Note: This is a repost from 2013. True style never goes out of date, after all.

We are being bombarded by stories about Black Friday and Cyber Monday, with videos of long lines at stores and the attendant consumer frenzy.

The L.A. Daily Mirror prefers a more subdued approach to buying gifts during the holiday season. Here’s proof that an ideal retro gift can be practical and inexpensive. It’s the Parker T-Ball jotter, which has changed very little since this 1957 ad.

2025 update: It’s increasingly difficult to find the Parker T-Ball jotter, but not impossible.

Available from Amazon for $8.98.
Available from Walmart for $22.72.

We like ours with the gel refill, medium point. Perfect for doing crossword puzzles.

What’s on your shopping list? If you have a good gift idea, share it with us.