Now that Thanksgiving is over, I’m frantically trying to figure out what to get for my barn-mates and friends. The smart thing to do would be to start shopping earlier.  That never happens.  Instead, here’s a list of some of what I’m considering, and small businesses/eclectic items I can recommend as good gift ideas.  These are also generally inexpensive yet still quite worthwhile.

Bridle charm from Straight Shot Metal Smashing.  Beka of The Owls Approve makes bridle charms and bracelets.  I don’t have any (yet!), so here is Saiph’s review back in June that covers everything nicely.

Portraits by Saiph – etsy shop here – though it may be too late for this year’s Christmas gifts, these are amazing and I love the portrait she drew of Confetti for me.  (Did I never blog about that? I never blogged about that.)  Good any time of year for any occasion or non-occasion!

C4 belts, because I am so far behind the times and just recently remembered about these folks, but surely I’m not the only rider still in breeches who needs a belt.  (I’d go to leggings, but I need the belt clip for my phone, so breeches and belt it is.)

Higher Standards Leather Care has a mini-set for Christmas special this year, super reasonably priced for several small scents plus conditioner.  Don’t be fooled by the small size, this stuff goes a long way.

NickerStickers has car decals.  I have the Haflinger one, obviously, though it’s pretty beat up and finally needs replacing.  I’m not sure what I did wrong with mine.  I have friends whose decals have been on for far longer and are still doing just fine. Lots of breed and generic options, very inexpensive, totally awesome.

Hamer and Clay custom ornament. Beautiful and reasonably priced. Have to order early to ensure Christmas delivery.  I’ve seen these for a few years, and I’m hoping to make it

Mesh manger hay bag for the frequently trailering rider.  These are great for not getting lots of hay on the ground while still encouraging lots of eating: both important at endurance rides where you have to clean everything up after and may have an anxious horse who has to be coddled into eating more.

Bonus link: $900 FB Pony has compiled a list of Black Friday/Small Business Saturday sales for equestrians, and a few of our links overlap, woohoo!