Some toys and luxury items for the pet and a few things for the owner
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Are the gifts for the people or the pet? We are not sure but do know, without a doubt, that pet gifts are a thing. Canadians like their pets. And they spoil them, too.
A recent survey of 2,000 Canadian adults by Narrative Research found that of the roughly half of respondents who identified as pet owners, about a third said they added an animal companion to their households since the start of the pandemic.
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And COVID-19 and economic tough times, be damned, nearly half of Canadian dog or cat owners report they are spending more on pet products than they used to, and another third report no change in spending levels, according to the Canadian Pet Market Survey
When it comes to gift-giving, pets and their people are not a tough crowd. Have you ever seen how happy a dog can get over a dirty tennis ball they found hidden in the corner of a dog park?
That said, when you are looking for something for your pet-loving friends or family, you want to make sure it’s a bona fide crowd-pleaser and pet-friendly. By that, we mean it is constructed with safety in mind and has attracted good reviews.
Whether you seek something fashionable for a dog or something to scratch for a beloved feline, you will find it in our gift guide.
We also can’t forget that pet people are a breed of their own, so we’ve added a few gifts which are perfect for those who share their homes with animals.
If My Pet Could Talk book ($56)
Be it a cat or a dog, you can tailor the tale to resemble the pet you want to profile, including its name, gender, age and more. This gift gets great reviews and we’re not surprised.
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Where to buy: Uncommon Goods
PawHut ($169.99)
A 79-inch, multi-level cat condo. At the moment it’s on sale.
Where to buy: The Bay
PawHut sofa bed ($164.99)
For cats or dogs up to 22 lbs. Sleek and stylish luxury rattan-style sofa with a removable, washable cushion. Comfort for an older pet or chic option for any cat or dog.
Where to buy: The Bay
Wobble Wag Giggle ($15)
Interactive toy that makes fun giggly noises when pushed, shaken or picked up by a playful pooch. An excellent way to entertain.
Where to buy: Amazon
Furbo Dog Camera ($249)
Compatible with Alexa. People can toss a treat to their dog via the free Furbo iOS/Android app.
Equipped with two-way chat and barking alert which sends push notifications to your smartphone when it detects barking.
Where to buy: Amazon
Bad Dog Wisdom Tumblers ($46)
Lessons from the canine delivered in these fun tumblers. This gift gets great reviews and is great for dog owners.
Where to buy: Uncommon Goods
Fairwin ultra-durable dog toy for an aggressive chewer ($19.99)
Because any owner of a dog that goes through toys like a public bathroom goes through toilet paper knows it’s a hassle to keep buying new ones. For small breed dogs.
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Where to buy: Amazon
Dexas MudBuster portable dog paw cleaner ($24.99)
Simply brilliant. So much better than stooping down with an old towel to clean the pup’s feet. Put your dog’s right foot in and shake it all around and watch it come out clean. The MudBuster has thick silicone bristles inside an easy-to-grip tumbler designed to gently loosen mud and dirt, keeping the mess in the MudBuster and not in your home or car.
Where to buy: Amazon
Petlibro automatic cat (or dog) feeder ($89.99)
Programmable with room for up to 10 voice recordings to summon your pet to the meal table.
Where to buy: Amazon
ChomChom pet hair roller/remover ($33.95)
Because most pet owners know you can’t wear black or leave home without a lint brush of some sort. This one is battery-free, reusable and works on bedding and furniture, too.
Where to buy: Amazon
Pet grooming mitts ($15.99)
Give them a hand with this hands-off, easy-to-use option to help with the grooming and de-shedding of pets.
Where to buy: Amazon
Tevyvn 1,400 dog poop bags ($34.99)
Trust us, this isn’t a trashy gift for any dog-owning friend or loved one. It will be appreciated for many months because there is nothing more embarrassing than asking a stranger if they can spare a bag.
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Where to buy: Amazon
Duo Bowl with anti-slip base ($17.99)
If you’ve ever accidentally kicked the dog’s food or water bowl across the room, you know a grippier option would be welcome. This is an affordable gift idea, a pet food dish with a removable, easy-to-clean plate has a rubbery anti-slip base.
Where to buy: Nordstrom
WowWee Chip robot dog ($169.99)
Not ready to buy the kid a pet yet? This dog recognizes and follows you just like a real dog might. It comes with a smartball to play fetch and recharges itself in its smartbed. Advanced sensors mean Chip can move and look towards his ball or his owner and be trained to respond to voice commands. Not at all like the real thing. But, truly, a smart puppy.
Where to buy: Best Buy
We wanted to add this one because it’s a great little gift. But we are putting it at the bottom of the list because it won’t arrive for anyone who wants to see their purchase delivered before Christmas. It’s also a reminder, when shopping, to check when the shipping will happen to ensure it meets your timelines.
How to Speak Dog Cards ($13)
Now we’re talking. If it’s as advertised, How to Speak Dog Cards will help you discover the secrets behind a dog’s bark (from tone to tempo,) facial expressions and body language. The deck of 100 canine cards has facts about breeds and common behaviours. Make a game of getting yourself educated.
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Where to buy: Uncommon Goods
Another thing before we wrap up
We might not promote dressing your dog if we didn’t live in Canada. But given we do, we think it may be a bit harsh to expect our canine buddies (regardless of how lovely their fur coat might be,) to traipse around naked all winter.
That’s why we put together some intel on the topic here; Dressing your dog for the winter — practical pieces of clothing to protect your canines.
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Shopping Essentials is a new category that features highly-researched products, new and exciting launches or behind-the-scenes info — learn more. All prices are accurate on the day of publication.
NMoharib@postmedia.com
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