Jolly good ideas
SPOILING FAMILY PETS WITH PRESENTS IS ON THE RISE THIS CHRISTMAS
Furry, finned and feathered family members are likely to receive a bigger than usual package under the Christmas tree this year. While some pets will receive a chew toy, others could receive gifts worth hundreds of dollars.
New research by eBay Australia shows nearly one third of people will buy their pets a Christmas present, resulting in a collective spend of $360m in animal gifts.
Men are planning to spend an average of $71 on their pet while women will cough up $56.
“When it comes to splashing the cash, it’s our scaly friends that will be the most spoiled with owners saying they’ll spend $100 on Christmas gifts for their fish (compared to an average of $60),” eBay Australia’s Sophie Onikul says.
“Pandemic pets will also do better than those adopted pre-Covid with an average of $80 spent. This is unsurprising given that during recent lockdowns we saw pet owners purchase items such as grooming products and leads, as well as pet fashion with dog Hawaiian shirts trending.”
About 69 per cent of households have at least one pet, according to a survey conducted by Animal Medicines Australia.
The RSPCA adopted out 25,000 animals in 2021 as Australians across the country welcomed a furry companion to boost their physical and mental health during lockdown.
“People have had time to reflect on what is important in their lives and made the appropriate adjustments to their lifestyle to be able to welcome a pet into their lives,” an RSPCA spokesman says. “It is heartwarming to see the continued support for pet adoptions nationally.”
So what are the top gifts for pets?
FUR-STIVE GIFTS
Pet stores are jingling to the ring of their cash registers as pet owners spend up big.
Petbarn’s James Winrow says the retailer is seeing a surge in demand for festive gifts. “Pet parents love to give their pets a wrapped gift on Christmas morning, so we have a special range of reindeer, Santa, elf and candy-cane themed toys and costumes to get tails wagging and purrs humming,” he says.
“For the first time in five years we are stocking pet-friendly advent calendars and Christmas stockings that allow pets to enjoy the same traditions as the rest of the family. We are experiencing much higher demand for these products than anticipated, with sales twice as high as expected in the opening week of the Christmas range launch, indicating pets are in for a treat.”
Karen Yang of the Stylish Hound says practical gifts such as swim jackets will be popular.
“Matching PJs make the perfect family photo,” she says. “We are launching a new Christmas range which includes Christmas-themed bow ties and bandannas as well as collars and leashes.”
The RSPCA says other popular toys include items that keep pets occupied and mentally stimulated with treats if owners aren’t home. Its online store has gift options.
PART OF THE FAMILY
Every year Emma Williams puts her dogs Poppy (jack russell), Marshall (poodle/beagle), Faith (husky) and Freddy (labrador/ kelpie) on her festive shopping list.
“Freddy loves balls, Poppy is a soft toy fanatic, Marshall loves interactive toys and Faith loves to play with anything. Treats and bones are definitely up there on the list,” she says.
“They are a huge part of our family and we love to spoil them. I guess they are our fur kids and give so much to us so it’s great to give something to them, too.”
THINK CAREFULLY
If you are thinking of buying a pet for Christmas, the RSPCA is asking you to think twice.
“Before adopting, please consider your long-term commitments and how your pet will fit into your life 10 or even 20 years into the future. Animals are living creatures and they all deserve a loving and stable home.”