Christmas Gift Ideas

Author picture Jessica

Do you have a special furry friend or human in your life that you want to pamper this year, but no idea what to get them? We have a few ideas for Christmas gifts that are ethically and sustainably based and sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Lets make it the merriest Christmas yet!

Make your own toys and treats

Have a fun weekend crafternoon making treats and toys for your best friend.

Check out our blog posts for home-made dog toys, our DIY cat scratching post instructions and yummy home-made dog treats - which look fantastic given as a gift in hand-decorated brown paper bags with some cute Christmas ribbon (what's a crafternoon without getting a bit crafty?). No-waste, made with love and super fun for your pet – a winning combo.

Precious Memories

Get out that camera and get snapping! Have an artistic afternoon snapping creative pet-pics and have them printed and frame them yourself - we even have a handy blog post on taking awesome pet photos. 

Plan an Adventure

Experiences are just as fulfilling as material possessions, so why not take your pet (and any special humans who want to join you) on a fun adventure? 

Pack up the car and head to the country or beach for a Christmas themed picnic in the sun ☺ your dog will love their special adventure with you that breaks the routine of the usual dog park. 

Support a Shelter

For the pet fan who has everything, this gift is sure to make them smile inside and out. Rather than going down the road of giving a pet as a gift for Christmas (which is always risky, as the gift receiver might not be ready to commit long-term to pet ownership), this will genuinely contribute to the welfare of animals in our community.

Make a donation to an animal shelter on their behalf - google your local pet rescue or head to the ISPCA to make a tax-deductable donation - both very worthy causes that are in need of every bit of help possible around Christmas time.

Have a Pamper 

Humans have their day spas, massage parlors and hair salons (vouchers for these always go down very nicely), but pets too can enjoy a winter freshen-up. Pawshake has loads of sitters who are qualified pet groomers – have a peruse of the site to find one near you. 

Training sessions

Some humans might appreciate vouchers towards gym memberships or yoga and pilates classes, so why not get your pet into shape by booking a sitter who is also a qualified pet trainer? Many of our sitters are able to offer training services as well as sitting, so if you want to brush up your pet’s sit and stay skills then this is a great treat. Your pup will return home a sit-stay-come prodigy!

And if you need to go away on your own holiday in the New Year, a stay with a loving Pawshake pet sitter can be the best mini-break your pet could ask for :-)