Five Dog Gifts That Keep On Giving

When I first got Eko I was penny-wise and pound foolish. I kept his food in a two dollar Home Depot bucket that kept breaking, yet I would impulsively buy “indestructible” $30 plush toys. As I watched Eko quickly eviscerate the posh-plush I realized I should rethink my spending priorities and habits. Since then I’ve made a concerted effort to sensibly invest in quality, lasting products while remaining thrifty when purchasing toys/blankets and other items I know have a shorter life. With that in mind, and in case you need any last minute present ideas, I thought I’d share a few of the products I find well-worth the cost. (Note: I have no affiliate/sponsor/promotional relationship with any of the below companies. These are products I purchased.) 

1. Kygen Slobowls 

Dollar for dollar, the slobowls (~$12 on Amazon) may be the best investment I’ve made. They’re durable, well-constructed and dishwasher safe. I highly recommend these bowls to anyone with a speed eater, or anyone who wants to make mealtime a bit more of a fun challenge for their pup.

2. Simplehuman Pet Food Can

After breaking the dog food bucket for the 25th time, and after Eko broke into the bucket for the 45th time, I realized I needed an upgrade. I completely balked at Simplehuman’s $120 (!!!) price for a glorified bucket.

I happened to see a damaged-box one going for only $85 so I took a risk and bought it. It’s been worth every cent. The large, airtight can keeps food (and food-smell) neatly packed away. My cannister is battle-scarred from fighting off two would-be burglars but still works/looks great.

3. Big Barker Dog Beds

“Who would ever spend a lot of money on a dog bed!?” – Me, scoffing, while buying Eko’s fourth cheap dog bed and not grasping the irony of the situation.

I finally came to my senses when I considered the potential muscular/skeletal issues large-breed dogs face. I knew I should  invest in an orthopedic mattress to help mitigate those risks.

After much research I landed on Big Barker. Nevertheless I winced, as despite my coupon, the bed cost $150. Later I realized I had blown at least that much on cheap beds. Eko’s bed is now four years old and it looks/works just as well as Penny’s new bed.

4. Leather collars/leashes

This is more about style/personal preference, but I love the pups’ leather gear. The leather ages well, feels solid in-hand and it’s the easiest thing to clean. Sand/dirt wipes right off and there’s almost no drying time.

My leashes are from Bullhide Belts ($50) and the collars are from Saddleback Leather ($40).

5. Chilly Dogs winter jackets

There was certainly sticker shock when I first saw Chilly Dogs $90 price tag, but these jackets are one of my best investments. Eko’s jacket is going into it’s fifth year of hard-winter use and still going strong. Whether human or canine, trust a Canadian company when it comes to winter gear!

If I bought all of the above products at once I would be bankrupt. But by saving, looking for sales/coupons and using credit card points I managed to take a bite out of each purchase. More importantly, these purchases are investments. With proper maintenance and care, every product on this list will last 10+ years.

Santa still may have a bit of room on his sleigh for Eko and Penny, so if you have any favorite “buy it for life” type products be sure to let me know.