Christmas isn’t just about exchanging presents with our family and friends. It’s also the perfect time to spoil our pets! A thoughtful present can make the season extra special for them too. From toys and treats, to beds and blankets, there are plenty of ways to include pets during the festive season. With so many options on the market, choosing the right gift can be difficult, though it presents a wonderful opportunity to find something truly unique for our furry friends.
Treats
When the excitement of Christmas day is in full swing, it’s helpful to keep your pets entertained while the family tucks into Christmas dinner or unwraps presents. Long lasting chews such as pizzle sticks, coffee wood, or antlers are a great start; they satisfy their tastebuds but can also provide great mental stimulation. Another way to keep your pets mentally entertained would be with treat-dispensing toys and interactive feeders, such as kongs or snufflemats (cats can also get in on the fun with similar toys, like puzzle feeders). Choosing healthy treats for these kinds of games is essential, as this means you don’t have to worry about them overindulging so much! Sweet potato, fish skins, and banana are great options for dogs, but you can also use kibble, especially if you choose one with high meat content; this ensures the reward value is still high! For an extra seasonal touch, there are many pet-safe Christmas dinners on the market, so furry friends can join in the celebrations without risk from unsafe festive snacks such as rich gravy, stuffing, and chocolate.
Toys
Toys are a great addition to festivities, and with hundreds of designs on the market, there’s one that every pet will love! For dogs, options range from chews and cuddly teddies to classics like tennis balls and durable rope toys. Cats, meanwhile, can be entertained by feather danglers, balls and catnip. Many pet shops also stock Christmas themed toys, helping playtime feel part of the festivities. Toys also mean that you get to have fun with your pet, spending some quality time with them such as playing on Christmas day is a great way to pass the time and make them feel special. Whatever their preference, the right toy should help keep your pet entertained and happy during the festive period.
Photo by Jenna Hamra: https://www.pexels.com/photo/adorable-labrador-puppy-relaxing-by-christmas-tree-29923817/
Beds
While the festive season is full of excitement, pets should also have a cosy retreat where they can escape the chaos and unwind. This makes beds and blankets a perfect addition to a pet’s Christmas list, offering warmth and comfort during the colder months. While there are many festive designs on the market, a good idea could be getting a higher-quality bed, something that will last for years and end up being more economical in the long run. For older pets, consider memory foam beds, as these provide excellent support for their joints while they sleep. Be warned however, if you have a younger pet, especially puppies under 12 months, stick to a cheaper bed, then in the likely event that it gets chewed, you haven’t wasted too much money.
Coats
A cosy coat or jumper also makes for a thoughtful Christmas gift, especially for pets who feel the chill on winter walks! Again, there’s a huge variety on the market, from cosy jumpers and fleeces, to more waterproof options for those rainy January walks. At the same time, Christmas day is the perfect excuse for a playful twist with novelty outfits, think elf costumes, Santa jumpers or even reindeer headbands (if your pet lets you!). These can bring laughter to proceedings and make for very memorable family photos.
Photo by ROMAN ODINTSOV: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-long-coated-small-dog-on-blue-textile-6342019/
Stockings
Why not combine all your gifts into a stocking? This provides your pet something to open on Christmas day alongside everyone else. Creating a hamper with a combination of treats, toys, and cosy accessories is a great idea. Owners can use stockings or old cardboard boxes to hide their new treats or toys, turning unwrapping into a playful (and entertaining) treasure hunt that your pet will enjoy.
Lastly, don’t forget that Christmas can be a stressful time for pets. There’s lots of new smells, decorations, and visitors across the festive season, and these can be very overstimulating for our furry friends. So, a good gift idea could be calming products such as a diffuser or spray to help take the edge off, this also stays useful into the new year with fireworks. One of the best remedies for anxious pets, though, is providing them with a safe space, perhaps in a quiet room away from all the festivities with supplies like their favourite toys, treats, and a comfy bed for them to snuggle into.
As you tick off your pet’s Christmas list, remember the joy of shopping locally. Many independent pet shops and small businesses often stock unique handmade toys, natural treats, and fun accessories that you might not find in the big chain stores. Not only does this give your furry friend something special, but it also supports your local community and gives a helping hand to local sellers during the festive season!
Written By Bethany Harrison
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