What are two symbols in "The Gift of the Magi"?

The two symbols in this story are the gifts they buy each
other for Christmas: the combs and the chain. Each signifies the aspect of the spouse
that means a lot to their spouse. For Della, she loves her hair, it is also something
Jim loves about her. For Jim, he really enjoys his watch. In order to get each other
gifts, they both end up selling their prized possessions that the other is purchasing a
gift to compliment. So Della gets her hair cut and sells it, now having no need for
combs. Jim sells his watch, having no need for a chain. These symbols in fact produce an
incredible irony which causes the reader to explore the theme of materialism. It makes
the reading audience wonder what material items are actually worth. The combs, in their
great beauty are now worthless to Della. The chain for the watch has no worth to Jim
until he gets a new watch. The illustration through this symbols of sacrifice also is
displayed.