Get your paws on these last-minute gifts for dogs, cats, and those who love them. They’re practical, require minimal shopping, and they’re fit for a pup’s budget.
Is all of your holiday shopping for pets and people done? If so, you are likely in the minority, and tuck these ideas away for another time (dare we say Valentine’s Day is just around the corner). And if there are still names on your gift list to cross off, get your paws on these last-minute gifts for dogs, cats and those that love them.
The Gift of Time
What pet person wouldn’t appreciate the gift of your time? Wrap up a custom-made coupon for dog walking, washing a fur friend or even an overnight stay at your personal dog hotel. Give a Gift, Get a Gift: You’ll enjoy a dog’s company!
A Gift that Gives Back
Your dog, pets in need, and your gift recipient will appreciate your holiday donation or the gift of membership to a shelter or rescue organization. Donate online or with a simple phone call, then share the news with a card with your best wishes for the holidays. If you’re not sure which to choose, consider our favorites, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary or The Grey Muzzle Organization, which funds programs to improve the lives of at-risk senior dogs in animal shelters and rescue organizations.
Pup Pic
Celebrate the love of a dog when you give a framed photo of a friend or family member with his or her pup. If you don’t have a photo, a hand-drawn placeholder and promise for a photoshoot works in a pinch or grab one off your gift recipient’s Facebook or Instagram page.
Bark Box
What’s better than a single gift — a gift a month! Present a dog person with a 3- or 6-month subscription to BarkBox, and their dog will receive a surprise box with a selection of full-size toys and treats each month.
A Personalized Gift of Your Creation
Present a pet person with a gift coupon to offer your artistic skills to create a pet portrait, a personalized dog blanket or quilt, or a hand-knit a doggie sweater in whatever colors the dog chooses.
From Your Kitchen to a Dog’s Mouth
Who can resist homemade cookies? Nobody, and definitely not your dog. Bake a batch of Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Biscuits with a simple recipe that uses ingredients you likely have on hand. Present them to your dog or wrap them up with festive bows for friends or family with dogs.
Dog Talk
Give a gift subscription to a dog magazine that will educate, entertain, and be enjoyed all year long. Woof Report favorites include Bark Magazine, Modern Dog Magazine, and Whole Dog Journal. Order a gift online and wrap an announcement in a box.
A Gift Card for the Dog
With Amazon.com’s huge selection of pet products, who wouldn’t love a gift card. Better yet, make it personal — send a gift card in any amount, and include your own or their dog’s photo the print-at-home card or “ecard.” Learn more about customizing your gift card and cross another name off your list. Check out the Woof Report store for gift ideas from Amazon if you want to share gift ideas.
Treat a Dog
Pick up a pretty ceramic jar, a glass canister with a clamp lid or even a simple Mason jar from your grocery store. Fill it with store-bought or homemade dog treats or even tennis balls or toys, add a festive holiday bow, and you’re set!
Make them Bake
Just like the ‘mix-in-a-jar’ gifts you’ve seen for cookies and muffins for people, this is the same idea — but for a dog! Simply layer the dog treat ingredients in a mason jar or glass container, add a bow, baking instructions, and optionally, a cookie-cutter. Find instructions and the recipe for this easy and inexpensive do-it-yourself gift in Woof Report’s past tip.
Plan a Pup Photo Shoot
Sure taking and printing photos with a digital camera or your phone is a snap for you, but maybe not for the dog-lover on your list. Plan a quick pup photoshoot (or the handy stand-by, provide a coupon for one after the busy holiday season), then crop and touch it up and provide a large printed copy for your gift recipient.
The Best Gift for Your Dog
If you think people appreciate the gift of time (see #1), you haven’t talked to your dog lately. Give your dog the gift at the very top of his wish list – your time. Spend quality time together and play, go for a walk, and let him stop and sniff everything, and join him in his other favorite activities.
Happy Holidays to you and your dogs!
Thank you to cproppe on flickr for the photo (love this pup’s sweet face!).
