holiday gift guide Archives

2016 Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Gifts for Pet Lovers

11•28•16

Cue the music: “These are a few of my favorite things!”

This might just be my very favorite gift guide roundup ever! And I’ve done a lot of these!

We’ve got gifts that gift back, gifts that sparkle, and gifts that are nearly too cute for words! I saved these for the last day becasue they are truly special gifts. These are the ones that you, the dog mama (or papa… but most of these are for mama!) need to put on your list for Santa. Or, heck, I think your sweet pet should buy one for you… after all, you do take such amazing care of your furry ones. You deserve it!

These were at the very tippy-top of my holiday wish list, and I’m thrilled to share them with you!

1. RumbaTime Jane Social Tees Watch: I am seriously obsessed with this watch. I can’t stop gazing at the gorgeous silver one they so generiously sent my way. First, it’s beautiful and so charmingly simple. It has a nice, large face, which I adore, and the band is so unique! Sort of like a friendship bracelet, but obviously more durable. PLUS! A portion of proceeds benefit Social Tees Animal Rescue in New York City. Social Tees is a rescue group that saves more than 3000 dogs, cats, birds and exotic animals a year from kill shelters. Social Tees provide them with safe haven and veterinary care before finding them responsible adoptive homes. Their S.T.A.R. program finds homes for sick, injured and senior animals. A beautiful watch that supports rescue?! Yes, please! Available at RumbaTime in Silver or Gold.

2. Triple T Studios Paw Lace Cat Tote: Did I mention I’m obsessed with all these gifts? Because, seriously, you guys… this tote… obsessed. It’s genius. It’s two bags put together with: the outer shell plus a zippered insert. It has a cross-body strap, which I use instead of the handles, and the feet! The feet! I can’t even with the pawprint feet. Seriously, check it out here. Genuis, right?! And it’s vegan leather! I could go on and on about this bag. Anyway, I’m an affiliate for Triple T Studios because I adore their work, and it gives back. This bag is my absolute fave, though I know bags are personal taste! This giveaway is one I’m providing, so whoever wins can choose between a couple different options. Like this one is crazy cute! As is this one (it looks like Newt)! And I really love these gloves (John, if you’re reading, ahem). But this is a gift guarenteed to score you big points for the pet mama in your life!! Available at Triple T Studios.

3. Dazzling Paws Jewelry: This one’s time sensitive! They’ve generously extended their Black Friday sale on these pieces through today, so read quickly then click to check them out! Honestly, what’s better than handmade in the USA? How about handmade with recycled sterling silver! Oh, and supporting a small business! The antique effect goes with anything, and the detail is just gorgeous. Plus, who doesn’t want jewelry for the holidays? These pieces are so unique and are sure to be conversation starters at holiday fetes all season long. These four designs are truly dazzling… I couldn’t pick a favorite! Head over to her site to take advantage of the deals today. Available at Dazzling Paws Jewelry.

4. Marked Moments personalized ornament: To me, personalized keepsakes like these make the best (affordable) gifts for pet lovers. This would be the kindest thing to take to a pet-loving friend’s holiday party, or that distant relative who you don’t know super well, or even your best friend who adores her dog or cat. A personalized gift like this is so touching and sweet! We recommend these gifts to everyone, and at this price, you truly can’t go wrong! Available from Marked Moments.

5. Tiffbits: Have I overused the word obsessed today? If you guys have seen the guide in years past, you know I try to include a piece of stationery just because I adore it so much. You can never have enough, right? Well, this year’s pick is THE pick of the litter! Her work is so squee-worthy! I don’t know how you could choose from her adorable Etsy shop! The ‘Tis the Season card might be my favorite! No, wait! The corgi gift tags! No! The It’s the Most Fluffiest Time of the Year! AH! I want them all! Seriously, go check out her shop, and tell me how you could possibly resist loading up your card with hand-drawn corgi stationery? Available on Etsy.

I honestly don’t think I’ve ever loved a gift guide roundup more than this one! No matter who’s on your list this year, whether naughty or nice, you can’t go wrong with a single item among these five. They’re truly one-of-a-kind gifts that are so fun, cool, and meaningful! What do you think? Which one’s going on your list?

Thanks to the generosity of these brands, one of you can win each of these must-have holiday gifts!

