2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Pet Parents

Welcome to the third and final day of this year’s holiday gift guide! If you haven’t checked out the others yet, be sure to scope out the best gifts for pets and the best handmade gifts for pet lovers. (And enter to win all the gifts listed in each!)

For today, this guide is all about YOU, the loving pet parent who takes such wonderful care of your animals day in and day out! Some of these are just for fun. Some are super useful. All are selected just for pet parents who care! Let’s dig in, shall we?

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8 Gifts for Pet Parents

The Zero-Waste Pet

You had to know this was coming! 🙂 This makes a perfect present for anyone on your list (including yourself) who’s interested in lessening their impact on the planet and reducing their pet’s carbon “pawprint.” It’s full of actionable tips, easy steps, and free resources–plus, it comes with access to a closed page with even more info and resources to make going lower-waste that much easier. Even better? It’s a waste-free gift! No wrap, no boxes, no shipping costs… it’s all delivered to you electronically! Grab yours for half off!

Basepaws

OK, among the things that I get pitched–and there are a LOT, probably half a dozen a day–this one stood out as the coolest of the year. In fact, to be totally transparent, I haven’t even tried this yet. We’re going to get a kit and share the process and results with you guys next year. (Vote: Newt or Ripley???) Anyway, Basepaws is an at-home, feline-specific genetic test that allows you to learn about breed and ancestry markers that are present in your cat’s DNA explaining the physical traits are in your cat’s genes. Here’s how they describe it: “As a pet owner, you want to know as much information as possible about any potential health risks for your beloved cat. With knowledge from your cat’s genetics, you can make more informed decisions about their health-care needs earlier—possibly mitigating or even preventing illness down the road. To send Basepaws the sample, you collect hair from your feline or use a mouth swab for cats without hair. After mailing the sample in you can expect results in 2 to 4 months. Once you are part of the Basepaws family, your cat will receive a lifetime of benefits. This includes report updates, personalized recommendations, membership in the Basepaws community, access to the latest research on cat science, tools to connect owners of similar cats, and discounts on future products that will be specifically formulated for your cat’s genetic needs.” Get yours here (and note the coupon code at the top of the webpage!).

Pet Krewe Elf Elmo

I mean, honestly. There are no words for how cute Cooper is as Elf Elmo. You guys are already familiar with Pet Krewe, the leading pet costume company. Well, they’re licensing Sesame Street, y’all, and look how adorable! He will totally rock this look on Christmas morning. In fact, there are a whole bunch of other Sesame Street character costumes, and I’m tempted to get them all because they’re just so adorable. And Violet is obsessed. She gave him roughly 97 more kisses when he was wearing this than usual.

Edited to add: Apparently Elf Elmo is now sold out! 🙁 However, there are other equally adorable options available. Just check this one out (and you do NOT want to miss the model…. dying)!!!

Dogs and Wine T-shirt

I just recently learned of BarkYours.com, a one-stop destination for dog-inspired clothing, crafts and gifts. At BarkYours.com, you can find thousands of unique, dog-themed items, created by a growing list of talented artists. It’s like an entire shopping mall of dog-themed stores… but online so you don’t have to leave your dog at home! So, they introduced us to their website and sent along two gifts. This shirt? I’m obsessed. It’s my favorite color and the perfect theme. I think T-shirts with personality make amazing gifts. They’re affordable and personal, plus most of us wear tees most of the time, amiright? Get the Dogs and Wine tee or check out others in the store! (Thinking I might have to get John this Dog Dad hat! There’s NEVER Dog Dad stuff!)

Dog Breed Shoulder Bag

Shoulder bags are my, well, bag. I love the hands-free functionality. It’s so easy to balance a leash, a bag of groceries, a baby, whatever, but I still want it to look cool. This dog breed bag is sized just right, too. This find is also from BarkYours.com, and if you check out the specific shop that this bag is from, you’ll see that she sells bags with just about every breed. There are different color options of each, as well, so you can fully customize. (Ummm… Santa? a hot pink Staffie, please!) Get your dog breed shoulder bag here!

Yin & Yang Nutrition for Dogs

I think I’ve featured a new cookbook every year since this gift guide started! Clearly I love cooking for my pets! This one’s a little different from what I’ve featured before because the focus isn’t solely on the individual recipes but rather the way food plays into overall health. It’s based around the specific properties of food and how those can affect various parts of the body and conditions. For instance, there are recipes for bone support or liver health. There’s an entire chapter dedicated to cancer. This book would make a wonderful gift for a pet parent who’s interested in learning about holistic nutrition and getting some homecooking ideas. I’m starting with the recipe for Golden Paste, first! Pick up a copy and start cooking!

My Life in a Cat House

How many of you read Homer’s Odyssey? Obviously, I can’t see the show of hands, but I have to imagine it’s most of you. It was touching and delightful and wildly popular. This, another from Gwen Cooper, shares eight stories of life with cats that are reminiscent of the feel of Homer’s story. It’s got a lot of humor and a lot of heart-string tugs. Her writing is so relatable and accessible, too, that the book flies by. The reviews all say you’ll find yourself hugging your cats a little tighter by the end… and if my kitties liked or even tolerated hugs, that would’ve totally been true. 🙂 Get yours! (BTW, right now this book is free with an Audible trial… you could bundle up a pretty nice Christmas gift this way!)

Homer and the Holiday Miracle: A True Story

If you want to read a heartwarming holiday story by the fire on Christmas Even (and who doesn’t?!?), this is the one for you. It’s touching and funny and short–a perfect stocking stuffer. This would also make a great present for a gift exchange–clocking in under $10–or bundled together with My Life in a Cat House for the book-loving cat person. Pick up your copy. 

There you have it! This year’s top recommendations for dog and cat lovers! 

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