Lindsay Lohan tried to persuade a wealthy patron to bid on an expensive gift for her in the auction at the star-studded amfAR benefit Wednesday night.

The gala, hosted by Sarah Jessica Parker, raised more than $1.4 million for AIDS research at Cipriani Wall Street, and brought out stars including Jennifer Hudson, Elizabeth Hurley and Linda Evangelista.

Spies said that when Lohan recognized a wealthy Canadian financier at a nearby table, she shot over to schmooze him — but then sent an assistant over when bidding on the charity auction began.

“There were items being auctioned for $20,000,” said a spy. “After chatting with the businessman, Lindsay sent over an assistant, who said, ‘Lindsay would very much like it if you’d bid on this item as a gift.’ ”

PHOTOS: LINDSAY LOHAN

However, the gentleman declined. “He just cracked up,” our source said — and the piece, believed to be a Hublot diamond watch with a white alligator strap, went to another bidder.

Lindsay was overheard telling guests she was at the gala because of her role playing Elizabeth Taylor, a major amfAR donor, in an upcoming Lifetime movie. The platinum-blond starlet wore a white dress and a coat with long fur cuffs and long fur trim (bringing to mind a glam, shaved yeti).

She changed into a black number for an after-party at Meatpacking hot spot Double Seven, and chilled in a booth as her mom, Dina Lohan, partied with pals across the room.

Heidi Klum, sitting nearby with financier Vivi Nevo, told us she couldn’t stay in town for Fashion Week because she had to head back to LA to shoot “Germany’s Next Top Model.” Klum’s in the midst of a breakup with Seal, and sources say he’s leaving the country this week for a judging gig on “The Voice” Down Under.

Asked about Lohan’s assistant’s request, her rep sniffed: “This is another instance of people making up stories about Lindsay.”