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Is this a weird present? Be honest please!

183 replies

sparklingWine4 · 08/07/2026 13:47

Just asking for opinions as I’m totally overthinking this!

I’ve got a really close friend who isn’t European. She moved here from across the world, we met at uni, and have been best friends ever since. She’s moving away for a new job and I’ve been trying to think of a nice personal present for her. She got me a cracking gift for a big event in my life and it was really personal and meaningful so I wanted to do something similar for her. I’ve got her some jewellery and other things as the main present, but I’ve had an idea and I’m just not sure now if she’ll like it and I’m over thinking it!

shes always been fascinated by the Irish rural equestrian sort of culture, and while she doesn’t ride herself, she really likes horses and that sort of vibe. I do eventing and have a set of 4 lucky horseshoes (taken off my horse) which I’ve got one in a frame and 3 basically in my outhouse.

I decided to get one of them redesigned into an ornament for her, as a keepsake from her time in rural Ireland. I know it’s not lucky for her in the same personal way it is for me, but it’s sort of a running superstition that if you keep it upright it’ll bring you good luck and she loves that sort of good luck / fortune kind of thing. And it’s just an ornament/ keepsake. But now I’m totally overthinking it and I’m thinking what if she thinks wtf why has she given me a horse shoe, what am I supposed to do with this etc, or that it looks like I’m forcing my interest on her

ill attach a pic of what it’ll look like to give an idea

is this a nice present given the context above? I don’t want it to look like a weird present that I’m forcing on her because I’m horsey, but I know she’s always loved that sort of thing and I know she wants some kind of meaningful keepsake from her time here

if someone could give me an honest opinion I’d be really grateful haha. Thanks so much! X

OP posts:
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8
FlamingoQueen · 09/07/2026 06:26

Could you get a smaller version and make it into a necklace? Small enough that it doesn’t take up much room!

abbynabby23 · 09/07/2026 05:04

sparklingWine4 · 08/07/2026 13:47

Just asking for opinions as I’m totally overthinking this!

I’ve got a really close friend who isn’t European. She moved here from across the world, we met at uni, and have been best friends ever since. She’s moving away for a new job and I’ve been trying to think of a nice personal present for her. She got me a cracking gift for a big event in my life and it was really personal and meaningful so I wanted to do something similar for her. I’ve got her some jewellery and other things as the main present, but I’ve had an idea and I’m just not sure now if she’ll like it and I’m over thinking it!

shes always been fascinated by the Irish rural equestrian sort of culture, and while she doesn’t ride herself, she really likes horses and that sort of vibe. I do eventing and have a set of 4 lucky horseshoes (taken off my horse) which I’ve got one in a frame and 3 basically in my outhouse.

I decided to get one of them redesigned into an ornament for her, as a keepsake from her time in rural Ireland. I know it’s not lucky for her in the same personal way it is for me, but it’s sort of a running superstition that if you keep it upright it’ll bring you good luck and she loves that sort of good luck / fortune kind of thing. And it’s just an ornament/ keepsake. But now I’m totally overthinking it and I’m thinking what if she thinks wtf why has she given me a horse shoe, what am I supposed to do with this etc, or that it looks like I’m forcing my interest on her

ill attach a pic of what it’ll look like to give an idea

is this a nice present given the context above? I don’t want it to look like a weird present that I’m forcing on her because I’m horsey, but I know she’s always loved that sort of thing and I know she wants some kind of meaningful keepsake from her time here

if someone could give me an honest opinion I’d be really grateful haha. Thanks so much! X

I think it s very thoughtful and even though i m not into horses, I would have loved it for that reason. If she likes horses, even more so.

Sugarnspicenallthingsnaice · 09/07/2026 05:03

I think of all the ideas suggested here, you should stick with yours OP.

A frame will be a pain in the arse to travel with. Your friend can easily stash a horseshoe in her luggage and it's not fragile!

TerfOnATrain · 09/07/2026 05:03

I think it’s a great idea, given you know her so well. I’m horsey too and really like this thoughtful idea.

I have to laugh on these threads where the poster describes looking for something quite specific, the reasons why and what might work and then someone comes up with something totally irrelevant and not in keeping with the whole vibe.

