Bark the Halls: Gift Guide for Pups

Christmas time is magical. I love everything about it. Well, everything but the cold temperatures. Snow can be so pretty, sweaters are so comfy, hot apple cider is so comforting, and trees, lights and decorations are oh so merry.

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday passed, chances are you’ve already begun—or maybe even completed—your holiday shopping. But did you remember the special animal in your life? Whether your own pet, a friend or family’s, an animal rescue or charity in need, or even just the crazy cat lady you know, shopping for animal gifts is so much fun.

Gift Guide

I get presents for my own pets every year, and often, something for my parent’s and in-laws dogs, too. One year I crocheted sweaters, another year bought treats from a local doggie bakery. But the past few years, I’ve tried to get useful presents for the pooches in my life. Dogs need new things too! So last year when Brick’s bed was getting icky, he got a nice fluffy new one for Christmas. The cat’s toys seemed to have disappeared, or gotten awfully used and sad looking, so they each got a couple new balls to bat around.

My Own Wish List

This year, one item is high atop my list for Brick—dogIDs’ not-so-fast bowl. I swear, every time we feed him, he acts as if it’s the first time he’s tasted food and wolfs it down like he’s in a competition. Sometimes he gobbles it up so quickly he actually chokes on the kernels. I really don’t know how to get him to stop. I heard about putting a tennis ball in his bowl, but knowing my dog, he’d just move it out right away and go back to speed eating. I am really eager to try this bowl for him and see if it helps him eat … well, not so fast!

Suggestions for that Special Someone

Here’s some more ideas for great gifts you can get right from dogIDs for the pets and people on your list:

Gifts for Active Dogs

These durable collars will hold up in the toughest environments[/caption]

• Waterproof ScruffTag Collars, because ScruffTags are awesome to begin with, and this kind will hold up in the toughest conditions.
• Collapsible Dog Bowl, for the dog who needs to drink on the go. Perfect for camping or long walks in the park.
• Collars for Small Breeds & Puppies
• Personalized Engraved Buckle Collars, with several styles to choose from, these are super cute collars for the doggie who wants to show off his unique style.

Stocking Stuffers

- Custom ID tags for dogs or cats. Because every pet should be able to be found if lost! Plus, show your pride for your favorite sports team with these.

- Signature Dog Breed ID Tags, available in gold or nickel-plated solid brass with over 100 breed silhouettes and 13 fonts. For the person who loves to display their favorite breed.

- Custom Christmas Dog Collars, with three festive patterns to choose from. Super cute for use around the holidays.

Alternate Avenues

Other ideas are to make your own homemade treats and package them up in a cute holiday-themed bag or basket. If you’re feeling super crafty and ambitious, you can even make your own custom pillows! Just get a photograph of the pet you want pictured, and get that print made onto fabric or canvas. Cut it out, get some stuffing, and sew it up. One DIY project I hope to attempt this year for my doggies-in-law are fleece scarves.

Other ideas for pets and their people are kitty scratching posts, cute paw-print clothing, or even kitchen items. I love my bone-shaped cookie cutter for making treats at home.

Strapped for cash? Give gift certificates that your friends or family can claim for free walks, baths or play time. I know I’d appreciate having some of those for the times of the year I get super busy and just can’t devote as much time to my animals as I would like.

Get a little creative, and you’ll make everyone on your list purrfectly happy with no barks about it!