Phoenix Christmas Giving Guide for Pets

Perhaps this year more than others, it’s important that we all support local businesses at Christmas time. Keeping our Christmas dollar in the region means economic viability for small businesses, jobs, and prosperity for all. Besides which, there are unique businesses here that provide bespoke and well-appreciated gift options.

The Phoenix has presented a Christmas gift giving guide throughout December. Each week we’ve offered two categories of gifts for your consideration – tangible presents as well as experiences for your loved ones. For the last three weeks we’ve provided guides for men, women, and children, and this week’s guide is for pets. Yes, pets. Our furry friends are part of our families and we reckon they deserve a great Christmas too.

Now, pets come in all varieties, shapes, and sizes, so here goes:
For your canine friends, consider some crazy Christmas outfits. You know the ones – reindeer antler headbands, Santa hats, elf outfits. They will hate having these outfits on, but if you are lucky, you’ll get a great photo or two. A nice juicy uncooked bone on Christmas day will keep your friend occupied in the back yard during Christmas lunch. It is the best present ever for Fido.

For your feline friends, a Santa hat is just not going to cut it, but a tasteful, discrete Christmas themed bow tie just might be tolerated. Your cat is likely to be attacking your Christmas tree, so consider buying them a new scratching post to distract them. A new wind up or electronic mouse-type toy is bound to please your cat.

For your feathered friends you are going to need to find the smallest Santa hat ever. Check out Christmas-themed Barbie costume sets in toy stores – it’s your only hope. Make a wee Christmas stocking out of felt and attach it to your bird’s cage. Fill it with their favourite grain, and don’t forget to take a photo – especially if they attack their Christmas lunch while wearing the Barbie hat. For rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and mice, an extra serve of lettuce or cheese is all that’s required on Christmas day. As for birds, you might want to make them a Christmas stocking to house their favourite food, but as there’s a strong likelihood they’ll eat the stocking too, we don’t recommend it.

Reptiles. Reptiles. Oh goodness me...

Turning now to providing your pet with experiences. The best thing ever for pets is spending time with you (this is certainly the case with mammalian pets, but as we’ve no herpatology experience, we can’t speak for reptiles). If you have children in your life, supervise them with your pet. Christmas Day is an exciting time and your pet will pick up on the vibe. They will either regress in age (i.e. get silly) or else get nervous. Adapt your approach accordingly and make sure children are always kept safe.

We do hope that you have enjoyed our Christmas Guides and we wish you and your family members – great and small – the very best Christmas yet.

• Topics:

• Pets and Animals
• Christmas