I remember one year when my husband gave me socks with our dog Baxter’s face on them. They are still one of my favorite gifts as a pet parent because he took the time to find the perfect photo of our boy and I can slip off my shoes and brag to everybody about how adorable Baxter is.
So, if you are looking for a great gift for the dog lover in your life, you’re in luck! There are many great stores and businesses here in the Triangle that makes great gifts for dog lovers. Here are just a few!
A Pet Photo Blanket
Photo blankets are like a warm hug from our pets when they can’t be with us or are no longer with us. This is a great gift for a friend who already has all the things or even a college student away from home. I gave one of my former roommates a blanket with photos of her cat that passed away last year for her birthday. Her daughter, who never got to meet sweet Skye, quickly claimed the blanket as her own.
I also surprised a long-time client couple with a photo blanket for their baby girl. I used a photo from one of our sessions a few years ago that featured both of their current dogs and their heart dog Bailey who had passed away before their little girl was born.
Locally, you can order a photo blanket from The Fotoshoppe in Cary (a small and minority-owned business).
I have ordered mine from MPix.com and loved the result. Etsy also has great options and even throw pillows which may work when you are working with a smaller-resolution image.
Life-Saving Gifts for Pet Parents That Pay it Forward
What dog lover wouldn’t love a gift that helps more dogs? Check out Wicks for Wags candles. Creator Melissa donates a portion of all sales to animal rescue groups and toward animal welfare causes. I’ve seen her candles at a lot of local pet stores and animal rescue events. Bonus, if you’re dog has stinky toots, the candle can help mask the smell. Hahaha
Another gift that pays it forward, is a direct donation to a rescue group your dog-loving friend supports. Make a gift in their honor and groups will usually send a recognition card in the mail.
Many rescue groups sell swag that helps raise money for the animal they care for.
Triangle Beagle Rescue has an online store with great swag. My favorite items are the “Dog Mom” and “Dog Dad” koozies.
Saving Grace Rescue also has a store called Saving Grace Supply Co. in Wake Forest with all kinds of gifts for dog lovers. You can also purchase items online.
A Goody Box to Enjoy Together
There are so many options when it comes to curated gift boxes. One of my fellow dog mom friends has her own monthly subscription box that is sure to be a great gift for the dog mom in your life. Check out her awesome dog goodies and dog mom swag at Dog Mom Lifestyles.
Goody Box by chewy.com makes gift boxes just for dogs (sorry humans!). Each is jam-packed with treats and toys. There is also Barkbox which has fun themed boxes as well.
Matching Hair Ties and Collars
I’m obsessed with the southern charm of Crew Lala. I was fortunate enough to spend five beautiful years in Charleston, S.C. after college. The warm salty breeze, smell of magnolias, and cobblestone streets will forever make me feel at home. But…back to Crew Lala. This upscale dog brand is based in my favorite city and the colorful patterns for collages, bowties, hair ties, and scrunchies all offer the sophistication and fun of the southern coastal city. Go ahead and snag a matching set for you, your dog, your friend, and your friend’s dog.
What’s the best dog-inspired gift you’ve ever gotten? Share with me on Facebook.