This is a Rafflecopter giveaway. Sometimes the widget takes a few seconds to load. If you’re reading this via email or in a feed reader, you might have to click the link.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Did you miss the Black Friday gift guide? Or the Best Books Saturday? There’s still time to enter to win those gift suggestions!

2016 Holiday Gift Guide: The Top 5 Books for Pet Lovers

11•26•16

Welcome to Day 2 of the 2016 OMD Holiday Gift Guide!

This year, we’ve brought you the best of the best! Today’s guide is all about the best books for pet lovers!

Y’all know I’m book-obsessed. I jump at any opportunity to review books. This year’s book roundup is extra special because two of the books include the herd!!

Let’s dig in:

1. The Shepherd’s View: There’s something so magical about working dogs. The partnership with their person blows me away, and the sheer determination of the dogs to get the job done inspires awe. Here’s the backstory: “Shepherd James Rebanks relies on his two incredibly loyal sheepdogs, Floss and Tan, to help him tend to his sheep every day in the Lake District of England. Now he invites readers onto his farm with stunning photographs of his farm, his flock, and his dogs in his new book.” It mixes stunning, awe-inspiring photography with essays about life with sheep and shepherds. This is a lovely and unexpected gift for dog lovers! Available at Amazon.

2. Cooking for Two: I love, love, love the concept of this book! Brandon Schultz and furry co-author Chase Schultz-Osenlund wrote this cookbook that is full of recipes that are “people food” and also safe for sharing with your pup. Cooking for Two—Your Dog & You! has recipes for every occasion, including holidays, party plates, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and, of course, dessert. This is by far Emmett’s favorite book in this entire collection, and we’re working through the recipes together! Available at Amazon.

3. What to Expect When Adopting a Dog: This book is a must-have for every single dog lover. If you know anyone who’s adding a dog to their family this holiday season, this is the perfect gift! The book answers questions like whether dog adoption is right for you, how to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue group, how to prepare your home for a new furry family member, integrating him into your home, family, lifestyle, and so on. I am honored to have been given the opportunity to contribute to this book, too! This is a must for every bookshelf in every dog-loving home! Available at Amazon.

4. Makin’ Biscuits: For the cat lovers among us, this is the perfect gift! And I’m not just saying that because Newt makes a cameo! 🙂 Though, she does! The full title of this gem is Makin’ Biscuits – Weird Cat Habits and the Even Weirder Habits of the Humans Who Love Them. It’s at times funny, at times sweet, and always touching. The things we do for our pets, amiright? I adore this book, and I think it’s the perfect gift for any cat lover. It’s so spot on to all the quirks and love and silliness that comes from caring for our feline friends. Available at Amazon.

5. The Artist’s Way: This may not seem like a pet-lover book, but bear with me. Twenty-five years ago, Julia Cameron was looking for a way to tackle a moment of personal and professional rejection in her life. The result of that hard time was The Artist’s Way. More than a decade ago, I dug into the book because I was struggling with my creative work. Well, about halfway through the book, I came home to find that young Emmett, new to our family, had pulled it off the shelf and chewed it into a million tiny pieces. At the time, our budget was extremely tight, so instead of buying a replacement, I said to myself… I’ll wait until the time is right to get this book again. Well, as I was preparing this guide, the book’s publicist reached out to say that the 25th Anniversary Edition was coming out and was I interested! Was I!?!? YES! But, since not all readers here are bloggers, writers, or artists–though many are–I felt like it would be disingenuous to accept a review copy. She wrote back and said that, coincidentally, Cameron’s other book about creativity later in life includes an entire section on the importance of pets and their role in the creative process. Can you even?! Anyway, I highly, highly recommend The Artist’s Way for everyone, whether you consider yourself artistic or not. We are all creative, and this book helps explore that! Available at Penguin Random House: the 25^th Anniversary edition The Artist’s Way and It’s Never Too Late to Begin Again.

There you have it, friends! Our top 5 picks for pets this holiday season. All of these make great gifts for the furries in your home or to take as hostess gifts as you attend pet-loving holiday parties this year.

And, I was able to either purchase or procure extra copies of each of these books, so YOU have a chance to win one of the five book recommendations!

