Items from Etsy make excellent gifts for dog lovers. Simply shopping at the online marketplace for things handmade and vintage conveys that care went into gift selection, as opposed to afterthought during a trip to the neighborhood drugstore for wrapping paper and other holiday supplies.
They also need not cost much. In fact, I found 10 fun and inexpensive gifts for dogs and their humans during a recent window-shopping trip to Etsy.
1. Felt Pug Ornament by 2 Pug Studio
I actually ordered three of these hand-sewn ornaments as a Christmas gift for friends with Pugs, so I can attest to their adorableness. Cost: $8. The shop sells a reindeer version, as well as a Boston Terrier ornament.
2. Magnets by Pop Doggie
Dogster writer Liz Acosta discovered these breed-specific magnets last month, and they are the perfect stocking stuffer for dog lovers in your life. The shop represents breeds from A to Z, with each magnet featuring a modern-art drawing of the breed and a witty tagline. Cost: $5.99. Pop Doggie also customizes its magnets and prints for an additional fee.
3. Nautical Dog Toy by Karen’s Rope Work
This rugged rope toy works as a tug and a throw, and Sasha — the animal companion (shown above) to shop owner and sailor Karen Conabeare — will vouch for its fun factor. Cost: $8.27.
4. Darth Terrier Print by Rubenacker
I have favorited more than a few of artist Brian Rubenacker’s creations on Etsy, and this print will be my first purchase if someone doesn’t put it under the tree for me (hint, hint).
The owner of two Boston Terriers himself, Rubenacker puts them in a variety of whimsical settings. Cost: $28. More than a dozen other breeds appear in prints and on magnets, bags, and other items.
5. Sleeping Golden Retriever Tea Towel by FuzzyMug
Any Goldie lover would appreciate this hand-printed, flour-sack tea towel. Plus, it’s eco-friendly thanks to the water-based, nontoxic ink used to create the image. Cost: $14. The shop also sells Boston Terrier and Pug versions.
6. Holiday Dog Biscuits by True Treats Bakery
How cute are these bell-shaped biscuits? Treat a special pup on your holiday shopping list to a dozen of these tasty, all-natural pumpkin-and-cheddar creations. Cost: $9. The Seattle pet bakery has other flavors and shapes available.
7. Custom-Etched Dog Treat Jar by midnight blu studio
Speaking of biscuits, this Etsy shop will custom etch a dog’s name onto this adorable glass jar for holding them at no additional charge. Cost: $10.
8. Vintage Greyhound Brooch by Squirrelnuts
Made from a stamping more than 20 years old, this newly struck brooch captures the grace of the Greyhound breed. You can order it in blue-green patina, as shown here, or red brass. Cost: $14. The artist who owns this shop also makes other breed brooches, many from stampings dating back to the late ’30s.
9. Don’t Bug Me All-Natural Dog Soap by Whispering Willow
While the recipient of this gift may not appreciate it during its application, he or she will love that the ingredients — citronella, lemon, and rosemary — repel biting bugs. Cost: $6.
10. 2013 Dog Calendar by Square Paisley Design
This gift will keep on giving, displaying an adorable illustration of a different breed each month through next year. A white satin ribbon ties the pages together and serves as a lovely hanger. Cost: $16. The Etsy shop also puts its graphics on a variety of other items, including clothing, jewelry, cards (shown at the top), and bags.
These 10 items are just a tiny fraction of the many quirky and cool gifts for dog lovers available through Etsy. Also keep in mind that purchasing from an Etsy shop supports small business owners, many of whom, as noted above, are pet parents themselves.
If you see something you like, order ASAP to ensure delivery in time to give as a gift!
