The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-12-23
News CHRISTMAS PRESENTS.
Some Useful Hints to- Women Who
Expect TO Make Gifts.
ew York Commercial Advertiser.

NcW lOIh AuNeTlSeT.
Almost every one thinks that men do not
care for Christmas gifts. 1 may be mis-
taken, but so FAR as my observation goes
they do care. and in much greater de-
woman who does not think as 1 do give
some trifle that she has made to some
man in her immediate family. She will be
astonished at the pleasure and delight that
that man will express. and also with the
care he will bestow on the gift.
A man likes pretty things as we'll as a
woman does, and as he is the only one who
earns the money that he hands over to be
spent so ungrudgingly at Christmas, it
seems only fair that he should receive a
good number OF gifts in return.
There are three articles that the busy
woman always falls back on for the men OF
her family-smoking jackets, slippers and
handkerchiefs. Now, for a fact most men
would prefer to be fitted for their slippers
and Jackets and TO purchase these articles
for themselves. 1t may be OF some assist
ance for those who are obliged TO purchase
their gifts to give a short list of what may
be found in the stores.
Some very handsome briarwood pipes,
mounted in silver. have open designs over
the wood of vines or flowers in silver.
These are not expensive, being about IS or
So and are lovely enough to please the
most faStidOuS.
a gift suitable for any one who writes
much are letter scales. standing about two
or three inches high and having tray on
which to weigh the letters. There are no
end Of pretty things in silver for a desk;
a silver covered cup for mucilage, with the
silver handled brush to accompany it.
stamp holders. standing silver calendars,
pen trays, blotters, paper knives, and as
many things as places can be found Tor
them.
Pretty novelties in brushes have the hair
striped In colors. nice present is vel
vet cushion for hats, with one or these
brushes introduced at end. Sets of sill
yer brush and comb and mirror are hand
some and useful gifts.
Less expensive things are the small alco-
hol lamp in the shape of a squash, the
handle being formed by the stem. At one
the wick Small scrolls of silver having the
name engraved them can be purchased
for about % cents and are used for hat
markers instead of the embroidered hat
bands that used to be put in hats.
A pretty scrap basket is always accept
able but 1t must be large and heavy
and not be easily knocked over. 1t must
not be too much ornamented or the mas
culne mind will consider 1t frivolous one
of the small fifty cent alarm clocks: having
the face decorated with & wreath Cs forget
me-nots or arbutus. makes a dainty gift.
and one that will keep the donor in con-
slant remembrance.
A man likes the big, downy pillows and
plenty of them. but they must not be so
dare use them. for the chances are that
his feet will be on them quite as often as
his head. Men like perfumes and sweet
sachets for handkerchiefs. neckties and
gloves. bureau ornaments and all sorts and
kinds of brushes.
The great thing to he remembered is the
fact that men as a class detest anything
which Is not useful as well ornamental.
There are. of course. exceptions to- this
rule but il applies to most manly men.
Something substantial looking and decided
in color blue. red and yellow are
usually preferred by them. 1T is fortunate
that these Colors lend themselves so read
ny to decorative purposes. Some of the
new denim table covers in yellow, worked
with black red combined with black and
dark blue embroidered with white. having
the sofa pillows to match. arc very APP
propriate for mans room.
One of the most useful presents one can
give. and that be made at little expense
Is Il book or ma gaZne cover IT is pretty,
made Of dark bronze kid. and may ne
painted or. left plain. The lining is of
the book covers. The cover is bound with
"a narrow ribbon or silk braid. stitched
by machine. and narrow ribbons are SeweG
10 the cover for mark and also for tvirC
IL IN place. A tiny paper cutter attached
to the inside makes the present complete.
A useful present is n shaving case that
may he embroidered with the monogram or
pIeases. 1t is made of channels skin with
tour pockets for raZors. Over each pocket
is buttoned scallop TO protect the razor.
The case is bound with narrow ribbon.
Black satin chest protectors TO be worn
with dress suits. may be purchased or
made. as they very simple, being mere
Is bound with ribbon The handsomeSt
have a large monogram embroidered on
the front Large mufiierS used a great
deal with dress suits and are liked by
some men better than the protectors.
The list might be continued endlessly,
travelling cases. shoe bags. tobacco pouches.
newspaper racks and the thousand and one.
things in the jewelry line from which "A
selection might be made that would please
any man.
1t is hoped that these few hints will he
are tryinl. to find something suitable for
their mas culine friends.