Holiday Gift Guides 2016: Kids and Pets
Treats and toys for all those little creatures who depend on you
Of course we don’t mean to imply children are animals, but there’s a reason we couple the two gift guides together: these small humans and creatures depend on you for everything. From keeping them safe to feeding, encouraging and teaching them, pets and kids need you. The holidays are the perfect occasion to remind them how much you need and love them too (though, of course, it shouldn’t just be reserved for specific times of the year) so we’ve put together a collection of presents—from books to toys, games and more. Though made with kids and pets in mind, these gifts could be for people of all ages. Check out the full Kids and Pets Gift Guide in our BUY section.
Compliment Pencil Set
This set of 10 brightly colored pencils ($10)—all number two graphite—comes complete with compliments on them. Emblazoned with phrases like, “Yes You Totally Can” and “You’re a Total Champ,” the pencils also have erasers attached—but the positive vibes mean nobody gets too down if they make a mistake.
Rigel Kite
Haptic Labs makes one-of-a-kind kites that will keep your summer weekend vibes going all week long. Our pick is the polka-dot and striped iteration ($42), which is screen-printed by hand in Brooklyn. Made from ripstop nylon and birch spars, and assembled in Williamsport, PA, each kite is a little different from the last. Complete with a 10-foot patchwork tale and flying instructions, this kite is perfect for both kids and adults.
Dog Bed
Designed by the bed experts at Casper, this pet bed ($125) was created with dog behavior in mind. The team spent 400+ hours testing it, and 11 months studying dog sleeping habits. Available in three colorways (blue, gray or sand) and made with super-strong bonded microfibers, this bed can handle all your pooch’s scratching, nuzzling and drooling.
Blush and Gold Pyramid Dog Bowl
Treat your pooch (or cat) like the king or queen s/he is with this striking stoneware bowl ($75). With gold pyramid embellishments (that resemble the classic studded pet collars), these handmade and hand-glazed vessels are entirely unique to each owner. Available in small or large, these bowls are so appealing you might want to use it for your own tchotchkes.
“We Can Be Radical” Onesie
For kids of any gender, this very cute onesie ($25) has a double meaning. LA’s Otherwild is famed for its positive and inclusive vibes, so the slogan “We Can Be Radical” could very well relate to feminism, or just generally being rad. Printed on a 100% cotton unisex black American Apparel onesie, this same design is available for tots of all sizes—and there are T-shirts for bigger kids too.
Day of the Dinosaurs: Step into a Spectacular Prehistoric World
Full of fascinating facts for any aspiring paleontologist, “Day of the Dinosaurs: Step into a Spectacular Prehistoric World” is also teeming with colorful but sophisticated pictures. Exploring four eras of dinosaurs—the Triassic, the early Jurassic, the Late Jurassic and the Cretaceous—this hardcover book has enough to engage kids and kids at heart.
Deauville Pet House
From South Korea-based brand Bad Marlon comes a set of minimalist, design-forward pet homes even humans with envy. Our favorite is the Deauville House ($370), which is built from eco-friendly wood and held together by super-strong magnets, allowing for a quick and tool-free assembly. Cut-outs let pets peep into the outside world while a polyester cushion provides a comfy bed for them to snooze on.
Boobies Collar
Made from 100% natural fair-trade hemp, Shed collars for pets ($30) come adorned with all kinds of playful and provocative patterns. From marijuana leaves to dinosaurs, smiley poop and boobs, they are each as silly and cute as the next. Available in small, medium or large, they can fit small dogs, cats and even “small bears,” so your best pal will be the right size for one of these fun accessories.
The Little Mermaid
Despite being born over a century apart, and in Denmark and Japan respectively, Hans Christian Andersen and Yayoi Kusama are an ideal match in this version of Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid” ($35) Kusama’s always beautiful illustrations—squiggly patterns and wild creatures—complement the magical and heartbreaking fairytale. This is one for kids of all ages, but remember the original ending of this story is much different than the Disney one.
Ice Cream Sculpture Kit
Sadly not edible, but still a lot of fun, Moon Picnic’s giant Ice Cream Sculpture kit ($24) is a delight for children (and kids at heart). The set comes complete with two posters—one for the ice cream scoop and one to make the waffle cone—and all you need is scissors, glue stick, ruler and a little patience. The end result looks good enough to eat and makes for a fun party decoration to boot.
Fish Hotel Aquarium
Whether getting a new gilled friend, or wanting to offer your goldfish a little vacation, this fish hotel aquarium ($55) is a thoughtful alternative to the traditional fish bowl. Measuring 20cm x 19cm x 19cm, the cubist hotel can be stacked to create a complex and is crafted from molded plastic and glass.
Mix + Match Animal Toys
These three-piece set of animal toys ($22) encourage children to learn, but also explore their own imaginations and storytelling skills. A giraffe, lion and elephant can become an elliaffe or giraliphant or whatever they’d like, thanks to interchangeable ABS parts—made especially for little hands (ages two and up).
Bug Plush Toy Set
With a squeaky center, these bug-shaped plush toys ($53) will become your pet’s favorite in no time. The set comes with five animals to toss around: butterfly, bee, ladybug, beetle and worm. Additionally, a percentage of the purchase price goes toward the International Fund for Animal Welfare, which aims to end commercial exploitation of animals.
Prime Rib Treats
Wheat-, gluten-, and soy-free, these Prime Rib Biscuits ($6) are for fussy pooches with health-conscious parents. Crafted with beef sourced in the USA, these treats also include olive oil, parsley, garlic and an oat flour batter—which all sound good enough for humans too.
Images courtesy of respective brands, hero image courtesy of Shed Brooklyn
