Gifts for pets and pet owners in the UK

Mud, boredom and the sofa

Ask a British dog owner what wears them down and the answer is usually one of three things: mud from winter walks, a dog that gets bored when left alone, or a dog that has claimed the good sofa.

For boredom, the Beco Boredom Buster is a rubber shape you fill with paste, and it keeps a dog busy for a while. For mud, a tin of paw balm treats dry pads and noses after long walks. For the sofa, a faux fur blanket gives the dog its own spot and saves the upholstery. A smart lead and a car bed for a small dog round out the practical end.

Know the dog's jaws

Soft toys suit gentle dogs that carry things around. The LISH squirrel says plainly that it is not a chew toy. The Beco sloth is tougher but still fabric. For a dog that wrecks toys in minutes, stick to rubber. Skip scented sprays unless you know the dog tolerates them.

Gifts for the owner

Half this edition is for the person, not the pet, and that is deliberate. A cat tin, a joke mug, a lucky cat necklace, a box of cat chocolates, a felt bookmark kit or a pair of corgi socks all work for a coworker or Secret Santa who talks about their animal constantly. Under 20 pounds is easy here.

A treat advent calendar is the one cheap gift that is for both. It costs little, it gets used every day in December, and the owner gets to enjoy it too.

Where to spend more

The bigger gifts here are a car bed for a small dog and a faux fur sofa blanket. Only buy either for an owner who has mentioned the problem, and check the size against the dog. Both need gentle washing, which matters in a muddy British winter. For most people, two small useful things beat one expensive one.

Questions people ask

What is a good gift for someone who has a dog?

Something that fixes a daily chore. A drying towel with hand pockets helps after muddy walks, a treat toy like the West Paw Qwizl keeps a bored dog busy, and paw balm or winter boots help in cold weather. Ask about the dog's size and chewing habits first, because those decide whether the gift works.

What can I give a cat owner for Christmas?

Low-risk picks are treats, a wand lure refill or a small wobble toy, since cats are fussy and cheap misses do not matter. For a bigger gift, a covered cave bed suits a cat that hides, and a window hammock suits an indoor cat that watches birds. Check the windows are smooth glass before buying a suction-cup perch.

Are pet gifts better for the pet or the owner?

For the owner, most of the time. A pet will play with a toy for a week, but the owner uses a good towel, a heavy bowl or a reflective leash every day. A simple rule is to pair one small toy with one practical item for the person who does the walking, drying and cleaning up.

How do I buy a dog coat or boots as a gift without knowing the size?

Ask the owner for the dog's back length and paw width, or say you need it for a gift and leave the surprise at that. Each brand uses its own size chart, so a medium from one shop is not a medium from another. Keep the receipt and buy early, before popular sizes sell out.