gifts for part-time barn help dilemma

[MissAriel]

I know, I know, there are a million threads. But I have a bit of a different wrinkle. My trainer has two part-time grooms who help her. I plan on getting both gifts as I know both work hard and take great care of the horses. The dilemma is that I know one quite well, and the other not very well, simply because of how our schedules work out Groom A is at the barn more often when I am there than Groom B. So I can come up with a few great, personal ideas for Groom A that I know she would love, but have no ideas for Groom B that are similarly personal. What would you do:

1. Get them both the same or similar gift, knowing Groom A will love it and hoping Groom B does as well
2. Get them each something different, even though Groom A will get something personal and Groom B will get something generic
3. Give up and give them each cash

[Scribbler]

Are the grooms also riders? In that case get them both a gift card to a local tack shop. If they are horse crazy cash strapped teens they will love that. And because its specific to a tack store they “have to” spend it there. Their moms can’t tell them to save it, they can’t fritter it away on take out coffee, etc.

Are the grooms lower income adults who don’t ride but are doing this as a job?

In that case give cash. Cash is just the most wonderful thing at Christmas because it lets you buy stuff for other people. If you give them a chunk of unexpected cash they will probably use it to buy something for the kids or people in their life which will pass on the happiness and make them much happier than a bottle of wine and chocolates.

I would save wine and chocolates for the folks like the BM or coach who are not super struggling financially but probably skimp a bit on personal luxuries.

If you really know what Groom A needs, buy her that and then give Groom B the equivalent in gift card or cash depending on what category she/he falls into.

[Moon_River]

Ask trainer or groom A for suggestions on what groom B would like? Or to yay or nay your existing ideas? Or do a bit of Facebook stalking for inspiration?

[One_Two_Three]

I run into this dilemma every year, but for my barn owner, I can never figure out what to get her. As the sole-barn-worker besides my barn owner, and doing 5 days of the work, I have never received a gift from the boarders. I don’t expect one, but if I were to get one, ANYTHING would be humbling enough to put a smile on my face. Don’t stress. Just get the grooms something nice and move on from it. If they’re as grateful as I would be, they’ll love whatever you come up with.

[Monica67]

Cash is king

[NC001]

I do a small gift and cash for all the barn workers.

[MissAriel]

They are both college students who ride, although neither owns a horse. One is a bit more cash strapped than the other.

Yes, maybe the tack shop gift card is a good way to go for them.

all the other barn staff (lower income, don’t own horses, just doing a job) are getting some homemade cookies and cash.

@One Two Three - that is very sad. Our grooms and barn staff do so much to keep our horses happy and healthy when owners can’t be there, I always try to make sure they know they are appreciated. I hope some of those boarders see this and show you some appreciation.

[gottagrey]

I would give them both the same thing - a Visa or similar type gift card would be nice - they could use it at a tack shop or elsehwhere. I used to give my barn manager a tack shop gift card but she has other more pressing expenses or wants so with that sort of a gift card it covers whatever she wants.

[RUDoinGoodRUGoodDoin]

I give cash with some candy to the head barn workers and Amazon gift cards to the older teen workers; that way they can order something non-horsie if they want. For younger kid helpers who aren’t there regularly, I’ll order a few pizzas for lunch on a day when most are there.

I definitely recommend giving gifts in person rather than leaving them for the recipient; I had some gift cards walk away a few years ago when I put the labeled bags together in the barn lounge for the kids to pick up; Fairly certain it was extended family (visiting for the holidays) of one of the kids that received a gift card and just helped themselves to the remaining cards, ugh They tossed the horse treats aside and just absconded with the cards. Didn’t find out for a little while because I thought all kids had received them. Felt terrible and replaced them, but just yuck

[Equisis]

I’d go with cash, visa gift card, or an amazon gift card over a tack shop gift card. Having spend quite a while as the “barn help”, I often had things I really wanted or needed that were non-horsey, and rarely bought things at tack shops. Given the high cost of horse items, too, it can be hard to use a gift card at a tack shop without having to spend additional money. As much as you want to give something more meaningful than “takeout coffee” as well, sometimes having that $20 in your pocket that isn’t earmarked for bills and knowing you CAN stop for that latte for once is a really great feeling.

