History: Christmas Gifts Years Ago

Yesterday, Friday, November 29, was “Black Friday” which is the term coined by retailers for the shopping day that kicks off the Christmas shopping season. In Sheridan, for the past 29 years, there has been a Christmas Stroll on Black Friday, and hundreds of people turn out to get in some early Christmas shopping.

For this column, we are going to look at some of the most popular Christmas gifts throughout the years in Sheridan and the surrounding area. Today, youngsters ask Santa for electronic games; cartoon and movie character toys; Dolls and Legos are still popular toys for youngsters.

For adults, there are wax warmers to scent the house, anything to do with cell phones, chargers, car holders, cases, etc. Slippers, shoes, fuzzy throws, and gifts for pets are always appreciated. Of course, any hobbyist or collector can always be giving items to include in the hobbies or their collection.

This story appeared in the Uinta Chieftain, Evanston, December 13, 1910, and the information is as relevant today as it was then.

Selection of gifts Rates as Real ‘Art.’ – Particularly Christmas gift giving, than the mere fulfilling of obligations. The giving of gifts can be fun for the giver as well as the recipient. The instance of the little crippled boy who received a book on the life of Steinmetz bears out the point. Steinmetz, the electrical wizard, dwarfed and crippled, was an inspiring example to the crippled boy. It was convincing testimony that there is opportunity for every one in the world, no matter how badly handicapped, if one but follows the right channels. It gave that little cripple a pattern of life. It was a superbly intelligent wonder working gift, that book.

Gifts should be designed to serve beneficent purposes in the lives of those to whom they are sent. An inexpensive kit of tools may be the means of starting a young man off on a successful career. An in expensive, even second-hand, sewing machine may result in the lifting of the entire personality of a girl whose fund for clothes is limited. These are the sort of gifts which have a deeper meaning—and a constructive rather than ornamental value. Also, there should be a fitting regard for what the recipient already possesses. The instance of the person who received a set of the Encyclopedia Britannica, shortly after he had purchased one, illustrates how thoughtless and wasteful gift giving may be. An automobile radio to one who does not own a car; candy to those who are on a diet; a drawing outfit for one who has neither talent nor interest in art, are examples of pointless gift giving. They betray not only an absence of interest but also a lack of intelligence.

It is well to get away from the ordinary in the choice of gifts. Dolls, cigars, neckties need not make up the entire Christmas gift list. On the other hand, a bicycle or pair of roller skates for the youngster who has a long trek to school, a mandolin for the girl who likes music but whose folks will not be able to afford a piano for some years to come; a game for the chap who is inclined toward developing his mental powers and get fun out of doing so—chess, checkers, citadel, and the like—are worthwhile gifts. In essence, therefore, give meaningfully. Give as you would want to be given to—with good taste, intelligence, and kindliness.

In the early homesteading days in Wyoming, people hunted for food and trapped for furs to sell to bring in badly needed cash. A young boy, often as young as 12, would hope each year for a good rifle and a good hunting knife to help to put food on the family table.

Young girls liked store bought dolls, aprons and toy kitchen tools like mom had, doll clothes, and pretty dresses. Sleds, ice skates, saddles, boots, and new clothes were welcome Christmas gifts for both boys and girls.

Ralph Foster, of Clearmont, whose family homesteaded east of town, once said he knew he had grown up and really wasn’t happy about it when he received clothes for Christmas instead of toys. Darn.

At one time, nearly everything a home would need could be ordered from the Sears Roebuck and Montgomery (Monkey) Ward catalogs. In an 1897 Sears Catalog there are cooking stoves, horse harnesses, saddles, guns, cameras, and even lawn mowers as well as clothing.

One hundred and thirty-two years ago, in 1892, in Sheridan, a good gift for a well-dressed man might be a pocket watch. A woman might like a pearl necklace or possibly a dressy wristwatch.

Here are some of the suggestions for gifts from 101 years ago published in Sheridan Post-Enterprise, December 2, 1923, in an ad from the Gold Rule Store.

Gifts for him, Lisle Hose, Cashmere hose, Wool and silk hose; suspenders, belts, mufflers, cuff buttons, ash trays, smoking stands, shaving sets, gloves, caps slippers bath robe, wool shirts, leather vests pajamas.

Gifts for her Blouses, silk shirts, silk teddies, petticoats, Bath robes, breakfast coats, kimonos. furs, umbrellas, jewelry, purses, gloves, evening combs slippers, bloomers.

The Semi-Weekly Enterprise, November 1, 1907

Photographs are still good gifts, and there are many creative ways to preserve memories.

So, whatever you give as a holiday gift, remember to give in the spirit of Christmas, and remember, recipients, it is really, the thought that counts.

Feature photo taken at Trail End Historic Site.