Pet Talk: Gift Guide

Wednesday, 09 December 2009 13:18

Call the cat sitter – it’s time to go shopping! This year, don’t just treat your pets to holiday treats; get their owners something sweet as well. From family to friends, here are a few ideas to stuff the stockings of the pet lovers in your life.

By Lindsay Smith

For bookworms: If you loved “Marley and Me” (minus the tears!) and want to give a book with an upbeat ending, a perfect pick is John Steinbeck’s “Travels with Charley in Search of America.” Originally published in 1962, this nonfiction classic follows Steinbeck as he travels around the United States with his French poodle, Charley, and discovers an America slowly changing for the better. Historically eye-opening and endearing with its charm (spoiler alert: Charley attempts to take on a grizzly in Yellowstone) you won’t put a damper on anyone’s holiday with this delightful read. $10 at www.amazon.com.

For Gator fans: Your friends are Gators fans – why shouldn’t their pets be, too? Check out www.athleticpets.com for tons of fun gifts, from a standard Gators dog bandana ($9) to a Florida Gators Dog Cheerleader Uniform ($20). Now your best friend’s Chihuahua can celebrate UF’s next BCS National Championship in style.

For the obsessed: If your grandparents can’t seem to get over Muffins (rest his feral soul), you can give them the gift that will immortalize their beloved pet. Many artists will create pet portraits on commission based on your photographs, from charcoal drawings ($80 at www.thepaintedpet.com) or realistic, full color paintings ($50-$150 at www.milospetpaintings.com). Shop around for the best deal, but don’t doubt that this gift will be the highlight of their holiday.

For everyone else: If you’re on a budget, a quick browse through any local pet store will provide you with lots of ideas. If you’re in a rush, we suggest Petsmart’s Top Paw Reusable Tote Bag; not only is it cute, but 10% of the purchase price ($3) goes to charities for homeless pets, so it’s a gift that keeps on giving. Best of all, your mom won’t have to wonder where to hide the pooper scooper while caroling.