The Wisest Gifts: O. Henry’s Short Story, ‘The Gift of the Magi’

O'Henry's "Gift of the Magi" is inspired by the biblical story of the three kings as shown in Gerard David's "Adoration of the Kings," circa 1515, National Gallery. (Public Domain)

The art of giving gifts has been practiced for generations. We search for the next best thing for friends and family, always trying to find the “perfect gift.” However, the best and wisest gift is the gift of ourselves and our best to those we love. The wisest gifts stem from the deepest love.

In his short story “The Gift of the Magi,” O. Henry demonstrates the wisdom of selfless giving between a husband and wife. The story shows that when Della sells her most valued possession to buy her husband, Jim, a Christmas gift, she attains the very understanding possessed by the Magi as they presented their gifts to the Christ child.

As O. Henry tells it, it is Christmas Eve and Della panics. She has not bought Jim a Christmas present yet and wants a gift that is “worthy of the honor” of being Jim’s wife.

Insufficient Funds

However, buying a gift proves extremely difficult. With only $1.87 to spend and the day gradually wearing away, Della becomes more discouraged with each passing moment. She has saved as much money as she could for months, but Jim’s salary of only $20 per week has limited her savings.

After a good cry, Della comes up with an idea, one that makes her eyes “shine brilliantly” and her face turn pale. She decides that she will sell her greatest and proudest possession: her beautiful, brown hair.

For a brief minute, Della hesitates. Then, with decision, she heads out the door to “Madame Sofronie. Hair Goods of All Kinds.” With skilled hands, Madame Sofronie cuts Della’s beautiful hair, leaving her with $20.

A Wise Gift

With her new $20, Della begins ransacking all the shops in search of the perfect gift for Jim. She searches for two hours.

Finally, she discovers a very simple, but valuable, platinum fob chain. She knows that this chain will perfectly complement Jim’s pocket watch! For along with her hair, the most valued possession in Della and Jim’s apartment is Jim’s pocket watch.

In an instant, Della purchases the chain and heads home. Though she is worried about her hair, she is still excited.

As Della journeys throughout the day, O. Henry shows that, just as the Magi diligently search for the child, Della searches diligently to find the perfect gift for Jim. Her diligence shows her enduring love for her husband.

Just as the Magi present their best gifts (gold, frankincense, and myrrh) to the child, Della cuts and sells her best and most valued possession, her hair. This act shows her complete love for her husband.

Yet when the Magi gave the Christ child the gold, frankincense, and myrrh, they did not give it to him because they thought these gifts would make him happier or a more “completed” person. They gave him these three gifts because they knew that such gifts would complement and highlight who he truly is: a savior and a king.

And just like the Magi, Della searches for and buys a gift that will complement Jim. A chain for a watch may be a trivial thing, but she gives it knowing that it complements and highlights Jim’s “quietness and value.”

This Christmas, whether we can spend a lot or a little, we must find gifts that highlight the value of those we love. When we practice and perfect the art of gift-giving by giving our best to and for others, we too can become like the Magi.