Christmas is coming. (Did I really just say that?):ambivalence:
Anyway, I could use some ideas for useful, practical, gift ideas for my barn friends. Something besides feed store GC’s. One friend, could use cold weather gear and I have her covered. Another, I’m not sure! And then there is the BO…
Lastly, my husband asked me what I want for Christmas…
Oh my…
So, I could use ideas that won’t break the bank. What are some items you’ve received that you have liked? Or not…
TIA!
Higher Standards tack cleaner/conditioner.
Warm boot socks - lots of neat patterns and funny themes out there to match personalities
Homemade horse treats
Travel mug or Hydroflask or Yeti bottle
Check out Etsy for customized items - wine glasses, holiday ornaments, brushes or keyfob with horse’s name…
Sites like Shutterfly let you put your own photos on all sorts of things - mugs, totebags, notepads, magnets. You could do something with a picture of each horse for the owner, or like our trainer did last year and make a calendar of all the clients, horses and dogs through out the year for everyone.
LOL!! One barn friend gave us all those last year and I love it too!!
Thomas Bates belts (https://thomasbates.com/). I love these things and they last for years. (I would say forever, but with the “Hiker” style, after about 10 years the buckle gets worn enough that it stops holding tightly). I just ordered some more today. They are quite inexpensive.
Select “fabric belts,” then “build your own.” When you choose your pattern, under “specialty patterns,” there is a category called “cowboy/western.” There are a couple different horse patterns/different colors and a horseshoe pattern. And a multitude of other patterns.
A frame with a good photo of my horse - or, a frame for a future good photo of my horse!
Saddle pad in a color your friend doesn’t have?
Somewhere there is a thread with COTHers that make handmade horsey stuff. You should try to find it because there are some cool things on it. Etsy is also great for unique horsey gift.
If they drink wine (especially at the barn) this is a fun gift: https://www.nobleoutfitters.com/prod…down-hoof-pick
Polar Fleece Neck Gators … in fun colors for winter riding ~
I ordered 3 embroidered MyRope lead shanks yesterday…not a bad price…with shipping for 12’ leads they were $22.50 or so each. Pretty colors, hope they turn out well.
I never trusted myself to gift barn friends with something they’d like.
But a bag of horse treats - peppermints, horse cookies, carrots - never in bad taste 
A couple of DIY ideas that I wrote up for COTH’s HJDayDream’s blog.
https://hunkyhanoverian.com/guest-blogger/diy-bit-box/
https://hunkyhanoverian.com/guest-blogger/diy-equestrian-necklace-hanger/
The necklace hanger could also be modified to just be a picture frame which is (IMHO) super ridiculously cute.
That is cute!!
Luxury sunscreen or hand lotion (I love Mary Kay’s Satin Hands and Satin Lips). Soothing foot lotion.
Good detangler, a real cactus cloth, your favorite saddle soap, one of your grooming must-haves, or your favorite horse-friendly detergent for horse laundry (like Nikwax Rug Wash).
Gift cards for their favorite take-out places when they’re at the barn late and don’t have time to cook (or make some homemade soup and/or casseroles in gift containers! Even better!).
TAL insulated stainless steel bottles (got mine at Walmart…best ever…beat the Swell and Yeti in insulating properties). My 1/2-gallon one was only $16. I have 3 sizes and want more but can’t justify…lol.
Magazine subscription, horse-related or no.
Have fun shopping!
NICE warm gloves with the bumps on the hands so they can hold stuff, not just fleece ones. Warm fuzzy socks (tall). A warm hat or beanie, or if he rides in a helmet there are like these fleece covers for the helmets for cold weather.
I got my wife a really cute Shire hoody from Etsy for approx $60 for Christmas. She lives in it 
At our ponyclub christmas party gift exchange, everyone got so excited if they got socks! So now I know what to get for this year.
i just got my order from Le Mieux yesterday. Their socks were on sale and i bought a dozen pair for Xmas gifts to barn folk for next year. (oops, THIS year lol). (also got a mustard saddlepad and a cushy red halter for my redroan mustang curly up’n’coming mare-who is quite a hot little number)
You all realize this is a zombie thread from 3 years ago…? Still, fun. LOL. 
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