Wider Range of Christmas Gifts Expected This Year

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26274, 4 October 1946, Page 2

Wider Range of Christmas Gifts Expected This Year

“Christmas should be a better and brighter period this year than for many years past, with a much greater variety of goods available in certain lines,” said a representative of the Otago Retailers’ Association in an interview with the Daily Times yesterday. English toys will be restricted in quantity, most firms having received licences to import up to 20 per cent, of their pre-war requirements. There will be a small quantity of mechanical toys from England available, while there should be much to gladden the heart of the small boy in the assortment of New Zealand wooden and pressed metal toys, such as small trucks, cars, and engines. There will also be a limited number of children’s bicycles and rocking horses which have been absent from the market for some time.

For girls, the outlook Is good, because dolls will be much more plentiful. There will. In fact, be a really fine selection, including sleeping and sitting-up dolls, ail beautifully dressed and made in New Zealand. Although more toys will be available, they have risen in price in common with most other articles No difficulty should be experienced m obtaining attractive articles for feminine gifts. Lingerie is in more plentiful, supply than for some time past, some lines being really luxurious Gloves will be adequate, both New Zealand and English made, while handkerchiefs, neckwear, and handbags should be in sufficient suDplv to meet requirements New to the market and very intriguing is a great assortment of novelties, mainly of plastic origin. These will be useful for costume and novelty jewellery. Toilet sets will be more attractively displayed than ever, and will be in good supply. For the person who desires to provide

a practical gift, particularly for the household, the problem will be a little more difficult, as most manchester lines are in very short supply. This applies particularly to napkins and tablecloths, particularly of the fancy type. Similarly, china ware is also in limilecf supply, but what is available is of good quality and extremely suitable for household gifts For the young miss, there will be the much-discussed ultra-modern beach wear on display and in fair supply These lines will include the ordinary swim suits play suits, and sun suits Colours and styles are extremely bright and attractive, and the beaches should presenl almost a Riviera effect. The mere male is not being so well catered for. The usual presents of ties and socks will be available, but in very small quantities. As for the tale of the shirt, it is a gloomy one, and a happy ending does not yet appear to be in sight.