We've found the best Christmas gifts for pet lovers and, in doing so, we've discovered that the festive season isn't just fun for us, but also for our familiars – the cats, dogs, rabbits, and other furry creatures we share our lives and homes with.
Perhaps you want to celebrate the special bond between a friend or relative and their pet? Or maybe you are the proud pet owner and want to pamper your animal companion? Have yourself a furry little Christmas with our pick of the best gifts for pets (and pet lovers).
Find more Christmas gifts and decorations on our dedicated hub page.
1. Personalise a pet portrait
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Anyone can take a snap of their pet on their phone, but how about a lovely portrait that's a true likeness of a pet? The Personalised Pet Portrait Print by Faced will look great framed on a wall. Available from Not On The High Street,
2. Make pet selfies great again
Ever struggled to take a good selfie with your dog who always look at anything but the camera? Now there is a solution: The Pooch Selfie Stick Smartphone Camera Accessory holds your dog's attention with a tennis ball, making for a perfect selfie every time. Well, that's the theory, anyway.
3. The dog-specific pet camera
Petcams are all the rage now, allowing you to see and talk to your beloved pet when you're away. The best ones are specific to your type of pet; the Furbo Dog Cam, for instance, senses when your dog is anxious and barking, so that you can talk to them.
Ahem, check out our guide to the best pet cams to find one that's right for your pooch or puss.
4. If in doubt, pick something cat-shaped
If your recipient likes cats, they'll probably love whatever you get them, so long as it is cat-shaped. The Saskia Salt & Pepper Shakers from Oliver Bonas are super cute, but not too crazy, so will look great in anyone's kitchen.
5. Make life easier with a smart pet feeder
With busy lifestyles and long working hours, our pets are sometimes too busy to feed us... Haha, just kidding. What we meant to say was that feeding a pet on time can be a struggle for some of us; and if a pet needs medication, things can get even trickier.
So, make life easier for the pet lover in your life (or yourself, for that matter) with Feed and Go Smart Pet Feeder, which can dispense wet and dry food, and medication, all fully controllable via your phone. Smart.
6. Invest in a luxurious pet bed
The style-conscious will love The Raised Wooden Dog Bed by Charley Chau. It's sleek and chic, and painted in Farrow & Ball paint, no less! Ridiculous, obvs, but we LOVE it.
7. Get a fun teepee for smaller pets
Cats love hiding under things, fact. So do rabbits. If you have a small furry friend, the Pet Teepee is just the ticket. Fun for the pet, and looks cool. Available from Etsy.
8. Get a dedicated biscuit tin
Anyone who owns pets will know that treats get everywhere and make a mess if you don't keep them in a designated storage jar or tin. The Purrfect Pet Treats Tin by Sophie Allport is pretty and will look good on any kitchen worktop. The perfect gift for pet lovers.
9. Get a special dog lead hanger
Dogs love walkies, so much so that many will bring their lead to their owner every morning. Celebrate this ritual with a dedicated dog lead hanger available on Etsy.
10. Keep pet toys tidy in a designated bag
This one's definitely a gift for pet lovers/owners rather than their pets: keep toys tidied away in a pretty personalised cat toy storage bag. You know the tidiness won't last long, but the bag is very cute and lovely to give or receive as a gift. Available from Etsy.
What better way to announce a home with pets than with a pet-themed doormat? The Coir Cat Doormat from Maisons du Monde is both cute and on-trend, with its neutral colour that will work well with any colour scheme.
11. A bandana fit for a canine king
What dog lover will not like the Shark Bait Dog Bandana from Pet Pooch Boutique? It's cute, it's 100 per cent cotton, and it's got sharks on it. We love it. They 'need' it.
12. A dog bauble for their Christmas tree
Now that's what we call a classy way to celebrate a pet – a hand painted, personalised bauble. They're a little pricey, but this is sure to become a family heirloom in years to come. Pick up this Personalised Hand Painted Christmas Bauble by Peggy & Kate at Not On The Highstreet.
13. Indulge their love of cats with cat-themed tableware
Cat lovers will be delighted with Hannah Turner's cat-themed tableware: choose just one item, a jug or a plate, or go to town and get them a whole mini-collection of cat-printed porcelain. There's even a cat-shaped trinket tray.
14. Give their dog a chic drying coat
Looking for a gift for pet lovers with mucky pups? Help them dry off their dog with the ingenious Classic Collection Dog Drying Coat from Ruff and Tumble. It's made from thick cotton towelling fabric, is easy to put on, and looks great. No more wet dogs and messy towels.
15. Give cat owners a beautifully designed cat scratcher
If your recipient has a cat, that cat has claws, simples. And they probably already have a cat scratching post or two, so surprise them with something a bit different (and so nicely designed that they might think you've given them an expensive Mid-century coffee table).
The Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge by PetFusion is made from corrugated cardboard, which cats love to scratch, and has an attractive (for both cats and owners) wave-like shape. Won't look out of place in even the most stylishly designed living rooms.
16. For best friends only
A perfect gift for any best friends no matter if they're human or animal, these best friend charms can be worn around your pet's collar and then popped on a keyring or necklace for you. There are also some where you can add a personalised pet ID barrel for your furry friend in case they get lost.