Appropriate Christmas gifts for barn staff?

[Richard F]

What does everyone normally do for barn staff at Christmas? For instructors? What types of gifts are appropriate? Thanks.

[Queenrider]

Presents are not required, after all they do get paid. However I always give the barn staff who look after my horse a gift to ensure she gets the extra care she needs! I give a box of chocolates and a Tim Hortons gift certificate to each one.

[Gary Stuart]

Tims Hortons is a great idea. I wonder if that company knows what a vital role they play in the lives of Canadian riders!

As for gifts, anything warm is always a good idea. New gloves, scarves, socks, hand and foot warmers, ear muffs, etc.

[Joanna @ Red Scarf Equestrian]

How about a Gift Certificate from Red Scarf Equestrian?
Regards,
Joanna

[Sporthorses]

"Presents are not required, after all they do get paid"
This type of attitude is EXACTLY what creates a rift between barn staff and clients. Barn staff work extremely hard keeping your horses in the manner you are accustomed...a LOT harder than what you probably realize. And they do NOT get paid a lot for it. A nice thought at Christmas goes goes a long way towards thanking the people that take care of your horse 24X7. It is a thankless industry and it is always nice to get something thoughtful. Gifts don't need to be lavish. It is very much the thought that counts.

[Laura F.]

Movie DVD's are also really good - or movie coupons.

[Diana]

Seems we all have dig cameras now, so if by chance you have been, taking a few snaps here and there, and have managed to catch your favorite barn staffer doing what they do best... get it blown up, frame it.. makes a nice keep sake to hang in the barn, or where ever. It shows you pay attention and appreciate them.

[Ci<3]

Carhart

[Kat]

A bag of horse treats for there favourite pony or horse.

[amy]

we always give ours just extra cash.. they always love it.

[Chris - resident queen of shops]

I aways try & give gifts to everyone who helps me with my horses: trainer, farrier, straw delivery man etc.

I really appreciate them helping me all year so this is a chance to show it!

Last year I framed up some of the dressage themed Jude Too cards for my trainer, bought my farrier a pair of horse shoe earrings & for everyone else I baked some Horse & Rider cookies. The cookies were a big hit & a really simple & cost-effective thing to do!

I'm now going to shamelessy mention! that you can buy the cookie cutters I used in the Barnmice Gift Shop here
http://www.shop.barnmice.com/acatalog/Homeware.html

[Choco]

When I was a groom, X-mas was an exciting time for $tip expectation. It is true that grooms do a lot of things, out of love for the animal, that the owner doesn't see, so I think $$ for grooms is a good idea.
These days I make fine chocolates, and I put together many boxes at this time of the year for trainers. A cash tip for trainers is kind of tacky, in my opinion, but a box of good chocolates and a Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts gift card would make them happy a few times over.

[Chris - resident queen of shops]

Mmmm starbucks, great suggestion Choco!

I would be very greatful for Starbucks gift cards in my Xmas stocking :-)