Best Gifts for Dog Lovers by Guest Blogger Cindy Aldridge
You know that this time of year is perfect for finding that special something for your loved ones, but it can be hard year after year to think of new and exciting things. If your loved one has a furry friend, a gift that works for both owner and pet cannot go awry. Here are several tips, tricks, and ideas for you to find the absolute perfect gift for the dog lover in your life.
Crafted Gifts
If you're tight on money this year or find yourself feeling a little extra crafty, you can make your loved ones a gift. Putting a pretty bow or a large flower onto a collar not only adds charm to something very necessary, but can give their pooch personality. If you know that their dog is a messy eater, make a pet place mat to make clean up a breeze. If you have a decent camera, you can even offer to take some portraits of their pet and professionally print and frame them, so that your loved ones can display their furry friendship as proper artwork.
Safety Gear
There are so many excellent options out there for safety gear. Often overlooked, however, is car safety gear. If your loved ones are planning a trip, getting them a nice carrier for their small or medium-sized dog is a fabulous choice. There are belt extenders and harnesses to make travel even easier for larger animals. There are also comfortable booster seats for their canine friends.
Another idea is getting (or making) a dog first aid kit so they can be prepared in case of an emergency. There are also GPS trackers that attach to collars like a tag, so if their dog isn't chipped, they can still be certain of where their dog is at all times.
Custom Gifts
If you want something truly unique, you can get your friends a customizable gift (either for them or their dog). Whether it's personalized dog tags with their pet's name, address, or phone number or even a DNA kit for your friends to uncover their beloved mutt's breed, there are as many customizable gifts as there are dogs out there. Consider getting a custom pet pillow, so their dog can lead the lavish life and be comfortable in the coming new year. You can even get them a throw pillow for their couch, shaped like their furry friend.
Quirky Gifts
Another way to get the dog lovers in your life a unique gift is to buy them something completely out of the box. For instance, you could gift them a cute jacket for their canine friend or a monthly dog toy subscription box to get their pooch new gifts and toys just when the old toy is getting a bit too worn. You could get them items for themselves to celebrate their love of dogs—from shoes and T-shirts decorated with tiny pooches, to an apron covered with their favorite breed. Another option is a flask graced with the face of their canine friend. There are breed-based blueprints that can be framed as artwork for your loved one's work-space or bedroom.
Enrichment Gifts
Aside from Kongs, there are plenty of gifts that help dogs stay happy by giving them challenges (and prizes!) to keep them entertained. There are dog bowls that require the pooch to use its nose, paws, and wit to open each compartment for its snack and meal. There are dog puzzles (even ones you can make yourself) that dispense treats when solved, so their canine spends hours playing with something meant to be chewed, rather than gnawing on the couch or cushions.
This holiday season, surprise and delight the dog lovers in your life with a unique, fun, or just plain helpful gift. From custom pet pillows to toys that will challenge and entertain their pooch, there is something for every sort of dog owner.
Image Courtesy of Pixabay
Guest Blogger Cindy Aldridge enjoys writing about dogs and pet ownership. She is the founder of the non-profit OurDogFriends.org and cares passionately about our furry four-legged friends.