1Herpa SnapFit Emirates Airbus A380 model, 1:250
The A380 is the plane most aviation fans would pick for a desk model, and this one comes in Emirates colours. Herpa's SnapFit kits push together without glue in a few steps, and the stand is included. At 1:250 the wingspan is about 32cm, so it's big enough to show off without taking over a shelf. Herpa redesigned the tooling for this version, with new engines and a better fit.
Pros
- Snaps together without glue.
- Display stand included.
- Wingspan of about 32cm at 1:250 scale.
Cons
- Plastic rather than diecast metal.
- Only in Emirates livery.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Herpa product page ↗
2The Wright Brothers by David McCullough
Two-time Pulitzer winner David McCullough tells how two bicycle mechanics from Ohio taught themselves to fly and made the first powered flight at Kitty Hawk in 1903. It reads like an adventure story, and it was a number one New York Times bestseller.
Pros
- Gripping true story.
- By a two-time Pulitzer winner.
- Number one bestseller.
Cons
- Focuses on the early years of flight.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Simon & Schuster product page ↗
3Logitech G Flight Simulator Yoke System
Flying a sim with a mouse misses the point. Logitech's yoke system gives them a proper control column with a steel shaft and a throttle quadrant with idle and reverse detents, plus 25 programmable buttons and switches. It clamps to a desk and works with Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane on PC.
Pros
- Real yoke and throttle feel.
- 25 programmable controls.
- Works with the big PC sims.
Cons
- PC only, so it won't work on a console.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Logitech G product page ↗
4Airfix Spitfire starter set
The Spitfire is the most loved aircraft in British history, and building one is a rite of passage. This Airfix starter set has everything in the box: 26 parts, paints, glue, a brush and decals, so it's ready to build straight away. It's skill level 1, so it suits a first kit.
Pros
- Everything included.
- An iconic aircraft.
- Easy first build.
Cons
- 1:72 scale, so it's small.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Airfix product page ↗
5Ray-Ban Aviator Classic sunglasses
The aviator was first made for pilots, and Ray-Ban's is still the original. The RB3025 has a thin gold metal frame and Ray-Ban's classic G-15 green lenses, which keep colours natural. It's a style aviation fans can wear every day.
Pros
- The original pilot sunglasses.
- Classic G-15 green lenses.
- Timeless style.
Cons
- Fit varies, so check the size before buying.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Ray-Ban product page ↗
What to buy someone who loves planes and flying
Aviation fans love the detail, so pick gifts that feel real. The best gifts for aviation fans are great flying books, model kits and sim gear for PC flyers. Check whether they play flight sims on PC before buying a yoke. A good book suits anyone who loves planes.
How we picked these gifts for aviation fans
We picked each product for what aviation fans enjoy and because it makes sense as a present. The order is our own choice. The pros and cons come from published product details, not customer reviews.
Amazon shows the current price and delivery. Where we've checked that the US listing is the same product, the US link goes there. Otherwise you'll get the UK listing, labelled as such. More about our research.
