There is something very sweet about a present with “love from the dog” written on the tag. Everyone knows who did the shopping, of course. But when a pet is part of the family, including them in the Christmas giving feels rather lovely, don’t you think? It is also a handy idea when you are buying for someone who insists they do not need anything. They might struggle to suggest a present for themselves, yet happily show you another twenty photographs of the cat sleeping in a slightly different position. If you are looking for Christmas gifts from your pet, photo presents are a good place to start. You already have the most important ingredient sitting in your camera roll.
Thoughtful Christmas Gifts From Dogs And Cats
A gift from a pet can be for their owner, but it can also be a thank-you for someone who looks after them and spoils them with cuddles and love. Think of the grandparents who always have a biscuit ready, your friend who feeds the cat when you are away, or the person who never minds an extra muddy walk with your beloved pup.
The range of personalised christmas gifts includes photo mugs, blankets, puzzles, photo books, wall art and festive decorations. These are the gorgeous gifts I would shop from first.
A Photo Mug For Their Morning Cuppa
A mug featuring their own dog or cat is a cheerful little present for someone who loves a cup of tea. I would choose a photograph that makes them smile: the dog with one ear inside out, perhaps, or the cat sitting in a box that is clearly too small.
This would be a nice choice from the dog to a grandparent, particularly if they regularly look after them. Add a packet of their favourite biscuits and write a tag thanking them for all the walks. There is no need to build an enormous hamper around it.
A Photo Blanket For Their Favourite Spot On The Sofa
A personalised photo blanket is an option for the person whose idea of a good evening involves a film, something warm to drink and their pet within arm’s reach.
I would spend a little longer choosing the photograph for this one. An image that looks lovely on a phone might feel quite different spread across a blanket. A simple picture with the pet clearly visible would be a good starting point, rather than a busy scene with lots going on behind the pet.
It is worth thinking about the person might like as well. You may find that someone who loves having photographs everywhere may be delighted by a big pet portrait. For someone who prefers a quieter, dare I say a calmer room, a smaller photo gift might be a better fit for them. You know them best, make the best choice for them.
A Framed Photo Of The Two Of Them
A framed photo print is probably my favourite idea for someone who does not want more novelty gifts. Choose a picture of them with their pet. They always look super cute I think.
You might want to choose a photograph from a beach walk, the puppy asleep on their lap or an ordinary afternoon in the garden together. Have a look through your photos and find a cherished memory. Those everyday pictures can mean a great deal, especially when they capture a moment the person receiving it has forgotten about.
MYPICTURE also offers canvas prints, so you could consider that if you know they have a suitable space on the wall. I would check the size carefully before ordering as some canvases look quite small on a big space and a big canvas might dominate a room. A present is much easier to enjoy when it does not require rearranging the living room.
A Photo Puzzle For The Christmas Break
A photo puzzle would suit someone who enjoys having a jigsaw on the go over Christmas. It gives them something to do once the wrapping paper has been cleared away, with a familiar face appearing as the pieces come together.
For this one, I would suggest choosing a photograph that has a few colours to it. Not something that is mostly plain wall or dark carpet. A picture of the dog in the garden, with flowers and a few different colours, could be more enjoyable to work on than a close-up surrounded by an enormous beige sofa.
Choose the puzzle options to suit the person doing it, especially if children will be joining in. The gift should feel like a pleasant afternoon, not a challenge they are obliged to finish.
A Photo Book Of Their Pet’s Year
If choosing just one picture feels impossible, a photo book gives you room for the funny ones as well as the beautiful ones.
You could start with winter walks and work through to summer days in the garden, or make it a little story of the pet’s first year with the family. I would include a few pictures of the people who care for them too.
This is a lovely opportunity for children to help choose the photographs. Ask them which picture is funniest or what they remember about a particular day. Their answers might give you a much better starting point than trying to make every page look perfect.
A Christmas Decoration Featuring Their Pet
A photo Christmas bauble or wooden snowflake is a lovely Christmas gift, particularly for someone celebrating their first Christmas with a new pet.
I love this idea because it becomes part of decorating the tree in future years. I’m a big fan of adding new Christmas decortation every eyear. Every one is a treadured memory. You unpack it, remember how tiny the puppy was and wonder how they now manage to take up most of the sofa.
It could also be a thoughtful thank-you for a regular pet sitter. Choose a photograph they will recognise and add a handwritten card from the pet. Keep the message simple and personal, rather than feeling you need to fill it with paw-related jokes.
Choosing The Right Photograph
Before you order, look at the original photograph on a bigger screen if you can. Check that the eyes are sharp, the face is easy to see and there is nothing distracting in the background.
Use the original file rather than a screenshot, and look closely at the preview. A crop that works for a framed print may cut off an ear when used on something with a different shape. Follow any image-quality guidance shown when you upload it.
You do not need to stage a festive photo shoot. A favourite picture from an ordinary day will often feel more personal than a photograph taken purely to make a Christmas present.
Finishing The Present With A Little Message
The tag is what makes this a gift from the pet. You could write “Thank you for all my lovely walks” or “For sharing your favourite chair with me”. If the children are helping, let them come up with their own message. It may be considerably funnier than anything you would have written.
Keep it within a budget you are comfortable with, and leave time to check the current Christmas ordering dates. One well-chosen photograph and a few thoughtful words are enough.
If you are making a start on the rest of your festive shopping too, my guide to Christmas markets in Kent has ideas for a browse. Just remember to put the pet’s name on this particular gift before it goes under the tree.