Importance of Mary Poppins' Gloves

Mary Poppins' brand-new gloves are a symbol both of her vanity and of her kindness, though her kindness appears to be a stronger element of her personality. She admires her gloves several times in "Christmas Shopping," a fact which at once amuses and annoys Jane and Michael, who are impatient to get on with their day. This is why the children are so shocked when Mary later gives Maia her own gloves as a parting gift: they did not expect Mary Poppins to part so easily with something she holds so dear. Yet, Mary evidently demonstrates that her own vanity matters less to her than her close friendship with Maia, resulting in the giving away of her prized possession and her simultaneous joy at making her friend feel so happy.