Planned Gift Shopping Helps Assistants

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29388, 15 December 1960, Page 2

Planned Gift Shopping Helps Assistants

“I want a present for little Jimmy but he’s got • everything.” Toy-shop assistants shudder when they hear this opening remark from a customer. “We ' know it will be hopeless trying to please her,” said a group of assistants in the toy department of a shop early yesterday morning.

• Their favourite customer?—the Woman who has made a careful list, but is prepared to modify it if she cannot get exactly what the wants. The woman with no idea at all of what she wanted was, surprisingly, not such a difficult customer, as she was usually willing to take the advice of the assistants. The age and sex of the child and the price the customer wants to pay are essential facts for the assistant. If only customers would think about the child and his personality and interests before they began shopping, it would be much easier all round, most assistants agreed. It would also prevent some of the glassy stares encountered yesterday, as women wandered almost hypnotised around toy departments. For the tiny tots’ presents, shopping is a fairly simple matter. There is a great variety of gay and durable toys on the market, but be careful about sharp edges tor the very tiny children. Hobbies and Games Once children begin school their tastes and interests become more developed. Boys often develop enthusiasms for all sorts of hobbies—it is wise to check on the latest one before buying. A book about his hobby would be a popular gift. If the child has no hobby, he might be inspired by an interesting book, perhaps about vintage cars, or bug collecting. Equipment for seasonal games and sports such as football, cricket, fishing, kite flying and skating is popular. A kind aunt bright even replenish her nephew’s marble supply. Games and puzzles are firm favourites.

Boys in their early teens begin to get clothes conscious. If this has happened—and the age for it varies—a tie, or a cravat, socks or shirt would be an acceptable gift. Records might appeal to both boys and girts in their teens. Their taste will probably be light, although watch for signs of a swing to jazz or classical music. Young Housewives Many girls are housewives at a very early age. They would be delighted with household equipment in miniature, and a doll’s house would be supreme delight. For an older girl, what about a cookery book of her very own? A sewing basket or a length of material might appeal to a junior seamstress. For the undomestic girl, gifts similar to those of her brothers would be more suitable. Like their brothers, girls usually go through a series of crazes. As well as books, a picture or an ornament related to the latest enthusiasm would make an attractive gift Bedroom decorations often appeal to small girls. A small vase or a pin tray, or perhaps a pretty mat for her dressing table, would appeal to her feminine instincts. Gloves, scarves, a handbag, a frilly petticoat, box of handkerchiefs or a pretty piece of jewellery would appeal to the clothesconscious girl. An article of toiletry—a manicure set, or flower scented soap or talcum powder in a special Christmas wrapping—would make her feel very important and grown up.