With every year that goes by, I find the people in my life more likely to say something along the lines of: “You know you’re an adult when you ask for an air fryer for Christmas!”
While I love a good kitchen gadget or some versatile, eco-friendly home goods, in my mid-twenties, the gifts on the top of my wish list always relate back to my dog. A gift for my 2-year-old Shiba Inu is as good as any gift for me. Isn’t that what it means to be a parent?!
I know I’m not the only one. Cat people, bird watchers, and whale conservationists alike all deserve a special and thoughtful gift this holiday season. Because the truth is, making a pet’s life better often makes our lives better, too.
To help you shop the perfect gift for the animal lovers in your life, we’ve broken this article down into the following sections:
- Gifts for Dog Lovers
- Gifts for Cat Lovers
- Gifts for Wildlife Lovers of All Kinds
And because we’re Good Good Good — 100% of the products we recommend in this article are sustainably made, ethically produced, or give back to charity.
By the way, some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Everything in this article was independently and honestly written by the Good Good Good team. Thank you!
Explore these animal lover gifts that are sustainably made, ethically produced, or donate to charity
Gifts For Dog Lovers
Matching Pet and Parent Outfits
Pet parent influencers are the new mommy bloggers, and even if your gift recipients don’t have millions of followers, they and their dogs definitely deserve matching outfits.
Whether it’s a festive sweater combo, some comfy jammies, or a trendy streetwear look for their next dog bar visit, Dog Threads has a wide array of matching sets to choose from.
The best part? Each purchase donates to an animal rescue nonprofit to help shelter animals in need. Looking stylish and putting pups in their forever homes? That’s what I call multitasking!
Dog Threads also has some solid sustainability practices. The brand uses 100% recycled mailers, recycles its scrap fabric to create donated dog beds, and just this year ended all hang tag production for its garments.
Kamrin’s thoughts: Dog Threads very kindly sent me a matching set to try out with my pup, Mirio, and we were so pleased! We got the Cocoa Terry Polos. The size charts were super accurate, and now we both have a new high-quality item in our wardrobes to wear together or (mostly for me, as a human) to style over and over again.
→ Shop matching dog and owner outfits at Dog Threads
Colorful & Sustainable Dog Sweaters
If you don’t necessarily need to twin with your pup, Verloop Knits makes some adorable dog sweaters that’ll keep your pooch warm this winter — and turn heads on your next walkie. Verloop creates home goods and cozy wears with deadstock yarn, all manufactured in a family-owned factory in the Philippines.
The company’s belief is that sustainable goods don’t need to be boring, emphasizing good and resourceful design in its line of products, all while reducing textile waste.
Kamrin’s thoughts: Verloop generously sent me the melon jade checkerboard sweater for my dog. He is known to have quite the wardrobe, and I can genuinely say that this piece is the highest quality sweater he owns, and at 33 pounds, the large size fits him perfectly.
→ Shop colorful dog sweaters from Verloop Knits
Reusable Pet Hair Remover
Gone are the days of single-use lint roller sheets! All your gift recipient has to do is clean off that dog hair from their furniture and linens, open the lid, and clean the dustbin to use this device over and over again.
This is a great alternative to the waste of lint rollers — and it’ll save your giftee money in the long run without needing refills!
→ Shop this reusable pet hair remover on Amazon
Grounds & Hounds Coffee
Do good with something as simple as a morning coffee! Meet Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co, whose tagline is that “every cup helps a pup.”
The brand creates organic and eco-friendly specialty coffees that support animal rescue initiatives. 20% of all Grounds & Hounds profits go directly to rescue organizations that provide a second chance for pups in need of a helping hand.
Since its inception, Grounds & Hounds has helped provide 3.3 million meals, 18,500 toys, and 16,250 vaccines to shelter dogs. Help your gift recipient savor their morning routine and enjoy an extra 15 minutes with their best friend, all while making a difference.
→ Shop Grounds & Hounds Coffee and help a rescue pup in need
Durable Dog Walking Set
All the rage with beautiful jewel toned dog accessories and minimalist designs, Wild One creates all the goodies one might need for their pup. But the brand’s walking sets definitely take the cake (or… the biscuit).
Made with durable and easy-to-wash materials, these leashes and harnesses are built to last — and look good.
If you’re looking for more of a stocking stuffer option, Wild One’s poop bags are also made with an eco-friendly corn starch blend, to make (sustainably) picking up dog ‘doo as pleasant as possible.
