Last Christmas, our daughter-in-law to be gave us a couple dog beds as gifts. Never thought of something like that as gifts before, it turned out to be great all around for al the humans here and the animals.
Since the dogs already had beds, these extras have been in use on another floor of our two-story home, making the dogs – -and our furniture downstairs along with our wallet and bank account – very happy. Less furniture abuse from dogs being on it means less money out of pocket for updating arm covers and seats.
For ideas on the gift-giving of dogs couches to pet lovers you know, here are some helpful tips:
1) If you are short on cash, think about checking for left over dog bed models from last year at wholesale clubs and warehouse centers. Also look for coupon and other specials at online locations and locally, via newspaper coupons, mailers and other offers that come your way. These types of offers often include free shipping and / or a percent or certain amount off with your purchase. Pet stores, stores that have pet departments (like Wal-Mart and Target) and online stores all have offers like these.
2) Going along with #1 above, ask your neighbors, family and others to keep an eye out for you for specials. Tell them you’ll keep an eye out for them, too, and see what types of purchase they’re trying to find deals on.
3) Think about making your own designs, too. You can find free patterns on the web (in one of my hubs, in fact!) with instructions for making your own bed. You can also look for more patterns in local sewing stores along with neat fabrics, stencils, lace and other trims to make them unique and awesome.
4) For the discerning pet and family, or those with special needs and other animals who could use a little extra health help, think about orthopedic dog beds and search for these, too. These types of beds can help tired old backs and aching bones. Look for special firm padding at sewing centers, too, if you want to try and make one of these. Ask the store attendants / sales reps for help.
5) Get creative with your bed and think inside the box, like in the cat-and-the-hat who had would eat green eggs and ham in a box. Place your bed in a box. Add a dog toy fox…who wears yellow sox…get the picture?
6) Coordinate accessories to go with your bed, too. How about a matching pillow, blanket and stuffed animal for your doggie? Find coordinating fabrics at sewing centers and online.
7) Think a little bigger and check out doggie couches, too. There are wonderful miniature couches out there for pets, some complete with arms and back. Comfortable and cute, some are stackable, smaller sizes stacking up atop the large ones. And some are wide enough for more than one dog. Doggie rocker / recliners may be the next thing, who knows!
8) Also think about dog mats and other bedding, horseshoe styles, other materials types like microfiber or suede. Save fuel, driving time and stress form running around time, and see all types of these in online pet stores. You’ll be amazed at the availability today.
So when you need a gift for a pet lover, think about giving a dog bed. The dog, the owner and the owner’s wallet and furniture will love you and thank you for it many times over!