26 Useful Gifts for Pet Parents
Trying to find a purr-fect gift for the pet parent in your life can be tricky. Often laser-focused on their furry companions’ needs, these kind-hearted people often put their own wants on the back burner. But let’s face it; pet parents deserve a little pampering too! The key is finding something they’ll love that incorporates or honors their beloved pet.
Fortunately, there are lots of great options. Scented candles and reed diffusers offer a breath of fresh air for pet-filled homes, and animal lovers always appreciate gifts that help make caring for their fur babies easier. Not sure where to start? Let us help! Check out these gifts for pet parents that celebrate the special bond between pets and their people.
Shop All Candle Scents1. Reed Diffuser with Calming Fragrances
Even the most energetic pup or feisty feline can benefit from a relaxing atmosphere. Promote serenity in your favorite pet parent’s home with a reed diffuser containing calming scents like lavender or chamomile. These scents can ease anxiety in both pets and their humans, creating a tranquil environment for everyone.
2. Small Candles
Flickering candlelight sets a cozy mood, but safety is paramount around curious pets. Opt for small candles to infuse the recipient’s home with delightful aromas. Since small candles don’t take up a lot of space, it’s easy to find a place to put one that’s out of pets’ reach.
If your friend has recently lost a pet, consider a memory candle. Infused with the scents of various locations, these candles offer a perfect way to trigger positive memories of trips to the beach, road trips and weekend hikes with their four-legged best friend. You might be wondering, “Are candles bad for dogs?” Fortunately, they aren’t — as long as you purchase high-quality ones like those we offer here at Homesick.
3. Subscription Box for Pet Treats
Subscription boxes are all the rage, and pet treat boxes are a fun way to help your favorite pet owner pamper a furry friend. Choose a subscription that caters to the pet’s specific needs and taste buds, and they’ll receive a variety of healthy and delicious treats delivered right to the pet parent’s doorstep. It’s a gift that keeps on giving and sparking joy with every delivery.
4. Customized Pet Food Mat
Spilled kibble and wet food messes are the bane of every pet parent’s existence. Elevate mealtime with a stylish and functional customized pet food mat. Many companies offer mats that can be personalized with the pet’s name or a cute design to add a touch of personality to feeding time.
5. Interactive Puzzle Feeder Toy
Interactive puzzle feeder toys are fun for both pets and their owners. These stimulating toys require the pet to work for their kibble, slowing down their eating and providing mental stimulation. It’s a win-win for both pet parents (less mess and lots of opportunities for cute photos and videos) and pets (improved cognitive function). Plus, they’re great boredom busters and can even soothe anxious pets.
6. Automatic Pet Feeder
Busy pet parents often juggle hectic schedules. An automatic pet feeder takes the worry out of mealtimes and ensures their furry friend gets fed on time and in appropriate portions. These handy devices can be programmed to dispense food at specific intervals, eliminating the need for last-minute scrambling or relying on neighbors for feeding duty.
7. Water-Filtering Pet Fountain
Many pets prefer running water to stagnant bowls. A water-filtering pet fountain provides a constant stream of fresh, filtered water that encourages pets to drink up, which, in turn, helps keep them healthy and happy. Plus, the gentle sound of running water can be surprisingly soothing for pet parents.
8. Comfortable and Supportive Pet Bed
A good night’s sleep is essential for everyone — including pets. Invest in a comfortable and supportive pet bed that’s well-suited to your loved one’s pet’s age and size. For senior pets, consider an orthopedic bed that provides extra joint support.
9. Stylish Pet Carrier
Are you shopping for someone who loves taking their furry friend with them everywhere they go? Whether it’s a trip to the vet or a weekend getaway, pet parents need a safe and comfortable way to transport their companions. Ditch the flimsy carriers and opt for a stylish and sturdy carrier that prioritizes comfort, safety and aesthetics. Look for carriers with breathable mesh panels, comfortable padding and easy-access features for effortless travel.
10. Durable Travel Food and Water Bowls
Mealtime shouldn’t be a hassle on the go. Ensure convenient feeding during walks, hikes or road trips with collapsible or travel-sized food and water bowls. These space-saving options are lightweight and easy to carry, making pet travel a breeze.
11. Waste Bag Dispenser with Leash Clip
They may not be glamorous, but waste bags are an essential part of pet parenthood. Make it easier for pet parents to be eco-friendly while walking their furry friend with a stylish waste bag dispenser that clips onto a leash. This handy accessory ensures they always have waste bags on hand, and a cute dispenser is a huge upgrade from a pocket full of recycled grocery bags. Choose a dispenser with a design that complements the recipient’s style or their pet’s collar or leash.
12. Comfortable Leash
Speaking of leashes, long walks shouldn’t be painful. A comfortable leash reduces strain on both pet and pet parent during walks. Look for leashes with padded handles or ergonomic grips that distribute pressure evenly to make walks more enjoyable for everyone.
