It's that time of year again when we all have to start thinking about what we are going to buy for Christmas. In theory a model horse collector is pretty easy to buy for, you just buy them a model horse and they are happy right? But they have SO MANY?!?! How do I know they don't already have that one? Or like five of that one?
Well don't worry! I'm here to offer you ten unusual suggestions for gifts that model horse collectors will LOVE and that aren't actually models! No concerns about whether or not they've got every single Breyer that has been released in the last 20 years, they are sure to appreciate these unusual and thoughtful gifts.
1. Live Show 'Tickets' / Helper
This is a great idea as a gift, you could offer to purchase a place at a show (or even book a show without them knowing), or you could offer to go along with them for a day and help the out. The wonderful this about the later one is it doesn't cost you anything and it is something they will genuinely really appreciate. Particularly if you offer to share the driving!
2. Scenic Items
Especially great for photoshowers and those who like to make bases and scenes scenic items are really useful. You can get them from any good model railway shop or online. Things like scatter, lichen, static grass etc. are all really useful.
3. Shelving (Offer to Put Up Shelving)
Buying them some shelves or a cabinet doesn't have to be too expensive (you can get bookshelves for £15.00 from Ikea). Or if you are short on money why not offer to come over and help put up some new shelves or reorganise their pony room? We always need more shelf space!
4. Unusual Make Up Brushes
Blusher brushes and make up brushes are used to get dust off models for showing. Nowadays you can get all kinds of fun designs from Unicorn to Mermaid to Harry Potter. Take a look online and see what you can find. They make a useful but unusual gift.
5. Really Useful Boxes
One can never have enough really useful boxes, I particularly like the solid coloured flat ones at the moment. But the 64L is always a firm favourite too. You really can't go wrong with any size as long as it can be carried! Even the really tiny ones are useful.
6. Laminator
Laminators are soooooooo useful! Honestly you can laminate EVERYTHING with them. One use that I just love is to mark performance patterns, instead of having a separate pattern for each model with the area marked you can use one pattern and a wipe down marker pen to mark each one. If they don't already have one get them one and some pouches and you'll have a friend (and use of a laminator) for life.
7. Stationery
Firstly, everyone loves stationery as a gift. Secondly, model horse collectors get through SO MUCH. Of particular use are tags, sticky notes, pens, notepads and labels. Bubblewrap is also a useful gift.
8. Paints, Primer and Brushes
Have a look at see what brands they normally buy or own and then go and get those. If you aren't sure the Citadel range from Games Workshop is always a good bet. Choose some colours that look realistic but also get black and white. Honestly I get through so much black paint it's absurd.
9. Pony Pouches
One can never have too many pony pouches! Search online for sellers or take a look at trade stands at live shows. Many will even do custom ones in unique fabrics for an extra special gift. And if you want to go really OTT there are companies out there who custom print fabrics. Get one done with pictures of their favourite models, then turn it into a pouch! (or you could get your face if you wanted to be really weird)!
10. Dremel/Bits/Extension
I am forever breaking my dremel bits. A set of bits is so incredibly useful. If they don't already have a dremel or rotary tool I would definitely recommend getting them one, they will thank you for it. It saves so much time and opens up sooo many possibilities.
I hope you've enjoyed this list. If you are looking for some lovely hand picked model horse gifts then why not check out www.ukmodelhorses.com
This blog post was written by Catriona Harris, owner of Chestnut Ridge and model horse fanatic.
