A Very Vanilla Christmas: Gift Ideas for Dogs

Hello Christmas! As we gear up for the season of over-indulgence, big family gatherings, countless parties and gift giving this year, be sure to remember the dogs in your life. Here are my top picks for your furry best friend this Christmas (and I slipped one in for the dog lovers in your life too):

For the Fluffy Fashionista: Leather Collars and Leashes

If you’re after some canine couture for your fashionable pup, then look no further than the exquisite crocodile pattern leather collars and leashes from Woofer&Purrlensky. Made from Italian cow leather (front) and vegetable tanned leather from London (inside), these accessories are handmade and hand-stitched in Singapore. The Valerie collection is simple and classic, and comes in four colours, with matching leashes. If your pup’s style is more edgy, rocker-chic, then the ‘Rock It’ collar with gold and silver studs will make the perfect gift.

$68 – $168

Available at:
Woofer&Purrlensky
Boutique #01-06
The Scarlet Hotel
33 Erskine Road, Singapore

 

For the Playful Pup: American Classic Burger Plush Toy

The American Classic Burger plush toy by P.L.A.Y. is so darn cute! It comes with a squeaker and detachable burger buns, held together by Velcro, for hours of doggie fun. The burger ‘filling’ is made with crinkle paper to delight your pup’s senses even more. The best things about this toy are its super soft fabric; its durability (it has a double layer exterior and double-stitched edges); and its eco-friendly filler. My pup loves ripping apart Velcro so this one is definitely going in his stocking!

From $25

Available at various online stores including:
Kohe Pets
Naiise
and in-store at The Barkery

 

For the Canine Intellect: Nina Ottosson Interactive Dog Toys

If you want a toy that gives your dog a fun, mental workout, then a Nina Ottosson interactive game is what you’re looking for. My clever pup and I are huge fans of these well-designed, and extremely durable games. The aim is for your dog to lift blocks, push pieces, and turn discs to solve the puzzle and get to the hidden treats. Nina Ottosson has an extensive range of games – so whether your pup is an Einstein or takes a little longer to pick things up, there’s a game design to suit all doggie IQs.

Price varies depending on game

Available at various online stores including:
Kohe Pets
Beary Pet Products
and Barking Good

 

For the Four-Legged Foodie: Merry Pinwheel Cookies

Pinwheel cookies are a traditional holiday favourite and now your pup can indulge in these colourful cookies too – made dog-friendly by The Barkery. New to their store this Christmas, these delicious red and green spiral cookies are made from healthy ingredients like sardines, beetroot, and spirulina. As with all goodies from The Barkery, these cookies contain nothing nasty like preservatives or artificial colouring – which is why this is my favourite place for doggie treats. The Merry Pinwheel Cookies come in a nice little gift box too. Can you see your dog drooling yet?

$12.80 for 100g

Available at:
The Barkery
326 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore

 

For the Dapper Dog: Christmas Bandanas

If your pooch is looking to stand out this festive season, then these limited edition Christmas bandanas from Loyal.D are a must-have! Offering the largest range of doggie bandanas in Singapore, it’s not hard to see why these colourful and fun bandanas are Loyal.D’s top seller. All fabrics are 100% cotton and are sourced from India, New Zealand, Belgium, Italy, and Singapore. But what makes Loyal.D so special is their commitment to social causes. The bandanas are hand-stitched either in India by individuals needing economic support, or in Singapore by a seamstress from Daughters of Tomorrow, a local NGO. Plus, a percentage of every sale goes towards helping local animal welfare. What better reason to keep your pup looking sharp than for a good cause!

From $15

Available at:
Loyal.D

Or in-store at
The Barkery
326 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore

SPCA

or The Animal Infirmary

 

For the Big-hearted Dog: Christmas Mutt-loaf for the Shelter Dogs

Show some extra love this Christmas by giving the gift of a Christmas Mutt-loaf to Singapore’s shelter dogs, on behalf of your beloved pooch. Place an order for these delicious and nutritious Mutt-loaves with The Barkery and they will deliver them directly to the less fortunate dogs to enjoy over the holiday season. Not only that, The Barkery will donate 25% of all proceeds from the sale of these Mutt-loaves to the shelters. Now, this is certainly one gift that keeps on giving!

Mutt-loaves come in two sizes: $18 for 500g; $56 for 3.5kg

Available at:
The Barkery
326 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore

 

For the Pampered Pooch: Grooming Gift Basket

What could be better than showering your furry best friend with love…. and organic and natural bath products? This beautiful Grooming Gift Basket includes a selection of specially curated items for a luxurious bath – they’re bound to make your pooch look, feel, and smell their best:

• super absorbent microfiber bath towel
• handmade organic oatmeal dog soap with shea butter, aloe vera, and vitamin E
• coat tamer with silk proteins to deeply moisturize a dry coat
• all-natural, latex duck bath toy
• and a bone-shaped chew toy made from natural fabric for some after-bath fun

$128

Available at:
Woofer&Purrlensky
Boutique #01-06
The Scarlet Hotel
33 Erskine Road, Singapore

 

And for the Human Who Loves Dogs: Happy Tails

This gift will make the perfect keepsake and make any dog lover smile. Happy Tails is an uplifting and inspirational book that celebrates adopted canines in Singapore and the humans who love them, through 64 pages of stunning photos and heartwarming stories. Having adopted an amazing dog here in Singapore myself, the Happy Tails project is close to my heart. It’s a collaboration between two animal lovers – Sandra Macheroux and Chantal Travers – who believe that adoption is the best way to welcome a pet into your home.

Sandra is the talented photographer behind the lens of all the beautiful photos taken at charming locations around Singapore. Besides putting a spotlight on the joys of pet adoption, the Happy Tails project raises funds for the veterinary care of Singapore strays through the sale of the book. It’s definitely a special book for a special cause.

$49

Available at:
Photography by Sandra Macheroux
16A Haji Lane, Singapore

FairPrice Antique
315 Outram Road
#01-10 Tan Boon Liat Building, Singapore

And from Dec 9 to 11, 2016
The Christmas Market @ Loewen by Dempsey Hill
Block 71 Loewen Road, Singapore

 

Don’t forget, if you’d like to give back during the holidays, read our story on Spreading some Puppy Love by Volunteering.

Happy shopping!

And happy holidays to you and your pooch!

P.S. If you want to find out more about what makes the dog treats from The Barkery so special, read the interview with two of the co-founders here.

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Image credit as given. Please note that we were not paid for any these recommendations nor were we given any products in exchange. These are independently sourced products and Judy’s personal choices for 2016.