The year has flown by, Chanukkah is at hand, and Christmas will be at our door in a month! This means holiday shopping is in crunch time and what are you going to get for the dog lover on your list, AND what are you telling everyone is on your wish list? If you’re tired of the usual trip to the mall and want something a little more personal that supports an independent artist, try turning to Etsy the online marketplace. To help with your holiday shopping I’ve scoured Etsy to find my top 10 picks for holiday gifts this year that won’t cost a ton.
1. Pinups with Dogs Vinyl Stickers
These adorable stickers come in a wide array of breeds and dog shapes. DangerJones’ stickers are reasonably priced and would make a great addition to any stocking or even to tuck into a holiday card for a special dog-loving friend. I’m imagining these stickers on cars, but also water bottles and other dog training gear.
2. Personalized Fingerless Gloves with Pockets
BZfingers makes fingerless gloves featuring paw prints or several different breeds (they will even make custom ones for you!) that are warm, stylish, and even have little pockets that can be filled with treats so you have them at fingertip for your chilly winter walks.
3. Handmade Dog Pendent with Heart
Available in an array of breeds these beautiful handmade necklaces from JustPlainSimple are a great way to showcase the love shared between dog and guardian. Made of sterling silver, this necklace is sure to draw attention at the dog park and be cherished by whoever receives it.
4. Whimsical Boston Terrier Art
I don’t have a Boston but Brian Rubenacker’s art is so much fun, and so whimsical that I would hang just about every one of these prints in my house. From doggie Darth Vader to seasonal designs these fun and reasonably priced pieces are ideal gifts for any dog lover looking to add a little fun to their decor.
5. Don’t Judge My Pit Bull
Shopping for a Pit Bull lover? Don’t pass up this tote bag from Pet Studio Art that tells the world how it is. This recycled cotton bag is ideal as a casual purse to carry to the dog park, or training class or makes a bold statement and conversation starter day-to-day.
6. Custom Keychain
Want something really personalized? PoochTags will take a photo of your dog and turn it into a keychain made from rivets, copper, aluminum, brass, and bronze. Reasonably priced, these would make fantastic stocking stuffers, or great thoughtful and unique gifts for your favorite trainer or dog walker.
7. Rings from BadChihuahuaDesign
Available in a few different breeds this acrylic laser cut ring set from BadChihuahuaDesign features a dog, a bone, and a doghouse. Fun and quirky, these stacking rings can be worn separately or together. Aleksandra Radovac of BadChihuahuaDesign offers Dogster readers a 15 percent discount. She says readers should enter the coupon code THANKS15OFF when making a purchase.
8. Leather Skull Crystal Dog Collar
For the lucky dog on your list how about a new leather collar? The handcrafted collars of DogGoneNice have something to fit every pup’s taste. Featuring four color choices and dozens of embellishment combinations including crystals and nameplates, you can really come up with a collar (almost) as unique as your dog.
9. Nail Decals
These are super cute and very inexpensive. The nail decals from iMagicDesigns are available as Beagles, German Shepherds, Dachshunds, or Dobermans and would make a fun little extra to slip into a holiday card, or to wear to a dog-friendly holiday party.
10. Upcycled Dog Beds and Feeders
Looking for a gift with vintage flair? Atomic Attic has you covered with pet beds upcycled from vintage suitcases, televisions, and computer monitors. The seller also upcycles train cases into retro dog feeders. Ideal for travel, or for adding some vintage fun in your kitchen.
About the author: Sassafras Lowrey is a dog-obsessed author based in Brooklyn. She is the winner of the 2013 Berzon Emerging Writer Award from the Lambda Literary Foundation, and the editor of two anthologies and one novel. Sassafras is a Certified Trick Dog Instructor, and she assists with dog agility classes. She lives with her partner, two dogs of dramatically different sizes, and two bossy cats. She is always on the lookout for adventures with her canine pack. Learn more at her website.
Read more Dogster Gift Guides:
- Chanukkah Gifts for Jewish (er, Chewish) Dogs and Their People
- 10 Dog Causes to Lend a Paw During the Holiday Season
- 10 Outrageously Expensive Gifts for the Pampered Pooch
- 10 Holiday Gifts for the New Dog Parent
- Our 15 Favorite Dog Calendars for 2014
- 10 Gifts for Dog Lovers Who Also Love the Outdoors
- Check Out Holiday Dog Toys and Apparel at PetSmart