Unique Gift Ideas for Animal Lovers

Looking to spoil the special animal lover in your life? Animal lovers, like the creatures they adore, are a diverse bunch, so finding the “pawfect” gift for someone who isn’t quite your ordinary, run-of-the-mill pet parent is a challenge.

To help make your gift shopping a little easier, we’ve put together this animal lover gift guide. Read on for dozens of great gift ideas to suit dog devotees, cat ladies, animal activists, and more.

There’s no such thing as too many cats — this sentence sums up the Cat Lady perfectly. As far as the Cat Lady is concerned, the best things in life are furry, purry, and fabulous feline companions. So if you’re buying for someone who lives and breathes cats, these great gifts will have them purring with delight.

Catio

A Catio lets a cat lady’s feline friends safely enjoy the benefits of indoor/outdoor living. These outdoor enclosures let cats enjoy the fresh air and mental stimulation of the great outdoors, but without the dangers that come with roaming free.

This means cats can soak up some sunshine and watch the world go by, and you don’t have to worry about them getting into fights or harming any wildlife. Now that’s a win-win!

Cat-opoly board game

Does the cat lover in your life also enjoy game nights? If so, they’ll absolutely love Cat-opoly. This family-friendly game puts a catty twist on the old classic Monopoly. You collect litter boxes and fish bones rather than houses and hotels, but you’ll have to watch out for the tax-collecting dog and avoid missing 3 turns when you fall in the water. It’s “pet-acular” fun from start to finish!

Wag! gift card

Even the most dedicated cat parent can’t be with their kitties 24/7. So if the Cat Lady in your life wants to make sure their fur-babies get 5-star care while they’re away, treat them to a gift card for Wag drop-in services. This will help them keep their kitties safe and happy, and provide the cat lover with much-needed peace of mind when they can’t be with their cats.

PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge 

Stylish and functional, the PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge and Vertical Cat Scratcher Toy are wonderful additions to any cat lover’s home. It’s made from recycled corrugated cardboard, and it’s reversible to offer twice as much scratching relief. The Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge also comes in a range of colors to suit your decor, and its durable design will keep your kitty happy for a long time to come.

Litter-Robot 3 Connect 

Cleaning out the litter box is every cat parent’s least favorite chore, which is why the Litter-Robot 3 Connect is the “purrfect” Cat Lady gift. This self-cleaning litter box is Wi-Fi-enabled, and you can remotely monitor its use with the Whisker app. And with plenty of positive reviews from pet parents, the Litter Robot makes cleaning up after cats a whole lot easier.

The Animal Activist is passionate about reducing animal suffering. They’re committed to fighting animal cruelty and neglect, and will do whatever they can to change the way we view every creature on Earth. These gift ideas will be sure to inspire and excite them this holiday season.

National Geographic’s Photo Ark

Joel Sartore’s ambitious project is to create photographic portraits of all the world’s animals, especially those that are endangered. Having captured images of more than 6,000 species, he’s created The Photo Ark in conjunction with National Geographic. There are some truly stunning images in the collection, and this publication is a spectacular reminder of why every species on earth is important.

Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat

Few books are as thought-provoking as Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat by Dr Hal Herzog. This highly-acclaimed book examines the complexities of human/animal relationships and the myriad factors that affect how we view animals’ place in the world. A very intriguing read for any animal lover.

Related: 5 Dog Training Books Every Pet Parent Should Read

Biossance Love, Joy and Bestsellers Set

The Animal Activist would never buy cosmetics or skin care products from a company that tests on animals. That’s why this Love, Joy and Bestsellers Set from Biossance is the ideal gift. Featuring a resurfacing night serum, repair cream, rose oil, and sleep mask, it’s got everything you need for a bit of pampering. Best of all, Biossance products don’t harm animals or the environment.

RescueBox 

RescueBox lets your animal activist spoil their pet and help animals in need at the same time. Sign the Animal Activist in your life up for a subscription and they’ll receive a box of premium toys, treats, and chews every month. Even better, the subscription helps feed animals in need as part of the Animal Rescue Site’s Subscribe 2 Good program.

We all know someone who seems to rescue a new animal every other day. No matter whether the creature is furry, scaly, feathered, or slimy, if they find an animal in need, the Rescuer of Every Critter is always ready to save the day. They open their home and their heart to all creatures great and small, and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Check out these “pawsome” gift ideas for the Rescuer of Every Critter.

Survival Pet First Aid Kit 

When you come across a sick or injured animal, it’s important that you have the right supplies on hand to provide the care they urgently need. That’s where the Survival Pet First Aid Kit comes in handy. This essential kit comes with a waist belt and features saline, bandages, dressings, swabs, tweezers, and much more. It’s a must-have for any animal rescuer.

An Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation 

Even with the best of intentions, it can be difficult to know how to best care for an injured wild animal. But An Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation, by Nancy A. Schwarz, will teach you the basics you need to know to lend a helping hand.  It covers everything from general care and feeding instructions to housing requirements and how to physically examine animals, so add it to an animal rescuer’s Christmas stocking today.

The Pack Leader believes the only thing better than a wet nose and a wagging tail is a whole bunch of them. This doggy devotee is obsessed with all things canine and makes no secret of the fact that they prefer dogs to most people. From Yorkies to Great Danes, the Pack Leader loves dogs of all shapes and sizes.

Buying for someone who believes 1 dog is never enough? These goodies will get their tail wagging.

Wigzi Dual Doggie Gel Rope Dog Leash

Got a couple of pups to wrangle? This hands-free double leash will make a world of difference. Featuring a built-in spinning coupler and gel-coated ergonomic handle, it's a comfortable solution to your multi-dog situation. Plus, its rope is reflective, making it easy to spot for your doggos in the dark. 

Did You Feed the Dog? tracker

Another simple but very practical gift, the Did You Feed the Dog? feeding reminder makes it easy to keep track of Fido’s feeding schedule. Magnets on the back help you mount it in the most convenient location, and it’s sure to help a busy Pack Leader stay on top of all their pups’ meals.

Nite Ize NiteHowl LED Dog Collars

If they’ve got so many pups it’s hard to remember which one’s which, Nite Ize NiteHowl LED Dog Collars will be a welcome sight come Christmas morning. Not only are they a handy way to identify each dog, but they’re also a wonderful safety tool to help increase each dog’s visibility on night-time walks.

Barkbox subscription 

When you sign a dog lover up to Barkbox, they'll get a customized box of toys and treats delivered every month — "pawfect" for the Pack Leader whose pups are notorious chewers!

Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster

If you thought throwing a tennis ball for 1 ball-obsessed dog was hard work, try doing it for 2 or 3! Give the Pack Leader’s shoulder a rest and pop the Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster in their Christmas stocking. Capable of launching balls up to 50 feet, it’ll help them tire out all of their 4-legged friends.

Related: Best Dog Dad Gifts for Father’s Day

Animal lovers don’t just adore creatures with 4 legs and fur — some are simply enchanted by remarkable reptiles. And while there’s not quite as many choices when shopping for the reptile lover, there are still plenty of great options that will put a smile on their face this Christmas.

Adjustable lizard leash with wings 

Buying for the proud pet parent of a Bearded Dragon? This adorable lizard leash is sure to put a smile on their face. Made of leather and featuring nylon rope, it’s as practical as it is cute. With this harness in place, their pet will certainly turn plenty of heads.

Yes, I Really Do Need All These Lizards shirt 

This funny shirt lets any reptile enthusiast announce their love of lizards loudly and proudly. They’ll be sure to attract plenty of admiring glances in this stylish number, not to mention meet plenty of fellow reptile aficionados.

Exo Terra Natural Terrarium

If you really want to wow a reptile enthusiast this Christmas, treat them to a new Exo Terra Terrarium. These high-quality reptile habitats will help them give their pet reptile a happy and comfortable home, while its easy-to-clean features will save them time on animal upkeep. Now that should put a smile on their face that even a crocodile would be proud of!

National Geographic Kids Ultimate Reptileopedia  

Looking for gift ideas for a younger reptile enthusiast? National Geographic Kids’ Ultimate Reptileopedia  is sure to put a smile on their face. This ultimate reference guide is full of fascinating reptile facts and jaw-dropping images to help fuel their love of these amazing creatures.

Zilla Reptile Basking Platform

Give your scaly friend somewhere new to soak up some rays with a Zilla Reptile Basking Platform! This basking platform is wide enough for a variety of reptiles from aquatic turtles to bearded dragons. 

The Baker loves nothing more than cooking up delicious homemade treats for their fur-babies. Every last cake, cookie, and sweet treat is prepared with love, and lucky pets get to oversee the baking process before licking the bowl clean. If you’re shopping for an animal-loving Baker, why not add these special gifts to your cart?

Healthy Homemade Dog Treats recipe book 

Want to give the Baker some inspiration to help them take their kitchen game to the next level? Healthy Homemade Dog Treats is just what they need. Featuring more than 70 nutritious recipes for tasty dog treats, this is 1 gift that will sure to have the Baker’s pup licking their lips.

