New Britain herald., 1924-12-23
LAST MINUTE RUSH
 NOW IN PROGRESS
List Of Suggestions for People
 Still Seeking Gifts

With but two more nights for last minute Christmas shopeprs, delay in the usual Christmas rush has been overcome and New Britain stores arc being thfonged now with those who are looknig for gifts for members of the family. friends and relatives. which they have almost overlooked
 It was noticeable that there is a large number of new things on the market this year. Particular in the line of toys Is there a noticeable tendency towards new merchandise of certain types. The tendency in toys seems to be very much towards the educational and mental devel- opment. bringing out, especially in the boys whatever latent ingenious ness there may be, Erector sets have made advances until this year their possibilities seem almost un- limited. For less than five dollars sets can be procured with which can be made express wagons which will hold good sized market bas- ket, kiddie kars, scooter wagons, swings. strong and large enough 10 hold their juvenile owners and many other things which can be applied to practical purpose. Architec- ture has been combined with me- chanics in erector sets and the Wool worth building will vie with the Eiffel Tower for popularity this winter.
 Radio sets predoninate in many quarters in toy departments and fc- tion as well, as reference and in- struction books on radio occupy prominent positions on book shelves. | Chemistry sets have attracted some attention this year and cleo tricM toys, railroad sets with tun- nels, stations. switches. illuminated signal towers have made great strides.
 In marked contrast to toys of other years is reported sharp fall ing off in toy musical instruments and the tin horn and drum which delighted dad" when he was a boy have little appeal to the youth of today, who wants to be able to "get Springfield" on the radio, or build motor operated derrick which can l lift baby sister off of the floor when mother is not looking.
 The growing feeling against war seems to have reached the realms of Santa Claus, and toy guns. can mons, forts, etc, seem 10 have lost out in their attraction for the youth, while the little tin soldier has been relegated to the archives of tradition and dark ages.
 In toys for girls, there does not seem to have been so much atten- ton paid this year, the natural con- cluslon being that boys and girls both are interested in the same things. Dolls have started the same way as horns and drums, it is said, 1 and show a falling off In demand. Strange as 1t may seem the demand i for toy carriages has increased as the drop In dolls has been noticed.
 Outdoor books for girls as we'll as boys, with especial emphasis on scouting for both sexes, continue to grow popular.
 So that late shoppers may be more easily guided The Herald offers list of gift suggestions for various members of the family.
 The man of limited means who i has but one dollar for each member of the family can buy for mother, l wife or sister some nice perfumery, ivory articles, fancy neckwear. hand kerchiefs, bud vase, sofa pillow, linen towel. serving tray. apron. brooch, bracelet. pyrex articles, bar pin. aluminium utensils, bead necklace, pearl chokers and various types of nightgowns and underwear.
 For dad or brother sl will buy pair of suspenders, and he will have some change left, neckties, belts, hosiery. collars, cigars, pipe, cig- arettes, smoking sets, novelty ash trays, novelty belt buckles, garter sets, handkerchiefs, playing cards in leather case. knife and metal chain.
 When the prospective purchaser desires 10 spend IS much as five dol lars for each gift there is d wide range of suggestions. For mother one can purchase for five dollars or less, sometimes going as low as one and two dollars, silk hosiery. hand bags of bead and leather, umbrella, ivory pieces, collar and cuff sets, kif gloves, buffet set, houdoir cap, silk underwear, fancy scarfs, cut glass, dresses (house), boudoir lamp, hou- dolr clock, fancy china, pyrex sets manicuring sets. bathrobes, brace lets, blankets, ostrich fan, luncheon set, chocolate set, casserole, jardi- riere, slippers.
 For men, from sl to $5 can be purchased underwear, ties,s shirts, gloves, umbrellas, driving gloves, pa jamas, belt sets, sweaters, novelty smoking sets, travelling bags, bath robes and other things.
 For baby gifts running from a dol lar or less up to five dollars can be procured from the following list: Baby 'undies," fancy rattles, soft sole shoes, dresses, boys romper suits. bathrobes, bonnets, ivory comb sets, woolen blankets, sweaters, white coats for girls, silk sacques, carriage covers, brushed wool sets, chinchilla coats, teddy bear suits, boys hats, girls pocket books, lock- cts, bracelets, knives, gloves, chil- dren's umbrellas, poplin dresses, hats, fur lined mittens, rainccats,