Christmas time is coming, which means only one thing for pet owners: spoiling their beloved four-legged friends rotten.
We love to see their happy faces and wagging tails as they open up presents, even though deep down, we know they have absolutely no idea what's going on.
As much as we'd love to spend all of our pay day money on prezzies for our BFFs (best furry friends), we have to be realistic - sob. We all know it would be smarter to buy a couple of bits that are actually useful, rather than splashing the cash on something ridiculous that they'll never use.
That doesn't mean the presents can't be fun though, or that you can't have a lovely time choosing them. To help you get started, we've rounded up some of our favourite affordable and useful gifts for your dog or cat this Christmas.
Psst! As the night's are much darker now, don't forget to grab your dog a light up collar to keep them safe and seen.
Pet Christmas gifts
Why buy your pet one toy, when you can buy them five? Whether you deliver them all at once (and film their reaction, please) or spread them out over the year, buying in bulk is a great way to save cash.
Much like when we buy a new outfit, we like to think that pets feel posher when they've got a new collar, too. These quick-release collars are not only comfy, but they look super stylish as well. They are available in a range of cool designs.
Your cat will look totally dapper in these adorable plaid bow tie collars. Complete with a quick-release clasp and a bell, they'll be the star of the family photos.
There's nothing quite like a pet Christmas stocking to really make your furry friend feel special on the big day. This one from Pedigree features a great mixture of treats that'll keep you going into the new year.
If your dog is food driven, they'll love nothing more than a box of luxury treats to chow down on this year. Perfect for celebrating, this hamper even has a bag of popcorn so they can feel really included.
thetreatpantry.co.uk
Love to feed your cat all-natural? This gift box from The Treat Pantry will be perfect for your moggy. Featuring a selection of ethically sourced treats, it can be personalised so your pet will feel really special on Christmas day. This is the MINI box, but there's also a MIDI and MAXI version to choose from if you really want to spoil them.
This complimentary pet food stocking is suitable for adult cats aged 1-7 years. It contains some really cute toys, as well as some tasty treats for your cat.
Suitable for dogs 6 months and up, this cute stocking includes a selection of toys, chews and treats - also known as dog happiness in a stocking.
If your dog is mad for tennis balls, wait until you see their reaction to this bad boy. This durable, inflatable ball will quickly become Spike's favourite toy.
Cats can become bored if they aren't entertained while you're not around, but this fun roller toy is the perfect addition to keep them occupied for hours.
www.itchpet.com
Although it's not as fun to think about toys and treats, protecting your pet from fleas, ticks and worms are one of the best gifts you can give them this Christmas. Joining a subscription service like ITCH not only helps you save money but ensures your dog or cat receives all the treatments they need at the right time to keep them protected all year. What's more, you can even add on products for their teeth, ears, joints and to reduce stress.
It wouldn't be Christmas without sprouts now, would it? Luckily, this adorable pet toy doesn't come with any of the smells associated with them. Squeaky, plush and a pull toy, it's the whole package for your pooch. However, this is only available in-stores or via Click and Collect. You can check availability in your local Pets at Home store via their handy website - so no need to panic.
www.notonthehighstreet.com
Protect your cat from getting lost and help them look super stylish with these lovely metal ID tags from Cheshire & Wain. They're available in three different gold plated, silver plated or rose gold plated.
Keep your dog hydrated on walks with this useful (and stylish!) portable bottle. Easy to use, it takes the hassle out of travelling with your pet.
Everyone who's ever used a Tangle Teezer will know that it works wonders on human hair, so why not get the pet version for your dog? The long teeth gently remove dirt, reaching down to the undercoat, whilst the shorter teeth smooth the hair and protect against matting.
We LOVE this Santa hat play pouch, and so will your cat if they're often hiding in boxes or in various places around your house.
www.yappy.com
No matter what size they are, every dog looks cute in a bandana. It's just a fact! Yappy.com provides a huge variety of bandana designs, as well as personalised versions especially for your pet.
www.yappy.com
This one's definitely more for you than it is for them, but we'd like to think they'll appreciate it all the same. This overnight bag helps you keep your pet's stuff safe, neat and tidy when you're travelling - plus it's personalised to you.
Want personalised gift recommendations for your pet?
If you love to shop for your pet (and who doesn't?), Amazon's Pet Profile service makes it even easier for you to get the goodies in. Just enter your pet's details and receive coupons, deals and personalised recommendations for your pet each time you want to spoil them.
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Jade Moscrop is a Content Writer for WhatsTheBest, specialising in lifestyle topics. She also writes for Closer, Heat, and Mother&Baby.
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