WHAT SHALL I GIVE?

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1931, 13 December 1913, Page 13

WHAT SHALL I GIVE?

CHRISTMAS SUGGESTIONS. [BY IMOGEN.] Tho most distracting thing in tho world is to know what to'givo at Christmas time, and tho difficulty is. still moro accentuated when the recipient' is a man, and since thero are so many men there must he an equal number of sorely-perplexed women ransacking their brains for ideas that may materialise intoi now, useful, or ornamental gifts for mombei'S of their family, friends, or tlioso of any other standing in their regard. In desperation•, tho question was hurled at a modest, unsuspecting, hardworking man tho other, day. "U liat would you liko for a Christmas present?" The pen fell out of his hand and lie subsided into his chair. "This is awfully sudden," ho murmured in subdued tones. "Havo you comc in for unlimited wealth?" "No! I'm merely wanting to know what men liko' for presents, was the crushing reply. ''Oh! Is that all?" A pause. "I sco what you're after," he broke out with a sudden'rush of discernment. "You shall havo my little lot." After a few scconds' laboured thinking, ho handed in triumph a small sheet of paper.' "Quito simple, dou't you think?" '. The paper read as'follows :—"Ono_ now pipe, costing 2s. 6d.; on'o. new cricket bat, weighing only 21b. ;loz., with, sliding cane in tho hitidje; one pair featherweight shoes, weighing .0005 of an oz, 60 tiiat I could field at cricket." Tho suggestions found an encouraging reception, especially tho featherweight shoes. Another occupant of tho room was asksul Ilia preferences. His oup of happiness was so full, however, that all ho could think of was a now pipe (evidently an insatiable and everlasting need among men) and, as an afterthought, a pair of bath slippers, and not even after a few minutes devoted to hard thinking could he think of any other nefd. Ho was not a millionaire cither, or if ho .was ho kept tho fact a deep, dark, horrible sceret, jiossibly a necessary thing in these Socialistic, Red Federation days. A newcomer into tho room was asked ingratiatingly what lie would liko given to' him. Delightedly ho smiled. "It's very kind of .vou. There are a few trifles 'I would like, especially as I may bo going to England shortly. Shall I begin?" He began! ! ! "A safe'money-belt; a fitted suitcase; a dressing caso; a shaving outfit; pair of. prism binoculars; Thermos flask.; nionogram'cd pockctbook; walking-stick ; medicine case ; military, brushes; opera glasses; silver slioe-horn; collar-case; silver soap, cup; safety razor J foun-

tain !! ! Why, ivhat is tho matter? I can still go on, you'know."

It ivas an undoubted fact. Ho was prepared to go on for quite a long time, but a telephono call being made upon him, ho had to vanish. A comprehensive addition to tlie littlo list of possible gifts enumerated above might bo found in tho appended suggestions, which aro taken from the Christmas number of tho ''Ladies' Home Journal." It is quite suited to tho seven ac;es of man: —

For the Baby Boy. Hanger for his wardrobe, trimmed baby basket, celluloid, rubber, mid stuffed toys, hand-mado dresses and skirts, celluloid toilet sots, rompers,, worsted cap, silk bonnet, corduroy coat, stuffed animals, silver cup. low tablo and chair, eiderdown bath robe, rattle, ring, and di?'*!, pillo'.v-cnvcr, bootees,' worsted saeque, sweater, loggings, carriage cosy, rag doll, silver spoon, tablo tray, bath thermometer. | ' For Littlo and Big Boys. House slippers, building blocks, in-door-outdoor games, balance toys, moving toys, mechanical toys, soldier s suit, fireman's suit, books, dog, kitten, rabbit, bird, dog-collar, folding desk, roller skates, comb and brush sot, kindergarten gifts, reflecting- lantern, camera, bicycle, athletic game books, clothesbrush, penknife, boxing gloves ](odometer, pocket compass, inexpensive watch, Indian clubs, blackboard, elcc-' trie train, painting book, bow and arrow, scout equipment, shooting gam® with cork ammunition, cowboy suit, vocational toys, filled school case, tool chest, stilts, boy's suitcase, camping tent, microscope, gauntlet gloves, toolchest, stationary engine, whistle,_ school pennant, megaphone, developing film. Tho Young Man, Father, and Grandfather. Gloves, silk hosiery, slumber slippers, blanket robe, housecoat, sectional bookcase, lawyer's brief case, wing, chair, footstool, pictures, desk, carvingi sot, handy box, week-end trunk, Malacca walking-stick, evening slippers, raincoat, silk shirts, hip pocket book (monogra.mmcd)j spring grip dumbbells, bill fold and wallet, mcdicino cupboard, leather key case numbered for one