Kodiak Mirror

If He's a Hobbyist, the Giving Is Easy

Christmas shopping for a hobbyist or sportsman can be a cinch if you go about it right.

Before getting specific, let's list some general principles on hobby and sports equipment buying.

1. Find out what the giftee is really interested in. It is important to know if he specializes in a particular branch of his hobby. A subscription to a magazine dealing with the field he is interested in may be a good gift.

2. Try to determine what his collection or his gear box is lacking and what addition to it would he appreciated most.

3. Always keep age in mind. A boy may be old enough to build model planes but not yet ready for using flying models with motors. Some states prohibit minors to own guns even for hunting.

4. In situations where you don't know what to give, a gift certificate at a hobby shop or department store may be the best idea.

For Fishermen

There is a wide array of rods, reels, flies, tackle boxes and fresh and salt water accessories. A space saving telescopic spinning rod would make an ideal gift for a traveling man. A six-foot rod made of beryllium copper collapses into a 15-inch cork handle.

A canvas rod roll may be the right thing to solve the equipment-carrying problem.

For Hunters

The latest style rifle would be major gift. More modest: a cartridge belt designed to hold a large supply of ammunition.

A hunter's clothing is as important as his gun and an alpaca-lined safari jacket with extra large pockets for gear may be just the thing.

For Campers and Hikers

It is essential for a camper or hiker to have a good carrying sack. There are many types, each designed for a special purpose. One of the most useful is the Indian pack board. It is excellent for carrying bulky objects.

Pocket warmers, lanterns and pocket compasses are handy items.

For Stamp Collectors

For beginners-All the major stamp companies put out stamp kits for youngsters. Most kits contain an album, tongs, magnifying glass, hinges and packets of stamps.

For established collectors-Most hobbyists specialize in one part of this enormous hobby. For them there are specialty albums and catalogues.

For Bird Watchers

A pair of binoculars is a fine gift for the bird watcher; the 7x35 or 7x50 size is suitable. Also, field guides, birdcalls, birdhouses and feeding stations are appropriate.

Peterson's illustrated eastern and western bird guides are often recommended.

For Golfers

What golfer doesn't want a club that will chop a few strokes from his score? For a man who would keep his golfing eye all year around, an electric putt return may be just right.

For Model Builders

An excellent gift for a builder of wooden models is a knife chest. Such chests come in many sizes and the larger ones include more than 20 different cutting blades and tools. There are numerous accessories for HO scale railroad enthusiasts such as bridges, tunnels, and special type cars.

Popular with the boys are boat and plane kits with motors and propellers. For the girls there are doll and carriage assembling outfits.

For Outdoor Chefs

Many a man considers himself a master chef at his outdoor barbecue, and a new grill may be the right gift for him.

A set of barbecue tools consisting of a turner, fork, knife, charcoal rake, rod scraper, and baster makes an excellent gift too.

For Gardeners

An excellent gift for a friend or relative with a green thumb is a set of short handled garden tools.

A complete outfit includes a cultivator rake, trowel, weeding fork, hand weeder, and shears.

For Do-It-Your-Selfers

A power drill with different bits and blades is a must if the hobbyist doesn't have one. A paint sprayer, a portable electric saw or any needed tool will do well also.

For Photographers

There is no end to what a camera bug needs. New equipment is always appearing on the market.

For the novice a better camera, gadget bag, 35mm viewers, extra film and reel chests make fine gifts.

For the experienced photographer there are printing and developing outfits. More expensive photography gifts include projectors, screens, tripods, and special lenses.

A set of signal flags makes a colorful gift. For larger boats with cabins try a set of dishes or glasses with nautical designs.

Fog horns, life preservers, and an extra boat light are all useful.

For the Gamester

Many enthusiasts collect chess sets made of various materials. A distinctive wooden, ivory or plastic set for their collections would make a fine holiday gift.