This is a Rafflecopter giveaway. Sometimes the widget takes a few seconds to load. If you’re reading this via email or in a feed reader, you might have to click the link.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Did you miss the Black Friday gift guide? There’s still time to enter to win those gift suggestions! Be sure to come back on Monday for even more gift ideas… for YOU, the pet lover!

OhMyDogBlog.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

2016 Holiday Gifts for Pets: The Top 5 Picks for Pets

11•25•16

Welcome to the 2016 OMD Holiday Gift Guide!

This year, we’ve brought you the best of the best! Today’s guide is all about our sweet pets and the treats they deserve!

Emmett says every dog deserves to be on the Nice List, and I have to agree. So, for all those nice pups out there, here are our suggestions for the five best treats to stuff in their stockings! (Info on how to purchase below, along with a chance to win ’em all!)

1. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Trees: For a little festive spirit!! These moist, tree-shaped treats are made in the USA, fortified with vitamins and minerals, and are completely free of harsh additives, preservatives, and common allergens. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Trees are made with quality, lean protein and antioxidant-rich cranberries, cherries, rosemary, and turmeric. They’re a seasonal pick… available at PetSmart but only while supplies last!

2. Wellness Treat Sampler: Sneaking in something for the cats here, too! You guys know we’re obsessed with Wellness. It’s the food Emmett eats, and their treats are as healthy and wholesome as the food… but, of course, everyone deserves a treat now and then! Three of our faves are the Marrow Roasts (Em is CRAZY about these), the Pure Rewards, and–for the kitties–Kittles. Newt hears the crinkle of the Kittles bag and comes flying. These are all winners, and perfect for stuffing the stockings of good pups and kits! Available on Amazon.

3. Grandma Lucy’s: As you know, Cooper has a very sensitive digestive system. Grandma Lucy’s Organic Baked Treats are bear-shaped cookies that he loves and that don’t upset his stomach. And, they’re for dogs AND people. You can leave out a plate for Santa, and he can share with your pup! Also… during the holidays, dogs sometimes get some extra table scraps or sneakily eat things they shouldn’t (COOPER). Simple Remedy fixes those belly aches with dehydrated rice and chicken in a convenient bag. They’re faves around here for sweet, sensitive Cooper! Available on Amazon.

4. BarkBox: Another huge obsession for us! We LOVE BarkBox, especially now that there are options to customize your subscription with allergy-friendly treats or power-chewer toys. What’s more convenient than a box of special treats and toys showing up at your door once a month? Plus, they’re super clever! Each of the monthly themes delivers a laugh, too! It’s the gift that keeps on giving! And since I’m a BarkBox affiliate, I have some discounts to pass on to you guys: If you go to BarkBox.com and use code OHMYDOG, you’ll get a $10 gift certificate to the BarkShop (plus a free chew if you order something from the BarkShop) AND their Black Friday deal is the first box for only $5.

5. P.L.A.Y. Bugging Out Collection: Finally, for dogs who think toys are the best treats–Cooper–this one’s for you! If you’re looking for the absolute cutest presents out there for a toy-loving pup, Cooper and I can’t recommend these buggy toys highly enough! They are darling! Definitely not for the power chewer but totally worth it for the awwww-factor. Available from P.L.A.Y.

And, thanks to the generosity of these brands, YOU have a chance to win one of the five gifts!

This is a Rafflecopter giveaway. Sometimes the widget takes a few seconds to load. If you’re reading this via email or in a feed reader, you might have to click the link.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to come back on Saturday and on Monday for even more gift suggestions… for YOU, the pet lover!

Cyber Monday: Gifts for pet lovers that you can buy online (plus giveaways!)

11•30•15

Happy Monday morning! Have you recovered from the long holiday weekend? It certainly flew by, and next thing you know, it’ll be Christmas, then we’ll kick off 2016. The last month of the year always passes by so quickly, BUT! Before we get there, it’s time for Cyber Monday, the day when most people do most of their shopping online (my personal preference).

Today, to round out this year’s holiday gift guide, I’m sharing with you my favorite gifts that you can order online! Plus, you’ll have a chance to win one for yourself, thanks to the generosity of our partners!