[RockstarPony]

Ditto giving cash or generic Visa card instead of a tack store giftcard, especially if Groom A is a bit more cash strapped. I’ve gotten that from clients and always hugely appreciated it - sometimes the best gift is just knowing that I have a little savings to replace old jeans when they rip, or that I can buy as much coffee as I want during finals week without worrying about the money.

I also wouldn’t worry about too much about treating them exactly equally - I don’t think that A will feel at all left out if B gets something personal & she gets the chance to get herself something she’s been looking at.

[Bluey]

Cash in a nice thank you or Christmas card, any other optional, like candy, chocolate, mints, beef jerky is a hit here.

Really, cash is something anyone can use the way they wish or need, no better present, unless the rare time you come up with the perfect present for that person, which most times it is not.

[Zu_Zu]

Ca$h and a bakery gift ~ from a real bakery ~

• both the same

[luvmyhackney]

How much cash is appropriate when a big group of barn workers rotates shifts? I have a total of 9 barn workers and the owner at this current barn. Previously, I only had 2 people + barn owner. What would you do?

[Zu_Zu]

^ luvmyhackney

I would send or take a prepared holiday platter .
Cookies and bakery treats

or

Cheese …crackers …sliced meats

or

sandwiches … brownies = lunch tray

served or delivered at a shift change time

• and they would need to know when in advance

only idea I have

9 plus BO is a tough assignment

Good Luck ~

[Scribbler]

Ok good to know that the tack shop gift card might be too restrictive even for riders.

[Krisly7]

I would get them the same, and cash that is. When I was a groom, my favorite was cash…and a personal note. Include a card with a note for something specific they done for you/your horse. It can be very basic but its nice to know that you pay attention and appreciate the work they do: Amanda, I really appreciate the hard work you do and how you always make sure Dobbins has fresh water/clean bedding/is groomed nicely/ saddled on time etc. I hope you have a great Holiday season. Merry Christmas!

[eclipse]

I’m very lucky to work part time at my barn as out boarders are wonderful (I’m also a boarder so also buy gifts lol)… barn workers , trainer etc that I know well I’ll give them something personal that I know they’ll love; not so close I’ll get a gift card for a store. We have one group of ladies that get us workers all the same thing (generally a gift basket each filled with things like body wash, creams, movie cards, chocolate, wine, etc) it’s wonderful!

Basically your barn people will appreciate basiacally anything and expect nothing… I receive many mall gift cards (which are great as I can go and pick out things for myself)! Movie passes, and people I’m close too at the barn generally pick something they know I’ll love (my coworker and friend who is my trainers groom gifted me a free mane pull every mth for a yr!! Fabulous… and my barn friend gave me 5 free braiding at shows! Awesome!!)

[OneTwoMany]

Employer chiming in here. We try to remember to give our grooms “thank you” cards at least four times a year, although the “end of the year” card is usually a bit more generous. The grooms all seem to talk to one another so I’ve found it is best to treat them all equally. Or at least equal on a relative basis. Full time grooms each get X. Part time grooms all get Y. We always give cash with our “thank you” cards. Although one year we gave cash and a bottle of bubbly. That was a huge hit. Might be tempted to repeat this year. :lol::lol::lol:

[dressager]

We are giving our grooms (muckers) cash- pooling money as a group. The woman who comes in to help (doesn’t help us directly but she’s always very kind) i am personally getting a box of very nice chocolates and her favorite candy. She won’t spend money on herself and i know she absolutely loves chocolate and candy. One of the guys who doesn’t work with our horses but again, is always very helpful, i am buying a gift for his child.