He is not a close friend, but has done some farrier work on our horses. He has done a wonderful job and has been extremely patient with a very difficult horse. I would like to give him a Christmas gift, but what kind of gift does one give to an Amish farrier? He doesn’t speak much about himself and I know that Amish can be pretty strict about things. I would love to hear some suggestions because I’m drawing a blank.
Perhaps something homemade like a pie? That may not be quite as “big” of a gift as you were thinking, but I don’t think it’d offend his cultural sensibilities. I’d lean towards under gifting with a very nice handwritten note than risk gifting something he may not be able to use (or perhaps offends him).
I’ve seen Amish young people and older women shopping at the malls, but I’ve never seen a man over the age of eighteen there! :eek:
I was at a discount lingerie store Friday night and a group of Amish women and girls buying things. One of the women who looked to be around forty years old was buying a red bra–I just had to chuckle–inside… :lol:
I know it’s not very helpful but I think the wisest thing to do is give him a card and cash–that way he can use it as he sees fit. If you lived around me I could give you names of places where I see the men shopping, but it ain’t the malls! 
How about an “Amish Mafia” sweatshirt? (She asked, sarcastically. :rolleyes: )
I would give him a card with a generous tip as his Christmas gift.
What would you give a non-Amish farrier? Cross off clothing, or anything decorative (which are probably terrible gifts for a man you don’t know well anyway) and anything that plugs in to an outlet, but anything else is probably fair game.
Food, beer, cash, tools should all be good.
Neat thread. Didn’t know the Amish partook in alcohol.
[QUOTE=TBROCKS;7873741]
Neat thread. Didn’t know the Amish partook in alcohol.[/QUOTE]
Some of the Amish I know drink, they’re just not so open about it as the English. I used to haul my horses to an Amish farrier. On Saturdays there were several Amish farriers and a line of people waiting for shoeing. The Amish would often send somebody English for ice and beer.
Restaurant gift cards work, the ones I know eat out a lot.
Thanks for the suggestions, I think the Amish people are so interesting, but the community near us tends to be very private. They have all been so polite and helpful. I have heard this is not the case in other communities.
I would give a holiday card with a cash tip.
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Thanks for the suggestions, I think the Amish people are so interesting, but the community near us tends to be very private. They have all been so polite and helpful. I have heard this is not the case in other communities.[/QUOTE]
A holiday card with a cash tip, and if you’re ambitious, maybe some home-made festive cookies – something like coconut macaroons, hazelnut delights, the whole fun assortment.
When I was growing up, we always exchanged baked goods with our Amish neighbors at the holidays. Cookies, breads, pies, etc.
I also recall picking up 6 packs of beer and cigarettes for quite a few Amish neighbors as a “tip” when they were helping us out with carpentry stuff… but I’m pretty sure that’s generally frowned upon. :lol:
Fruit. A crate of oranges would be shared around pretty quick. Gift card to a place like Tractor Supply. Amish love toys. You would be amazed how much fun they get out of simple toys.
My mother’s best friend is old order Amish. The children are like grand children to here. I think last year’s big hit was a gun that shot marshmallows. I think Grandpa got the most fun out of it.
Take a look at the hoofprints catalog, http://www.hoofprints.com/ or consider getting him a gift certificate at a farriery supply company or local store.
I took some older horse blankets that were in great shape to an old order Amish family that I was close to. The triple crown blanket was on their stud for a few winters. Along with the blankets, I took some nice leadshanks, and some toys for the kids. The stuff was used for years- I would see it each time I visited.
We have several Amish that work my hubby and he bonuses them with practical things. Like gloves socks sweatshirts no hoods . And yes they drink alcohol alot have a hard time being able to purchase cause most in our area have no id. Don’t do a pie they have plenty of that stuff.
They also like good tools like Fat maxx hammers good measuring tapes.
Nice warm fleece blankets .
