Best holiday gifts for pets

Keeping in mind that every day is Christmas for your pet – as long as you’re around, try not to go overboard spending on your fur kids. So what’s a good pet parent to buy this year? Here are a few suggestions for pet owners and animal lovers alike.

Best gift ever for cat or dog
Thoughtful, practical and personalized, it’s a small and simple thing –– as the best gifts often are. For cats and dogs, one of the best pet gifts ever is the identification tag – engraved or otherwise. If a pet escapes or accidentally wanders off, an ID tag is the gift that keeps on giving, especially when a beloved pet is returned home safe and sound.

Surfing websites, you’ll find tags can range from classic dog bone shape to the latest design trends. Depending on your taste and budget, selection includes stainless steel, aluminum, or brass, and range in price from $3 to $10. Etsy offers hand-stamped metal designs for around $10 while Martha Stewart offers tips on how to design your very own adorable pet tags. If your pet already has an ID tag, you might be interested in the range of personalized pet items like food bowls, treat jars, bandannas, picture frames and more – some lovely affordable pet gift ideas.

Environmentally-friendly gifts for animal lovers
When in doubt, give a gift to the planet with environmentally-friendly gifts listed on Animal Planet. From comfy recycled duvet beds and dog collars, to corrugated kitty condos and a disposable biodegradable litter box, these are great eco-friendly gift ideas.

Holiday gifts for dogs
For small, delicate breeds consider a practical gift like a new winter coat, booties or sweater. Keep the receipt in case the items don’t fit. Larger dogs also appreciate winter booties, particularly if there’s lots of salt on the sidewalks and roadways in your neighborhood. Winter tip: Non-clumping kitty litter is a pet-friendly and environmentally-sound alternative to salt.

Your pet might also enjoy a comfy new pet bed, or perhaps it’s time for a new leash or collar. Great stocking stuffers include yummy doggie treats, as well as the classic tennis ball (available in regular and small) and squeaky toys. You might want to save your hearing (and sanity) by purchasing toys with a supersonic squeak that only dogs can hear.

Holiday gifts for cats
What kitty doesn’t love their catnip? Sprinkle some near a brand new scratching post and save some wear and tear on your furniture and drapes. Many a cat toy sits gathering dust, so homemade toys like string and treats that help reduce kitty’s tartar and hair balls are better gifts. For more ideas, Amazon lists gifts for cats that range from a “cat veranda” to a “pet stroller” of all things.

Celebrate the spirit of the season by giving back
Not sure what to buy your pet for the holidays? A donation to PETA or your local humane society is perfectly in keeping with the spirit of the season. Perhaps you and your pet want to do something nice for your local pet shelter like donate treats, sponsor a pet, or even take one of the dog’s out for a walk and some TLC.

So take a moment from your hectic holiday preparations to stop and count your blessings, especially the big and little furry ones that bring so much joy and love into your life. Let’s take a cue from our pets because they know how to make every day feel like Christmas simply in the way that they acknowledge us– with joy, love and happiness.

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