Gifts for Dog Lovers

Dog Owners Always Love to Receive New Canine Gifts

Aug 17, 2009 Terry McNamee

Have friends or relatives who love dogs? Wondering what to get them for holiday gifts? Pooch-related presents are paws-itively perfect choices!

If the person owns a mixed breed or simply loves all kinds of dogs, or if the person’s favourite dog breed is not known, there are plenty of generic dog designs available. A humane society or rescue organization design may be the ideal choice. Many of these groups have gift shops right on their web sites.

But if the individual owns or loves a particular breed of dog, then the best selection could be an item featuring that breed.

Dog-Themed Gifts

There are many types of gifts to choose from. Generic designs and those featuring purebred dogs are available on dozens of gift items. T-shirts, hats, towels, mugs, glasses, pins, necklaces, cuff links, plaques, mouse pads, Christmas ornaments, and even socks are some of the options. There are garden flags, decals, cookie jars, videos, CDs, DVDs and much more. And don’t forget collector plates!

If the person collects figurines, check the huge selection available. Many inexpensive resin sculptures are available both on-line and in stores for under $20 and feature incredible detail and realism. If money is no object, there are highly collectible Royal Doulton, Royal Copenhagen and other high-end brands of china and porcelain dogs. They vary in price from $50 to $1,000, depending on the rarity and quality.

Another option is an artist’s sculpture, drawing or painting of the person’s favourite breed or even of his own dog. Bronze sculptures are available occasionally as well.

Gifts for the Dog Owner

For the hunting enthusiast, an old print of a hunting dog at work might really be a hit. Many people who show dogs love old prints featuring their breed. Dog art was hugely popular in Victorian times, so there is an abundance of delightful artwork available of many different breeds at a reasonable cost.

Another way to please a dog owner is to give a gift that is really for the dog. A raised bench containing two stainless steel dog bowls is a great gift. Other examples include a dog-themed tin box filled with homemade dog treats plus the recipe for making them, or an elegant wooden plaque with several hooks attached to hold leashes and collars.

A welcome sign for the home featuring the owner’s favourite breed is another good choice. And one can’t go wrong with a nice breed-themed picture frame, especially if someone can secretly take a nice photo of the person’s dog to include with it.

A year’s subscription to a dog magazine or a year’s membership in a dog club also makes a good gift.

Where to Find Gifts Featuring Dogs

Dog shows are one place to look for gifts, since many shows have vendors selling everything from fancy collars to place mats.

On-line, search for a breed club or rescue group for the person's favourite breed. Many of these clubs sell breed-related gift items, and often the funds go to support canine rescue.

There are also many other sources on-line for dog-related gifts. Some on-line stores sell nothing but dog items, and auction sites have thousands of canine collectibles.

Flea markets can be a wonderful place to find unusual items such as old prints that need nothing more than proper matting and framing. Antique stores may have figurines and other dog collectibles. Even old canine postcards can be wonderful gifts when nicely framed and matted.

Many gift shops and jewellery stores carry dog-themed collector plates. Plates also can be ordered by mail.

Also keep an eye open for dog-related jewellery at flea markets and antique centres. Animal designs were common in Art Deco jewellery in particular, but dog pins from almost any period may show up unexpectedly. Found treasures can always be tucked away for the next holiday or birthday.

The copyright of the article Gifts for Dog Lovers in Dogs is owned by Terry McNamee. Permission to republish Gifts for Dog Lovers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Three Different Dog Figurines, 1920-2000