There’s no better time of year to show our pets just how much we care about them. After a year of unconditional love (and maybe a tantrum or two), the holidays give us the opportunity to give back to our furry friends. Whether you’re shopping for your own pets or for a pet parent, here are some can’t-miss gift ideas to inspire your shopping!
A Comfy Padded Harness
Dog walks are the best. Even if we aren’t always in the mood to take them, they keep us healthy and give us the chance to watch our pets enjoy the various sights, sounds, and smells of nature. But anyone with a “puller” knows that collars or strappy harnesses can be really uncomfortable. Dogs are always troopers about discomfort, but one big quality-of-life improvement you can give your pet is a high-quality padded harness to make walks less painful!
Puzzle Toys for Smart and Stubborn Pets
If you’ve heard one-too-many stories about your friend’s restless and cunning Husky or stealthy and mischievous cat, then puzzle toys are a great idea. From IQ balls, which only release treats if they’re rolled in just the right way, to maze-like puzzles that require pets to move pieces around the board to “unlock” their food, these tricky toys are sure to keep them occupied.
Matching Pet and Person Sweaters
That’s right; these exist. Believe it or not, there’s no shortage of clothing companies and independent artisans who make matching holiday clothing for pets and their people. If your friends or family have multiple animals, you could even find a dog, cat, and mom-and-dad combo! Opening up a matching sweater gift will make any pet parent smile!
Treat-Tossing Pet Cameras
Leaving your pets alone at home is always a heartbreaker, but you or your pet parent friends can feel a bit more comfortable if you can see what your pets are up to (and even toss them a treat from your phone). That’s where dog cameras come in. Using an app, you can simply check in on your pets. Some cameras even notify you if your dog begins barking — meaning they can double as a security camera! Not a bad investment.
Humorously Luxurious Pet Treats
Sometimes crossing the line gets a big laugh. From luxury dog macrons to high-end cat snacks, an assortment of ridiculous pet treats will put a smile on any pet parent’s face. You could even put together a five-star pet snack pack including fresh-ingredient entrees, a pack of high-end snacks, and a fun pet desert.
Motion-Activated Cat Toys
Any pet parent who works from home knows just how tough conference calls can be with a needy cat. Motion-activated cat toys are a great way to keep those kittens occupied. My favorite is an automatic laser toy that senses your cat’s presence and begins moving a laser pointer around. It’s a big help, and it’s fun to watch!
Doggy DNA Kits (for Health and Fun)
If your friend has always speculated about what type of breed their dog is, then a DNA kit could be a great gift. The results can be pretty shocking — not only will you find out why your dog’s ears stand up or what breed mix they are, but you’ll also get a bunch of prospective health information so you can make sure your pet lives a long and happy life.
Custom Pet Portrait or Pillow
Imagine opening up a gift and finding a comfy throw pillow with your dog or cat’s face tastefully woven into the fabric — it’s a heartwarming gift that will keep on giving. These types of custom pet items are pretty common now. You can even commission hand-designed pet portraits to hang up on the wall! If you’re feeling really crazy, there are even companies that create exact replicas of your pets — right down to their size and the way their fur feels.
Happy Holidays to You and Your Pets!
Hopefully this little guide gave you some big ideas for the upcoming holidays. If you’re interested in giving yourself a gift, consider learning about emotional support animals or animal-assisted therapy. Let’s make this next year your best yet. I’m just a message away!