Our beloved pets deserve to be celebrated every single day, but some occasions call for a little bit of extra spoiling, such as birthday paw-tys, “gotcha” days or welcoming a new four-legged family member into a home.
The best kind of gifts are the ones that both you and your pets will love equally and help to strengthen the deep bond you have by enjoying them together.
If you’re looking for an idea for a special gift, we have you covered with our top gift ideas for furry friends.
Custom pet portrait
A custom pet portrait is the perfect conversation piece for any home, celebrating all of the quirks and traits that make your pet so wonderful and unique.
Whether you’re looking for an eye-catching masterpiece to liven up a room, want to make your pet’s space in the home extra special, or are searching for a proper tribute to a beloved friend after a loss, a custom portrait is the perfect way to celebrate them daily.
Pet camera
It can be nerve-wracking to leave pets at home alone, and there is no greater gift than the peace of mind that comes from knowing they are safe.
A camera system that syncs to your phone can help you keep an eye on your pet, and some systems even offer audio options to speak commands or encouraging words if needed.
This can be great for pets with separation anxiety or older pets who need an extra eye on them.
Birthday paw-ty theme set
Every year of an animal’s life is a special one and marking the occasion can be a fun way to bond with them, celebrating the joy they brought to your life the past year and new adventures ahead.
Many companies sell birthday-specific bandanas, dog-sized paw-ty hats, and décor that will make any celebration a festive one that begs to be captured.
Don’t forget the cake, and to make a wish on their behalf.
GPS system
Give the gift of freedom with a GPS system integrated into your pet’s collar. This is a popular option for cats who love to roam and dogs who frequently go off-leash or live on large properties, ensuring you always know where they are.
Some GPS systems even incorporate additional features like wireless fences and biometric data to fit your lifestyle.
Custom tags
Once upon a time, pet parents were limited to only a handful of options when it came to identification tags.
Thanks to a rise in creative makers, there are endless ways to show off your pet’s unique aesthetic with different tag shapes, fonts, metals and design inscriptions.
Some can be built into collar buckles, or can be coordinated to match collar designs.
All-day play pass
If there is one thing we know, it’s that pets love to play, and their energy is a finite resource.
While daily walks and trips to the local dog park can help meet their daily exercise needs, treating them to a drop-in all-day play pass at a local pet hotel or boarding facility can be a special treat that will leave them happily tuckered out.
Some facilities even offer add-ons like belly rubs, one-on-one playtime with a new human friend, and delicious healthy treats.
Rent a spot to play
Some dogs prefer solo play to group activities, and renting out a local yard or fenced-in area for a couple of hours or an entire day can be a fun and safe way to get them outside of their normal walking routes with a whole new world of smells to explore.
Apps can provide a safe way to vet spots and include reviews, photos, information about yards.
Frozen treat toys
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if treats were endless? While most pets probably think they are, products like Woofsicle and Kongs make it easy to keep an everlasting supply of healthy treats on hand for your pet.
Just mix up their favorite ingredients in the toy or mold, pop it in the freezer and treat your best friend for being a good boy or girl.
Subscription boxes
If you want to make every month a celebration, a subscription box can be a fun surprise for both you and your pet.
Companies like BarkBox and Chewy offer boxes on different frequencies or a one-off surprise, and are packed with toys, treats and supplies with different themes every month.
It’s a great way to discover new pet products that may become staples in your household.
Grooming vacuum
Everybody feels great when they are freshly bathed, and that includes our furry friends.
Grooming them inside the home with vacuums designed with brush attachments can be a stress-free way of making sure they look good and feel great in a soothing environment they know and love.
This can be especially enjoyable for pets who get a little nervous visiting the groomer.
Bed upgrade
A new bed is a great gift that pets will enjoy multiple times a day.
Depending on their favorite sleeping position, consider different options like a bolster for them to rest their heads on, a burrowing bed to cozy up in or a memory foam insert to add extra comfort to their snooze sessions.
If you have an older dog, you may want to explore orthopedic options that are specially designed to support their joints.
Treat puzzles or mats
Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise, and this is especially true when winter makes it challenging to get outside to play. Sniff mats, lick mats, treat balls or food puzzles can be fun and creative ways to treat your dog with the added challenge of making them work a little bit for a reward.
For those who aren’t as treat-motivated, adding their food to a puzzle can provide an extra element of fun to mealtime.
Pets are an important and treasured part of our homes and households, and the joy they bring to our lives is immeasurable.
Treating them a little bit extra on special occasions is a small way to show them just how loved they are. They more than deserve it.