Perfect Presents for Pets–and Pet Parents

What’s better than giving a gift that brings a happy smile? A gift that brings two happy smiles! To find that special present that touches the hearts of both pet and pet-parent alike, we suggest taking a moment to think about their lifestyle.

What activities or interests do they love to do together? Here’s a list of suggestions to help you get started.

Looking to surprise a pet posse that loves to travel together? Whether they get out into nature or prefer urban exploration, there are a ton of great options. Lightweight car carriers, collapsible bowls, travel containers for food—they’re all great help on road trips. For outdoor adventurers, specially designed backpacks make carrying pets a breeze, while larger dogs can help carry the load by wearing their own saddlebags! For in-town travels, consider portable litter boxes, travel beds, or luggage-style carriers.

Keeping an excitable fur baby (or owner!) occupied requires a lot of help. If you know a pet that can’t ever seem to get enough stimulation, pet toys are a guaranteed hit (provided there’s plenty of space to store and play with them). While popular classics like teasers, frisbees and lasers create a playful opportunity for pets and owners to spend time together and connect, you could also grab a classic chew toy or reward-based puzzle to help keep pets entertained, and grab their human counterparts a board- or card-game of their own to decompress with.

Do you know a pet with a penchant for accessorizing? Good taste never goes out of style—and there are many options for pets, like coats and vests, socks and booties—but if you want to up their fashion game (while putting their parent’s love on full display), consider coordinated outfits! Whether it’s cozy patterned pajamas, collars that complement their parent’s jewelry, or simply matching bandanas, you can help turn their puppy (or kitten) love into a fashion statement.

For something truly unique, customize your gift with their pet’s actual likeness! Whether it’s socks, cushions, stickers, a phone case, or even a full pet portrait, take a snap of the lucky pet and send it in for a one-of-a-kind gift that will be sure to touch any owner’s heart. Or get the owner in the picture by hiring a professional photographer to capture unique images that they’ll cherish forever.

Keeping a well-groomed pet is a dirty job! Owners need all the gadgets and help they can get. Faucet and shower attachments, bathing brushes, or pet-friendly soaps and shampoos are all extremely helpful. Or, if you really want to ease the burden, enquire about gift cards at your local groomers. It’s not just pets themselves that need tending to—the places they inhabit need a lot of attention too. You can save an owner time and energy with a thoughtful mess-reducing gift, like a pet “placemat,” car seat covers, lint rollers—or even a robotic vacuum!

You can always fall back on items that regularly need replacing: water and food bowls, leashes, collars. But instead of a strictly practical replacement, go for a colorful or stylish upgrade that will elevate their pet’s must-haves into objets d’art. Bring some delight to the everyday—and your gift-getter (and their furry companion) will be forever grateful.