pacific energy

I admit it. I am a female and I love, adore, worship Chevrolet Corvettes. My stepfather was really into cars, and that instilled a love of sports cars in me since I have been very young. But the Corvette was the one car that really stole my heart.

Whenever a Corvette came into view, which wasn't more than three or four times a year in my small town, I stopped whatever I was doing. I stared stupidly until the shiny curves were completely out of sight. I even enjoyed watching the taillights as they faded away. As an adult, I still salivate at the sight of a Corvette, although I have toned it down somewhat.

I definitely know what type of holiday gifts a Corvette fan would appreciate, and I have made a top ten list. All Corvette lovers have Corvette shirts, hats, mugs, jackets, and posters already. I have found Corvette gifts that your Corvette fan probably doesn't own.

I have not chosen gifts that are to be used in or on a Corvette for two reasons. First, I believe all Corvette owners also admire their automobiles and are a very picky bunch. If I owned a Corvette, I wouldn't want to feel obligated to wrap my steering wheel in pink leather just because someone else thought it would look cool. The second reason is because unfortunately not all Corvette lovers, like me, actually own a Corvette. So onto the Top Ten Gifts for a Corvette Enthusiast list. I have organized the list in ascending price order.

#1- Boxed Corvette cookies: Yes, it's true. Cookies shaped like Corvettes, how cool is that? They come in a bright red 2.5 ounces box that reminds me of animal crackers. There are nine different shapes, including the Chevrolet emblem. Even better, they're organic. I almost guarantee that your Corvette fan has never eaten a Corvette-shaped cookie. They are priced at $2.50 a box.

#2- Corvette collector's edition playing cards: This card deck covers every Vette model, including 2006 and even 1983. Each card includes a unique, detailed Corvette model and its matching emblem. Great gift for a Corvette Club. These cost $10 a deck. Buy three or more decks and receive a discount.

#3- Route 66 Corvette Zippo lighter- In one word, awesome. This silver chrome Zippo lighter is a true collector's item. Featuring a classic Corvette in red or black with 'Corvette' and the Route 66 shield also on it, this Zippo fits into so many collectible categories. $26.95

#4- Lead crystal Corvette paperweight- This is a beautiful laser etched Corvette paperweight. Made of lead crystal, it is laser etched on the inside creating a stunningly detailed 3D image of a C5 coupe, C5 convertible or Z06 hardtop Corvette and emblem. Choose either medium or large size. C5 convertible model not available in large size. Unique gift for the office. $39.95-$79.95

#5- Etched Corvette wall mirror- This 16×30 inch Corvette wall mirror really makes an impression. Etched with 'Corvette' and framed with black wood, this would be a great addition to a game room, garage, or even an office. $74.99

#6- Handcarved '63 Corvette Sting Ray- This handcarved replica is a work of art. Featuring one of the best Corvette model years ever, this miniature sculpture recreates the hidden headlights and split window with amazing detail. Carved from rich mahogany, this piece would be at home anywhere- in the office or library, on a collectibles shelf or nightstand, wherever you wish to proclaim your loyalty to Corvettes. $89

#7- Corvette retro cooler- This retro designed cooler is reminiscent of the 1940s and 1950s style steel picnic coolers. Bright red with 'Corvette' lettering and the Chevrolet Corvette emblem on the front, it really is a cool cooler. (Sorry, I couldn't pass up the word play.) It has chrome corners on the top to protect it from dings, a matching chrome handle with a locking bar, and a built-in bottle opener. This cooler is a very handy size, not too small, not too big. It holds twelve 12 ounce cans and the ice needed to keep them cool. $124.95

#8- Customized engraved brick from the Corvette museum- These customized bricks range in price, size, and style. They are available with different Corvette logos. The bricks are personalized and then placed in the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. This would truly be a unique and lasting gift for the true Corvette fan. For a little extra money, a duplicate brick can also be mailed to the gift recipient. $150-$2600

#9- Leather rolling Corvette carry-on luggage- This Corvette top grain cowhide leather luggage meets airline requirements for carry-on luggage. It is 22 inches tall with a large zippered outside front pocket, top and side padded leather handles, and an extendible locking handle. Embroidered with 'Corvette' lettering and logo on the front and lined with a Corvette design, Corvette fans can literally display their true love to the world. $299.95

#10- Corvette leather ottoman- This ottoman comes in three designs: gray with the 50th anniversary embroidered emblem, red C1 Corvette embroidered emblem (my favorite), or black with embroidered C5 Corvette emblem. These ottomans are a little larger than a two-feet square, saddle stitched to resemble Corvette seats, and would be perfect for a rec room. If you've got an extra $1200, a matching chair is available. $699

Now I know that we are at the end of our top ten, but if you really want to make a Corvette lover's dreams come true, try finding a mint condition 1963 Corvette Sting Ray split window hard top convertible in cherry red. But, hey, that's just my opinion.