13. Hands-Free Phone Holder Leash
Every pet parent knows the struggle of juggling a leash and phone on a walk. A hands-free phone holder leash is a game-changer for pet parents who want to keep everything close at hand while giving their furry companion some exercise. The best part about these hands-free leashes? They free up the user’s hands to carry their coffee, energy drink, water or whatever fuels them while on the go.
14. GPS Pet Tracker
A GPS pet tracker offers invaluable peace of mind for any pet lover. These small devices attach to a pet’s collar, allowing pet parents to monitor their furry friend’s location in real time through a smartphone app. Whether the pet is out for a solo adventure in the backyard or on an unexpected escapade, a GPS tracker allows their owner to quickly locate them and bring them back home.
15. Pet Monitoring Camera
Sometimes, pet parents want to peek into their furry friend’s world when they’re away from home. A pet monitoring camera with night vision and two-way audio capabilities allows them to do just that. These devices provide a live video feed of the pet’s home environment, and some — like the Furbo 360° Dog Camera or Cat Camera — even let users dispense treats remotely!
16. Matching Pet and Pet Parent Pajamas or Sweatshirts
Comfy clothes and quality cuddle time? Yes, please! Matching pet and pet parent pajamas or sweatshirts create adorable photo opportunities and strengthen the bond between pet and pet parent. These cozy sets come in various styles and sizes, making for a heartwarming and fun gift for any pet lover on your shopping list.
17. Pet-Safe Houseplants
Liven up their home and purify the air with pet-safe houseplants. Certain plants like spider plants, polka dot plants and bromeliads are not only aesthetically pleasing but also safe to have around curious pets. Just be sure to do your homework and make sure the plant you choose is pet-safe since some, like lilies, are toxic.
18. Professional Pet Portrait
Pets are cherished members of the family, and a professional pet portrait is a beautiful way to commemorate your friend or loved one’s four-legged family member. Commission a local artist to create a stunning portrait that captures the pet’s personality. This is a thoughtful gift for pet parents that will be a treasured keepsake for years to come.
19. Donation to Pet a Charity
Give back to the animal welfare community with a donation to a pet charity in their pet’s name. Charities work tirelessly to rescue animals, provide medical care and promote pet adoption. A donation in the pet’s name is a meaningful way to show your love for your intended recipient while honoring their love for animals.
20. Gift Certificate to a Local Pet Store
Sometimes, the best gift is the freedom of choice. A gift certificate to a local pet store allows pet parents to spoil their furry companions with new toys, treats, grooming supplies or whatever else they may need. This option is perfect for those who might have a specific pet in mind but are unsure about their exact needs or preferences.
21. Cookbook and Supplies for Making Homemade Pet Treats
For the pet parent who loves to get creative in the kitchen, a recipe book for homemade pet treats paired with a basket of high-quality ingredients is a thoughtful and delicious gift. These treats are often healthier than store-bought options and allow pet parents to personalize the ingredients to their pet’s dietary needs.
22. Pampering Spa Day for Their Pup
A spa day at a reputable pet salon is a luxurious gift for anyone who enjoys pampering their canine companion. This package might include a soothing bath, professional grooming, nail trim and a stylish bandana. Or, if you’re unsure which services the recipient typically books for their pet, you could get them a gift certificate from the pet salon, allowing them to pamper their furry friend as they please. A relaxed and refreshed pup translates to a happier pet parent, making this a win-win gift.
23. Interactive Training Clicker Kit
Sharpen their pet’s mind and strengthen the bond between pet and pet parent with an interactive training clicker kit. Clicker training is a positive reinforcement method that uses a clicking sound to mark desired behaviors. These kits typically include a clicker device, a target stick to guide the pet and a training guide filled with fun and effective exercises. This is an especially great gift for pet parents who recently got a puppy or adopted an older (untrained) pet from a shelter.
24. Pet Photography Session
A professional pet photography session captures the unique personality and adorable expressions of a beloved pet. These sessions result in stunning photographs that can be framed, printed on cards or used to create personalized gifts like mugs or tote bags. It’s a gift that freezes a moment in time, creating lasting memories for the pet parent.
25. Personalized Travel Pet Blanket
A personalized travel pet blanket provides comfort and familiarity on the go for pets who travel with their owners. These blankets come in various sizes and materials, and many companies offer customization options like embroidery with the pet’s name or a cute design. Give your friend or loved one a regular blanket for their pet to snuggle up with while traveling, or upgrade to a water-resistant one to cover and protect their vehicle’s seats.
26. Personalized Identification Tag
A lost pet is a pet parent’s worst nightmare. Ensure a safe return with a stylish and personalized pet tag. These tags come in a variety of shapes, materials and colors, and you can have them engraved with their pet’s name, contact information and even a cute saying. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference.
Closing Thoughts
Create a Custom CandleFinding the perfect gift for a pet parent doesn’t have to be a chore. This list offers a variety of unique ideas that cater to both the pet and the pet parent. From practical accessories to heartwarming keepsakes, there’s something for everyone. Remember that the most important aspect is choosing a gift that shows the pet parent you care about them and their furry companion. After all, the love between a pet and a pet parent is a special bond worth celebrating.
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