Submitted by: agcomm,  Wed Nov 26 10:13:38 1997


                        November 26, 1997
 
Clothes Make Good Holiday Gifts But Require Homework
 
     Everyone needs something to wear. But a researcher at North
Dakota State University says there's another fact gift givers
need to consider which is just as basic: holiday gifts that don't
please or fit won't get worn.
     "There's a certain amount of risk in giving a gift of
clothing," says Linda Manikowske, an assistant professor in
NDSU's apparel, textiles and interior design department.
     In her research, Manikowske has found that children ages 8
to 12 enjoyed gifts of clothing--unless they felt the gift was an
attempt to make them wear something they didn't like.
     In other words, if clothing fits, both in terms of size and
style, children are likely to wear it. 
     Similarly, Manikowske's research shows that the "surprise
factor" of gift giving is more important for adults than for
children ages 10 to 12. This group of adolescents apparently
prefers the certainty of knowing their new clothes will be
accepted by peers.  
     On the other hand, items such as pajamas, which peers are
less likely to see, make excellent gifts for adolescents. In
fact, Manikowske says having grandparents give their
grandchildren new pajamas each year can become a long-remembered
family tradition. 
     Shopping with a gift receiver, regardless of his or her age,
enables givers to know as much as possible about preferences.
Another important aspect of gift giving involves matching clothes
with a person's lifestyle. Manikowske explains, "Communication is
important. Know as much about your receiver as possible, so you
don't buy a dry-cleanable item for someone who can't give the
garment the special care it requires."
     Gift givers should make clear up front what a retail store
or a catalog company's return policy is and make it equally clear
that they won't be offended if the person wants to return their
gift.
     Manikowske says younger boys may not appreciate receiving
underwear, but other accessories such as socks, which require no
specific fit, make good gifts for all ages. However, shoes are
different. 
     "You can't buy somebody else shoes, even if you know his or
her size," says Manikowske. Instead of buying shoes, she suggests
giving gift certificates or money and including a picture of a
specific pair of shoes. 
     Clothing is also a good gift option for elderly people,
especially those who are no longer caring for themselves.
Manikowske says, "Everyone likes to wear something new." 
     As gift givers, many older people prefer shopping by
catalog, either for making actual purchases or for getting ideas.
Catalog shopping offers easy price comparisons and expanded
selections, but catalog shoppers should pay attention to shipping
charges. "If shoppers consolidate their catalog purchases, it
keeps shipping costs down," says Manikowske, who adds that some
companies forego shipping charges on orders exceeding specific
dollar amounts. 
     As for recent clothing trends, Manikowske says polar fleece
is becoming a popular material for caps, mittens and jackets.
But, she cautions, "There's a lot of difference in  fabric
quality. In many cases, you get what you pay for."
     What do you get for that hard-to-buy-for person? Maybe a
gift for someone else. Angel trees, those trees decorated with
the names of people in need, offer an excellent option to spread
joy during the holiday season, says Manikowske.
     "Kids who don't have a lot are not very fussy. Just getting
something new to wear is really special," concludes Manikowske.
                              ###
NDSU Agriculture Communication
Source: Linda Manikowske (701) 231-7352
Editor: Dean Hulse (701) 231-6136