AskPatty Holiday Gift Garage, Part Three: Wondering what to get the young race fan, driver, or gear-head in your life this holiday season? Our friends at Bridgestone/Firestone have sent us a list of unique gift ideas that will not only put a smile on their faces but with a few of them may even save their lives. We've added to their suggestions with a few more items we've been gathering during the season!
How about some additional drivers education? "Driver's Edge" is a half-day hands-on driver training program that teaches teens to "know yourself, know your limits." Teens learn defensive driving techniques and a respect for traffic safety from professional race car drivers. The best part? It's free! The program is co-sponsored by corporations such as Bridgestone and Red Bull, who, according to AutoWeek are "intelligent corporate do-gooders who, for more than one reason, value not killing off future customers." For more information, dates and locations, visit www.driversedge.org.
Remember spinning donuts in the wintry parking lot years ago and worrying if you were going to get caught? The Bridgestone Winter Driving School is perhaps the most fun you can have in the snow (other than on skis or a snowmobile) and it could even save your life! The school can teach you or someone you love the skills needed to safely drive in snow, sleet and ice. Automotive journalist Robert Kocher said, "the most I ever learned about vehicle dynamics and handling I learned at the Bridgestone Winter Driving School." Located in beautiful and snowy Steamboat Springs, Colorado, the school offers an education for drivers of all ages. For more information visit www.winterdrive.com.
Ever dream of sitting in a race car and putting the pedal to the metal? You can make that dream come true for someone you care about. The Bridgestone Racing Academy offers fans of open wheel racing the thrill of a lifetime. Single sessions and three-day courses are available. Help your young driver capture the checkered flag at www.race2000.com.
We found a couple cute little items at gadget4all that will help improve any cargal's drive time inside the car. This cute little ladybug air freshener contains perfume concentrate, and is meant to be clipped on the car's air vent. It will spread up its wings just like it's flying whenever there's strong wind from the air vent. 
Or for simple commuting entertainment, how about this little solar butterfly, with wings that flap up and down under light? No batteries are required for either product.
Are you the parent of a new driver? Then consider this 56-page "Coach a Rookie" guide, packed with vital information and tips to help you coach your new driver. You owe it to your Rookie Driver to give them the best Road Survival Training you can, so place yourself and your Rookie firmly in the driving seat with this easy to use "CaR Guide." Available in four different editions, so regardless of whether you live in the US, UK, Asia, Australia or Continental Europe, they've got an edition to help you.
If you want to personalize the outside of your cargal's car, CarDecor.com is the ultimate source for frivolous and functional car decor, and offers all kinds of girly car bling (such as this license plate frame featuring 256 genuine Swarovski crystals, rounded edges, mirror-like triple chroming and heavy-duty construction) and items especially for the teen driver (such as diva antenna ball toppers, keychains, steering wheel covers, and flashy license plate frames). They've also got an entire assortment of holiday-themed items, including "seasons greetings" car magnets, and Santa-style antenna ball toppers. Order from this site by December 18 to guarantee Christmas delivery.
