Guest Author: Cindy Aldridge

Image via Pixabay

Do you have a special someone in your life who spends more on their dog's wardrobe than their own? Does your sister's cat have more toys than your 5-year-old? For these people, it's always a safe bet to buy a Christmas gift that allows them to spoil their furry friend. However, if you’re not an animal person yourself, figuring out what to get can be tricky. But we’re here to help! Read-on for budget-friendly finds for furry friends of all shapes and sizes.

Of course, you don't have to break the budget when shopping for a gift. Many retailers offer coupons to help you save. Rakuten, for example, is a great source to find promo codes and get cashback on your purchase. All you have to do is enter your store in the search bar before you shop and Rakuten will let you know if there are any offers available.

Gifts That Will Make Them Howl — All About Dogs

Affordable Treats

Does it seem like your filled is filled with nothing but dog pictures? For most people, dogs are a part of the family. A 2017 report found that adult dog owners post a picture of their dog or talk about their dog on social media six times a week. Give a gift that will make your loved one and Fido smile. The Pooch Selfie is a tennis ball that attaches to the top of a smartphone. The ball is perfectly positioned so that Fido will look right at the camera with a drool filled smile.

Gifts with a Little More Beef

Looking to spend a little more? Dogs are just as prone to anxiety as humans are. If left untreated, anxiety can cause accidents, drooling, and compulsive behavior. Believe it or not, some of the same tools that work for human anxiety work for puppy anxiety as well. Weighted blankets are a great way to calm the pup's nervous system and get them to relax. There are several places that sell weighted blankets, specially made for dogs. Try these weighted blankets from Etsy that feature cute dog-friendly designs.

The Purrfect Gifts for Cat Lovers

Tiny Nuggets

What is it about lasers that cats just love? It's fun to play for a little while, but you're likely to tire of the game much sooner than the cat. The Zoom Rotating Laser Cat Toy rotates on its own. All you have to turn it on. How impossibly easy is that?!

The Cat's Meow

Cats are great, but finding their litter in places it shouldn't be is not. Get your friend (and their cat) a customized cat mat to put right in front of the litter box. The mat is soft on the cat's feet and is made of non-slip material, meaning the litter won't go anywhere and neither will the mat.

Something to Tweet About — Gifts for Birds and Other Animals

Flying High

Birds are social animals, but sometimes they want to get away and hide (or sleep). The Cozy Cabana Bird Hut by All Living Things provides comfort with style — a gift for the bird and their owner. The cabana has two clips that easily hook onto the bird's cage.

Swim to Savings

Do you have a friend who wants to get a pet but isn't quite ready to jump into getting a bigger animal? A fish is a great place to start. The Koller Products Tropical Panaview Aquarium Starter Kit has everything to get started on their path to pet ownership.

Christmas shopping for a pet owner is fun, and it doesn't have to be expensive. Be creative and use your imagination. You’re sure to come up with something they’ll love.