The holidays can be a whirlwind of activity with festivities, travel, houseguests, shopping, celebratory dinners, and more. We’ve gathered some ideas to help you wade through the chaos — and enjoy the season in the most compassionate way possible. Hopefully, the ideas below will add some joy to your holiday celebrations while helping animals at the same time!
Gifts of Goodness
Here are some ideas for gifts that will not only touch the heart of your recipient, but show your commitment to compassion for all species.
For the Sweet Tooth
Have a friend or family member who loves a tempting treat? Here are some amazing animal-friendly options to please their palate!
Clevr Nondairy Lattes Starter Kit – It’s always comforting to have a soothing, frothy, hot beverage to warm up with on the chilliest winter days. Using oat milk as a base, there are a variety of plant-based flavors that are easy to enjoy by just adding water! The starter kit allows you to choose two blends for your recipient and includes a measuring scoop and a rechargeable frother for barista-quality beverages.
Popsanity 3 Flavor Gourmet Popcorn Gift Box – For those who like salty with their sweet, there are a variety of vegan-friendly gifts of popcorn, nuts, and candy to gift your favorite foodie.
Plant-Based Chocolate – There have never been more options for plant-based chocolates, readily accessible to all. Treat your favorite chocoholic to Reese’s Plant Based Oat Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey’s Plant Based Almond & Sea Salt Oat Chocolate Candy, or Nestle’s Vegan KitKat Bars — available at your local Target or online at Amazon.
For the Cozy Cuddler
Need a gift for that homebody who loves to snuggle up to the fire with their furry friends and watch movies? We’ve got you covered.
Native Bath & Body 3 Pack Bundle – With all vegan and cruelty-free products, find something for everyone on your list — whether they like hair care, bath & body products, or deodorant. These self-care bundles have dozens of different options, including special seasonal scents, so you’ll have your recipient relaxed in no time!
Good Chemistry Candle & Refill Kit – Cruelty-free, vegan, and dedicated to offering refills for their candles to reduce overall waste, Good Chemistry has a fragrance for every scent palate. With these luxurious aromas wafting through their home, your loved one may never want to leave!
Pudus Slipper Socks – For the ultimate in coziness, give some fluffy, warming slipper socks that are not only vegan and available in tons of fun patterns — including animal prints — but also a way to give back as Pudus donates a pair of socks to homeless/in-need youth for each pair purchased.
For the Fashionista
Looking for something for the person who wants to stay up to date with the latest fashion trends while still practicing compassion? Check out these options.
GOT BAG Backpacks – Vegan and made from ocean impact plastic, these durable backpacks are waterproof AND beautiful.
Corkor Sustainable Cork Accessories – Cruelty-free vegetable leather wallets, bags, belts, journals, and other items are a unique and fashionable gift for the most discerning trend-setter.
For the One Who Already Has Everything
Is there someone on your list who seems to be impossible to shop for? Give them the gift that recognizes their compassion for animals.
Honorary Donation to LFT – Make a meaningful gift by adding a loved one’s name to your donation to display how much you both care about animal welfare & protection.
Benevolent Bites & Beverages
Having a seasonal soiree? Make some plant-based treats for your guests and wow them with the deliciousness of cruelty-free foods!
Plant-Based Charcuterie Board – Endless possibilities abound for creating a fun & festive charcuterie board. Choose your favorite fruits & vegetables, hummus, nuts, and plant-based meats and cheeses from online delis like Rebel Cheese. Try their creamy Smoked Cheddar and yummy Sweet Toscana Vegan Salami and your guests will be amazed that plant-based can taste so good!
Jessica in the Kitchen’s Vegan Nog – No one will be able to guess how you made this delicious cocktail without the egg! And the best part? You can customize it for your needs: Serve it cold or warm; Make it non-alcoholic or add your favorite alcohol to give your nog a bite. Get the easy recipe here!
Sweet Simple Vegan Gingerbread Cookies – It’s a holiday classic that will make your guests feel warm & fuzzy inside and bring back memories of childhood: gingerbread! Not only are these plant-based, but they are super fun to make with different cookie cutouts & you even have the option to build a house or village!
