Ask any dog lover what the best gift in the world is and they’d say a dog! But the next best thing is anything for or reminiscent of their devoted canine companion.
In this blog, I share with you some of my favourite unique gift ideas for dog lovers.
As we get older, we all get more difficult to buy for! Hopefully, this will give you a bit of inspiration for those hard-to-buy-for dog fanatics in your life!
Bespoke hand drawn Illustrations by Dee from Slumbering Hound – from £85
What could make a more special gift and immortalise those precious moments with your pup, than an illustration of you enjoying life together?
These gorgeous etchings are the work of talented artist Dee Stringer, who resurrected her passion for drawing during the first lockdown of 2020.
What started as a quick doodle, has become a very successful side-line for Dee, who makes gorgeous stuff for dogs! [My girls have quite a collection of Dee’s beautiful dog beds and blankets!)
The illustrations are A3 size and come unframed. They are drawn with a combination of pastels and pencils using photographs and information given provided by the client.
The casual, cartoony style of Dee’s drawings is just so appealing. I am privileged to know of some of the people she has done commissions for and she really does capture the essence of the subjects and their dogs.
Price: Illustrations start at £85 for one person and one dog. Additional larger elements are an additional £30. Each additional dog, or cat etc are £15.
Quirky Cushion Covers created from Remnant Fabrics – from £38 at Molle Collection
Ever since Kass of Molle Collection joined Dotty4Paws, I have wanted one of her cushion covers! There is something about her work that just makes me smile. It is so fun, quirky, and original.
As I’m always going on adventures with Pops and Gert, what could be more fitting than my girls riding shotgun in my very own ‘Dottymobile’ mini!
Kass creates these masterpieces using recycled fabrics and remnant offcuts. So not only are her cushion covers fabulous fun, but are also eco-friendly.
The quality of the stitching and overall finish of the cushion cover is just superb. I’m sure you’ll agree, they make such an unusual and personal gift for a friend or relative that adores their dog/s.
The covers are available in a range of sizes and can be personalised with your dog’s breed, vehicle preference, and personalised number plate. Obviously, mine had to be Dotty 4 Paws! Kass also matches the colours as per your request.
Price: from £38 for a 14 x 14 to £44 for an 18 x 18 inch cushion cover.
Dog Walking Bag by Barking Bags – from £32
When Barking Bags first joined our directory, their bags were described by one customer as ‘coming out on top by a kangaroo’s jump!’ And I have to say I agree!
These bags are designed with practicality and durability in mind. There is a pocket for everything; a pull cord to ensure nothing falls out, and two secure magnetic press-stud fastenings. We are talking belts and braces when it comes to keeping your belongings safe.
Made from a lightweight, water-resistant material, these bags are undoubtedly the dog’s-danglies whatever the weather.
What makes Barking Bags so special?
- Breathable side pockets to carry water bottles and soggy balls
- An accessible pockets for treats
- A handy poo bag dispenser
- A pocket for hand sanitiser or a personal alarm
- A large pocket to keep your mobile phone, car keys spare dog lead, etc
- A shoulder pad for extra comfort
- An extendable, breathable side pocket to carry bagged ‘truffles’ [as I like to call them!]
- A luminous strap for visibility on a dark evening and early morning walk
- Carabiners clips to carry any other lightweight items that you want quick access to
With an adjustable strap, the bag can be worn across your body, or if you’d rather you can attach it to your belt using the velcro straps. And how clever is this? The strap even detaches so that in an emergency it can double as a spare dog lead!
Barking Bags have thought of everything, and have listened to what their customers want and need from their product.
You can even turn your walking into a bum bag if you’d rather, by purchasing one of their dog walking belts. These can be personalised with your dog’s name, or even company name if you’re a dog-walker. I think you can probably tell, I’m 100% impressed!
Price: From £32 – £51.95.
A Needle Felt Pet Portrait by Fiona Finlayson – from £80
These fabulous needle felt portraits are just adorable. I mean what dog-owner wouldn’t cherish a miniature version of their best furry friend?
Fiona Finlayson has been making needle felted pet portraits for just over 3 years after learning to needle felt and realising this had been what was missing from her life after Art College.
Dogs are her speciality and each 3D portrait is roughly 19cm high and can take anything from 5 to 10 hours to make.
A few photos are all that is needed showing a favourite pose and any markings and Fiona can make a unique portrait of your special friend to treasure.
Price: Start from £80
Luxury Tweed British Made Handbag – from £135
These days Gerts and Pops have a more extensive range of accessories than me! So when I was sent a stunning collection of goodies from The Hettie Collection this was my time to step out in style!
Born and manufactured in the UK Hettie combines beautiful design, with family conscious values and ethical responsibility.
Sian’s collections are born from the love and compassion she has for her own family, from grandchildren to her own four-legged fur babies.
The inspiration behind the collection is to create timeless pieces that will be treasured for a lifetime! Pieces that are passed down from generation to generation.
Hettie is against fast fashion and focuses on sustainable living, and a cleaner industry using traditional craft and quality.
All of the materials used reflect the natural colour tones found within the British countryside. Themed to evoke our favourite memories, Hettie’s products are designed to recreate the feeling of bliss drawn from the natural world.
Price: from £135 [For this style of bag, lots of other options are available]
Handmade Dog Breed Keyring by MisHelenEous – from £8.50
Over the years, Helen Rogers from MisHelenEous has been my savior when it comes to gifts for dog-crazy friends and relatives.
Her adorable ‘doppelgänger’ keyrings are such a perfect and unique gift. I mean what could be more special than your own mini dog to carry around wherever you go!
Following an illness, Helen set up MisHelenEous in 2013 and as her business name suggests, she makes handmade miscellaneous items for hound and home. [Trust me there is not much this talented lady cannot turn her hand to].
Helen makes everything from handmade kennel club dog breed key-rings to national flag dog bandanas, personalised pet crate bunting, and felt brooches and ornaments of man & woman’s Best Friend.
You can find gifts for dogs and their owners at MisHelenEous with options for bespoke and custom items created just for you or your pet.
Price: from £8.50
Dog Friendly Wax Melt Starter Kit – £24.99 from Pawfect Scents
Did you know that many wax melts sold in high street stores can be harmful to our pets?
Well, now you don’t need to worry, as these pet-friendly wax melts provide a sweet-smelling and safe alternative.
What’s more, they offer health benefits too and can aid relaxation and promote calm at times of stress. I use them every bonfire night and New Year’s Eve and they are a massive help.
Now available in these fabulous starter kits, they make a great gift for people who love sharing their home with dogs, but don’t want their house to smell doggy!
Made in the UK, these wax melts contain only two natural ingredients. 100% soy wax and 100% natural essential oils. Not only that, but they are allergen-free and vegan friendly too.
Price: £24.99
Are you feeling inspired by our gift ideas for dog lovers?
I hope we’ve managed to inspire you with some of our favourite gift ideas for dog lovers.
Let us know the best dog-related gift you have been given? I have to confess, one of my favourite all time gifts was a doggy DNA testing kit!
By the way, if you’re wondering what you can get for your precious pooch, be sure to sniff out our previous blog Practical Gift Ideas For Dogs Who Have Everything
Woofs and Wags
Kate, Pops and Gertie
xox
