Do you buy yard staff anything at Xmas?

[Birker2020]

We have staff that do turn out/bring in, hay the horses and feed them breakfast - (I'm on assisted DIY.) I always buy them something small for Xmas like a box of Quality Street or Roses between them, leave them in the tea room so they can help themselves. This is what most of us do so they end up with a few tins of sweets or chocolates!

This year I'd like to do something a bit different.

What do you buy for yard staff and why? I need some inspiration.

 

[Nasicus]

Depending on your budget/how many there are to buy for, maybe some winter hats and/or gloves? Re-useable hand warmers they can put in their pocket? Or maybe some of those waterproof footsies/sock covers mentioned in the other thread to keep their feet dry?

 

[Starzaan]

Ok, I've not bought for yard staff but I have run yards for many years and had things bought for me.

The things I always appreciate most are those that feel like there's some thought behind them or they're personal. Top few that I've ever received are -
- SealSkinz gloves. I had horrifically chapped hands one year, and one of my wonderful liveries bought me some waterproof yard gloves so that I could protect them.
- Heat Holders socks. I have one client who has bought me a pair of Heat Holders socks every year for the last ten years. They are SO cosy and I will never have enough haha.
- Fluffy neck warmer. Last year a client bought me a neck warmer thing that is wool on the outside but lined with faux fur. So warm!
- Lip balm. I have permanently dry lips, and my favourite lip balm is La Roche Posay Cicapair. I have a lovely rehab client who always sends me a tube for Christmas.

I think small things that are useful are really appreciated.

 

[Birker2020]

Depending on your budget/how many there are to buy for, maybe some winter hats and/or gloves? Re-useable hand warmers they can put in their pocket? Or maybe some of those waterproof footsies/sock covers mentioned in the other thread to keep their feet dry?

Yes hand warmers and socks are a good idea, thanks

 

[ponynutz]

Have never bought as was on assisted livery as a child not an adult but I also think fluffy socks or a nice pair of gloves would be a lovely gift. Or something for their own horse if they have one

 

[throwawayaccount]

the past few christmases its varied! first xmas was a flask set with shortbread biscuits, last year was a box of chocs with a facemask.
this year i'm going to go for those hand warmers you can get (they look like tea bags! ha, they sell them in tescos), some good socks and some chocs (maybe the cadburys robins they do)

 

[Northern Hare]

One Christmas I bought some of the IKEA Bekvam wooden step stools, and personalised them for the staff members by painting them in their cross-country colours.

They're a great height for plaiting, as mounting blocks, or as extra seat when out at competitions etc.

 

[Birker2020]

One Christmas I bought some of the IKEA Bekvam wooden step stools, and personalised them for the staff members by painting them in their cross-country colours.

They're a great height for plaiting, as mounting blocks, or as extra seat when out at competitions etc.

Wow you are such a kind person!

 

[dreamcometrue]

I put £20 in their Christmas cards. There are 3 at my yard.

 

[teapot]

One livery used to get decent socks for all the staff each year which I thought was a nice idea!

 

[Flyermc]

bottle of bubbly?

 

[Ossy2]

Yes I always get the staff something, various items over the years, a few favourites that have gone down well.
Personalised Pen Knifes
Personalised thermo mug
Travel wine glasses

 

[Roxylola]

Nice fluffy socks and/or a good mug were always much appreciated by me as an alternative to wine or chocs

 

[bouncing_ball]

Think best option on a big yard was a group cash collection. Especially with rising costs. To avoid lots of low value fairly generic items. With a yard of about 40 people a group collection, for staff been working over six months, pro-rated for part time staff. Included card, and general gift with cash.

 

[Skib]

For new adult riders, this is a minefield. If staff are employed in the category of "servants" yes, they should get a Christmas tip or bonus. At my first two RSs there was a box put out for cards, cash and cheques. Part of that donated cash went to pay for the staff party.

At my third yard I caused great offence by asking about Christmas tips. Did I think they were not properly paid? The staff were qualfied horse people, not servants.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

In racing we get a lot of chocolate and biscuits but we like it. It keeps us fuelled for the long days in winter and no body can say they are being unfairly treated.

I would say it depends on how many members of staff there are as to what you get.you

 

[Barton Bounty]

One Christmas I bought some of the IKEA Bekvam wooden step stools, and personalised them for the staff members by painting them in their cross-country colours.

They're a great height for plaiting, as mounting blocks, or as extra seat when out at competitions etc.

That is a cracking idea ?

 

[Barton Bounty]

At the last yard we did a secret santa so means we all would get a pressie, I organised it every year, very fun.
this year I am at my friends place so I will probably just buy her something ?

 

[Zoeypxo]

I work on a yard and usually get chocolate of some sort or socks/lip balm. All great gifts but my favourite one last year was just a card with a picture of my horse on the front

 

[Barton Bounty]

I work on a yard and usually get chocolate of some sort or socks/lip balm. All great gifts but my favourite one last year was just a card with a picture of my horse on the front

I got my bestie a cushion with her fave pic of her and her boys ?

 

[Auslander]

My liveries tend to club together and buy something really lovely - I got an Equitex pad one year, which was amazing!

I am also very well stocked with my favourite brand of posh bath stuff (Thanks B!), chocolate, and gin. I actually had to put the stops on any more gin, as I have enough to keep me mildly sozzled every night for about 10 years!

Anything waterproof is always a hit.

 

[Fruitcake]

I don’t work on a yard (work in a school) but one well-received group present I remember we had from parents was a little ‘hamper’ for the staff room with things like a huge bag of tea bags, selection of Pot Noodles, biscuits, Cup-a-Soups etc.

 

[Sandstone1]

A lotto scratch card. Does not cost much, gives a bit of fun and maybe some will be winners!

 

[DSB]

A large homemade Christmas Cake and a BIG pot of Hard Sauce to spread on it.I now get asked hopefully,in August how the cakemaking is going.

 

[Birker2020]

At the last yard we did a secret santa so means we all would get a pressie, I organised it every year, very fun.
this year I am at my friends place so I will probably just buy her something ?

I love Secret Santa, its my favourite, I will ask the YO if we could do one this year. We usually do up to about £10

 

[Barton Bounty]

I love Secret Santa, its my favourite, I will ask the YO if we could do one this year. We usually do up to about £10

Yeah its fun and its an extra wee surprise ?

 

[ycbm]

I had planned to leave a tab at the stables cafe for one of their fab cakes for each of the staff.
.

 

[littleshetland]

Not Xmas, but there was a big fireworks display near us last night, and some of the liveries wanted to hang about late to keep an eye on their horses (all horses fine..) so I made them all hotdogs and mugs of tea.