Answer:
A BB Gun, specifically a Daisy Red Ryder model ( these were heavily advertised, with lariat loops, etc) In comic books. The parents oppose the gift as the character wears specs, and BB guns were and are noted for eye injuries ( it was argued over a 20 year period, 93 % of juvenile eye injuries in Boston were attributed to air rifles, popularily called BB guns, though one manufacturer, Crosman, preferred the term Pellgun. ( pellet gun).