5 Unique Christmas Gifts for Pet Lovers

When it comes to buying a gift for the pet owner in your life…not just a pet owner, but a head-over-heels, YouTube animal video viewin’, “this is not just my pet but my BABY” kind of pet lover, a regular off-the-shelf gift just won’t do. Let’s face it, you could go to a big box store and get something, but at Christmas time, that’s just about as original as the box of Black Magic or Pot of Gold…you know, the chocolates that people ONLY eat at Christmas and every family buys an extra couple of boxes just in case you get a gift from someone you didn’t expect a gift from and want to give them something in return (or let’s be honest here: you don’t want to look like a cheapskate so you feel the need to give them something in return?) Yeah, we’ve all done it at some point…you have too…just admit it.
Since we love pets and most of the time the people who own them, at petEnVogue we wanted to create a list of 5 fabulous ideas for unique gifts this Christmas that any pet lover will KNOW that you really do care…like really care – and know you put thought into it, without spending an absolute fortune.
1. Barkbox
www.barkbox.com »
Get a box of dog goodies every month.
Barkbox is our top pick as we LOVE the idea, and it’s a gift that keeps on giving! Who benefits?
a) The person who the gift is for: with boxes starting at $17 a month (you can choose 1, 3 or 6 month subscriptions), your pet lovin’ pal will receive a box in the mail with at least four amazing products (they promise anything and everything from bones and treats to shampoos, leashes and innovative new gadgets).
b) The pampered pooch: imagine getting a box of new goodies every month…how would you feel? Quite fabulous, we think.
c) A local rescue: 10% of Barkbox’s monthly profits go to support a local rescue. We highly value and respect this as petEnVogue does the exact same thing. Great minds and hearts think alike, and helping innocent animals in need is always a top priority.
d) YOU: You made a friend happy. You made a pet happy. You’ve supported pets in need. In short, you rock.
2. SpotLite: The Pet Tracking Device
www.securusgps.com »
A GPS system that tracks your pet 24 hours a day.
One of the biggest fears any pet parent has is losing their pet. Accidents can happen – someone accidently opens the garden gate and the dog goes running out and starts chasing a squirrel, or your golden retriver gets on the subway (I personally saw that happen once – a dog walked onto a train and got off at the next stop – it was weird and hilarious at the same time), or your outdoor cat goes on a stroll that lasts three days…this GPS pet tracking device with 24 hour monitoring service is pretty affordable and will keep any pet owner’s mind and heart at ease.
3. Customized Gifts at www.personalcreations.com
Get 25% off Personalized Gifts for the Holidays! »
Personalized toys, bowls, collars – tons of unique gifts for pets and their owners!
When we found this site, we were blown away by the amount of things you can get personalized…Christmas stockings, christmas ornaments, door mats, coffee mugs, pet treat jars…you name it! An array of gifts start at less than $10…all personalized! That’s much better than a box of Milk Bones or a toy you got at the dollar store that was made in China and looks like a rotted banana with a face like Jimmy Nail. If you’ve never heard of Jimmy Nail, google him. Nuff said.
4.The Perfect Pet Story
The Art of Racing in the Rain
»
The one book EVERY pet lover should have.
Okay my friends, if there is one book that EVERY person who has ever had a bond with a pet – be it a dog, a cat, a bird, whatever Snuffleupagus is supposed to be…seriously ANY pet, they MUST read The Art of Racing in the Rain. It tells a story from the perspective of a dog named Enzo. Funny, heart-warming, filled with love, tragedy, loyalty, hope…all the makings of a fabulous story, and a good, easy read…even for the grump who squawks that they don’t like to read. We assume it hasn’t gone massively mainstream because Oprah hasn’t read it yet…that said, do you know in her will she’s left $30 million dollars to her dogs? Seriously! Maybe she has read this book…even if she hasn’t you should. Feel free to leave us $30 million dollars.
Seriously friends, it’s thoughtful, affordable and you will change the way you talk to your pet, and the way you talk in front of your pet for the rest of your life.
5. A Donation To a Local Rescue
Help less fortunate animals while gifting a pet lover in your life
This is not only a thoughtful gift for an owner, but it honours their pet (as you can make the donation in the pet’s name). Rescues can be large, national organizations like Best Friends Animal Society, but most are small, local operations that have to work a lot harder than the SPCA or ASPCA to get support. Most of the staff at a rescue is comprised of volunteers, so your donations go to providing food and vet care. Also, if the recipient of your gift favours a particular breed like boston terriers, dachshunds or siamese cats, chances are there is a local rescue for that. Google the city, the breed, the word “rescue”, then donate…you’re done! After that, you’re a hero for being kind to animals, for being a good friend and for being an amazingly gorgeous and caring individual. Celebrate by eating a hero and that box of Pot of Gold that’s been in your closet since last December 26th. And because you are so awesome, you could even buy yourself a gift, and make a donation in your own name! 😉
Photo Credit: Image © Best Friends Animal Society