EC Answers of the Week: Trainer Christmas Gifts from Clients

Last week, one of our readers asked us to post this question for our “EC Question of the Week:”

Trainers, what gifts do you like best for Christmas from your clients?

 

In between some great laughs, readers also found some great answers for all those trainers who go above and beyond!

Find them below:

Rachel Barnett

We made our trainer shirts for her birthday! All the kids/parents ordered them and when we go to shows we are walking billboards. We’ve also bought her new cones, a gate, jump stands, obstacle course items. Oh, and a banner for her to hang up at events and on her gate. Also, simple things like bringing soap, toilet paper, and paper towels so she’s not buying those out of her own money.

 

Jennalinn Teel Van Heusen

i had my barn family all pitch in & buy me a pair of custom made stingray cowboy boots! they are my favorite boots!!

 

Alice Miller

Mine give me the gift of their trust all year long … nothing beats that.

 

Kimberly Bombard

I like gifting non horse related actually. Farrier and trainers. Gift card to a spa or taking their family out for a meal. Not everything has to be horse.

 

Terri Contreras

Ours put money together and get us mini vacations to places we love….and one year they got us a hot water setup for our washrack!!!! They go in on ads for us too….we appreciate them appreciating us!!!🎄❤️🏆

 

Kelsey Robertson

When I get gifts not horse related. Love that my long term clients get to know me and my “non-horse” hobbies and interests.

 

Kelsey Keathly

As a new trainer (gave up my non pro 4 months ago) in Northern Illinois… it would be cool if they’d rob a bank as a team building exercise and built me a heated indoor.

 

Tim Kimura

More trail poles

And blocks

 

Jennifer McClelland Kiser

We got our trainer a set of trail poles.

 

Jessica Pickford

Jennifer McClelland Kiser that was one of my favorites too! And another year was a storage area for them! And also a nice trail gate.

 

Katie Ekovich

We have done a big Pop-Up stall front, embroidered chairs, Milwaukee Packout System, Perri’s leather halters with engraved nameplates, etc… I think Gavin Daniel Pope has enjoyed all or most of it! 😊

 

Crysta Brown

A cash bonus is always 👌👌 but gifts for the barn are also wonderful. I know groups who’ve got mirrors set up or upgraded the trail poles. All of that is great.

 

Angela Troncozo Oostman

Something that allows them to pamper themselves and not the horses. Mani / pedi, massage, detailing their trailer or truck.

 

Dawn Bolson

Ive had some great gifts from customers but my favorite was a pretty substantial spa GC.

 

Jason Gkitsas-Long

My clients gifted me and my husband a long weekend vacation with hotel and restaurant gift cards. It was glorious!! And they hounded me until we actually went away, forcing me to take time off. Loved it!!

 

Miya Childers

I’m actually kind of eyeing these cool rubber entry mats with my logo on them… they would make a great gift! 4×6 custom colors and not too expensive for a group of people. They look WAY easier to clean than my original old carpet set.

 

Alison Poellinger Petersen

My husband’s clients went in together and gifted us custom portable mat, and was very useful! (To use in cross ties at shows). https://performancestallmats.com/

 

Kerstin Joy Ruel

Honestly cash if able and a handwritten letter are my favorite.

 

Shannon Yeaton

For our barn family gift two years ago we hired a biweekly housecleaner and it was a HUGE hit 😂😂😂.

 

Kaylee Clagett

Some of the best, gift certificates for a custom hat, and for a cruise.

 

Sally Saur

A big cash tip!

A gift certificate for an automobile detailing.

 

Morgan McCarthy-Warda Jennings

I’m speaking for my mom here (the trainer), but her customers got her a travel voucher of some kind. She was able to use it to actually take a few days for a couples vacation that she may otherwise wouldn’t have made time for. It meant a lot to her!

 

Debby Ferreir

Visa gift card, restaurant gift card or cash.

 

Miranda Fackler

No crying?

Sharon Jason Ottman

Miranda Fackler and no whining!

Laura Lee

And my trainer would add…”no sassing!

 

Janet Wiseman

We did embroidered stall bags!

 

Jessica Daniels

I put together an Amazon list for most used items. It’s easy and convenient for my customers to know what we need or want plus saves us some money on future items.

 

Lucy J Adams

Spa/massage voucher!