When another kitten calendar just won't do
Breaking the mold on gift-giving for cat lovers
It's gift-giving time and let's face it: you're mildly panicked (if you're anything like me, that is ). You want to find a gift that will surprise and delight and you know your friend/colleague/spouse/relative loves cats--but you have a sneaking suspicion that the cute kitty calendar from the mall just isn't going to cut it. Aren't there any gifts for cat lovers whose tastes run a little off-center, who prefer gifts that, like their cats, are unusual and independent?Turns out there are--it just requires a little searching. Or a little help from a cat loving artist who got sick of getting the same Cracker-Barrel-style cat figurines every year (hint hint, nudge nudge, wink wink).
All teasing aside, I'm not just writing to promote my own work (but wait, isn't that what the internet is all about?). Okay, sure, I'd love it if you decided something I made was perfect for the cat lover you have in mind, but it may not be, and more than anything I want to erase the notion that all cat-themed gifts are created equal. Just because it has a cat on it doesn't mean a cat lover will like it. Just because most gifts for cat lovers seem cut from the same cutesy cloth doesn't mean there isn't really original stuff hiding in the corners, waiting to be discovered.
So where to find more unusual gifts for cat lovers? A google search for "unique gifts for cat lovers" doesn't help so much (I know, I tried--345,000 results--ack!). I've featured a few of my favorite unusual cat designs in the cafepress modules below--handpicked, not randomly generated, so they really are actual vetted suggestions. Below are a few specific suggestions.
Artsy Cat Lover Gifts on CafePress
Here Kitty Rectangle Magnet
Pet your Nirvana with this delightful magnet of Here Kitty, the original blue cat on a lotus!
Price: 4.49
Beaumaris Stray Cats
Price: 10.99
Floppy Cat Journal
This sleepy kitty knows exactly how to relax, and he's happy to share his technique with you. To see more original PurrPrints' designs, please visit www.PurrPrints.com.
Price: 12.99
Kitty Love Jr. Raglan
These kitties know there is a big difference between puppy love and kitty love, and they're happy to be sharing the latter. For more original PurrPrints designs, visit PurrPrints.com.
Price: 21.99
Specific places to look online
1) Go to etsy.com . This is one of my favorite places on the web because it brings together a huge variety of independent artists and crafters in one place. It's also especially neat because they have a section, called Alchemy, where you can request custom work of just about anything you can imagine and etsy members bid on your requests. (I've used this feature countless times when I didn't know what to give someone; I just listed my ideal price and all the interests I could think of and wonderful ideas came flooding in every time). I've favorited a number of etsians I personally adore, so if you want a more specific place to start go to purrprints.etsy.com and click on the "Favorites" link (not all of these people make cat-themed stuff, but all of them are very cool!).2)Felinerina.com has some cool stuff for both cats and their owners. Though I prefer getting stuff directly from artisans on etsy whenever possible, Felinerina is a great spot too.
3)Purrprints.com has my own wonderful, marvelous, lovely, original, and [insert wide range of additional compliments here] work (okay, so I had to promote myself a little), plus I'm happy to customize any of my designs to make just what you're looking for.
4) But my biggest tip for gift-giving to cat lovers? Don't grab just anything--find a gift that not only reflects your lucky recipient's love of cats but also his/her distinct personality. Whether this means you look for a funky indie custom stuffed cat (try smoody.etsy.com), a realistic looks-just-like-their-pet felted cat (try featherheart.etsy.com), a hand-made and catnip filled quilt for their kitties (try coloradocatniptoys.etsy.com), a custom indie bag (try katesy.etsy.com), or animal-themed jewelry (try BeadedTail), you'll probably have more fun feeling like you found something special--and they are sure to appreciate your thoughtfulness.
The Most Important Thing
Avoid the mall like the plague when shopping for cat lovers.
Cute but not TOO cute cat lover gifts on CafePress
Vote on your favorite cat lover gifts
Maybe I'm wrong. Here's your chance to tell me which links you've found the most useful by voting--or suggest some of your own that you think I (and others) need to see!
Purrprints.com
My hand-drawn cat designs on a variety of prints, more...2 points
BeadedTail :: We're making tails wag one bead at a time!
Etsy shop with cool animal themed beaded jewelry.1 point
Cat Christmas Stocking
Family pet, cat photo Christmas stocking with inte more...1 point
Quality Cat Condo
A quality cat condo that will go with any décor1 point
Alchemy: request custom items from etsians
Put in requests for custom handmade items and get more...0 points
Funky Sock Creatures
These are not your standard sock critters. The las more...0 points
The Radical Thread Co.
Kate has more cool indie upcycled fabric bags and more...0 points
http://featherheart.etsy.com
Custom felted pet likenesses by a super-nice artis more...0 points
http://thescoopatboops.etsy.com
Cool custom silver sculptures and pendants, from c more...0 points
LJT Fine Arts, Original Drawings and Paintings by Lisa Teitelbaum
Original drawings and paintings. Subjects include more...0 points
Etsy for Animals Charity Shop
100% of profits on sales here go to animals charit more...0 points
Sterling Silver Jewelry at Queen Bee.
We offer a great selection of silver necklaces, e more...0 points
Snowflake Earring
Snowflake Earrings: Offers silver snowflake earrin more...0 points
PurrPrints Handmade: My etsy shop
Reader Feedback
JaguarJulie wrote...
The one gift I'm always picking up is a cat toy -- different mice filled with catnip -- but the one toy that Bandit likes the best, would you believe, is pretty ragged and was hand-assembled. I had a stuffed pumpkin about hand/palm size. I wrapped a rope like string around it and tied securely. Now, Bandit will go looking for that toy and carry into my office meowing for me to notice.
Posted September 14, 2008
WritingforYourWealth wrote...
Great tip to avoid the mall. :) There are just so many cool pet boutiques online and even in tourist towns and unexpected places.
Posted September 12, 2008
k8company wrote...
"Just because it has a cat on it doesn't mean a cat lover will like it." So true! Another great lens, and I love your cat art.
Posted June 27, 2008
