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

What is wrong with a tiny gold horseshoe pendant (without the chain), just the pendant?

I think it's a lovely idea. I have a horse Shoe that moves around when I do.

A really thoughtful and personal idea.

Surely there's a middle ground between giving her a present with shit stuck to it and giving her a present that is gleaming like it has never been near a horse?

I mean, run it under the tap at least.

But assuming you can get the horse shit off of it, I think it's a lovely idea for a gift.

Yes. Personally it would go in a drawer and eventually to charity shop. You know your recipient best though. They might love it.

Definitely a good idea, I got something like this for my wedding (not redisigned or anything like that, probably just bought from a high street shop, I think its just a universal sign of good luck) and I have no link or interest in horses. It does sound like a perfect gift if it has a deeper meaning for her and you!

No from me unless she knew the horse or it relates to her on some way.

Yes from me. Doesn’t matter if it’s her style or not, it’s personal, thoughtful and most people will love having something so meaningful from a good friend

I’d frame it and add a little poem to explain the idea that keeping it up right will bring you good luck. I’d personally love a thoughtful present like that ☺️

Include a note with the gift explaining that it’s lucky a little bit of the folklore about it. You can mention that you display some lucky horseshoes in your home.

I think it’s lovely and unique

i prefer the natural version - the shiny bling version is a bit trashy IMO. If nothing else, it makes a great paperweight or trivet.

It’s really personal. I think thats quite tacky but you know her best

Lovely idea!

Don’t chrome it! Just give it a really good brush and wash so it keeps its genuine character.

If she’s into horses she may appreciate a bit of random hay! 😂

It sounds like a good idea. Depending on her taste, im not sure Id go with the diamond look. Personally I'd just like the rusty old horseshoe on a rope (in addition to her other presents, of course) - but I like a rustic style. If she likes bling then go for the diamond effect one.

I’m from the South West too, but I was always told that the ‘luck runs out’ if they’re the other way up. Consequently, although I’m not at all superstitious myself it always strikes me as odd when I see them hung up the ‘wrong’ way!

I absolutely love that and I'm not a horsey person at all! I think she'd think of that as a really personal, unique, and thoughtful gift. A really lovely idea, especially if you can find some Irish ribbon too. Well done 👏

What a lovely idea.
I think it's brilliant

Lovley idea go for it ☘️

It’s too hard to say as it’s so personal. It makes sense given your context so you just need to go with your gut. It’s not my cup of tea but I’m not into horses or luck things. I’m sure you’ve got it bang on for her. And it’ll mean something to her given your friendship. Definitely stop over thinking!

Honestly, it sounds really sweet that you put so much thought into her gift. Maybe you could explain the idea behind it to her and I'm sure she'd love it. Sometimes, just the fact that you put so much effort is enough.

I would hate a gift that enormous, especially if travelling. I reckon the same design / idea but as earrings or just much smaller, would have been a better idea. Even a small, horseshoe necklace. But the gift itself is superb and not weird. Mostly just the size of it for me.

Trust your instinct OP, I think it sounds lovely!
I’m a bit sad for you though that she is moving away ☹️

I think it’s a really thoughtful and touching idea - you may need to explain the meaning of this to her. It used to be traditional that brides here in England/Scotland had a horseshoe (even miniature / a token one) attached to their bridal car or bouquet as a symbol of good luck (my mum had both) so it definitely has symbolic value - a cultural tradition that has been lost…

Yes cute gift. But I would add a note explaining the luck aspect and why it’s special to you and why you would like her to have it.