Ok, I know we just did a gift guide yesterday (for the people who don’t want more “stuff”) but I had to do one more before it was too late. I mean Christmas and Hanukkah are 13 days away! So here we go. Pets are a part of our families and they deserve a little treat too (or more, maybe the owner could use a pet-related treat/gift)! I polled all the pet-obsessed people in my life (including the team, obviously) as well as did a little research on my own, and baby, I have to say there are a lot of great options on this list. To preface this is a cat and dog only gift guide. I’m sorry to all the fish, bird, reptile, horse, alpaca, and beyond owners out there. To be honest, we didn’t feel equipped enough and I’m sure there are plenty of great guides out there by people who are:) So without further ado let’s get into the goods.
Dogs
Brushy Sticks Dental Bars | Frozen Banana & Peanut Butter Yogurt
If I were a dog (lol), I think actual food treats would be at the top of my holiday wishlist. I went to my cousin who is the most incredible dog and cat mom I might know for what she recommends. Here pup loves both of these. Both are really healthy and contain nothing artificial. The brush sticks come in 3 different sizes so grab the one that fits the size of your dog. Their dental health and breath will improve! Then for the frozen cups, they will help with your pup’s digestion (and gas) with the added probiotics. A gift for everyone:) Oh, I saw that the cups are available at some grocery stores like Whole Foods and Sprouts if those are easily accessible to you.
Durable and Tough Chew Toy | Baguette Dog Toy
We know that dogs, and especially big dogs, are HARD on their toys. So this yellow non-toxic, made-in-the-US, chew toy is perfect for medium to large dogs, has a place to insert a treat stick, bounces, and floats in water. Pretty perfect if you ask me. Then how cute is this baguette toy!? Cute for the home and fun for the pup – treat pockets and squeakers on each end.
Slow Treater Silicone Lick Mat | Groov Dog Training Toy
My cousin also recommended this “slow treater” mat because sometimes you either need your pup to slow down with their eating or you need them to be distracted while you bathe and groom them. This is a perfect hack! Then this other great training treat toy is a Gretchen rec. Here’s why:
“My friend feels guilty every time she has to take off for work, leaving her dog to hang out in his crate for a few hours at a time. Unfortunately, he doesn’t do too well outside of the crate, roaming around her place when he’s alone so she doesn’t have much choice. But a gift like this Groov Training Toy helps to ease both of their anxieties around the kennel! My friend can spread on some peanut butter or freeze it into a dog-friendly popsicle, attach it to the wired door of his crate, and let him go to town. Something he can look forward to that also aids in keeping him more calm until mom gets home!”
Triangle Tug Toy | Tennis Tuft
One of Emily’s requests for this gift guide was that there were non-squeaky toy options, which I get. The constant squeaking is not something I have a desire to endure either. These toys from Wild One are chic and fun for dogs! Actually, all of their products are beautiful if you are or have a dog owner friend who is very design-conscious.
Lamb Chop Squeaky Plush Dog Toy | Squeaky Beer Dog Toys
But for those who like a little more humor (and squeak) then these two options are right up that alley. Lamb Chop comes in a bunch of sizes and is a pet favorite. Gretchen sent me the beer cans and here’s what she had to say about them:
“I bought a Pabst Blue Ribbon “beer can” dog toy for my best friend’s pup last year and it quickly became one of his faves. It will never not be funny to me seeing his sweet golden retriever snout carrying around a doggy PBR. Be warned, this one does have a squeaker, but for the photo-op alone, I think it’s worth putting up with for the laughs!”
Gretchen also sent me this adorable personalized bandana! It comes in 2 other colors and 3 different sizes. The pup who wears this will be the cutest and most stylish dog maybe in the whole world. Here’s what she said about it:
“Who can say no to a cute doggy bandana? Not me. I’m a sucker for a pup in plaid! And I love that these have the option to be customized with an embroidered name. But the best part is this company gives back with every purchase; 1 order = 1 pound of food provided to shelters across the nation.”