Better yet, with each purchase, Wild One sponsors the rescue of a pet. Partnering with rescues across the country, the brand has a goal to rescue a dog a day by 2024.
→ Shop Wild One goodies on Amazon
→ Shop walking sets from Wild One
Custom Art of Their Cute Dog
I don’t know about you, but when I look at my dog (or the cute accessories I have that remind me of him), I feel so much hope and optimism for the world. Whether it enables me to help other dogs, take better care of myself, or just do more good in general, his loving spirit makes me that much more excited to participate in the world.
That’s a long-winded way of saying that your gift recipient will love and cherish any personalized gift of their dog for years to come — and hopefully, it’ll make them want to go out in the world and do more good, too. Here are a few standout suggestions:
→ Custom art print on high-quality, durable paper from Animalist
→ Pet portraits that give back to Best Friends Animal Society from West & Willow
→ “Dog blueprint” art pieces made with 100% recycled paper from Uncommon Goods
Doggy Parton Toys & Accessories
Dolly Parton, absolute angel, country music legend, and incredible philanthropist, has wowed us yet again by releasing a line of dog toys, apparel and accessories, aptly named: Doggy Parton.
The collection features fun Dolly-themed toys (like a red guitar!), a darling gingham bandana, and even a blonde bombshell wig. Every purchase supports Willa B Farms, a rescue where animals in need find never-ending love and care.
Share the puppy love and help their dog look good while you do it!
→ Shop the Doggy Parton collection on Amazon
Canvas Bolster Dog Bed from Parachute
Who said the humans had to be the only ones with comfy beds?
This canvas dog bed from Parachute will have their pup feeling cuddled and supported with only the best of materials.
Parachute is a Climate Neutral-certified company, meaning it implements circular programs to offset its carbon footprint and emissions. Its materials are also sourced ethically and responsibly, partnering with Fair Trade and GOTS certified manufacturers to make high-quality items, like this dog bed, which has a cover made with 100% cotton canvas. This is one of our absolute favorite eco-friendly dog beds.
→ Shop Parachute’s canvas dog bed
By the way... Here are some dog-related good news stories to enjoy while you shop:
- 10 Heartwarming Stories About Dogs Saving Humans’ Lives
- This Man Has Saved 20k+ Animals with Custom-Made Prosthetics
- Doug the Pug Raises Thousands, Supports Kids with Cancer
- Popular ‘WeRateDogs’ Twitter Raises Millions For Pets
- ‘Marley’s Mutts’ Prison Program Pairs Dogs With Inmates – Healing Both
Gifts for Cat Lovers
Hemp Cat Collar
Although you might assume that indoor cats don’t need a collar, these brightly colored signifiers are a great way to find that sneaky kitty when they’re off being mischievous (add a bell for the real DIY GPS!).
These hemp collars from The Good Dog Company are lightweight and made with a blend of hemp and certified organic cotton. They also include a break-away Kitty Klip feature for safety.
→ Shop hemp cat collars on Amazon
Cat Treat Grow Bowl
Protect those potted plants with something extra special for the cat. This kit provides everything you need to grow your own fiber-rich wheatgrass (in organic soil!) for the kitties in a recycled stainless steel bowl. Then reuse the bowl for your cats or yourself after!
This is a great treat for any cat’s diet and helps pique their natural curiosity. Plus, it’s a fun activity for any cat lover to assemble for their feline friend.
→ Shop this Cat Treat Grow Bowl from Earth Easy
Eco-Friendly Cat Scratcher
Help your gift recipient’s cat move away from the nice furniture and towards this ergonomic and eco-friendly alternative. Designed at an angle ideal for kitties and made with durable and recycled paperboard, this scratcher lasts five times longer than traditional cat scratchers.
Feel good about a fun feline activity without the unnecessary waste!
→ Shop this eco-friendly cat scratcher on Amazon
Cat Compression Box
As we all know, the best gift any pet could receive is the box it came in. Level up their cat’s comfort with this smart compression box! Made with recycled wool felt and antimicrobial, washable canvas, this cozy box is flexible yet sturdy for all the compression cuddles their kitty desires.
The corners also unsnap for flat storage and easy transport, so everyone wins! And… there won’t be a chewed up cardboard box in the living room anymore.
