The holidays are the time to celebrate family and friends. They also are the time when people scratch their heads trying to find the perfect gift for those on their list. If you’re shopping for someone who appreciates cars, there are plenty of possibilities. To help get the wheels rolling this season I’ve compiled a range of auto-themed gift ideas. All of these suggestions are available via a click of your computer mouse, a phone call or a stop at the mall.

The art of cars

Michael Irvine Studios (www.michaelirvine.com, 800-361-5484) produces fine performance car artwork. Irvine’s latest painting takes viewers back to the summer of ’74 to experience a Dodge Charger invasion at the drive-in. In addition to some great-looking cars, the painting shows a pivotal scene from the cult classic “Dirty Mary Crazy Larry” reflected back onto the windshields of the Chargers. The “B-Movie Night” scene is incredibly detailed and reminds me of one of my favorite summertime spots: the McHenry Outdoor Theater.

Each time you look at one of Irvine’s paintings you find something new in the background or a reflection in a fender that you didn’t see before. It takes the artist months to create the incredible detail, vibrant color and reflections in each painting.

In addition to Mopars, Irvine paints plenty of General Motor muscle cars along with Mustangs. One of his latest paintings depicts the original “Bullit” Mustang joined by the two newer versions – all leaping through the air.

Another personal favorite is the “End of the Line” piece that depicts the cars from classic car chase scenes in the movies such as “Vanishing Point,” “Dirty Mary Crazy Larry,” “Diamonds Are Forever,” “Gone in 60 Seconds” and “Bullitt.”

Some of Irvine’s artwork starts at a reasonable $100 for a limited edition print. A 36-by-25-inch print of “B-Movie Night” is $150 and a gallery edition canvas measuring 57 by 36 inches is $1,500.

A collection is simply not complete until you have one of his paintings displayed in your man cave, office or garage.

Let’s race

If the person on your list likes cars, he or she probably likes to drive fast. Chicago Indoor Racing (www.chicagoindoorracing.com), with locations in Buffalo Grove and Addison, offers a place to drive fast in an indoor, safety-oriented environment year-round. This is helmet-on, strap-yourself-in kart racing.

CIR features Bowman Race Karts with tubular chrome-moly chassis and ungoverned Honda 200cc four-cycle GX200 engines. The karts can hit speeds of 30 to 35 mph. I’ve wheeled these karts around the two tracks at the Buffalo Grove location and let me tell you, you feel like you’re doing 50 mph an inch off the ground. CIR provides the helmets, racing suits and even has a restaurant that overlooks both tracks. There are a variety of monthly and one-time programs starting at $35 (one track, 21 laps). The Buffalo Grove location hosts a lot of events, so you’ll want to call ahead to make a reservation. Chicago Indoor Racing has gift certificates and a cool gift shop. Find the tracks at 301 Hastings Dr., Buffalo Grove (847-941-9400) and 2381 W. Army Trail Rd., Addison (847-941-9400).

A cool cooler

If you’re having a get-together cold drinks are a must. I came across the coolest way to keep drinks cold and have fun at the same time. The RC Cooler by Interactive Toy (www.interactivetoy.com, 866-214-2220) is the way to go when you’re tailgating at Bears game, a poolside party or in your basement.

Instead of going to the cooler, you make the cooler come to you. Just load the RC Cooler with cans of your favorite beverage, flip on the bottle cap-shaped RC control and send the RC Cooler on its way. This little rolling beverage cart has a 30-foot range and rolls on four sure-grip wheels. With forward/reverse and left/right control, you can steer it easily on most flat surfaces – be careful on carpeted surfaces, gravel and grass.

On the practical side, this rig holds a 12-pack, including ice. The RC Cooler is available at major electronics retailers and mall specialty stores for approximately $69.99.

A shiny idea

No one likes to wash a car in the winter, but spring will eventually arrive and if you like to detail or personally care for your car, you have to use the right products. I’ve tried most of the low- to medium-priced car-cleaning products available. Some worked very well others did not.

Over the years I’ve taken a shine to Eagle One (www.eagleone.com) car-cleaning products. Eagle One can save your car person the hassle of driving to several auto parts stores to acquire supplies with its great bucket kit. NanoWax, Car Wash, Wipe & Shine, All Wheel & Tire Cleaner, Tire Shine, 20/20 Glass Cleaner, detailing guide, Tire Swipe Dressing Applicators are packaged in a cool-looking black five-gallon wash bucket. It’s available online for $29 plus shipping and handling.

Car-of-the-month club

It’s not exactly what you’re thinking – this is something for the little auto enthusiast.

The Toy Car Club (www.toycarclub.com, 877-707-9552) is an online company that offers 12 collectible sets of 1-to-64 die-cast vehicles. Once you sign up, the Toy Car Club will send a new die-cast car each month, with a unique collector card featuring information on each vehicle. You can include a personal message as well.

The Classic Car Group features cars from the ’40s through the ’60s and is available for $34.99, which includes postage, shipping and handling; a service truck series goes for $75.

For adult die-cast collectors

If you’re looking for something larger and more detailed for the adult car collector, then check out gmp’s (www.gmpdiecast.com, 800-536-1637) 1-to-18 scale replica of the ultra-rare 1971 Pontiac GTO Judge. Details abound from the wires in the engine compartment to readable decals, moveable seats, separate full-perimeter frame, coil suspension and fantastic paint. The trunk even opens to reveal a separate spare and jack ($129).

The company also produces finely detailed race cars, planes and 1-to-6 scale engines. These replicas are available online and through authorized dealers listed on the Web site.

Inexpensive ideas

Don’t forget small items like desk calendars. I like getting these, especially ones that come with facts about engine specs, pricing or trivia. You can find a great selection at mall stores or online for as little as $9.99.

Also don’t overlook a magazine subscription. There are a plethora of titles from antique/classic cars to NASCAR. The big-box book stores have whole sections devoted exclusively to automotive magazines. Just pick one out, fill out one of the subscription cards, send it off, wrap the magazine up and you’re done.

Let’s go surfing now

Most auto manufacturers have a gift or product section on their Web sites offering everything from coffee mugs and hats to T-shirts. Race tracks like Daytona and Indianapolis have big sections. Check them out.

Parts, parts, parts

Performance parts or replacement parts for a classic car, or things like personalized car mats or seat covers, make great gifts. Also, don’t forget tools. I’ve received some tools over the years and every time I pick one up I recall who gave it to me.