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Top 12 Holiday Gift Ideas For Pets & Their People

By Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM, About.com

Personal pet preferences and safety concerns should be considered first when selecting presents for both pets and people who love them. This list of gift ideas offers "safe" choices that should be suitable for all of the pets and pet lovers on your list.

1. Pet First Aid Kits

A thoughtful gift for the pet lover and their pet(s)! A great idea fro home and for travel. Pet owners can use these kits for taking care of minor injuries and for the transport time it takes to get to the veterinarian in a serious emergency.
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2. Comfortable Pet Beds

Pets love to be comfy just like people do! In my house, the cats seem to "take over" the dog beds. This is a great gift for each pet in the house. Beds lose their support after lots of wear and washing. And for older pets and pets with medical conditions such as arthritis, a comfortable warm bed is essential for overall health.
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3. Pet odor and Stain Removers

Not a particularly "fun" gift to receive, but as pet lovers know, a necessary one! Find natural formulas to remove pet stains and odors from furniture and carpets.
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4. Pet Placemats

Fun and functional! These easy-to-clean placemats help catch stray bits of food that your pet may leave behind and help keep floors clean. They also help keep bowls stable for those "enthusiastic" pets with big appetites. Pet dishes are also a great gift -- I recommend stainless steel or ceramic for durability as well as the best choice for pets who may be allergic (or chew up) plastic dishes.
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5. Personalized Pet Gifts

Pets are part of our families and our lives. Find all sorts of personalized gifts, customized with your pet's name and image. Here you will find shirts, socks, doormats, coffee mugs, and many more personalize-able gift ideas.
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6. Cat Scratching Posts

A gift that is fun for cats and fun for the people who get to watch them play on their new scratching post! These items come in many shapes and sizes -- something for every cat to be happy with and get some exercise at the same time.
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7. Pet Photo Frames

Pet owners love taking photos of their pets. Keep that funny photo of your dog on your desk or remember that special pet who has already gone to Rainbow Bridge. Photo frames always make a nice gift.
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8. Personalized Pet ID Gifts

Keeping current ID on a pet may someday save their life. Add cell phone and email info as well as the "traditional" phone and address info for the best results. Choose what fits your pet best from a selection of custom ID tags, leashes and colors.
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9. Wild Bird Feeders

Many pet lovers also appreciate the wild birds as well. I have several bird feeders outside, and love watching the various birds who come to visit. Plus, it gives the indoor cats something to watch!
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10. Pet Books

Several topics to choose from, for the book lover on your list! Learning about pet behavior and general health helps us better understand our pets and helps pet owners identify potential problems. Behavioral knowledge will assist with training, too.
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11. Humorous (and Sometimes Silly) Gifts for Pet Lovers

Here you will find pages of gift ideas, from a large variety of vendors. Lots of unique, sometimes silly, pet-loving gift ideas here!

12. Donate to your vet's favorite animal charity or rescue group

A gift of your time or money to a local animal charity or rescue organization in your veterinarian's name is always appreciated, and can be given at any time of the year! This link will direct you to The Animal Hunger Site, a partner site of PetFinder.com. A daily click on this site will help feed shelter animals.

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