Looking to spoil the special animal lover in your life? Animal lovers, like the creatures they adore, are a diverse bunch, so finding the “pawfect” gift for someone who isn’t quite your ordinary, run-of-the-mill pet parent is a challenge.
To help make your gift shopping a little easier, we’ve put together this animal lover gift guide. Read on for dozens of great gift ideas to suit dog devotees, cat ladies, animal activists, and more.
There’s no such thing as too many cats — this sentence sums up the Cat Lady perfectly. As far as the Cat Lady is concerned, the best things in life are furry, purry, and fabulous feline companions. So if you’re buying for someone who lives and breathes cats, these great gifts will have them purring with delight.
Catio
A Catio lets the Cat Lady’s feline friends safely enjoy the benefits of indoor/outdoor living. These outdoor enclosures let cats enjoy the fresh air and mental stimulation of the great outdoors, but without the dangers that come with roaming free.
This means cats can soak up some sunshine and watch the world go by, and you don’t have to worry about them getting into fights or harming any wildlife. Now that’s a win-win!
Cat-opoly board game
Does the cat lover in your life also enjoy game nights? If so, they’ll absolutely love Cat-opoly. This family-friendly game puts a catty twist on the old classic Monopoly. You collect litter boxes and fish bones rather than houses and hotels, but you’ll have to watch out for the tax-collecting dog and avoid missing 3 turns when you fall in the water. It’s “pet-acular” fun from start to finish!
PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge
Stylish and functional, the PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge is a wonderful addition to any cat lover’s home. It’s made from recycled corrugated cardboard, and it’s reversible to offer twice as much scratching relief. The Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge also comes in a range of colors to suit your decor, and its durable design will keep your kitty happy for a long time to come.
Litter-Robot 3 Connect
Cleaning out the litter tray is every cat parent’s least favorite chore, which is why the Litter-Robot 3 Connect is the “purrfect” Cat Lady gift. This self-cleaning litter box is Wi-Fi-enabled, and you can remotely monitor its use with the Whisker app. And with plenty of positive reviews from pet parents, the Litter Robot makes cleaning up after cats a whole lot easier.
Wag! gift card
Even the most dedicated cat parent can’t be with their kitties 24/7. So if the Cat Lady in your life wants to make sure their fur-babies get 5-star care while they’re away, treat them to a gift card for Wag drop-in services. This will help them keep their kitties safe and happy, and provide the cat lover with much-needed peace of mind when they can’t be with their cats.
The Animal Activist is passionate about reducing animal suffering. They’re committed to fighting animal cruelty and neglect, and will do whatever they can to change the way we view every creature on Earth. These gift ideas will be sure to inspire and excite them this holiday season.
National Geographic’s Photo Ark
Joel Sartore’s ambitious project is to create photographic portraits of all the world’s animals, especially those that are endangered. Having captured images of more than 6,000 species, he’s created The Photo Ark in conjunction with National Geographic. There are some truly stunning images in the collection, and this publication is a spectacular reminder of why every species on earth is important.
Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat
Few books are as thought-provoking as Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat by Dr Hal Herzog. This highly-acclaimed book examines the complexities of human/animal relationships and the myriad factors that affect how we view animals’ place in the world. A very intriguing read for any animal lover.
Jane Goodall Institute Swinging Chimp necklace
Anthropologist and conservationist Jane Goodall is known around the world for her pioneering work with chimpanzees. The institute that shares her name is focused on the conservation of chimpanzee habitats around the world, and you can support their work by shopping in its extensive online store. This cute Swinging Chimp necklace is one of our favorites.
RescueBox
RescueBox lets your animal activist spoil their pet and help animals in need at the same time. Sign the Animal Activist in your life up for a subscription and they’ll receive a box of premium toys, treats, and chews every month. Even better, the subscription helps feed animals in need as part of the Animal Rescue Site’s Subscribe 2 Good program.
We all know someone who seems to rescue a new animal every other day. No matter whether the creature is furry, scaly, feathered, or slimy, if they find an animal in need, the Rescuer of Every Critter is always ready to save the day. They open their home and their heart to all creatures great and small, and they wouldn’t have it any other way.
Check out these “pawsome” gift ideas for the Rescuer of Every Critter.
An Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation
Even with the best of intentions, it can be difficult to know how to best care for an injured wild animal. But An Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation, by Nancy A. Schwarz, will teach you the basics you need to know to lend a helping hand. It covers everything from general care and feeding instructions to housing requirements and how to physically examine animals, so add it to an animal rescuer’s Christmas stocking today.
Survival Pet First Aid Kit
When you come across a sick or injured animal, it’s important that you have the right supplies on hand to provide the care they urgently need. That’s where the Survival Pet First Aid Kit comes in handy. This essential kit comes with a waist belt and features saline, bandages, dressings, swabs, tweezers, and much more. It’s a must-have for any animal rescuer.