{{BTW, If you see a link with a * next to it, that signifies an affiliate link. If you order from that link, you won’t pay a penny more–sometimes even less–than regular price, but this site will make a tiny commission on the sale.}}

So, let’s kick off this pet-friendly Cyber Monday extravaganza with what is probably my favorite gift of the whole year. (Okay, actually, I love them ALL. There’s just something about this one that’s so charming. You’ll see…)

WET DOG by Sophie Gamand

Sophie Gamand, a photographer and animal advocate, focuses on dogs and our relationship with them. She works with shelters and rescues to promote adoption. You probably remember her and her work from the Flower Power project, which aims to change the perception of pit-bull-type-dogs. Seriously, you guys. This book is ridiculously adorable. Like, it has taken up permanent residence on my side table, it’s that cute.

Anyway! For any dog lover, this is the perfect gift. You can flip through it and spot tons of detail–how the water changes the shape and texture of the dogs’ fur, for instance. There are bubbles and mohawks and sweet, sweet faces. This book will bring a smile to absolutely every animal lover. To purchase one for yourself or one for every animal lover on your list, visit Sophie’s website.

LazyBonezz Pet Coat

Next up is one of my MUST HAVE recommendations (unless, say, you live in California, you lucky duck). Emmett and Cooper get cold in the winter. Their short, fine pit-bull-type-dog fur does nothing to keep them warm, plus with Emmett’s shaved belly (from his last all-clear ultrasound, more on that later), he needs to be bundled up. This is especially true now that we’ve already had a little bit of snow and we’re supposed to get a whole lot more.

But, obviously they need to look cute, too. The LazyBonezz Pet Coat coat fits the bill; it keeps them warm and adorable. And I know that many of you love barrel-chested dogs like Emmett. It is so difficult to find a garment that fits well when you have such a stocky build. This coat just uses adjustable velcro straps, one around the neck and one around the waist, so it can perfectly accommodate his barrel chest. Here, Emmett’s sporting The Pet Coat in Red and Navy Plaid. If you’re interested in this coat for your frigid furball–or anything else on their adorable website–LazyBonezz has generously offered a discount: FRIEND15 takes 15% off the entire site!

Emoticat Stickers and Apuglogies

I’m a sucker for cute, hilarious, impractical gifts, especially when they showcase cute animals! These two are exactly that! With Emoticat Stickers, you can say it with kitties. The book includes 200 peel-and-stick feline photos that can communicate all of your emotions to friends and loved ones. I’m obsessed with the “zoinks” and “I gotcha hot sriracha” stickers. So funny and so adorable. I think I’m going to start stinking them on my students’ assignments. Click here to buy: Emoticat Stickers: 200 Ways to Say it with Kitties*

Apuglogies is the cutest packet of tear-off cards. “Don’t say sorry. Apuglogize.” It features 20 adorable apology cards (and photos of pugs!) to tear out and say sorry. This is one of those sweet little stocking stuffers that’s almost too cute to use but will definitely be a crowd pleaser among the animal lovers on your list! Click here to buy (or add to your wishlist!!): Apuglogies: Saying Sorry with Adorable Pugs*

Kinn Kangaroo Leash

My confession: Emmett pulls on leash. He pulls like crazy, and when he throws his full weight into a pull, it’s tough to keep up. Of course, he only pulls until he does his “business,” then he’s perfectly happy to saunter alongside you. But until then? All bets are off.

I was thrilled to check out the Kangaroo Leash from Kinn, which includes a super soft fleece handle that is easy to grip. Plus, it has a shock absorber built right into the leash to diminish the impact of pulling and to decrease the amount of irritation that Emmett experiences when he pulls. The built-in bag holder also includes a tiny pocket perfect for keys or a small flashlight. We love this leash. If you have a puller or a dog whose skin gets irritated by leash/collar rubbing, this is the solution for you. To purchase, visit Kinn online.

You can’t go wrong with any of these gifts. They’re all perfect for the animal lover in your life or for your wishlist (or, heck, buy yourself a Christmas gift… I know you deserve it!). AND! Thanks to the generosity of each of these partners, you have a chance to win one of these perfect, pet-friendly presents!

This is a Rafflecopter giveaway. Sometimes the widget takes a few seconds to load. If you’re reading this via email or in a feed reader, you might have to click the link.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you haven’t yet entered to win the Black Friday or Small Business Saturday giveaways, you have until Friday! And be sure to come back tomorrow for Giving Tuesday!

