Gifts for Dog Lovers: Christmas Edition

We all have those people in our lives who are completely obsessed with dogs, and I’m usually that person within a group of friends. Every Christmas, my dear friends and family hunt for the perfect gift for dog lovers that will bring tears to my eyes as I rip open the wrapping paper. Personally, I appreciate dog-themed gifts chosen specially for me to wear or admire. If the dog lover in your life is anything like myself, she’d rather sport a darling T-shirt featuring a dog than a Chanel blouse any day!

Over the years, I’ve given and received the best dog lover gifts ever, which I’ll totally share with you! Hopefully, your friend beams with admiration when she unwraps your special gift because it warms the paw prints in her heart.

Hoodie & T-Shirt

A couple of months ago, I was fortunate enough to bump into a vendor selling darling hoodies and T-shirts with special messages about dogs. It was funny because draped across the front of one was my personal motto I had had for years, so I jumped at the chance to purchase “Dogs Are My Zen” hoodie and T-shirt from Dogs Is Good (DIG) Company. Their mission statement will make any dog lover cry good tears. Plus, they offer clothing gift options for men too!

Trust me, these DIG hoodies and T-shirts are far from frumpy looking. They’re fitted just in the right place and very slimming on plus-sized women too (which is incredibility hard to find!). Oh, and the material is so soft and dreamy plus the color choices are amazing. I purchased a large gray “zen” hoodie and medium blue “zen” T-shirt, both of which fit perfectly and were true to size. And yes, I purchased these gifts for the dog lovers in my life. 🙂

Prices: $23.99-$51.99

Jewelry

As a dog lover, you can never have enough paw print or bone-shaped earrings. Since I work with dogs, I prefer stud earrings, as ones that dangle can easily get caught in fur or become a distraction. However, you can choose earrings based on your friend’s personal style from a huge assortment of paw print earrings at Etsy. The best part is you never have to worry about purchasing the right size because earrings always fit. 🙂

Prices: $10-$75

Mugs

Everyone needs glassware and stylish dog-themed mugs make great gifts for dog lovers. You can certainly choose novelty mugs with humorous sayings, but personally, I adore fashionable dog-themed mugs I can use every day. Want to take it a step further? Borrow a photo of your friend’s cherished dog and create a personalized mug at Zazzle.com. You’ll certainly warm his or her heart forever. When purchasing mugs, I recommend buying a set of two, so they can share with a friend while sipping their warm beverage.

Prices: $2-$10 per mug.

Artwork

Want to make a dog lover cry? Frame her favorite dog picture or, better yet, commission it to an artist for a one-of-a-kind art piece. If you want to keep it a surprise, dig around your friend’s social media page to locate the perfect photo, save it and memorialize it. About 15 years ago, I lost my first Rottweiler a couple of months before Christmas and my mother memorialized him in a bronze statue. To this day, I still cry when I think about opening her thoughtful gift. His statue is still on my mantle.

Enlarging and framing a picture is inexpensive now, especially if you increase the size using the local pharmacy kiosk (located in the photo sections). From there, you can pick up a frame according to your chosen size.

If you’re going the artwork route, my favorite artists are Rachel Victoria and Art Paw by Rebecca Collins. They do beautiful work. If you’re crafty, try layering different filters over a photo for a beautiful effect in Photoshop. If crafting is not your thing, download the Portrait Painter app and create breathtaking images. It’s super simple!

Prices:

• Enlarging and framing pictures: $50-$150
• Artwork: $100-$250
• Portrait Painter app: $15 (worth every penny)

Donate to Their Local Rescue Group

For some reason, we forget this option. However, it’s every bit as meaningful to help dogs in need, especially during the holidays. Make a donation to a local rescue group or sponsor a dog in need in your friend’s name. Print and frame the donation along with a picture and bio of her sponsored dog, then gift wrap and place under the tree. Expect tears. 🙂

Price: Invaluable

Happy Holidays and don’t forget to hug your dogs!