There are few interests or passions that deliver as much as having a love for animals. There are so many fantastic creatures we have the privilege of sharing this planet with, and many of them are absolutely stunning. From incredible lion prides to tall giraffes to the humble duck, a fondness for little and not-so-little creatures round us is a fascination that many of us have in childhood and that rarely leaves us as we get older. Who among us hasn’t spend hours watching cat, dog, or other videos online?
If you have an animal lover in your life, you may wish to find them something animal-themed for a special event. The great thing? This can work for individuals of all ages. Of course, the obvious idea to gift a pet or an animal like a hamster might come to mind, but unless this has been previously agreed, foisting a real living pet that requires nurturing love and care isn’t a fair approach to take.
So, which other gifts could be more appropriate? In this post, we hope to explore this with you:
- Wildlife Adoption Or Sponsorship
You don’t have to bring the animal into your household for it to remain well-cared-for, nor to extend a helping hand. For an animal lover, sponsoring wildlife, especially those that may be close to becoming extinct, can be a lovely idea. It not only helps offset some of that caring responsibility onto those who are qualified, but your contribution may also afford you updates, a chance to know you’re making a real difference, and even personalized letters from the charity involved. Moreover, there are many local shelters that would appreciate your donation, which you can actually visit. Or, you can opt to contribute for an animal that your gift recipient would love to help above all others. It’s a nice way to show your love and care.
- Animal-Themed Jewelry Or Accessories
You don’t have to be super-serious or try to save the world with your gift either, you’re allowed to have a little fun. A giraffe necklace on a pendant might be enough for the person who loves these majestic creatures, or dangling animal earrings can serve as a fun birthday gift. This not only helps them express their love for animals but can contribute to a fun outfit.
Not to mention, you could also head to a jewelry-making workshop or even pottery-making and implement animal themes into your works. Sometimes, a handmade approach that helps celebrate your love for animals could be a great time to share. Let’s not pretend that accessories for pets aren’t great gifts either – a brand-new collar that can be customized for a growing dog, a Halloween costume Yoda outfit, or novelties within a similar theme can be a wonderful gift for any animal lover.
- Vanity Plates
In States like Florida, vanity plates can be a fantastic means of expressing ourselves through our car’s aesthetic and are already pre-approved to raise awareness for certain causes. For example, pet overpopulation is quite heavy in this state, which ultimately harms pets that cannot be looked after properly or are tossed out onto the street. This is a tragedy of course, and so with the donation that rewards a vanity plate, you can help tackle this problem through humane spraying and neutering and helping those animals find the shelters they need. It’s a practical approach to animal care, and if you live near the area, could show your contribution to that issue for the better.
- Pet Entertainment
Sure, you might not want to gift someone a pet without their knowledge, but if they have a pet already, purchasing toys or equipment for them can be a great idea. If you’ve noticed that their doggy bed is a little tired, you might purchase a new one. If your cat has been scratching your friend’s sofa as of late, you might purchase a scratching tree and climbing frame to be placed in the corner of the room, solving two problems at once.
Of course, make sure the equipment doesn’t require a huge amount of added upkeep (bringing a friend a massive, multi-layered hamster cage would take ages to clean), but a small gift that adds to the convenience of pet ownership could be ideal.
- Tickets To A Zoo Or Aquarium
Now, it’s important to acknowledge that not every animal lover is happy with the concept of zoos or animal parks for entertainment – for example, many people are aware of the problems of places like Seaworld. However, it’s also true that some nonprofits are great for animal preservation, use customer funds to help fund animal welfare, and on the whole, are forces for good. You can look into the priorities, public reports, charitable information, and initiatives to see which are best to use your money towards.
Tickets to ethical zoos or aquariums can be a great time, and they don’t have to be about exotic wildlife, as petting zoos for farmyard animals can also be fantastic to visit. They’re great for children too, who in suburban environments may not have access to the rural spaces that help them see goats, sheep, and cows on a semi-regular basis. But any animal lover will appreciate seeing these, and will no doubt have a great time out with you.
Bonus: Your Time
Most people understand that caring for an animal, any animal, takes time and effort. So, offering that can be a great idea, should you be friendly enough to remain trusted with their care. If your friend is going on vacation, you might offer to look after their pet so they can avoid costly pets. If they need a lift to the vet or groomers, taking them in your car can be convenient. This isn’t a “gift-gift” so to speak, but it certainly makes the life of your animal-loving friend easier, and helps you connect with their pride and joy.
With this advice, you’re sure to provide a lovely gift for your animal-loving friend.
