My gift guide for geeky kids might’ve taken a little break, but I’m back—and let’s just say, I brought more than one idea this time. Instead of one gift, I’ve got five! When I was 14, I didn’t always know what made me the happiest. It’s that weird age where you’re kind of outgrowing childhood but still holding onto parts of it. But one thing was always a dream for me: owning a car. Okay, not a real one (obviously), but a remote-controlled car? That was everything. A car that looked awesome, drove like a dream, and made you feel like a tiny race car driver? Always a win in my book.

Alright, let’s dive in—here are five RC cars that my 14-year-old self (and let’s be real, current me too) would totally geek out over.

This RC car feels like it was sent from the future to land in your hands today.

• 8-wheel Drive: This thing can handle anything! Carpets, rocky backyards—you name it, it just glides right over.
• Gesture Sensing Control: You get a watch-like controller that lets you move the car with simple hand gestures. It’s honestly like magic every single time.
• Full Stunt Mode: It does 360° spins, flips over to drive on both sides, and pulls off the coolest tricks you’ve ever seen.
• Rechargeable Batteries: Comes with two, so you can keep the fun going without those annoying interruptions.
• Indoor and Outdoor-Friendly: Whether you’re inside or outside, this car performs like a total champ.

Watching this car transform as it’s driving feels straight out of a sci-fi movie. The way it handles any surface and pulls off stunts is so cool. I’ve seen people control it in videos, but trying it for myself? That’s the kind of fun I need in my life!

This 1/12-scale car is basically luxury racing in miniature form, and it's awesome.  

• Realistic Design: It’s a mini Maserati! From the emblem to the wing doors, the attention to detail is insane.
• Lights That Work: Headlights and tail lights turn on when you move forward or reverse. It’s a small touch, but it makes it feel so real.
• Great for Multiplayer Fun: You get over 30 minutes of playtime, which means it’s perfect for racing with friends instead of just going solo.
• Top Speed: Sure, 7 mph doesn’t sound fast, but with its smooth handling and acceleration, it feels quick and responsive.

The detail on this car is next-level. Most RC cars skip the realism because of licensing costs, but this one goes all in. And that bold yellow color? I’ve got a soft spot for cars that really stand out.

This little monster isn’t just a toy—it’s your ticket to off-roading fun in miniature form.

• Official Ford Design: It’s like a mini Ford Bronco! The details are insane—molded mirrors, door handles, roof rails—you name it.
• Built for Adventure: With a 3-link front/4-link rear suspension, soft tires, and high ground clearance, this thing can climb over pretty much anything.
• Ready to Roll: No fuss here. It comes ready to go right out of the box with a radio, battery, and charger.
• Tweakable & Repairable: Modifications? Repairs? No problem! Axial’s got a huge following, so finding parts is super easy.

It’s a classic Bronco, reimagined in the coolest way. The suspension, motor, and attention to detail make it legit even in this tiny package. Plus, watching a little off-roader tackle obstacles? That’s oddly satisfying and pure stress relief.

Enter the world of speed and durability with this mini monster truck that’s built to conquer.

• Fast and Fun: Thanks to its 380 brushed motor, this little beast can hit around 22 mph. Talk about a zippy ride!  
• Tough as Nails: With a reinforced truck chassis and a splashproof design, it can handle pretty much anything—water splashes, gravel trails, you name it.  
• Built to Last: It’s got a 4WD system, oil shocks, and fully replaceable parts, so it’s ready for the long haul.  
• Great for Everyone: The switchable speed modes make it perfect for kids just starting out but still exciting enough for seasoned hobbyists. 

The designers keep improving this model every year, so it just keeps getting better. Honestly, it’s like the Toyota Camry of RC cars—reliable, solid, and super fun. Plus, who doesn’t love tearing up some all-terrain trails now and then?

Brushless drifting? Oh yeah. Gorgeous design? Absolutely. This RC car checks all my boxes—and then some!

• Speed Demon: It hits 40 mph on a 3S battery. That’s some serious remote-controlled madness right there!  
• Next-Level Control: A gyro system for drifting, tuned suspension, and powder-metallurgy gears give you crazy smooth handling.  
• Built to Last: The double-layer metal-reinforced chassis keeps everything in place, even after a few wild crashes.  
• All the Extras: Reverse lights and a killer sticker pack? It’s all in the details, and this car’s got them. 

As a kid, rally cars were like these mythical beasts I could only dream about. This car feels like the ultimate throwback to that obsession—rally-inspired looks with a ton of power under the hood.

There you have it—five amazing RC cars that would’ve absolutely blown my mind as a 14-year-old (and honestly, they still do). They’re also a great excuse to step away from the screen and have some outdoor fun! Got a favorite RC car? Are you all about monster trucks or sleek racers? Let me know your top picks in the comments on our social!