Chocolate Covered Katie’s Vegan Pumpkin Bread – Need an easy breakfast loaf to give guests for morning get-togethers or for hungry houseguests? You’ll be craving more of this sweet treat the second you finish it!
Rabbit & Wolves Vegan Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix – Want a snack that guests can nosh as they trim the tree? Here’s a savory, salty snack with crackers, cereal, nuts, pretzels that will pack a flavorful punch for your festive fete!
Do It Right Decorating
It’s fun to make your home festive and bright during the holiday season. Need some ideas on how to decorate with animals — and the planet — in mind? Read on!
If you share your home with companion animals, make sure that you keep them safe from any possible holiday hazards.
Be mindful when considering decor that may pose hazards to energetic pups and kitties. Just say no to tinsel, fake snow, and low-hanging strings of lights. And, if you have a curious kitty who may like to climb your holiday tree or bat around breakable ornaments, ensure that you keep decor locked away or inaccessible to animals when you are not home or cannot directly supervise them.
Some popular holiday plants can also pose a threat. While lilies top the list as most toxic to felines, keep in mind that holly, yew, amaryllis, and mistletoe can all cause varying degrees of illness in your furry friends. And, please, take care to keep your companion animals from drinking from the water hydrating a live tree as it can also wreak havoc on their digestive system.
If you’d like to take it a step further and ensure that you are being eco-friendly in your holiday decor, get creative and use recycled items to make compostable or upcycled trimmings for your home. Kids and craft-makers alike can always have old-fashioned fun with popcorn garlands, snowflakes made from recycled paper, and ornaments made from cardboard boxes.
Animal-Friendly Activities
The season offers limitless opportunities to enjoy festivals, beautiful lights, parades, and holiday markets. When choosing activities, remember to keep animals in mind and select amusements that avoid exploiting animals.
Many zoos and aquariums may have holiday festivals that are marketed as “family-friendly” activities, but remember that the captive animals in these facilities are often suffering. Skip these types of venues and instead find festivals at locations that do not exploit animals. Often, there are celebrations located within specific communities, at shopping centers, parks, vineyards, breweries, or restaurants, or even at animal shelters.
Remember to also take care when choosing the activities you patronize. Although they may be touted as “old-fashioned and wholesome,” horse-drawn carriage rides are notoriously cruel to animals, with many instances of horses being abused and forced to work in ill health or detrimental weather conditions. Instead of supporting these types of transport, opt for electric carriages, tractor-pulled hayrides, holiday train rides, or other cruelty-free options.
Many places offer winter “petting zoos,” photo opportunities with reindeer, or living nativity scenes that feature live animals. Sadly, these animals may experience stress from the noise and crowds at these displays and exhaustion after being forced to stand for hours on end in the name of “entertainment.” Say no to these activities.
Instead, choose from endless animal-friendly options. Look for holiday markets that benefit local animal shelters or rescue groups. Many offer silent auctions or raffles which fundraise for grassroots organizations and may offer amazing gift ideas for loved ones on your list!
Additionally, these types of venues often have holiday photo opportunities. If you have a companion animal that enjoys activities and is not anxious in busy places, bring them for a cute photo shoot with seasonal characters.
Want to help other animals? Local shelters are filled to the brim with animals awaiting loving homes and the holidays are a great time to offer them help. Reach out to your local shelter and ask for a list of their needs. Then, spearhead a supplies drive for items on the list such as blankets, towels, toys, and food.
Many shelters offer the opportunity to take a shelter animal out for an afternoon, or even to foster them for several days over the holidays to give them a much-needed break from shelter life. Volunteering can be an amazing way for adults & children alike to get into the holiday spirit!
You can also use the holidays to get active. If your dog companion loves to hike, it’s a great time to explore the outdoors. A number of festive walks and runs are held during the season — often ones that benefit local nonprofits. Get your heart pumping with participation in these activities that give you an opportunity to get some fresh winter air.
However you choose to celebrate this special time of year, thank you for keeping compassion in mind when choosing gifts, foods, decorations, and activities to include in your plans. Have a happy and humane holiday season!
