My kids every year tell me to make sure to tell Santa not to forget to bring something for our dog for Chrismtas. And every year on Christmas Eve I am scrambling to figure out what to give him! Today I have a Christine here sharing 7 Smart Gifts for Animal Lovers, and she has some great ideas!
7 Smart Gifts for Animal Lovers
By Christine H.
Do you have someone in your life who loves animals? Perhaps they’re the type to always show up to brunch with cat hair on their nice slacks? They might prefer a day out in the woods with their dog over just about any other activity? They probably melt like butter as soon as they see a cute video with baby rabbits, too.
Here’s the thing, though. While they have their quirks, you also love that part of them that’s so soft-hearted and caring. You know that animals have a powerful positive effect in their life, from being a form of therapy and stress relief, to enriching their daily activities and encouraging them to be healthier and happier. That’s why you indulge their love of animals and share with them an appreciation for all things furry and cuddle-able.
This Christmas, you want to give them something besides yet another cat-themed mug, or sweater with a dog-related pun. Instead, check out this list of 7 surprisingly useful gifts for animal lovers.
Pet Tracker
Whether it’s a cat or a dog, few things are as scary as your pet going missing. However, you don’t want to keep them constantly chained up, and some pets really need outdoor time frequently. You want them to be able to have free range of your yard, and even do their own exploring when you take them outdoors. If that’s the case for your friend, get them a pet tracker. These handy devices can be attached to a collar, or added as a band elsewhere. Some versions even track your pet’s movements to help you know how much activity they’re getting each day.
Grooming Voucher
You know what’s so great about grooming? It’s a present for both the owner and the pet. Not only does the pet owner get to enjoy cuddling with their furry friend more, but the pet will adore the positive attention. Regular pet groomings can be expensive, and often we think that we’ll just bathe the dog ourselves. However, it’s more difficult than we think at first, and we often end up with unpleasant wet-dog odors, and a big mess. Instead, give your friend vouchers for visits to the groomer.
Bird Feeder
Odds are pretty good that your friends’ love of animals extends to feathered friends too. A bird feeder in the yard brings all kinds of joy, especially during the winter months. Attracting interesting species to the yard means that you have a show all day long, and whenever you look out your window, you’ll be delighted to see something new. If your friend has a cat, this gift can be even more fun, since the cat will especially enjoy the show! Just remember, if the cat is an outdoor hunter, this gift should be strategically placed so that it helps the local bird population, instead of just being a tricky trap. No pet owner wants to find more dead birds on their doorstep.
Pet Trust
Ready to do something a little more meaningful for the pet lover in your life? Setting up a pet trust is a great way to give them peace of mind, especially if this particular pet lover is more elderly, and a concerned about what will happen to their beloved friend if their time is cut short. A pet trust sets aside funds to provide for the care and maintenance of a pet after its initial owner has passed away. To learn more, read here.
Switchplates
Now, this might seem like a random suggestion, but stay with me. Animal-themed decor is a treat, but your friend might not want something too blatant, and they certainly don’t want extra clutter in their life. Instead, consider a pet-themed switchplate. This accent rests on the wall and provides a little perk every time someone has to flip the lights on or off. This link has some really fun and unique designs that are sure to be crowd-pleasers.
Chuckit Fetch Launchers
Want a happy, healthy dog? Take him out to play now and then! Most dogs are suckers for fetch, but their owners don’t always love to play. Picking up slobbery balls over and over again gets pretty icky. And after the first 15 tosses, your arm can get quite tired. Instead, try out this ingenious device. It allows you to throw the ball 4 times farther, without ever touching the ball with your own hand.
WWF Animal Sponsorships
Perhaps your friend wants to do their part to support animals, but they’re not in a position to have their own pet right now. Well, consider a sponsorship instead! When you donate money to support a certain species with the Word Wild Fund for Nature or the National Audubon Society, they’ll send you a plush to represent the animal that you “adopted.”
