9 best holiday gifts for pet parents

When there’s a pet lover on your “nice” list, the holiday gift options expand like those chestnuts roasting on an open fire.

Some are great for the animal lovers who will appreciate something extra for the cat or dog, while others will delight those who are so entranced with their animal companions that all they want for Christmas is a pet-centric present.

If you’re the one playing Santa Paws, consider these nine options:

Fun and fitting

Socks festooned with their pet’s photo

For a casual gift for that pet owner who has everything, check out custom dog socks — for humans, not canines. Yep, you can upload Fido or Fifi’s photo online, and a company like this one will make them into personalized socks.

If you’re thinking, “Wouldn’t it be fun to get socks for the whole family with a different pet on each?” you are so correct.

A gift card to an Atlanta-area dog-friendly restaurant

Pooches and people can both have a good time on date night if you’re considerate enough to give a gift certificate to one of the dog-friendly eateries in the Atlanta area.

Aptly named, The Family Dog bar (1402 North Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta) in the Virginia Highlands neighborhood is a jolly option. Ladies Night, chicken and waffles at brunch and trivia nights are just a few of the opportunities to enjoy this spot with its dog-friendly patio. The eatery is open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner.

Dog TV subscription

Dog TV is one gift that will keep on giving (well, as long as you keep up the monthly subscription payments). The 24/7 streaming service based its appeal to canines on more than 60 studies and many humans who work from home are hooked on it, too.

Budget options

Window bird feeder

If you’re on a limited budget or tend to exchange more modest gifts with friends and family, consider meeting a cat lover’s goals for feline entertainment with an inexpensive acrylic bird feeder that attaches to the window with suction cups. A transparent feeder like this one allows both humans and kitties to watch the songbirds dine.

Keep in mind, though, that anyone who doesn’t already have an established following with other feeders on the property will need to set this one up where the birds will have some cover, and also near a source of clean water. It’s important to offer the types of seed that local birds like too — you can’t go wrong with black sunflower seeds, so consider adding a bag for an auxiliary gift.

Homemade dog treat cookie cutter

If they seem like people who’d be happy to bake for the pups, this is another thoughtful gesture that won’t run up your credit card. One version from Amazon costs less than $10 for four cutters shaped like dog houses, a paw print and a bone. They’re made of easy-wash stainless steel and have detachable plastic covers so no one will scrape their fingers while cutting shapes from dough.

If time allows and you can spare a few more dollars, consider unwrapping the cutters and using one to make an inexpensive batch of whole wheat flour and peanut butter dog biscuits to go with the gift (just place the cutters inside the container, or tie one on top with a ribbon.)

Dog’s day out homemade coupon

You can also use the time honored tradition of a DIY coupon, gifting an excursion for you and their dog to Murphy Candler Park in Brookhaven for a dip and a run. It’s more or less free, except for the potential cost of washing the towels you use once you get out of the water — and maybe your car seats.

Go all out

Pet portrait

If you’d like to be extra generous and are targeting the gift to the owner, consider commissioning a pet portrait. While this option has been around for a while, there is a broader range of options than you may anticipate.

For example, Decatur’s Rebekah Berger has positioned herself as an Anima artist and completes fantasy or galactic family portraits, or artwork with inter-planetary and elemental being subjects.

Find more options via the Petworks list of top pet portrait artists in or near Atlanta.

Dog-human kayak

Perfect for those who like outdoor adventures with their canines, this inflatable-aluminum kayak will fit two, and comes with oars and a high-output air pump. If you’re going to buy this one, it has a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds and is made for small, calm bodies of water.

Dog swim club sessions

When you’d like to treat their dog to some time spent in, not on, the water, consider sponsoring some canine swim club sessions at Dog Days Midtown’s (441 Armour Dr. NE, Atlanta) above-ground pool. It’s equipped with an ionizer that sanitizes the water without using harsh chemicals and pups adore it.

There are a few qualifiers for this purchase, though. Note that only those who are registered for dog daycare or the kennel services can sign up, and there are also temperament tests and shots required ahead of participation.