How is this for convenient? I’m knocking off both my annual Chinese New Year post AND the next post in ‘My Favourite Things’ series in one fell swoop. That’s right kids, it’s my ‘Year of the Horse’ gift guide. As such, I’ve picked out five pony-themed gift ideas that work great for equine lovers, Chinese New Year celebrants, those born under the Horse year, or really, just about anyone.
Estee Lauder Year of the Horse Compact – $138 @ Hudson’s Bay
Given that luxury cosmetics brand Estee Lauder already has a line of traditional zodiac compacts, it only makes sense they’d extend their reach into the Chinese Zodiac. This limited edition powder compact is embedded with multi-coloured crystals and embossed with a beautiful mint and navy horse design. Inside you’ll find a refillable pressed powder (making the initial hefty investment a tad more manageable) and a mirror to ensure you look beautiful no matter where your year takes you.
Clark Fit Garment-Dyed Horse Embroidered Pants – $128 @ Brooks Brothers
Admittedly there is something a little preppy (but never precious) about a horse print (case in point, my Ralph Lauren gift idea below). That may be why prepster brands like Brooks Brothers have adopted the animal for themselves, such as with these chili pepper red men’s pants, embroidered with tiny prancing ponies throughout. A hit on the golf course or for the quirky would-be choir boy, these showstoppers deliver on high quality and high style.
Nursery Horse Rocking Horse – $205 @ PBKids
This, I love. Simply because, a rocking horse is already a classic children’s toy. But if you have a new little arrival making a landing this year – the Year of the Horse – why not gift them with a dual-meaning gift meant for any baby and Horse babies alike? Apart from being cuddly soft and pretty freaking adorable, you can also customize this playful gift with the name of your new grandkid, niece, nephew, etc. Way too cute for words!
Equine By Me Skirt – $42 @ ModCloth
Unsurprisingly, ModCloth carries quite a few horse-themed items (I only mention this as they carry items related to literally every animal imaginable), including several cute dresses. However, I wanted to highlight the photo realism of this screenprinted skirt – for the true equine enthusiast, you can’t get much more ‘graphic’ than this. Pair it with a crisp white blouse for a play on preppy, or rock an oversized cardigan with a slim-fit tee for a more urban take.
Year of the Horse Swatch – $90
Calling to mind traditional Chinese calligraphy, this limited edition Swatch is a perfect present for the ‘Horse’ in your household. Rendered in gender neutral red, white and black, this stylin’ silicon timepiece has a unique, almost gothic look to it that honestly makes it stand out from any other item on this list. Also neat? The packaging – something you may want to hang onto in fact. The entire concept behind the watch art is horses in motion. As such, the box features lenticular artwork that actually makes it appear as if a prancing pony is appearing as you move the box. Cool all around!
Collis Velvet Horse Slipper – $650 @ Ralph Lauren
Perhaps the most famous (sartorially speaking) horse of them all is Ralph Lauren’s signature polo pony. It’s no surprise then, that they’ve extended the look to a collection of velveteen flats, made in Italy with luxe materials such as leather and a hand-embroidered horse design. These snazzy slip-ons aren’t for everyone, naturally, but for the truly discerning gentleman they offer a touch of whimsy in sapphire blue, equestrian brown, or classic black.
Mountain Horseback Riding Experience with Yukon Horses – $177 @ Walmart
Planning a trek up North? Be sure to book a special riding experience with YukonHorses.com (via Walmart, randomly, in order to score a discount). During a three-hour trail ride with lunch, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the mountaintops and waterways below, plus bond with your new four-legged friend. A trip to the Yukon not in the cards? Not a worry. I’d say virtually every province has at least one public stable / trail ride. As someone that personally loves gifting ‘experiences’ in lieu of tangible items, consider this for any birthday boys and girls that also happen to be horse fans.
Square Braided Horsehair Bracelet – $117.65 @ My Horse My Heart
I like the idea of horsehair jewellery – if you can get past the slight weird factor – if only because it’s a subtle way to show your horsey pride. The owner of this Etsy shop has braided, twisted and woven all different shades of horsehair into a variety of elegant necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more – including this earthy turquoise-embellished piece. Horsehair is both silky feeling and strong, so you can rest assured this stylish wrist decor will have a lasting appeal in your wardrobe.
Royal Canadian Mint ‘Year of the Horse’ Coin Collection – From $39.95
The Royal Canadian Mint’s perennially popular Chinese Zodiac coins are back in full force, with not one but six options to round out your collection. Each coin has a unique special feature – from embossed designs to curved edges to 18-karat gold. Whether you’re a diehard collector or simply looking to gift someone born under the Year of the Horse, you better stock up fast: many of these limited-edition coins are already getting close to sold out (and in past years, indeed they have disappeared from the shelves altogether). What’s particularly awesome is the range of price points and designs. With four unique coin designs to choose from and a great range of price points, you can definitely find a shiny piece of Zodiac history for the giftee on your list this year.
It’s also definitely worth noting that the Royal Canadian Mint will be hosting some exclusive Year of the Horse events at their boutiques. Peruse the full line of Year of the Horse coins and if you’re one of the first guests, you’ll also take home a limited edition collector’s medallion to give you good luck all year long and beyond. For details on the events, visit the Royal Canadian Mint’s Facebook Page.
Did I mention that I’ve actually got a 1/2 oz Fine Silver Coin from the Royal Canadian Mint to give away? Because I do. If you’d like this collectible keepsake, here’s how to enter for your chance to win:
1) Leave a comment below by February 7, 2014 telling me which of these Year of the Horse gift ideas you’d most like to give or receive. Do you know what your Chinese Zodiac symbol is?
2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around February 8th, 2014 to select the winners, who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.
3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible for this promotion.
4) Bonus Entry: Follow the Royal Canadian Mint on Twitter (or their French account), tag them and me (@cdngiftguide) in up to three Tweets over the contest period, sharing with the world why you want this coin! Leave links back to your Tweets to earn up to 3 bonus entries. Limited to one Tweet per day please.