Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-12-21
Written for TEE EvrSrSs STAR.
GIFTS AND GIFT-NAKING.
All Kinds Of Presents for AL Kinds
of People.

With each returning holiday season comes
the question: "what shall choose?'' individual
Temperament displays itself as fully in the an
nusl gift-making as in any other pursuit in
life-for very absorbing pursuit il becomes
with many.
There is the procrastinator who DELAYS till
the last moment. then dashcs in and out %
crowded shops, picking mp here and there what
! ever happens 70 be seen first. with small regard
tor the tastes OF the recipient: the reckless
ouyer, who squanders on the FIRST few pur-
ehases nearly all the sum allotted 10 holiday
remembrances. and the thoughtful one. who
selects with loving care just the thing. be
cheap or costly, which will be welcome to the
! friend for whom IL is chosen. Every year
lamcnts are made over the money sauRndered
| In useless " fes when the same amount prop
erly expended. might afford genuine enjoy
menE They dispatch a box OF French candy
| TO a friend who does not care for sweets, but
] does value books, when tho same amount
I would buy copy OF some favorte poet or
send a magazine TO her home for a wear
Why give an old lady who does not read
novels a copy OF the last sensational romance,
when warm shoulder cape for chilly mornings
or pretty hassock for her feet would be so
much more acceptable. The materials for
either could be purchased for less than the
! price OF the book, and the work Of making
them would afford pleasant employment for
evening hours.
II we would but devote a little thought 10 the
selection OF our presents how much mere pleas
ure we might bestow. Too often we are guided
by our own fancy. Because the desire OF our
hearts Is brlc-a-hrac We bcstow a dainty bat of
royal Worcester on Cousin Rob. who cares not
a straw for china, while the desire Of has heart
/ as we might easily have dIscovered-was a pIl-
! low Tor the back of his sleepy hollow" chair.
! But, somebody may ask. lis a Christmas
! gltt TO be valued solely for its utility? Does
not remembrance lend worth 10 the veriest
/ tribe? Surely Il does. One would be churlish
! indeed who failed TO appreciate the simplest
| memento from the hand OF a friend. Iet--is
! the gift any less a token of remembrance
because it bears witness that while choosing
! book, picture. gem or even the least costly
/ souvenir Of the season the special taste Of the
dear one has been kept in mind.
! Perhaps 10 those who. with Christmas close
at hand. still fnds themselves in doubt few
I suggestions may be OF service.
! boy who Is fond OF outdoor sports will re-
Jolce IN cricket bat, pair OF skates a sled or
/ toboGgan; one who likes 10 use tools will find
! equal pleasure IN a set of implements for wood
| carving; another might prefer a miniature
! printing press, while tor those who love read
ing the supply of books is endless, ouly-don't
give lad who is freddy tales of war and adj
venture a volume OF fairy stories.
| House keepers will welcome additions 20 their
store Of table linen, dainty embroidered scarls,
| char rests or sofa pllOws-a busy wife and
mother has scant leisure FOR fancy work. Ja-
panese teapot of odd design. or a quaint china
| Most girls like jewelry-one of the fancy
| lace pins whose variety is nexhaustible. a
| slender gold bangle, ring, an antique silver
buckle could hardly fail 10 please even tae
| girl graduates" fan. pair OF opera glasses
| or party bag would be acceptable Or, IL
means are limited and a taste for art or music
exists, materials for painting or a choice selec-
tiou of the newest songs would make bright
| eyes still brighter.
But the men? What can one give father,
brother or lover? They are fain TO cry out,
| like the popular Philadelphia Clergyman, II
| am not q centlpede" when the holiday season
brings shower OF slippers.
| Once more, try to discover indivi aual taste,
but don { take that to mean some thing relating
| to his calling. Don't. for instance. If he is /.
writer, deluge him with inkstands, penwipers
| and blotters. Each recurring Christmastido
| has doubtless brought him an ample store. IL
! you want TO be practical, and he sometimes
wears dress suit, give him a satin chest pro-
! tector a seGlskln cap, handsome neckties-in q
pretty case II possible; initiated handkerchiefs.
card cases, memorandum books, all come I'M
der the same head. Many men do not disdaia
jeweiry. scarf pin a set Of sleeve buttons
would then be acceptable. And always always
let love go with each offering, for 1.-The gift
| without the giver Is bare" MIS-.