Comfort Padded Dog Harness | Carhartt Nylon Duck No Pull Dog Harness
I’ve been told the superiority of a harness and how much safer they are for dogs’ throats. Of course, no judgment to non-harness users at all! But if you or a loved one/friend are in the market, here are two great ones. The blue one comes in a bunch of other colors and 4 sizes. It also has a 4.3-star rating with almost 500 reviews. Not too shabby:) Then the Carhartt harness was a Gretchen rec and here’s what she had to say about it:
“Did you know they make Carhartt gear for dogs? Because I didn’t until I saw my friend’s pup rocking this rugged harness! Now you can match your cool-kid beanie or workwear jacket to your dog’s walking attire. How cute? I think it could make a great dog/owner gift to give a matching get-up. Plus, this harness is super durable and comfortable, just like your trusty Carhartt human gear.”
The Henri Ombre Adjustable Cotton Rope Dog Leash | Lifetime Leash
Leashes, while needing to be highly functional also give an opportunity for style:) With that said, I LOVE this hand-dyed adjustable rope dog leash. It’s not only beautiful but you can wear it around your waist, make a handle, or walk two dogs at once. Oh, and it comes in 3 sizes. Couldn’t love it more. Then that chic green cutie also comes in 5 other colors and Gretchen is about to tell us why she thinks it’s great:
“If your pup likes to pull, then you need a leash that can withstand the tug and test of time. Two of my dog-obsessed pals swear by this climbing rope “Lifetime Leash”. They come in fun colors and the hardware and material are super robust. But if colorful climbing rope or its higher price tag isn’t really your vibe, another one of my dog-mama friends loves using this braided leather leash. It’s inexpensive, strong enough for her squirre-chasing boy, and gentle on her hands when he tries to dart.”
100% Certified Home Compostable Dog Poop Bags | Dog Poop Bag Holder
Gretchen also sent through these two and here’s why:
“Buying 100% compostable poop bags feels like a no-brainer. Many doggie bags claim to be eco-friendly, since they’re made from recycled plastic, but those will still end up in a landfill! Because these are made from cornstarch, they will actually break down and become one with nature. Plus, they have rave reviews for their quality and durability, so there’s no compromising when it comes to better-for-the-earth material. To pair with your compostable poop bags, it’s always nice to have a little pouch to hold them in that you can strap onto the leash for walks. I prefer a woven, zippered pouch like this one to a plastic holder that can be more prone to breaking or coming apart. I love that these have a rubber dispenser hole for easy, single-bag access and that they have two carabiners to hold tight to the leash so they don’t jostle around a bunch as you walk.”
Ceramic Dog Bowl | Elevated Dog Bowl
For the design lover, this food and microwave-safe ceramic bowl is stunning! I would HAPPILY have this in my home. I’m sure dogs love it just as much:) But for a more affordable, older dog-friendly, option this cute and affordable elevated bowl is great. It’s dishwasher-safe and only $13!
Forager Snuffle Mat & Slow Feeder Dog Bowl | Collapsible Silicone Dog Bowl
Back to my cousin, her Bernedoodle is a FAST eater so she actually feeds him on this snuffle mat. It slows him down perfectly so that he doesn’t get sick from eating so quickly. Then for the traveler, whether that’s to the park or on a road trip, it’s always great to have a collapsible dog bowl on hand. They’ve got a few other colors and 4 sizes!
Not only is this crate one of, if not THE, prettiest crate on the market, but it’ll look great in a home and is good for your pups too since it’s highly rated. When I thought I was going to be able to adopt a puppy this crate was at the top of my list. This would be a wildly generous and awesome gift for a new dog parent.
