Looking for something other then gift cards ideally!
The Hunky Hanoverian (a hunter/jumper blog I read) just posted a nice gift guide: https://hunkyhanoverian.com/product-review/2019-equestrian-holiday-gift-guide/ (*disclaimer: I do own one of the companies listed, so if this is considered promotion, please let me know and I’ll remove this post).
1 Like
For me the finer things in life go over really well:
FLUFFY/comfy Bath SHEETS (the big kind).
A really soft throw for a couch that the dogs can get on too.
Comfy sheets.
Gift certificate to a spa for a massage (minimum 90 mins or can be broken into two 45 min sessions)
Wine subscriptions.
Chocolate of the month club
And when all else fails, a gift certificate for the vet or the feed store!!
Em
Well, I wanted to give my trainer the Golf Cart Hovercraft from Hammacher Schlemmer (https://www.hammacher.com/product/golf-cart-hovercraft), but at $58,000.00 my barn mates said “No.”
5 Likes
My daughter’s trainer is young and still establishing herself. I always feel cash (or a gift certificate to a tack store) is the most useful gift for someone in that situation. Usually I’ll dress it up a bit by giving it along with a horsey mug or a bottle of wine…
2 Likes
We usually do a group barn gift, which turns out to be great and we do a “big reveal” at the barn Xmas party. Gifts in years past have included a new show sign, custom jumps/gates/boxes/fillers, a roll-top, a camera system for the horse trailer, a new custom show mounting block, new show tent furniture, etc. Last year we redid the barn office complete with furniture. Anything extra goes to our trainer in a gift card. I’m usually the one who coordinates, we send out emails about six weeks ahead and families can contribute via Venmo or can slip our assistants cash or a check for their contribution.
I would never have thought of some of those items but I love luxurious sheets and big bath sheets. Maybe even a beautiful down comforter if you are in a cold climate.
In the past we have done Hermes scarves and enamel bracelets, tack room drapes and other tack room furniture, barn clothing like waterproof outerwear, an Antares bridle, fancy saddle pads. One of her favorite gifts from a student was those waterproof breeches that Velcro or zip over regular breeches for schooling in the rain before going into the ring. She got a lot of use out of them in Ocala one winter. My trainer would probably never take the time to use a spa certificate but luxury items they would never buy themselves are usually appreciated.
2 Likes
Socks. Our barn has a fox for the logo and I’ve found some cute fox socks over the years. Last year I gave out Foot Huggies socks. I figure everyone needs socks and they have a finite lifespan.
It never hurts to ask what your trainer wants, in a casual way. Mine gave us numerous ideas, so we have our gifts for this year and next year already lined up! We know she’ll be thrilled, and it all came about naturally in the course of a conversation that segued into things she would like to have or see upgraded. (We didn’t have to ask, but your mileage may vary… and I would have asked if she hadn’t offered up the dirt.) And by pooling together boarder contributions, we are getting her something really awesome.
Socks. Our barn has a fox for the logo and I’ve found some cute fox socks over the years. Last year I gave out Foot Huggies socks. I figure everyone needs socks and they have a finite lifespan.
1 Like
My BO/trainer is also a skilled farrier/my farrier so I bought him a book titled The Essential Hoof Book. I have a copy myself and it’s incredibly interesting. Definitely a must for farriers!
For his wife, who is really main BO in command 😉
”‹”‹”‹”‹”‹”‹I pruchased a book entitled Unbridled Faith: 100 Devotions From the Horse Farm, and a homemade bar of goat’s milk soap with a horse design from another long time friend!
”‹”‹”‹”‹”‹”‹
I almost gifted socks as well! Still on my gift idea list. Equestrians can’t ever have too many, and I am a big fan of the Noble Outfitters padded socks!
1 Like
Ok so we are operating on 2 completely different planes!!!:eek::eek:
An Hermes scarf is $600
An Antares Bridle is @ $500
All the things I mention are much less. Like as in under $100 or so (Except the Wine of the month club) Which can start around $135.
I can’t imagine spending on a trainer my entire holiday budget ($600 for 9 people) but maybe if you’re a big AA show person who goes to Wellington and has 4 ponies in training full time, well then sure that makes sense I guess.
For the rest of us:
IF anyone is interested Costco has the comfiest Bath Sheets right now. They’re $20.
Likewise some of the most comfy sheets are at Target and Walmart and run about $45 for a king size bed. Fleece sheets, best sets are at Costco and I think were @ $65.
Socks: I just got some amazing ones at TJ Maxx. I mean really the warmest and most comfy ever. But the gold standard is still the Smartwools.
Em
1 Like
Money. Let them buy what they want.
1 Like
From a trainer: cash or gift cards. If you really want to give a gifty gift, take the time to ask what they are interested, or would like!
For example, I dont need anything barn related! I have multiples of stuff cuz of the job! Dont want picking out clothing for me. I dont drink, no wine. I give away multiple bottles every year. I feel bad about it, but if someone had asked…
A gift card for a book store would be amazing, let me pick what I will read
My hobby is gardening; see what else YOUR trainer does; we do have lives outside the barn!!
Starbucks cards are amazing!!
No home decor, but a Homegoods card? Yes please.
You get my drift and thanks for thinking of us😠I dont like sounding ungrateful, but I have about 30 mugs I’ll never use, I give purses to my sisters ( dont need 3 new every year) etc…
3 Likes
A barn owner. I have one remaining boarder left after I stopped boarding horses. The owner is an absentee owner, who sends an extra check every Christmas. Can’t beat that!
2 Likes
2 years ago I made most of my Christmas gifts and they were pretty easy. I got used/not not usable pieces of old bridles and cut and glued them on to picture frames to make attractive, equestrian-themed picture frames for my (4) trainers/barn manager. They were cost-effective, easy to make, and everyone loved them. As I was making each one, I was able to envision which person I was going to give it to.
1 Like
Not to speak the obvious, but there can be a large budget if each boarder is chipping in $25-50 dollars for a group gift and someone gifting their BO/trainer something individually. :rolleyes:
I will say, back years ago when I lived in Wisconsin for a year and had a dedicated group of 3 adults that I trained 1x a week, they gave me the best gift ever. I was low on funds and they gave me 4 bags of groceries. Lots of non-perishable but also luxury things like french bread and brie. It was heavenly and lasted for a while.
Em
3 Likes
From a trainer’s perspective? Cash please.
2 Likes
