Hints from Heloise

Dear Readers: We were doing some research on wedding gifts and came across the following hint that was originally printed in my mother’s (the late Heloise) column in 1967. She thought it was a good hint then, and we still think it is! Read on:

“Dear Heloise: You once suggested a truly inspired gift for the bride … a sort of housekeeping starter kit (dust cloths, scouring rags, light bulbs, etc.).

“While excellent for the bride, it occurred to me, after some experience involving harassed trips to the hardware store, banging nails with shoe heels, prying open gift cartons with new kitchen utensils, etc., that – like his bride – the groom also could well use a kit.

“In each newly established household, there are innumerable tasks:

“Curtain rods to hang, appliances to assemble, hooks to install, clothing poles to place and many others.

“As it usually falls to the husband, apprentice or veteran to handle these ‘honey-do’ chores, I submit the following absolutely basic kit for the groom as a needed companion to that suggested for the bride:

A medium-weight claw hammer

A pair of pliers

A medium-size screwdriver, straight slot

A small, versatile saw, e.g., a keyhole saw

A good variety of screws, bolts, nails, brads and tacks

A variety of accessory hardware – hooks, hanging aids, etc.

“Naturally, this list could easily be expanded according to the experience and means of the giver, but, oh, how handy are just the above items for the new groom in the new household the first few weeks! – All-Thumbs (John) Murphy

“And, thanks to you, John. And if a bride is smart (I wasn’t!), she’ll pretend she doesn’t know how to use ANY of the above while those stars are still in the groom’s eyes, eh? – Heloise” (1967)

Don’t you love my mother’s comment? In fact, she could hang most anything, rewire a lamp and fix a lot of things. – Heloise, the daughter