Is this a weird present? Be honest please!

[sparklingWine4]

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

You’ve put so much thought into it that she will appreciate it for that alone.

One of the most precious things I have ever been gifted is a horseshoe from my late grandfather's workshop (from one of his horses) when I bought my house. It is proudly displayed over the door of my house upright.

I love the modern design in your pics. I would probably print off a small note explaining the tradition to go with it and a picture of the horse it came from... just in case!

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

It's lovely, but does she have space to put it somewhere?

(she might not appreciate as much if not! just saying)

I think that if, when you give it to her, you explain about horseshoes being a good luck charm here, and tell her that you hope it will remind her of her time in Ireland because of the equestrian tradition and the local superstition of horseshoes being good luck, then it will be a lovely gift.

My old neighbours were Albanian and they gave me Nazar eye charm as a thank you gift once; I thought it was a really nice gesture and I liked the fact that it was like getting a little piece of Albania.

Its lovely. Im not hugely to horses but I would love that. My dad found an old horseshoe many years ago and he lovingly nailed it on to his garden shed. We now have it nailed onto our shed. They are meant to be lucky, of course !! 😀

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

I think the fact that you put so much thought into it is a great gift to her. I’d really appreciate that.
I remember a very old friend came to stay at my house and for my birthday she gave me a small bottle of Body Shop Rose EDT. I’ve never liked rose perfumes and frankly it was obvious it was off the ‘re-gift’ shelf she has. She’s quite a wealthy person.
Gifts really do reveal a persons ability to notice and cherish their friends, so I think you’re friend will be very heartwarmed.

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.

Lovely

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!

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.

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.

I think its a lovely idea

Not weird, sounds like she'll love it.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

I think that’s beautiful

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!

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