The Pack Leader believes the only thing better than a wet nose and a wagging tail is a whole bunch of them. This doggy devotee is obsessed with all things canine and makes no secret of the fact that they prefer dogs to most people. From Yorkies to Great Danes, the Pack Leader loves dogs of all shapes and sizes.
Buying for someone who believes 1 dog is never enough? These goodies will get their tail wagging.
Pet Dreamland hands-free double leash
Got a couple of pups to wrangle? This hands-free double leash from Pet Dreamland will make a world of difference. Featuring a tangle-free 360-degree swivel splitter, the leash attaches to your waist and is designed to absorb the shock of dogs who love to pull. With this in their bag of tricks, the Pack Leader will find walking their dogs a whole lot more enjoyable.
Illumiseen LED dog collars
If they’ve got so many pups it’s hard to remember which one’s which, Illumiseen’s LED dog collars will be a welcome sight come Christmas morning. Not only are they a handy way to identify each dog, but they’re also a wonderful safety tool to help increase each dog’s visibility on night-time walks.
Did You Feed the Dog? tracker
Another simple but very practical gift, Did You Feed the Dog? makes it easy to keep track of Fido’s feeding schedule. Magnets on the back help you mount it in the most convenient location, and it’s sure to help a busy Pack Leader stay on top of all their pups’ meals.
Barkbox subscription
When you sign a dog lover up to Barkbox, they'll get a customized box of toys and treats delivered every month — "pawfect" for the Pack Leader whose pups are notorious chewers!
Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster
If you thought throwing a tennis ball for 1 ball-obsessed dog was hard work, try doing it for 2 or 3! Give the Pack Leader’s shoulder a rest and pop the Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster in their Christmas stocking. Capable of launching balls up to 50 feet, it’ll help them tire out all of their 4-legged friends.
Animal lovers don’t just adore creatures with 4 legs and fur — some are simply enchanted by remarkable reptiles. And while there’s not quite as many choices when shopping for the reptile lover, there are still plenty of great options that will put a smile on their face this Christmas.
Adjustable lizard leash with wings
Buying for the proud pet parent of a Bearded Dragon? This adorable lizard leash is sure to put a smile on their face. Made of leather and featuring nylon rope, it’s as practical as it is cute. With this harness in place, their pet will certainly turn plenty of heads.
Yes, I Really Do Need All These Lizards shirt
This funny shirtlets any reptile enthusiast announce their love of lizards loudly and proudly. They’ll be sure to attract plenty of admiring glances in this stylish number, not to mention meet plenty of fellow reptile aficionados.
Exo Terra Natural Terrarium
If you really want to wow a reptile enthusiast this Christmas, treat them to a new Exo Terra Natural Terrarium. This high-quality reptile habitat will help them give their pet reptile a happy and comfortable home, while its easy-to-clean features will save them time on animal upkeep. Now that should put a smile on their face that even a crocodile would be proud of!
National Geographic Kids Ultimate Reptileopedia
Looking for gift ideas for a younger reptile enthusiast? National Geographic Kids’ Ultimate Reptileopedia is sure to put a smile on their face. This ultimate reference guide is full of fascinating reptile facts and jaw-dropping images to help fuel their love of these amazing creatures.
Silent But Deadly snake boxers
We all know someone who could benefit from a pair of Silent But Deadly snake boxers. And if that person also happens to be a reptile enthusiast, these boxers are the perfect Christmas gift.
The Baker loves nothing more than cooking up delicious homemade treats for their fur-babies. Every last cake, cookie, and sweet treat is prepared with love, and lucky pets get to oversee the baking process before licking the bowl clean. If you’re shopping for an animal-loving Baker, why not add these special gifts to your cart?
Healthy Homemade Dog Treats recipe book
Want to give the Baker some inspiration to help them take their kitchen game to the next level? Healthy Homemade Dog Treats is just what they need. Featuring more than 70 nutritious recipes for tasty dog treats, this is 1 gift that will sure to have the Baker’s pup licking their lips.
Cat and dog cookie cutters
Once they’ve got a host of great recipes to choose from, they’ll need something special to really make their treats a cut above the rest. And that’s where pet-themed cookie cutters come to the party. Take this Christmas tree cat cookie cutter or dog cookie cutter set for example — what pet lover wouldn’t love to have them in your baking arsenal?
Corgi oven mitt
The humble oven mitt isn’t always a particularly glamorous item, but it can be! This cute Corgi oven mitt is enough to make any dog lover squeal with delight, while keeping their paws safe from hot dishes and trays at the same time.
