16 Gifts for Pet Parents

If there's one thing pet owners enjoy doing, it's spoiling their animals. This holiday season, treat the pet parents in your life with these gifts for themselves, their cats, and their dogs (and maybe some hamsters, too). Their pets may be more interested in the packaging the gifts came in, but still, it's the thought that counts.

1. Animal Advent Calendars, $15–$50

Advent calendars are all the rage—and there’s no reason why your giftee’s furry friend should miss out on all the fun. Petco has a number of options for animals of all kinds, from chews and toys for dogs to toys and catnip and toys for cats (the better to work off those ‘nip-induced zoomies!). There’s even an advent calendar for smaller animals like guinea pigs that includes chew toys. 

Buy it: Petco

2. Green Pollywog Clean Touch Inkless Ink Pad for Pets; $23 for 2-pack

This kit will all your giftee to create a keepsake of their pet they’ll have forever. All they need to do is place the ink pad face-down on a piece of matte card stock and press their pet’s foot to the pad for a no-mess image of their paw. Reviewers report that the kit is simple to use and can make several prints before it dries out.

Buy it: Amazon

3. Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer, $160

Here’s one for adventure-loving people and their equally adventurous critters. This bike trailer means small– and medium–sized dogs up to 50 pounds can tag along on any ride. The mesh windows will let them enjoy a fresh breeze on pleasant days, while the weatherproof cover will keep them dry during rainy excursions; there’s also an internal leash to make sure the pet is secure. When it’s not in use, the trailer folds down for easy storage. Pets are sure to enjoy the ride—unless, of course, they’re heading to the vet.

Buy it: Amazon

4. Custom Socks; $15

Socks are a classic Christmas gift. This year, make things a bit more interesting by giving the pet lover in your life a pair with their beloved beast’s face plastered all over them. The socks come in a variety of fun colors, so you’ll be able to find something to suit all sorts of styles. All you need is a picture of the pet to send to the company.

Buy it: Amazon

5. Furbo Dog Camera; $210

If you know someone who has separation anxiety when they're away from their pet, just get them this camera from Furbo so they can check in on their favorite furry family member. The camera has two-way audio that sends alerts if a dog is barking, lets owners speak through the camera to soothe their pet, and turns 360-degrees so no part of the room is off-limits. People can even stock it with their animal’s favorite treats and use the camera’s app to dispense a few morsels with a quick click.

Buy it: Amazon

6. Good Kitty Ceramic Cat Treat Jar; $17

This ceramic jar with a silicone seal lets pet owners keep treats fresh—and with its sleek design and bamboo lid, it will look good stored among jars of human goodies, too. The treat jar is dishwasher-safe, so keeping it sanitary will be a breeze.

Buy it: Amazon

7. Embark Dog DNA Test Kit; $127

Give the gift of knowledge this holiday season with a dog DNA test that identifies which breeds a person’s beloved mutt is made of. It’ll do more than help pet owners figure out if the weirdly straight-haired poodle mix they adopted really is part poodle: The kit also tests for more than 200 common health issues, so dog owners can get a sense of any underlying problems associated with certain breeds.

Cat owners may appreciate this DNA test from Basepaws, which can identify 21 specific breeds and four main breed groups, as well as look for common cat diseases.

Buy it: Amazon

8. Pet Adobe Waterproof Pet Throw Blanket; $40

Pets—and perhaps their owners, too—can snuggle on the couch beneath this plush blanket. It’s reversible, with each side offering a different texture, and it’s waterproof, so pet parents won’t have to worry about puddles of dog drool creating a sopping mess.

Buy it: Target

9. Penn Plax SpongeBob Squarepants Pineapple House with Swim Holes Aquatic Ornament; $6

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Your pet-loving friend’s fish, thanks to this tank accessory. It’s whimsically delightful for human observers and relaxing for the fish, as the shelter provides a place for them to hide when they need to reduce stress.

Buy it: PETCO

10. Custom Pet Nose Print Necklaces; $215–$300

This year, give the pet-loving giftee in your life a custom necklace of their fur baby’s nose print. The artist will send a molding kit to your giftee, then use that impression to create a one-of-a-kind keepsake.

Buy it: Uncommon Goods

11. Animalist Modern Art Poster; $46

Delight artsy animal lovers with these minimalist designs from Animalist. Simply choose from a range of cat and dog breeds to create a chic print that will look great as a standout piece or as part of a gallery wall.

Buy it: Animalist

12. Hollypet Warm Small Pet Animals Bed, Yellow Banana; $19

Small critters can slip inside this banana bed to stay warm and cozy. The sight of their rodent hunkered down in this plush banana is sure to amuse your giftee.

Buy it: Amazon

13. Paint Your Pet: Portrait Class; $35

Here’s one for creative pet lovers. Recipients of this pet portrait class will wind up with a memory and an original watercolor painting they can cherish for years to come. There’s one virtual class each month, so your giftee will be able to choose a time that suits their schedule.

Buy it: Uncommon Goods

14. French Macaron Dog Treats; $23

Pet owners whose dogs have a taste for the finer things in life will appreciate these macarons. The tasty treats come in mint, lavender, and strawberry flavors, and they’re made with human-grade ingredients, so it won’t hurt anyone if an unsuspecting human accidentally takes a bite.

Buy it: Uncommon Goods

15. Custom Photo Pillow; $18

Most people want to cuddle their pets—though not every animal wants to cuddle back. With this custom pillow, your giftee can squeeze a squishy replica of their pet as much as they want without fear of retribution. Just make sure you have a high-quality picture of the pet in question, and you can send it off to the company.

Buy it: Amazon

16. Nature’s Hangout Window Bird Feeder; $28

No, backyard wildlife doesn’t qualify as pets. But with this window feeder, your giftee will be able to watch their own flock of birds converge on their yard. It’s great for people who love animals but can’t have their own pets in the house.

Buy it: Amazon

A version of this story originally ran in 2021; it has been updated for 2022.