Pooch Cake Wheat-Free Peanut Butter Cake Mix 

Do you have a friend who treats their barking buddy to a homemade cake on their birthday? The Pooch Cake Wheat-Free Peanut Butter Cake Mix is a unique gift for any pet parent who loves baking. Plus, it's super simple to bake — you can even make it in your microwave! Perfect for pooches that love peanut butter!

Dog tail treat canister 

All those tasty treats they bake are going to need to be stored somewhere to keep them fresh, and where better than Mud Pie's dog tail treat canister? This ceramic jar is oh so cute and will look right at home in any pet treat baker’s kitchen.

DASH Mini Dog Treat Maker

Check out the DASH Mini Dog Treat Maker as a unique gift for a friend who loves unusual kitchen gadgets. This treat maker is similar to a waffle iron, churning out delicious treats with little to no mess.

Cat and dog aprons

The best bakers know that sometimes things can get a little messy in the kitchen. Help the animal lover in your life stay clean and crispy with this Claswcalor dog apron if they’re crazy about canines, or this Duduho cat apron if they fancy felines. They’re cute, they’re stylish, and they’re extremely practical.

There’s a whole wide world out there just waiting to be explored, and adventurous animal lovers want to see it all with their pets by their side. If your giftee loves taking their dog or cat along on all their outdoor escapades, these great gift ideas will help broaden their adventure horizons.

Trixie Premium Quick Fold Dog Bike Trailer

The Adventurer’s dog may not be able to ride a bike, but that doesn’t mean they have to miss out on the fun of a bicycling odyssey. The Trixie Premium Quick Fold Dog Bike Trailer is quick and easy to hitch up to your bike, so it’s a breeze to tow your dog with you everywhere you go. And when the ride is done, fold it up to neatly store for your outdoor adventure.

BarkerBag Dog Sleeping Bag  

Heading out into the wilderness for a camping trip with your pup produces plenty of memorable experiences. But when night falls and the temperature drops, it’s important that you and your dog can stay toasty warm. That’s why we love the BarkerBag dog sleeping bag, which zips into the side of your sleeping bag so you and your fur-baby can snuggle up all night long.

Adventure Cats: Living 9 Lives to the Fullest 

Dogs aren’t the only fur-babies that love adventure — in fact, you might be surprised just how easy it is to experience some amazing outdoor adventures with a cat. Adventure Cats: Living 9 Lives to the Fullest is the ultimate guide to exploring the wild with your cat. We’re talking hiking, camping, kayaking, and even surfing, which makes this the ideal gift to show the Adventurer that the sky's the limit.

Maxbone Talon Raincoat

For true adventurers who can handle a little bad weather, the Maxbone Talon Raincoat is the perfect way to keep your curious hound from getting waterlogged. With a couple small pockets and a hood, this comfortable jacket moves with your pup to keep the journey fabulous.

Let’s face it: pet foster parents are pretty special people. They welcome pets of all ages into a loving home environment, and they go through the heartbreak of saying goodbye to their fosters just to help pets in need of a second chance find their forever home.

In other words, they deserve to be spoiled. These gift ideas will brighten any foster parent's day!

Pet store gift card

OK, so a gift card isn’t the most personal of gifts, but it’s the sort of practical present that can make a real difference in any foster home. Choose their favorite pet store and load up a card with cash, so that they can stock up on whatever they require to provide a happy home for pets in need.

Pet Treater Deluxe Dog Pack or Pet Treater Multi-Cat Pack

Every pet, even those who are yet to find their forever home, deserves to be spoiled every once in a while. So why not help the foster carer in your life make the animals in their care feel special with a Pet Treater subscription? With a Pet Treater Deluxe Dog Pack or Pet Treater Multi-Cat Pack, they’ll get a monthly box full of toys, treats, and extra goodies to help all their foster pets feel loved.

Zesty Paws Calming Bites

For timid and anxious dogs, arriving at a new foster home can be a very stressful time. But with a big jar of Zesty Paws Calming Bites on hand, those pensive pets will be calmer, more composed, and maybe even relaxed. Along with a whole lot of love and affection, this will make settling into a new foster home a whole lot easier.

Polka dot paw pajama set

At the end of a long day caring for animals, sometimes all an exhausted foster carer wants to do is enjoy a relaxing night on the couch. And they’ll be snug and warm doing that in this polka dot paw pajama set from the Animal Rescue Site. These pajamas are comfy, cozy, and have a cute paw theme. Even better, your purchase will help feed shelter animals, so it’s a gift that keeps on giving.

What gift are you getting the animal lover in your life? Share with us in the comments below, or tag us on Instagram @wag for a chance to be featured on our feed!