→ Shop the cat compression box from Uncommon Goods
Recycled Ripple Rug Play Mat
The ultimate task of any pet parent: Keeping the gremlins occupied. Cats in particular love to explore and get enrichment around the house, and this play mat might just be their new favorite find. (And might just protect your own eco-friendly rugs.)
The Ripple Rug is made from recycled plastic water bottles and has lots of space for all the activities: scratching, grooming, pouncing, or even hiding and sleeping inside the tunnels. Brb, watching cat videos online now.
→ Shop the Ripple Rug mat on Amazon
Gifts for Wildlife Lovers
Fahlo Animal Tracking Bracelets
Keep your eyes on the conservation prize! Fahlo is a brand that partners with nonprofits to create bracelets that come with a real animal to track, donating a portion of each sale to save wildlife.
Combining a beautiful tangible bracelet with an interactive experience, customers (and your gift recipient) are educated about wildlife and excited about conservation.
Fahlo works with organizations like Sea Turtle Conservancy, Save the Elephants, Polar Bears International, Global Penguin Society, Ewaso Lions, and Saving the Blue.
→ Shop wildlife bracelets from Fahlo
Books
One of the best ways to protect and honor wildlife? Learning more about the world around us! For the bookworm (and worm protector) in your world, here are a few titles we’d recommend:
- “The Accidental Ecosystem: People and Wildlife in American Cities” by Peter S. Alagona | Amazon | Bookshop
- “Rewilding: Bringing Wildlife Back Where it Belongs” by Neon Squid & David A. Steen | Amazon | Bookshop
- “National Geographic Illustrated Guide to Wildlife: From Your Back Door to the Great Outdoors” | Amazon
Wildlife-Friendly Outdoor Light Bulbs
Animals are greatly impacted by light pollution, which can affect migration patterns, sleep habits, and habitat formation. Sea turtles and birds guided by moonlight often get confused and lose their way, which can even lead to death.
Help your gift recipient change that narrative and still keep the lights on! While they might not be the most luxurious gift of all time, this pack of wildlife-friendly LED light bulbs are energy efficient, have a soothing colored hue, and are certified to provide a safe lighting solution to wildlife.
→ Shop wildlife-friendly light bulbs
Bee Hotel
Make their backyard the new holiday destination for pollinators. Gifting this bamboo bee house will attract bees to a safe habitat and provide your loved one with beautiful blooming flowers.
With 60 nesting tubes and hanging rope, this bee hotel enhances native pollination and does a world of good for the bees in the area.
→ Shop this bamboo bee hotel on Amazon
Pollinator Wildflower Seed Mix
Speaking of native pollinators, help them create a healthy ecosystem with the perfect pollinator seed mix. With different seed blends for various areas in the United States, you can choose the perfect fit based on state, region, or even deer resistance.
Gifting these seeds helps take the guesswork out of attracting pollinators and will have the birds, bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects flocking to your loved one’s garden.
→ Shop pollinator wildflower seed mixes from Eden Brothers
Endangered Species Chocolate
We all deserve a little treat, and what better way to enjoy the sweet treats of a special holiday than with chocolate that helps endangered animals?!
Endangered Species Chocolate is made with Fair Trade-certified, vegan ingredients. The company donates 10% of its annual net profits to conservation organizations to support species, habitats, and humanity across the globe. Since its inception in 2016, Endangered Species Chocolate has donated $2.6 million to its conservation partners.
Be a part of this delicious do-good moment, and add a bar of chocolate (the ultimate consumable gift, in our opinion) to the shopping list.
→ Shop Endangered Species Chocolate on Amazon
You might also like: Ultimate guide to plant-based and vegan chocolates
Adopt an Animal with World Wildlife Fund
If your gift recipient loves wild animals and loves to do their part to care for them, a symbolic animal adoption from the World Wildlife Fund is the perfect fit!
Choose from over 130 endangered animal species, and with a donation of $60 or more, your gift recipient will receive a soft plushie, adoption certificate, photo card, and gift bag. Your loved one will enjoy snuggling up to their new two-toed sloth or arctic fox, and your donation protects the future of wildlife.
→ Adopt an endangered animal through the World Wildlife Fund
Note: While we normally recommend shopping from independent marketplaces with ethical and sustainable track records instead of shopping with Amazon — we’ve also included Amazon links in this article to ensure that these gifts are accessible to more people. Consider Amazon alternatives when you can.