Go with the horseshoe.

sweetiepie11 · 09/07/2026 04:21

What about a photo book of some of the locations you all really enjoyed hanging out at (a dozen or so photos) and maybe on the front you could put a photo of a horseshoe. Just another thought.

Franjipanl8r · 09/07/2026 04:18

Just to have a friend that makes an effort and has put thought into a gift, is a lovely thing in itself.

Chickadee26 · 09/07/2026 04:12

If she likes knick knacks she may like it, you know her best.

myothercarisarustbucket · 09/07/2026 03:55

ToadRage · 08/07/2026 13:56

Its a lovely idea and you said she likes that kind of thing but I'm from the South West so to my mind they're upside down.

Noooo !

Horseshoes should be kept with the ends up, otherwise the luck runs out !

I'm from the NW if that's relevant ?

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/home-and-garden/what-hanging-a-horseshoe-on-your-front-door-is-really-saying/ar-AA1INXiZ

MavisTheMonkey · 09/07/2026 03:39

I would frame it and add an Irish blessing re luck or prosperity (road rise to meet you or similar) underneath.

However you choose to execute it, it is a lovely and thoughtful gift idea which I am sure your friend will appreciate.

I was given a Japanese good luck charm from a colleague of mine whilst I was pregnant- it was for pregnant mothers to protect the mother and unborn baby. That unborn baby is 14 now and the charm is still hanging in his bedroom!

ViolettaScrambler · 08/07/2026 21:42

I think it’s a lovely idea. But I am a bit biased as I have horses too and used their shoes for my wedding decorations

tfu · 08/07/2026 21:21

My Ex husband and I were given a horseshoe as a wedding gift for good luck. Not that lucky as he is now my Ex!

user293948849167 · 08/07/2026 21:21

I think that’s beautiful

TwinMamaTee · 08/07/2026 21:18

That is an amazing thoughtful gift and she will love it!

Livinthedrama · 08/07/2026 18:29

If you add a personalised story in a card as to why you have given her this then I think it will be even better.

AllTheChicken · 08/07/2026 17:08

I think this is great, if youre worried about her not understanding then just explain when she's opened it! I have to say I'd love one in it's natural (but cleaned) state and not shiny, but maybe your friend is different

BunnyLake · 08/07/2026 17:06

I think it’s a lovely idea if it’s presented so as not to look like it was once part of a wedding.

whippersnapper55 · 08/07/2026 17:01

I think it's a lovely gift! You can explain that it's a 'good luck charm', I'm sure she'll love it ☺️

fivepastmidnight · 08/07/2026 16:57

I'd love it and the thought but I'd prefer it not to be mirrored, just rustic.

ThatLilacTiger · 08/07/2026 16:41

Not weird, sounds like she'll love it.

Chilly80 · 08/07/2026 16:18

I think its a lovely idea

Tryingtobenormal124 · 08/07/2026 16:07

Its lovely. Not the only thing you're giving her,, I bet it will be the best memory one for her. Great idea for unusual one of gift.

ToadRage · 08/07/2026 15:45

Chesspitofbacteria · 08/07/2026 15:05

I always thought that they are displayed that way up because otherwise your "luck runs out".

Does the SW have a special way of displaying them?

Not being snarky (I live in the SW but didn't grow up here). Just curious

A lot of places do believe that but in SW we don't believe that luck is subject to gravity amd that way up the devil can hold on so we display them they other way up. We live in the Midlands now and my husband always laughs when I point out the horse shoe is the wrong way up.

OP i much prefer the framed one I'd give her one if those.

Ablondiebutagoody · 08/07/2026 15:40

So an old shoe off your horse, chromed and other shiny stuff glued to it? Pimp your ride? Sorry OP, I hate it. I would prefer the unmolested shoe if I really had to have something related to your horse. Which is debatable. Keep thinking!

Kokonimater · 08/07/2026 15:34

Lovely

Calliopespa · 08/07/2026 15:33

Obeseandashamed · 08/07/2026 15:29

I think k it’s a lovely idea but think it would look nicer framed than as a hanging ornament

I agree this framed one looks nicer, and it avoids the wedding vibe.

I think it's a nice idea but truthfully I associate them with those lacy ones people used to give at weddings, so I'd put a note explaining the broader context. Otherwise it could come across a bit like pointedly chucking your bridal bouquet at her!

This framed one looks appropriate I think, and the note could go on the back.

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