When you’re playing Santa Claus, it pays to put yourself in his shoes. But, with only five days until Christmas, time is running out. If you haven’t figured out what to buy them by now, the odds are good that you’ll wind up buying them a last-minute gift that really doesn’t make anyone appreciably merrier; it’s something they wouldn’t buy for themselves and it’s not something you’d really like to get them. And, it’s certainly not something that Santa would buy.

As you search your mind, and the Internet, for Christmas gift ideas, you may want to consider a gift card. The department stores have recognized the value of gift cards as holiday shopping solutions. Even grocery stores are offering racks of gift cards near the checkout counters.

For someone who is up against the wall trying to find a gift for someone who’s hard to shop for, these racks of gift cards are life-lines for tardy holiday shoppers.

Most of the gift cards are for department stores, electronic stores and restaurants. They come in different denominations and provide a wide range of options to fit the individual tastes of those on your Christmas shopping list. But, there is another gift-card alternative.

How about a gift card they really need – something they can really use? How about a gift card from their auto repair shop?

If they have a new car, truck or SUV, it’s possible this isn’t as appropriate a gift. But, even if the vehicle is fairly new, maintenance is the key to keeping it running right and for maintaining its resale value.

If the person on your shopping list has an older car, truck or SUV, an auto repair shop gift card may represent something close to tossing a lifeline to someone who is drowning. Or, it may simply represent a little insurance they can carry with them so that they’ll be prepared when something breaks on their vehicle.

The best way to look at an auto repair shop gift card for someone with an older vehicle is that, if the recipient of this gift uses it wisely, they put it to use before something breaks; they’ll bring their car, truck or SUV in for maintenance that will help to reduce the risks of a catastrophic breakdown later.

Even if they use it for an oil change and discover, when they bring it in to the shop, that they need a significant repair, finding that something needs work earlier than later can often save them money in the long run. For instance, if they wait until something breaks while they’re out driving on the road, more parts may break in the process. The breakdown could even put them at risk of an accident.

This time of year, they should be thinking about winterizing their vehicle, if they haven’t done so already. An auto repair shop gift card can help them to prepare their car, truck or SUV for the winter ahead.

These are the kinds of things that Santa would certainly consider when choosing the right gift for someone, whether they’re on the naughty or the nice list.