<P> `` The Gift of the Magi '' is a short story , written by O. Henry ( a pen name for William Sydney Porter ) , about a young husband and wife and how they deal with the challenge of buying secret Christmas gifts for each other with very little money . As a sentimental story with a moral lesson about gift - giving , it has been a popular one for adaptation , especially for presentation at Christmas time . The plot and its twist ending are well - known , and the ending is generally considered an example of comic irony . It was allegedly written at Pete 's Tavern on Irving Place in New York City . </P>
what is the short story the gift of the magi about
a young husband and wife and how they deal with the challenge of buying secret Christmas gifts for each other with very little money