Gift Shop Magazine

Family Treasures

Precious pets deserve the best

By Debbie Eisele

3 minute read
Pet owners want the best for their fur babies. In fact, the majority of U.S. households have a pet so it’s no surprise that pet needs have risen in priority among consumers. According to American Pet Products, 69% of U.S. households have a dog and 45.3% a cat. Shoppers who buy products for pets, or merchandise featuring pets, is on the rise and there are some notable trends: breed specific and high quality. “One of the biggest trends we are seeing continue to grow this year is that pet products are going more upscale. Pets are a part of our families and we want them to have the best,” Colleen Hall, vice president of marketing for C&F Enterprises, said. “Our pet products are crafted of the same high quality materials we use in our human products, and are designed to integrate with your other home décor.” Custom offerings are also increasing. “I see an overall trend in personalized pet gift items,” Mary Badenhop, artist and owner of Pipsqueak Productions International, said. Due to the popularity of personalized merchandise, Pipsqueak has added to its offerings, which include Christmas Porcelain Ornaments and Heart Shaped Ornaments that offer sentimental tones for pet sympathy related gift-giving. Pipsqueak Productions noted that its best-sellers include kitchen related items that feature dog and cat breeds as well as parrots, fish and farm animals. “Our Pet Kitchen Dish Towels and Aprons, with colorful artwork designs, have been extremely popular and continue to grow year after year. Why? Because it’s the pawfect or should I say purrfect gift item … especially for the holidays,” Badenhop shared. She also shared that the top AKC breeds list are extremely popular, as are Doodles, including Goldendoodle and Labradoodles. Badenhop emphasized that Labs and “Frenchies” are also great sellers. Greyhounds are another popular breed and Pipsqueak Productions is having success with greeting cards, towel sets, shopping pads and magnets that feature these majestic canines. “We sell many products to Greyhound Rescue Leagues with 50% off retail on pricing; they are able to raise funds to help support their cause. This also includes Basset Rescues as well as overall rescue leagues,” she said.

Spoiled Rotten Dog Dirty Paws Boa

DEMDACO Spoiled Rotten Dog Dirty Paws Boa from DEMDACO

Dogs Holding Paws

Cardthartic Dogs Holding Paws from Cardthartic

Standing Cat Guard

North Country Wind Bells Inc. Standing Cat Guard fromNorth Country Wind Bells

Furevever in My Heart Pet Ornament

Whitney Howard Designs. Furever in My Heart Pet Ornament from Whitney Howard Designs

Created with Color

Kay Berry Created with Color from Kay Berry

Doodle Tote

Pipsqueak Productions Doodle Tote from Pipsqueak Productions

Playful Cats and Dogs Dishtowel Sets

tag ltd Playful Cats Dishtowel Set from tag ltd

Rainbow Bridge Frame

Roman Rainbow Bridge Frame from Roman

Holiday Pet Products

Vera Bradley Holiday Pet Products from Vera Bradley

Eat, Sleep, Play Oval Cat Bowl

tag ltd. Eat Sleep Play Oval Cat Bowl from tag ltd

Debbie Eisele is the former managing editor for Gift Shop Plus, Stationery Trends and a variety of special issue publications, including: The Guide, Holiday Shop, Celebrations & Occasions and Waterfront Living.