Saatva Dog Bed | Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler Cat & Dog Bed
In terms of beds, these are two personal recs. The Saatva one was one item my cousin bought from Orlando’s Holiday Open House last weekend (he’s doing it again this weekend, go if you’re near LA!!). She loves the look and her pup loves the feel. Then this round one was a rec from Mal, it comes in a bunch of colors, and sizes, and is also for cats. Here’s what she said about it:
“We have a sweet little blind and deaf rescue pup (his name is Murphy!!) and he (rightfully so) has some anxiety…which is why he’s obsessed with this anti-anxiety dog bed. It swattles him so I think it makes him feel super safe & he can’t sleep without it. A great gift if you have an anxious pet or know an anxious pet owner” 🙂
Home Security Rotating Pet Treat Cameras
This is a perfect gift for people who either can’t work from home or happen to be out of the house a lot. These cameras are awesome. My cousin had one years ago and loved it. You can use an app to see your baby, talk to them, and give them a treat. It’s perfect for any separation anxiety too.
Cat
Chicken Variety Pack Grain-Free Lickable Cat Treats | Chicken Breast Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Treats
Cats love treats too and these are some good ones. My cousin said that the lickable treats, while kinda gross, are their cats’ favorites. Plus, it’s a little extra time you get to spend with them as you slowly squeeze out the mush lol. I also know this as well from a 3-week cat-sitting adventure I went on last year (just kidding it was great). They can’t get enough. She also said “Anything Vital Essentials” is also great.
Happy Skies Wand Teaser Cat Toy | Electronic Chasing Mouse Cat Toy
How cute is this chic little cat teaser wand?! Oh, and those little toys are filled with crinkle paper which is also almost always a hit. It’s just nice to see a really pretty cat teaser wand:) But if you or your pet owner wants to do even less work in the play department then this electronic chasing mouse cat toy. It spins and moves and the cat who gets this will be obsessed.
3 Layer Trackball Interactive Cat Toy | Pull-A-Partz Yarnz Assorted Plush Cat Toy with Catnip
These interactive trackball toys are gold. My friend’s cats love theirs and play with it all of the time. Then this Pull-A-Partz Yarnz says it’s a “unique, pull-a-part, 3-in-1 cat toy that satisfies hunting instincts”. As well as include crackle paper and catnip. What’s not to love??
Sisal Ball 13.5″ Cat Scratching Post | Tangerine Scratching Ball Cat Toy
I say if you have to get a cat scratcher anyway, you might as well get a pretty one and that’s exactly what these are! The spinning ball one is pretty perfect for any style. Plus, not only is the ball great for scratching, but so are the sides. Then that little tangerine is another product my cousin has and loves! It’s the most precious I think I’ve ever seen. 10/10
Plush Cat Window Perch with Removable Bolster
One of my best friends has a window perch for her cat and let’s just say if it’s daytime that cat is basking in the sunlight on her perch. It’s not this exact one but this one is pretty and washable. How can you beat it?!
Pet Bed | Indoor Heated Cat Bed
Yep, more sweet beds! Both are highly rated and style-wise are so good. I love the pattern of the first one but having a heated bed like the one on the right sounds pretty dreamy. Oh, and don’t forget that the calming round bed in the dog section is also great for cats!
Every Pet Eats Set | Ceramic Elevated Cat Food and Water Bowl
As soon as I saw the colorful set on the left I almost scooped it up for Caitlin! For the right home, it’s such a fun, modern, and playful design. But for a more affordable and neutral option, I love that little elevated set. The ball feet are just a cute touch!
The Pet Carrier (Airline Approved) | Robot 4 Smart App-Controlled Self-Cleaning Litter Box
These are 2 higher-priced items that are much more for the owners:) If you (or they) like to travel with their cat then a good cat carrier will be so appreciated! This one is by Away and is already airline-approved. It’s got a great rating and looks very stylish which makes no one mad, ha. Then the robot litter box is something my neighbors have and LOVE. It’s a big ticket item but what a GAMECHANGER for the recipient if it’s within your budget. I mean self-cleaning?? What’s better than that??
As always, hope this was helpful and please drop any recs you love in the comments.
Love you, mean it.
Opening Image Credits: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Our Scandinavian (And Easy, Mess-Free) Holiday Living Room Reveal + How I Finally Figured Out My Biggest Styling Problem… And Solved It
