Kenneth Spencer Research Library

With the holiday season upon us, finding the perfect gift for a loved one can be a formidable endeavor. If you’re struggling to find something for a difficult-to-shop-for man in your life, let the resources at Spencer Research Library help you out! For example, check out The Gentleman’s Quarterly Christmas Gift Book, issued in 1928 by Ober’s Head-to-Foot Outfitters of Lawrence, Kansas.

The cover page of The Gentleman’s Quarterly Christmas Gift Book 1928.
Kansas Collection. Call Number: RH Ser D1932 1928.
Click image to enlarge.

According to the Gift Book‘s introduction,”women may
use our magazine as an unfailing guide in the search
for gentleman’s gifts that are entirely desirable.”

For the gamer in your life, note item #13: “English pigskin bridge set
with score pad, pencil and packs of gilt edged cards.” Click image to enlarge.

The Gift Book advises shoppers (next page, not shown) that “few Christmas gifts are
as acceptable to a man as a smart robe.” Click image to enlarge.

Modern readers of the Gift Book may be amused to see “Sports Essentials”
defined as sweaters, golf hose, and a pigskin leather cigarette and key case. Click image to enlarge.

Customers at Ober’s Head-to-Foot Outfitters could choose from an assortment of mufflers, hosiery,
and handkerchiefs, in addition to neckties. Click images to enlarge.

As the Gift Book explains on the following page (not shown):
“There is no compromise with correctness where evening attire is concerned. A man’s turn-out
is either right or wrong. Intelligence is the prime requisite in
selecting full dress or dinner clothes. With such a guide, men will never be
intrigued by any of the innumerable ‘fads’ that are proffered in the name of
‘dress clothes and accessories.’ This store is thoroughly acquainted
with the style requirements of thoughtfully attired men and young men.
We are in constant touch with the smart European and American gatherings places
of men who possess the sort of wearables that are beyond reproach.” Click image to enlarge.

Meredith Huff
Building Operations and Stacks Manager, Public Services Student Assistant Co-Supervisor