With all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to forget about the quieter (or maybe not-so-quiet) members of your family – your pets!

You can spoil your pet without spending a lot of cash:

• Shop the dollar store. You can find fun dog or cat toys for $1 or less. Be sure to check that there are no small parts that can become detached and make sure it is durable.
• Shop the sporting goods section. A can of tennis balls can keep my dog entertained for an eternity.
• Make your own cat toys for your favorite feline.
• Homemade treats are appreciated. Check out these bird, cat, and dog treat recipes.
• Make a fleece blanket for your pet. My dog is a fleece junkie and loves to curl up in a fleece blanket during the winter months.

You can also treat the pet-lover on your gift list. I’m one of those people who truly believe that pets are family members. I even have a plaque in my house that says, “Pets are people, too.” So I always appreciate a good pet-related gift.

Here are a few ideas for the pet-lover:

• Create a photo gift, such as a scrapbook, collage or calendar of the person’s pet(s). Snapfish has some great options available that don’t take a lot of time or money to make.
• Get a new leash or set of feeding dishes for your friend’s pet. Pet owners like a fresh new look for their pet now and then. Check out the clearance section at Doctors Foster and Smith for ideas.
• Find unique, recycled items handpainted with dogs, cats, or other critters at Junkyard Dog Art. The artist is a friend of mine. One year, I got my mom a set of salt and pepper shakers with our dogs painted on them (my mom collects shakers). They were a huge hit. I love that you can give a handcrafted gift and recycle at the same time!
• Find a book about their type of pet, a book on pet care, or maybe a novel about animals. A friend gave me a book about Cairn Terriers  shortly after we got Molly Dog.  It was so helpful to learn more about her breed.
• Give the gift of safety.  A pet can get very hurt in a car accident. They should be buckled in or contained just like everybody else. Things like pet carriers and invisible fencing can help keep pets safe.

Just like anything else, be sure to watch those end of season sales for deals all year round.  And make sure to always keep pet safety in mind when giving a gift.  If you wouldn’t give it to a baby, don’t give it to a pet!