Pets are people too. Show them the love this season with extra special gifts ranging in price from budget friendly to savvy splurge, designed to spoil and delight.
1. Advent calendar for dogs and cats
(Photo Courtesy of Trader Joe’s ©2023)
Countdown to Christmas with a new treat every day. Advent Calendar for Dogs (salmon and sweet potato), $7.49, or the fabulously feline version, Advent Calendar for Cats (salmon and seaweed), $7.49 from our Hawaiian-shirted friends at Monrovia-based Trader Joe’s.
2. Professional headshots
If you know a pet that oughta be in pictures, we know a guy. Los Angeles based artist Andy Stolarek has photographed everything from prized chickens in a mechanic’s garage to pets in Malibu, Prague and beyond. Trained in visual arts at USC and California Institute of the Arts, his graphic, fine art style captures the faces we love with humor, elegance and artistry. Gift certificates available on the Furtographs Pet Portraiture website, sessions from $450.
3. Pig-shaped dog treats
Sit, stay, eat. Puerquito Dog Treats by Gusto Bread, $11, the barking good, pig-shaped cookies for pampered pups are handcrafted in Long Beach at Gusto Bread with the same stone-milled flours and organic ingredients used for the panaderia’s people-pleasing loaves, conchas, cookies, nixtamal queens, pan de maiz and more.
4. Wild-caught salmon fish sticks
L.A.-based Bibim Paws makes its own organic pet food, supplements, treats and more. The name comes from Bibim, the Korean word for “to mix,” and founder Joyce Kang believes mixing up the best homemade organic foods for our pets means they get to live a longer, healthier life. (Take a look at this chicken bowl, featuring broccoli, zucchini, sweet potato and chicken, and try not to drool.) For the holidays, how about a bag of wild salmon fish sticks for the feline in your life? $14. Dogs can enjoy them, too.
5. Bird treat toy
The Durian, from $4.18 to $17.58 depending upon size, is designed and handcrafted by Los Angeles-based Planet Pleasures with renewable, non-toxic natural materials — such as palm leaves, coconut and bamboo — just like birds would find in the wild. Hide treats in and around the crevices to keep your feathered friend busy.
6. Egg head bird toy
Also from Planet Pleasures, which specializes in cat and bird toys, the handcrafted Egg Head toy, $8.78 to $15.95, depending upon size. One customer reports that their bird loves finding the millet that can get tucked in and around the toy’s creases. Another reason to choose Planet Pleasures? It works with a certified Fair Trade cooperative.
7. Rainbow kitty cave
Hand-felted with premium New Zealand wool, the extra large, 20-inch Rainbow Eco Kitty Cave by Friendsheep Wool, $72, is completely recyclable and compostable, boasts natural organic properties and includes a free tin of Certified Organic catnip with every purchase.
8. Eco pet sling
Have a favorite toy poodle or pooch? Made with recycled nylon and material created from upcycled water bottles, the Eco Packable Sling Carrier, $89 from Maxbone, is big enough for cell phone and essentials as well as a small dog (10 pounds or under.) Comes in four colors, so you can coordinate to your style. Available at Los Angeles-based Maxbone, the pet care retailer.
9. Pet portrait in pressed flowers
Uniquely special. Southern California-based pressed flower artist Jordan Owashi creates custom pet portraits of our animal friends, furry, fishy, feathered and otherwise, using real dried flowers on washi paper and positioned just so, capturing a pet’s personality and markings. Individually handcrafted, pressed flower portrait, unframed $50.
10. Pet travel gear
Heading over the river and through the woods? Clickit Sport Plus safety harness bundle, $103.49 for car travel from Pasadena-based Sleepypod is designed to buckle up your best friend in comfort. Independently crash tested to meet U.S. child safety standards, the harness is also certified with a five-star safety rating from the Center for Pet Safety and can be linked with a leash for walks upon arrival. Also pictured, the Sleepypod Air in orange dream, $199, is designed for pets up to 18 pounds and features a roomy, safety-certified space for in-cabin air travel. The carrier contracts to fit below airplane seats during take off and landing and then expands for first-class leg room while in the air. Sleepypod Air can also be used as a car seat.
11. Anxiety relief and walking harness for cats
Also from Pasadena-based Sleepypod, but for cats: The Martingale Calming Harness, $49.99, is a two-in-one harness with detachable safety light designed for anxiety relief and walking. Yes, walking. Some cats like taking a stroll! The snug-fit cuddles the body like a reassuring hug and quick release buckles offer an adjustable fit.
12. Feathered jumper
Glam isn’t a season, it’s a lifestyle. The Feathered Jumper, $95, is an iconic collaboration between British celebrity designer Christian Cowan and Maxbone. Perfect for the IG pet who has everything — including more followers than the rest of us. Comes in five colors, including hot pink, yellow, mint, seen above, lavender and light blue.
13. Cherry blossom cat tree
Inspired by the blooms at Descanso Gardens, the signature Cherry Blossom Dos cat tree, $259, is designed in Los Angeles by KBSPets and features a a natural, treated wooden branch wrapped with sisal twine, a plush petal seat, a leaf-like perch and dangly toy with bell.
Do you have suggestions for our Holiday Gift guide?
Are there local places you love to shop, gifts you’d like to suggest, or holiday activities you recommend? We want to hear them all.
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