise included construction equipment, trucks, tools, materials and global construction. He was a certified crane operator and reported heavy construction news in the U.S. and outside—including Europe, Dubai, India and China.

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