Open World Garage Field Manual
Sim Racing Gifts: Ideas by Budget and Setup
Quick answer: If your racer already has a wheel and rig, the GTR RSH3 shifter, $89.99 or floor mat, $59.99 are the simplest additions. If they are starting on a Windows PC, the GTR RS30 wheel starts at $149.99, or $249.99 with two pedals. Prices checked November 3, 2026, before shipping and tax.
Sim racing gear is easy to get wrong because compatibility depends on the exact platform and rig. Answer the two questions below first, then use the budget table.
Two questions to answer first
1. What do they play on? The RS30 wheel, RSH3 shifter, and RH3 handbrake are for PC, and the RH3 listing excludes Xbox, PlayStation, and Mac. If your racer plays on a console, choose something that does not depend on the platform, such as a floor mat or cockpit, and confirm that their existing wheel can mount to it.
2. What do they already own? A quiet look at their setup helps. Note the wheel and pedal brand, whether it clamps to a desk or bolts to a cockpit, and how much floor space it uses.
Sim racing gifts at a glance
| Budget | Gift | Best for | Check first |
|---|---|---|---|
| $59.99 | Floor mat, 24 × 62 in | Anyone with a compact rig on a floor they want to protect | Measure the rig's contact footprint |
| $89.99 | GTR RSH3 shifter, no angle adjustment | PC racers who want a gated manual | Needs a mounting plan; a clamp or bracket is not included |
| $149.99 | GTR RH3 handbrake | Windows PC rally and drift fans | Needs a mounting point; Windows PC only |
| $149.99 to $329.99 | GTR RS30 wheel | Someone starting on a Windows PC | Wheel only at $149.99; two pedals at $249.99; three pedals at $329.99 |
| $229.99 | GTA Compact V2 foldable cockpit | Racers short on space | Published limits: about 6 ft and 240 lb; wheel and pedals not included |
| From $299.99 | GTR GTA cockpit | Someone ready for a permanent rig | Configure with a seat or use your own; check mounting and space |
For the racer who already has a wheel
The floor mat is the lowest-risk choice because it does not need to work with any software. It has a synthetic-leather top and an anti-slip underside. Measure the rig first, because 24 × 62 in will not fit every cockpit.
The RSH3 shifter adds a seven-forward-plus-reverse gated H-pattern to a compatible PC setup. It connects by separate USB, and it needs somewhere to mount. Our sim racing shifter guide explains H-pattern and sequential options. Truck fans can read the American Truck Simulator shifter guide.
The RH3 handbrake suits rally and drift games on a Windows PC. Confirm that their game accepts a separate handbrake input and that their rig has room to mount it.
For someone starting from scratch
The RS30 is a Windows PC wheel with a published 5 Nm of force feedback. Choose by pedal set:
- Wheel only, $149.99: only if they already have compatible pedals.
- Wheel and two pedals, $249.99: throttle and brake, which is the usual starting point for automatic driving.
- Wheel and three pedals, $329.99: adds a clutch for a racer who wants to drive manual.
A shifter is not included with any option. The complete racing simulator setup guide covers the rest of what a first setup needs.
For the racer short on space
The GTA Compact V2 folds to about 4 in thick and includes its seat. Check the published limits of about 6 ft and 240 lb against the driver, and note that a wheel and pedals are sold separately. The foldable cockpit guide has more detail on what to check.
Delivery and returns
Order early if the gift has a date attached. These products ship from the supplier, and rates and estimated delivery dates are calculated at checkout. Estimates are not guaranteed arrival dates, and products in one order may ship separately. Review the shipping details and refund policy before ordering, because customers arrange and pay for ordinary return shipping.
Frequently asked questions
What is a safe sim racing gift if I do not know their setup?
The floor mat is the safest choice here because it has no software or platform requirement. You only need to measure the rig.
Will this work on PlayStation or Xbox?
Do not assume so. The wheel, shifter, and handbrake listed here are PC products, and console support is not promised.
Does a cockpit include the wheel and pedals?
No. The cockpits here do not include electronics, so plan for those separately or confirm what your racer already owns.