As a dog owner, I am sure I am not alone in thinking about what goodies I’d like to buy Monty for Christmas. He has no concept of what day it is, let alone Christmas, but he’s one of the family so he’ll be getting a stocking this year! I believe in buying gifts for people that they will use, not stuff that will go in the cupboard, so the businesses I’ve featured in this gift guide for pets and their owners are businesses I would buy myself. I hope you discover some lovely things!
This guide is part of Sophie etc.’s Independent Milton Keynes Christmas Gift Guide 2022. Businesses have paid to feature in the guides, but the guide has been entirely curated by Sophie. We hope it inspires you to shop small this Christmas! Every effort has been taken to ensure the information in this blog post is correct. Please refer directly to vendor websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information for Christmas delivery and products. If you do see an error, please email blog@sophieetc.com.
Gift ideas for pets and Paw-rents
Barking Bags
Barking Bags is an MK-based brand that creates practical but stylish dog-walking bags. Debbie featured on Dragon’s Den and successfully secured investment for the brand. I own two Barking Bags, and they are essential for any dog owner (millennials included thank you very much, Steven Bartlett!) I have the Diddy Bag, great for everyday walks and the full-size bag which is good for day trips and holidays.
The bags have plenty of space for water bottles, treats, and human essentials and they even have a poop bag dispenser with plenty of room for spares so you’ll never be caught unaware. They are available in plenty of colours, including a festive red paw print. The dog walking guide to MK (£9.95) is also a great stocking filler to gift with the bag.
Use the code MKLOCAL for free local postage.
Head to Barking Bags website to buy.
Follow @barkingbags on Instagram | Follow Barking Bags on Facebook.
Nellie and Belle
Nellie and Belle is one of my favourite places to buy treats, chews and toys for Monty. Based in Buckinghamshire, you can discover lots of unique products from small businesses and brands. The founders, Zoe and her red cocker spaniel, Nellie, have selected and tested all the products so you know you’re getting something that is high quality!
The brands that N&B stocks have got strong values and are environmentally conscious. My favourite products on the site are the lovely Green & Wild products, made with sustainable fabrics.
Get 10% off Nellie and Belle with MONTY10.
Head to Nellie and Belle’s website to shop.
Follow @nellieandbellesocial on Instagram.
Olive and Pip
Monty has his very own star for the Christmas tree and a matching personalised Christmas stocking from the brilliant Olive & Pip. The traditional Christmas stockings come with a pre-threaded hanging loop so are easily hung and each stocking includes a personalised ceramic star which is lettered by hand with your pet’s name. They can be made for any furry (or scaly!) friend – Cats, dogs, lizards, hamsters, snakes… They won’t feel left out this year! I can’t wait to fill Monty’s with little treats…
Visit Olive and Pip’s website.
Follow Olive and Pip on Facebook | Follow @olive.and.pip on Instagram.
Rachel Baker Artist
Rachel Baker Artist is a self-taught artist based in Milton Keynes, specialising in pet portrait drawings. She creates bespoke artwork capturing your treasured memories, character and soul in pencil, that will last a lifetime. She set up this business to pursue my passion for art and to capture treasured memories with the stroke of pencil and paint. From photos of your beloved pets, Rachel will create a unique, one-of-a-kind portrait that makes a wonderful, personalised gift for family, friends, or even yourself along with a time-lapsed video of your drawing being brought to life.
The Acrylic Pet Decorations and Key Rings would make a great, personal Christmas gift. You can also immortalise your pets on a wooden tree decoration. The key rings and discs are painted with acrylic paint so they are more durable. The hanging wooden decorations are very sweet and two pets can be painted on the disc.
These pet portrait products sell very quickly at Christmas, so make sure you order soon.
Follow Rachel Bakery Artist on Facebook | Follow @rachelbakerartist on Instagram.
Visit Rachel Baker Artist’s website.
Rosie & Jo
I am so in love with Rosie + Jo’s beautiful designs for doggies! If Monty was a girl, I’d totally be all over the pink leopard print harnesses and collars These are super stylish and suit all doggos. There are even matching poop bag pouches.
Shop the accessories on Rosie + Jo’s website.
Follow @rosie.and.jo on Instagram.
Whistle and Woof
I absolutely adore these personalised ceramic pet bowls from Whistle and Woof. They are hand-built, fired twice and glazed with gorgeous colours. As well as the bowls, you will also find beautiful hand-dyed collars and leads and cosy pet beds for your furry friend.
Whistle and Woof was born from a combination of love for animals and creating lovely things. Everything is handmade in a small studio in Northamptonshire.
Shop Whistle and Woof via Etsy.
Follow @whistleandwoof on Instagram.
I hope this Christmas Gift Guide has inspired you to shop small this Christmas. If you do decide to support these businesses please let them know who sent you their way and share your purchases with my Facebook Community Group, Eat & Explore MK. You can also share your local finds on Instagram with the hashtag #EatandExploreMiltonKeynes.
Which gifts will you buy for your furry friend?
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