Dog tail treat canister
All those tasty treats they bake are going to need to be stored somewhere to keep them fresh, and where better than this dog tail treat canister? This ceramic jar is oh so cute and will look right at home in any pet treat baker’s kitchen.
Cat and dog aprons
The best bakers know that sometimes things can get a little messy in the kitchen. Help the animal lover in your life stay clean and crispy with this Claswcalor dog apron if they’re crazy about canines, or this Duduho cat apron if they fancy felines. They’re cute, they’re stylish, and they’re extremely practical.
There’s a whole wide world out there just waiting to be explored, and adventurous animal lovers want to see it all with their pets by their side. If your giftee loves taking their dog or cat along on all their outdoor escapades, these great gift ideas will help broaden their adventure horizons.
Ruffwear Approach
It’s a big wide world out there, and if your pup is going to explore it with you, they’ll need to bring plenty of supplies. A high-quality hiking pack is a must, and the Ruffwear Approach fits the bill “pawfectly”. This doggy pack features a saddlebag design and is available in 4 sizes ranging from extra-small to large/extra-large. It’s also made with durability in mind, so it should be tough enough to handle whatever the trail throws at you.
PetSafe HappyRide Dog Bicycle Trailer
The Adventurer’s dog may not be able to ride a bike, but that doesn’t mean they have to miss out on the fun of a bicycling odyssey. The HappyRide dog bicycle trailer is quick and easy to hitch up to your bike, so it’s a breeze to tow your dog with you everywhere you go. And with storage pouches on the outside of the trailer, you can also carry all the essentials for your outdoor adventure.
Kurgo K9 Rucksack
If the Adventurer you’re buying for has a dog who loves exploring new sights but not the hard work required to get to them, the Kurgo K9 Rucksack is a wonderful gift idea. Designed to hold pups up to 25 pounds, it includes side and top ventilation while also having room for a laptop. Wherever their urban or backcountry adventures lead, they’ll love having the Kurgo K9 Rucksack along for the ride.
BarkerBag dog sleeping bag
Heading out into the wilderness for a camping trip with your pup produces plenty of memorable experiences. But when night falls and the temperature drops, it’s important that you and your dog can stay toasty warm. That’s why we love the BarkerBag dog sleeping bag, which zips into the side of your sleeping bag so you and your fur-baby can snuggle up all night long.
Adventure Cats: Living 9 Lives to the Fullest
Dogs aren’t the only fur-babies that love adventure — in fact, you might be surprised just how easy it is to experience some amazing outdoor adventures with a cat. Adventure Cats: Living 9 Lives to the Fullest is the ultimate guide to exploring the wild with your cat. We’re talking hiking, camping, kayaking, and even surfing, which makes this the ideal gift to show the Adventurer that the sky's the limit.
Let’s face it: pet foster parents are pretty special people. They welcome pets of all ages into a loving home environment, and they go through the heartbreak of saying goodbye to their fosters just to help pets in need of a second chance find their forever home.
In other words, they deserve to be spoiled. These gift ideas will brighten any foster parent's day!
Pet Treater Deluxe Dog Pack or Pet Treater Multi-Cat Pack
Every pet, even those who are yet to find their forever home, deserves to be spoiled every once in a while. So why not help the foster carer in your life make the animals in their care feel special with a Pet Treater subscription? With a Pet Treater Deluxe Dog Pack or Pet Treater Multi-Cat Pack, they’ll get a monthly box full of toys, treats, and extra goodies to help all their foster pets feel loved.
Polka dot paw pajama set
At the end of a long day caring for animals, sometimes all an exhausted foster carer wants to do is enjoy a relaxing night on the couch. And they’ll be snug and warm doing that in this polka dot paw pajama set from the Animal Rescue Site. These pajamas are comfy, cozy, and have a cute paw theme. Even better, your purchase will help feed shelter animals, so it’s a gift that keeps on giving.
Pet store gift card
OK, so a gift card isn’t the most personal of gifts, but it’s the sort of practical present that can make a real difference in any foster home. Choose their favorite pet store and load up a card with cash, so that they can stock up on whatever they require to provide a happy home for pets in need.
Zesty Paws Calming Bites
For timid and anxious dogs, arriving at a new foster home can be a very stressful time. But with a big jar of Zesty Paws Calming Bites on hand, those pensive pets will be calmer, more composed, and maybe even relaxed. Along with a whole lot of love and affection, this will make settling into a new foster home a whole lot easier.
Wag! gift card
While we’re on the subject of gift cards, a gift card for dog walking services with Wag! is a “pawsome” present for any pup foster carer. It gives them a chance to socialize and exercise foster dogs, keeping those pups happy and healthy until they find their forever home. It also gives busy foster moms and dads a much-needed break, so add a Wag! gift card to their stocking this Christmas.
*Originally posted on The Daily Wag