Your furry friend is part of your family and should be treated and rewarded from time to time – just like you and the children. Buying a Christmas present for your pet dog or cat can be tough – it’s not like they can sit there and circle the Argos catalogue and tell you what they want
However, that doesn’t mean your beloved animal should miss out on being spoilt this festive season, so we’ve decided to help. Here, you’ll find a list of ideas that might give you a little inspiration.
Furry Friend Christmas Ideas: Give the Dog a Home
If your dog lives outside from time to time or has their own separate pad or crate for when things get a little hectic in the house, then why not make it official? A little sign to let everyone know they need a bit of peace and quiet can be cute.
Upgrade Your Cat’s Food.
We all know that cats can be aloof – you could buy them the most expensive gift in the shop, and they’d never go near it. Why not invest in their everyday life? Upgrading their food to something a little more premium will make a massive difference to them.
An Ethically Sourced Gift Box
Why stick to one gift? Surprise your feline friend, or someone else’s, with a natural gift box for cats filled with natural and ethically sourced toys, treats and practical gifts. You’re giving something useful and fun to your cat, but also giving back to the environment too. There are plenty of cat (and dog) subscription boxes out there to choose from.
A New Bed
We know they prefer our beds, but it might be worth investing in your pet’s comfort in the long run. Whether it’s a plush, orthoptic bed to help with your pet’s arthritis or simply somewhere they can fill with their favourite toys – the possibilities for dog and beds are endless.
Furry Friend Christmas Ideas: Dental Treatments
I’ll admit that dental treatment doesn’t sound like much fun for any animal (or human, for that matter). Yet regular dental procedures help keep your pet’s mouth, especially that of a dog, clean and healthy. Not only that, but it helps protect your dog from heart disease and other serious illnesses. If you can’t do a full dental treatment at the vet, get into the habit of brushing your dog’s teeth. Many dogs don’t mind if you use peanut butter-flavoured toothpaste!
A Day Out Somewhere Different
Who says a gift has to be something physical? Humans love a good day out, and it’s the same for dogs. If your dog loves a leisurely car ride, pick a good weather day to take your pup out for a trip. Make sure they are adequately secured and when you’ve gone as far as you’d like to go – it’s time for walkies.
Take a Trip to the Groomers.
Keeping a clean coat, free of matted fur, dirt, and debris, makes a dog feel great. Regular grooming visits improve your pup’s well-being and comfort. If your dog isn’t the type that needs a cut, bathe him or her with doggy shampoo and brush their coats thoroughly.
These might seem to be of more a practical nature but that’s the beauty of gift buying for your furry friend, you both benefit.
There are photographers, and then there’s Lucy White. I know first-hand how fabulous Lucy is when it comes to photography, how much she puts you at ease, how she really listens to what shots you want or what style you are trying to achieve. I’ve have already had one set of photographs taken with her and am ready to book in for some more. Lucy has a somewhat unique way of working in that she doesn’t have a studio. She uses the natural beauty that we’re surrounded by here in North Yorkshire to create some truly fabulous shots. For my shoot for example (mine were business photos rather than family) we also took pictures in the local library as well as other places I wouldn’t have thought of. She’s a creative one!
There’s a difference between going to a hairdresser to get your wig chopped and going to Salon 54. I don’t go there purely for my haircut, I go for an experience. From the minute I step through the door I’m a VIP, a special guest and the same is true of everyone who visits. I’ll be honest, sometimes I don’t want to leave!
and wax melts, all of the YRC wares are lovingly handcrafted here in Thirsk and feature in a number of stores and gift shops all around Yorkshire. A small business that has brought joy into many homes, Yorkshire Rose Candles’s aim has been to enhance local homes with beautiful fragrances and it’s safe to say that they’ve succeeded! If you’re looking for luxury at very reasonable prices you’ll be glad you chose Yorkshire Rose Candles!
I dabble in jewellery making. I make beaded bracelets and necklaces for my own use. It’s a hobby and I enjoy it. I know what goes into my own simply amateur designs so when I see the creations that Victoria Bailey of Twisted Fern Designs crafts my mind is blown. Take this 
of our much-loved local businesses. When it comes to handmade home soft furnishings, blinds and more, these lovelies really are the people to contact. Take these iPad/ tablet and phone stands for example, available in a number of fabrics. These are much nicer than a lump of plastic, they do the job and what’s more, they look gorgeous! At just £12.95 for a tablet stand and £7.95 for a phone stand, they make both thoughtful and affordable gifts.
Last but certainly not least, I have to share these wonderful prints from local graphic designer Gemma Symmonds. As a Graphic Designer, creating individual pieces of framed art is one of her favourite parts of the working day. Any personalised artwork is possible from Wellies to Unicorns which means that you may choose something truly bespoke for anyone! Prices start at £35 for a framed A4 personalised piece of digitally created art.
