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BEACON Senior News

Best gifts for dog lovers this holiday season: ideas under $40

Nov 04, 2024 02:45PM ● By Marti Benson

Our holiday gifts, both given and received, tend to be dog-centric. As bona fide dog lovers, we’re surrounded by people who are also nuts about dogs.  

Whenever I spot socks adorned with French bulldogs, I immediately think of my friend Tina. Meanwhile, the Jordans tell us they look forward to their annual “Just Goldens” calendar from Calendars.com, even though we both have mixed-breed puppers that defy pedigrees.

We always get a good laugh when yet another “Dog Mom” mug or “Everything Tastes Better with Dog Hair in It” tea towel makes its way to us. Judging by the abundance of paw-print-embellished knick-knacks that flood thrift stores every January, it seems we’re not the only ones with a surplus of these “pawsome” knick-knacks.

Are you stuck in a rut about what to get the dog lovers in your life? Here are five fun ideas under $40 that are sure to get tails wagging this holiday season. Many of these can be found on sale for even less!

Photo Gallery Pet Playing Cards ($19.99 at Shutterfly.com)

Personalize 52 standard playing cards (plus two jokers) with a photo of their pet. Comes in a sturdy case. 

Photo Gallery Pet Puzzle ($32.99 at Shutterfly.com)

Turn a favorite pet photo into a puzzle. Choose between 60, 252, 520 or 1,014 pieces.

Customized Pet Pillow ($9.50+ at Etsy.com)

Transform a photo of their pet (either full body or just the head) into a throw pillow. Etsy has plenty of sellers offering different styles and sizes to choose from. Make sure to read reviews and use top-rated sellers. 

Customized Cooking Mitts ($9.00+ at Etsy.com)

Personalized oven mitts with their dog’s face on them. Again, Etsy has lots of options—find the one that strikes your fancy! 

Pooch Selfie: The Original Dog Selfie Stick Smartphone Attachment ($12.99 at Chewy.com)  

Attach this device—with its squeaky tennis ball—to your smartphone, and your friend will get perfect selfies with their four-legged buddy every time. 

Other thoughtful holiday gifts might include offering to walk or play with their dog if they’re unable to, covering part of an unexpected vet bill or gifting a credit to their favorite kennel or pet sitter. Better yet, volunteer to dog-sit—there’s nothing like the peace of mind that comes with knowing their fur kiddo is in good hands while they’re away.

Wishing you and your beloved furry, finned, feathered, scaly—and human—family members a peaceful, safe and blessed holiday season!