There may only be a week left until Christmas, but if you’re anything like me, you still have some shopping to do! This year I’ve rounded up some gifts based on the things we’ve needed and wanted over the past few years. My first in that series is a gift guide for dog lovers. I have stopped giving other people dog treats since many dog owners I know are specific about what kind of food they feed their dogs, and different dogs digest certain things better than others . Here are some non-food gifts that the dog lover in your life is sure to enjoy!
1) Merlin Mat – These soft mats are stylish and easy to pick up and move around the house. They’re great for teaching “go to your spot” and also make great crate beds.
2) Buffalo Check Dog Pad – The Foggy Dog has so many great fabric patterns that it’s tough to choose a favorite! This buffalo check is a classic option that will look stylish year-round.
3) Doggie Toy Basket – If kids get their own toy baskets, the family dog should get one too.
4) Indigo Ombre Rope Leash – It was hard to choose which leash from Found my Animal is my favorite. I love the ombre colors on this rope leash, and the adjustable brass rings + carabiner system is super functional.
5) Custom Pet ID Tag – Etsy is full of fun custom pet ID tags, plenty with a sense of humor!
6) Mammoth Plaid Flannel Dog Bandana – For your fashion-forward friends, a bandana is an easy (and tolerable) way to give a pup some extra style.
7) Wooden Acacia Pet Bowl – These low profile dog bowls add a little bit of warmth and texture to an otherwise purely functional item.
8) English Bulldog Stoneware Salt + Pepper Shakers – Looking for something inexpensive and easy to find? These fun and neutral bulldog salt + pepper shakers from Target are a cute little gift to give your favorite host or hostess.
9) Vintage Dog Print – A vintage print illustrating your friend’s dog breed is a fun way to add a personal detail to their home. This is an especially easy one if your friend’s dog is a hunting or sporting breed, since those breeds were frequently illustrated in hunt scenes.
10) Dog Graphic Hoodie – It’s only saying what I’m already thinking.
11) Nest Cam Indoor Camera – Whether they just want to see how long their dad actually sleeps on the sofa all day or likes that they’ll know if their dog is sick or in distress, the Nest Cam is a great device for a dog owner. Our dogs are crated and we’ve had multiple occasions during which we could see with the Nest Cam that a dog had gotten sick in his crate. I was so thankful I knew and could go home and get him out of that crummy situation.
12) Bruiser Dog Tote – This dog tote is a cute way for a friend to transport a small dog around town. Please tell me you’ve seen the photos of dogs in bags riding the NYC subway!
13) LED Dog Collar – We recently purchased these rechargable LED collars for our dogs to wear when we walk in the dark. They’re an inexpensive way to help keep your friend and her pet visible and safe while walking in the dark.
14) Daycare Gift Card – Last year our in-laws gave us a gift-card to the daycare that our dogs occasionally attend and it was so nice to know that we could treat them (and us!) to a day at “camp” while we were going somewhere for the weekend or simply putting in a long day in the office.
15) Rescue Donation – Does your friend have a rescue dog? Most people who have rescued a pet are passionate about saving more animals. Find out the organization that your friend rescued their pup through and make a donation in the pup’s name. We adopted both our dogs through City Dogs Rescue and we are always touched when friends and family support the organization in their names.