A friend has asked about appropriate gifts, anything under $200, for an early 20’s-aged relative who is firmly entrenched in th H/J cult. 
He only knows the fencing world (meaning, the “en garde” kind of fencing, not the kind that keeps in horses). Help is needed. Are there particular brands or trends or accessories that will help him maintain his favorite-uncle status?
I know what I would have appreciated as a niece of a beloved uncle – a new safety-approved helmet! Whether another would used for schooling or shows, having more than one is always great. And the newer ones are fabulous looking also! Admittedly, none of the good ones are inexpensive. But, you should be able to get an “exchange” guarantee for this kind of gift. I have a new helmet and for the first time, I realize it is one that really fits correctly, and therefore I wear it happily (difference was discovering I’m a “long oval” and not a round headed person!).
1 Like
A nice belt bag would be on my list, to hold phone/cards etc at the show, easy to keep under $200 and super useful but not something I’d ever spend that on for myself.
6 Likes
By fully entrenched does it mean this niece is already actively showing and doing all those things?
I ask because if she is already showing she likely already has her favored brand of helmet, etc.
Does she have her own horse?
It might be best to ask the trainer for ideas of what the niece might need/want.
3 Likes
Maybe some nice summer schooling shirts, like TKEQ or Kerritt’s Ice Fill.
2 Likes
A pair of Roeckl gloves and a TKEQ shirt would be cool!
4 Likes
A gift card to https://marengoequestrian.com/ so she can build her own curated subscription box! I have given these as gifts and they are always a huge hit.
2 Likes
I helped out at The In Gate during Devon and there were a lot of things that were popular with “the cool kids” of all ages. Take a look at the website but among them were: Ruespari belts, Pinsnickety pins and charms, especially if she is a jumper, fun spur straps, gloves, Pair and a Spare socks, and Le Fash shirts. shoptheingate.com
6 Likes
I personally would avoid sized items unless you can get their size ahead of time. Assuming its for a niece (you didn’t specify gender), I would say Ellany belt (one size), fun socks, fun spur straps, or maybe custom bat with her initials.
2 Likes
Matchy matchy saddle pad, & polo shirt. Maybe one of the wing ones.
haas brush set
american equus quick x spurs
Agree that I probably wouldn’t do a sized item like a shirt, nor anything where she’s likely to already have a favored brand (helmet), nor anything too “on trend” because not everyone is into that… especially a young 20 something stepping out of junior land and into the real world.
What about a piece of jewelry? That’s the age where you finally start keeping (nice) pieces of jewelry for a lifetime collection, and something she can enjoy outside of the barn and for years on end. Something like this would be simple, tasteful, and very useful.
(Disclaimer, that was the fastest of searches and one of first 5 results, have no knowledge of nor recommendation for the website.)
2 Likes
A set of Haas brushes. They will last a lifetime.
4 Likes
$1,689 for a bridle !?!
I just bought my first, a Diva finishing brush to take to a show for a pair of thin-skinned TBs. I am now asking myself why I didn’t get nice brushes sooner. As we’re knee-deep in summer shows, I recommend 250%.
Maybe the more social media-minded can recommend a few Instagrams for Best Uncle Ever to peruse.
Lastly, I ask, as an old person still playing the re-rider card, is matchy-matchy a thing in the HJ world today? It’s huge among the juniors at my barn but they do a little of everything, including dressage and eventing, hunting, etc. They mainly just show locally. OMG, everyone’s got to have fun bonnets. But again, these kids aren’t getting a lot of rated show exposure, I think. Trends are a minefield.
2 Likes
A custom portrait of their horse (or a horse they are fond of, if they just lease/take lessons) would be neat! Etsy has some in the $60-150 range
It’d be hard to get tack or other gear , but a gift card to a local tack store would probably be appreciated.
1 Like
Thank you all! List has been forwarded,
Hope you all have happy shopping moments ahead, yourselves.
1 Like
horsecountrycarrot.com has beautiful equestrian jewelry and other gifts. Rebecca Ray is another favorite of mine.
A nice pair of gloves is a great gift! The downside is you need to know their size. What about a gift card to a local tack store?