Small Business Saturday: Perfect pet-friendly stocking stuffers (with giveaways!)

11•28•15

I love the concept of Small Business Saturday. I love supporting locally-owned businesses that support their communities. The beautiful thing about the internet is that you can support these businesses as you do your holiday shopping… without getting out of your PJs! This year, for the first time ever (DUH), it occurred to me that I could feature small businesses as part of the gift guide!

So, I share with you today my top three picks for pet-friendly products that support small businesses. These aren’t huge gifts like yesterday’s; instead, they’re perfect little stocking stuffers for the pet lover in your life. (Or, heck, for yourself!)

The Luxury Pet Car Seat Cover + Dog Car Harness from Sidekick!

This is my gift to John. His car gets SUPER dirty because it’s bigger than mine so when we need to take people + pets, or pick up big things like firewood or Christmas trees, his car is it. I can’t remember why, but for the longest time the back was filled with rocks. He was clearly in need of a car seat cover, and this is the perfect fit. It can either drape down his back seat or hook the back to the front in a hammock-style. The backing is a non-slip material that keeps it in place. But the very best part? You can toss it in the wash machine! For little clean-ups, it can be vacuumed in place or spot-cleaned with a rag, but when do you ever get a little mess in the back seat? Plus, it comes with a harness that can safely buckle your pup into your existing seatbelt slot. It’s under $100 (only $65 on sale right now!) with free shipping from Amazon*: Sidekick Pet Car Seat Cover with Dog Seatbelt Harness – Deluxe Version Black. Our trial version is firmly installed in John’s backseat, and he’s very happy to have it protecting his seats!

Tote Tails

Tote Tails is a California-based, small, women-owned business. They specialize in custom, pet-themed products like tote bags, pillows, and tees. They sent me a bag with the reference picture to show how the designs turn out:

Seriously adorable, right? Or, if you don’t want a custom option, you can pick from their pre-made pieces. It’s not limited to dogs, either. They have cats, and I even spotted a bunny! (The website is a little awkward to navigate, fyi, so when you click on “Cat Totes” for example, it also brings up cat t-shirts.) I’d probably pick the American pit bull terrier throw pillow myself rather than a custom option, but there are dozens and dozens of products to choose from–all of which support animal welfare organizations through the company’s 10% of all sales donations. Can’t beat that! To peruse the options to find the perfect stocking stuffer, check out their website.

TickEase

Me: Emmett, can you please help me take an interesting picture of these tweezers?

Emmett: Zzzzzzz.

Tweezers shown with Emmett to illustrate size. Emmett not included.

You guys, I don’t know what it is. Maybe ticks have a “type” like mosquitoes do, but Emmett and I are tick magnets. As you know, we hike a lot, and whenever we get back and check everyone over for ticks, if I didn’t pick up at least one, Emmett did. Or we both did. On a recent hike, I must’ve stepped in a nest (do ticks nest?) because they were all in my left shoe! Anyway, all this is to say that we need reliable tweezers for tick removal. TickEase is the only product designed solely for tick removal on both people and pets.

One end has a pair of super thin-tipped tweezers for small ticks, and the other end is a slotted scoop for larger ticks. The tweezers comply with the CDC’s tick removal guidelines and are 100% satisfaction guaranteed. We actually haven’t been hiking since my sample tweezers came, so I honestly can’t share personal experience with these, but they seem like they’ll be way more effective than my thick eyebrow tweezers! Once we get a chance to use them, I’ll be back to share. In the meantime, for the outdoors lover, this makes the perfect stocking stuffer that supports a small business! In addition to the giveaway pair, TickEase has so generously offered a coupon code for OMD readers. You can purchase TickEase here and use the code “tickready” for 10% off your purchase!

AND! Thanks to the generosity of each of these three small businesses, you have a chance to win one of these perfect, pet-friendly stocking stuffers!

This is a Rafflecopter giveaway. Sometimes the widget takes a few seconds to load. If you’re reading this via email or in a feed reader, you might have to click the link.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{{Psst… If you haven’t yet entered yesterday’s head on over, and be sure to check back on Monday for Cyber Monday and my list of gift suggestions that are cute, fun, practical, and available online!}}