The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-25
SUGGESTIONS FOR
 CHRISTMAS GIFTS

From Fairchild's Magazine.
 It is undoubtedly fact that in recent years the giving of gifts at Christmas time has become for many of us more or less of a horror" Through a gradual process of evolution the ''remembrances'' that we purchase for our friends have, from year to year, become more and more elaborate, until the one-time simplicity oe the Christmas gift has been entirely loS sight of. We receive costly gifts and there is feeling that we must give costly gifts in return; In fact the "quid pro quo'' idea enters so largely into the giving of gifts these days that the spirit of Christmas is apt to be lost sight of entirely. Unless one is the possessor of a Fortunatus purse the Yule Tide becomes an agony instead of the merriest season of all the good long year.
 But the giving of gifts need not be the much dreaded horror that it has come to be for so many of us if we will be sensible about it and give the much maligned 'usefur' present. And why, in deed, shouldn't we give our friends some thing they need? People are apt to say particularly to their immediate families Give me something l want, don't give me something I need" But in reality most of us actually do want what we need and, bearing this in mind the giv- ing of gifts becomes at once a simple matter indeed.
 The most generally accepted holiday remembrance this year will be something practical, something to wear. The panic and depression made lot of fellows economize in some way or another, us- ually on the smaller needs of their attire. And so, nowadays, these men find their wardrobe uncommonly bare of new neck ties, handkerchiefs, waistcoats, mufflers, gloves and other accessories that one can get along without replenishing for awhile, but which mean so much to the tout en. semble of one's get-up. Then there are such always acceptable and useful re- membranes as smoking jackets or house coats, bath robes, pajamas, and other wearables of that sort
 Now things are waking up again, but it is the season of heavy demands on everyone's purse, and many of the fel- lows who want to make their usual lit tie presents-and who doesn't?-will there fore necessarily continue to economize on their own "fixin's" for a while longer.
 There is where you come in. If you want to give a man something this year, it seems an exceedingly good guess that something to wear-within the limits of tact of course-will be far more welcome than the usual cigarette case, cigars. smoking set, picture TOT the den and other stereotyped holiday gifts for men which almost everyone gives, in hopeless dupi- cation anl lack of thought for what the recipient really needs or prefers.
 There can be no suggestion of charity in such glft-giving. The importance of dress today has made variety and fre- quent change very desirable. and so the smartest and proudest man nowadays finds some uncommon or uncommonly smart dress accessory discovered for him by a friend very acceptable. This has become familiar usage in the best form, and the question can be looked at en- tirely from this viewpoint. Why not let that be your attitude? In the family circle, of course, there can be no reason against giving new evening dress or Tuxedo suit, new suit or overcoat. a new hat--silk, opera etc., auto wear. half a dozen shirts, anything to wear that is likely to be most appreciated The ap- preciation will be as ken from one who is already fairly well stocked, because this fact often indicates unusual interest In matters of dress. One can't have too much of this sort of good thing.
 It is only a false delicacy to think that you may give people something expensive which they don't want, and cannot give them something of equal value which they really do want or prefer
 Be original, individual in your gift giving and let thought and knowledge of real needs and preferences guide you in the pleasure at the close of this trying year.