#15: Gift Wrapping at Macy’s, 1948
Macy’s and other department stores are very different today than they were in their prime. The 1940s and 50s were definitely the height of popularity for these department stores. They were glamorous and had everything you could possibly want for almost any occasion. As we can see from this retro photo, they also offered classes.
This 1948 photograph by Nina Leen shows a group of young women learning the art of gift wrapping at Macy’s. The photograph was featured in LIFE Magazine, where Leen was a constant contributor. Some of us might scoff at the thought of taking a gift-wrapping class, but it truly is an art form! These women were learning the tricks of the trade to impress their families that holiday season.