You have some last-minute shopping to do and you're stuck for ideas.

Here's a thought: Your local new-car dealership has plenty of gift items for the car buff in your family.

Parts departments offer a good selection of gift items for a spouse, sibling, parent or friend.

Most car dealerships carry popular apparel, such as hats, golf shirts, sweaters and jackets that bear an automaker's logo, which make for terrific stocking stuffers.

Each auto manufacturer has its own line of apparel and accessories, sold through its dealership network. Some manufacturers even list merchandise on corporate websites, so viewers can purchase items online.

For serious car lovers, accessories are a perfect way to customize or personalize a vehicle. Running boards, mud flats, block heaters, heated seats, satellite radio and bike racks are among the dozens of accessory items available.

Some dealerships have fashioned their parts departments into boutique-style retail stores, complete with special lighting, signage and products. Architecturally inspired displays offer a wide selection of high-quality apparel and accessory items, in various price ranges.

One of the most popular accessory items is a portable navigation system (GPS). These user-friendly devices are ideal for anyone who does a lot of driving and wants to find a destination faster.

Some of the advanced GPS systems offer additional features, including a hands-free function, loudspeaker, built-in MP3 player and currency converter.

Want your gift to remain a secret? No problem. Simply contact the service department and request that the accessory item remain a surprise until after it has been installed.

The recipient learns what the gift is only after he or she picks up the vehicle.
For some accessory items, an installation fee is required.

If you're purchasing, say, a remote keyless entry system or a new set of tires, the installation charge should be factored into your buying decision.

Automobile collectibles and memorabilia make terrific gift items, too. Die-cast cars, coffee mugs, key chains and cuff links are some of the items available from select dealerships and manufacturers.

Still stumped? Consider a gift card. Many dealerships offer gift cards or certificates that can be used for service work, such as tune-ups, oil changes, tire balancing and detailing.

Giving someone a new car for the holidays is a generous thing to do. If you find yourself in such a position this year, you're in luck. Exceptional deals are available on most makes and models.

Typically, the week between Christmas and New Year's is a busy one for dealerships. During that week, they may offer their own incentives, over and above those offered by the manufacturers.

There is a reason why the new-car industry is so competitive at the end of the year.

Many dealerships and sales staffs are looking to reach year-end sales targets and they'll go to great lengths to reach their goals. That's great news for car buyers looking for the best deals.

If you want to buy a car for a loved one this holiday season, research the market carefully. Visit manufacturer and consumer websites, read newspaper automotive sections and talk to as many people as you can.

There is usually more advertising leading up to, and including, Boxing week and, for savvy shoppers, there will be deals aplenty.

On behalf of the Toronto Automobile Dealers Association, happy holidays, safe driving and best wishes for the new year!