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A'SHOPPING WE WILL GO
While analysts busily dissect the purchases of 132 million shoppers this past weekend to forecast the economy for the next several months, I have compared my own modest figures and am satisfied this will be a good season and a strong year ahead. People may be reticent to buy a house, but they are eager to shop for their pets.
Now that Black Friday has officially kicked off the holiday shopping season, it's time to review what's available for pet and pet-themed gifts.
If chilly temperatures haven't had you scrambling to purchase a sweater or coat for your pet, there are still plenty to choose from. Taking a cue from popular people fashions, the knitted hoodie-style sweater with pom-poms is adorable as are a lined corduroy coat, a navy pea coat with toggle trim or fleece-lined shearling jacket. Easy on-and-off Velcro-closing fleeces are back with some old favorites and new colors and patterns.
In spite of ridiculously high gas prices, travel is still big during the holidays, and this might be the time to invest in a carrier, either the soft sided, airline-approved traditional bag or a versatile wheeled version with telescoping handle. Consider adding a stroller to your travel arsenal for ease of transporting both pet and packages through crowded airports.
Sometimes that special lady on your list is a problem to buy for. An elegant tote that will accommodate files, laptop and much more is available in a variety of colors in indestructible Crypton fabric with a stunning Wegman "Hound in the Round" graphic. A matching computer carrying case can protect her laptop and slip inside.
Socks are great stocking stuffers because they are not size-sensitive and are always useful. Grab a pair decorated with holiday, bird or pet breed themes. Another stocking stuffer suggestion that pet owners love is something from the odor-neutralizing Fresh Wave line, such as a soy candle, travel size spritzer or pearl pack sachet.
A unique idea for a house gift is the Potty Bell, a mellow-toned rustic tin bell that hangs on the doorknob. Teach your dog to ring this bell as its special signal to go outside. For the pet's feeding station, attractive red and white pet dishes with a snowflake motif add holiday flare, but bowls with the subtle Geronimo's island pawprint logo, now available in new colors, are timeless.
Also new for us this year is a special addition to our very popular chrome or brass pet name tags, with our distinctive Geronimo's logo engraved on one side and space for your pet's information on the other side.
Toys and treats are always hot for the holidays. Loopie's, the fabulous retrieving toy, has its Santa Loopie "Ho, Ho, Ho-ing" and playing Jingle Bells, the Candy Cane Loopie, brightly festive in red and white stripes and a mini assortment for the smaller dog. The Christmas Light Bulb is back this year in red, green or glow-in-the-dark white. Pop a biscuit inside and your dog will stay occupied trying to get it out.
Fancy cookies run the gamut from yummy truffles to tiny decorated ice cream cones to gingerbread men to big bones. Don't forget the large Nantucket Island cookie, presented in its own ribboned gift box.
Introduced earlier this year, the extremely popular Eco Fleece Mats, completely constructed from recycled soda bottle fibers, has a winter print in dark green with white snowflake designs. The elegant and comfortable donut bed, one of our best sellers, has some toasty, cozy new fabrics in darker, richer colors for winter.
Not to overlook kitty, new scratchers come in clever shapes, including a fancy sleigh for the holidays. The Ho-Ho Hairball, a fuzzy-faced round toy wearing a Santa hat, is one of my personal favorites. Bring in some freshly sprouted greens with a grow-your-own packet of healthy wheat grass. Entice kitty with kitty sushi treats or fish-flavored jerky. Also new is the Wild Kitty food kit, a delicious dried combination featuring clams, which creates a gourmet delight when added to one pound of cooked meat of your choice.
For the tiniest pets on your list, there are always yummy munchies, but we have an elegant carriage for her and macho critter cruiser for him.
Gift cards are big again this year, so if none of these ideas pique your interest, get a gift card and let your recipients do their own shopping.
For that truly special holiday photo to send to friends and family, stop by the Nantucket MSPCA on Crooked Lane this Sunday, Dec. 2, from 12-2 p.m. Photographer Jeff Allen will be taking Photos with Santa. No appointment is necessary. Come by the shop first to outfit your favorite pet with some antlers, a Santa hat, elf costume or a new festive holiday
collar and then say, "Cookie!" I
Jan Jaeger is owner of Geronimo's, Ltd., Nantucket's pet supply and gift shop, and is a member of DWAA and CWA (Dog and Cat Writer's Associations of America). Her pets at home are Junior, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever and three cats. At the shop are the cats, Messrs. Fish and Chips, Flower bunny, Willie guinea pig and two budgies. Send e-mail to jan@geronimos.com.
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