tips for caring for your pets through winter

If you have friends or family members who are preparing to welcome a new puppy into their home, you can help them celebrate the occasion by presenting them with a special gift basket custom designed by you.

What could be more fun than shopping for a new puppy? Not only will you have a great time shopping for the new arrival, but the gift recipient will be delighted by your act of kindness.

Choose a container for your gift

If possible, choose a container that can pull double duty. A dog bed is a great choice. Choose a dog bed big enough to accommodate the growing pup. If you aren't sure, ask the staff at your local pet supply store for guidance on what size of bed you should purchase based on the breed of the puppy.

A plastic bathtub made for puppies is another option that will serve double duty. A pet carrier or pet crate can also be used as a gift container.

If your budget is limited, you can use a plain woven basket to hold your gift items. The recipient can use the basket for storing doggie treats or supplies.

Get creative when selecting items for your gift basket

Is the puppy owner into organic living? You can purchase dog treats and grooming items that are organic to create a healthy, organic-themed gift.

For sports enthusiasts, you can design a gift basket that has a sports theme. For instance, you can find doggie shirts, leashes, and collars imprinted with the pet owner's favorite sports team logo. When wrapping your sports-themed gift, use ribbon in the team colors for a nice touch.

If you are using a puppy bathtub for your gift container, you can do a bath-themed gift. Purchase puppy shampoos, soaps, lotions, and grooming tools to fill the basket. A company like Bath Bone can provide great bathtime supplies.

You can do a food-themed gift by having a food and water dish engraved with the name of the puppy. Add a small bag of puppy food and a variety of doggie treats to your basket.

Wrapping it all up

No gift is complete without a great presentation. Purchase clear cellophane paper to wrap your gift in. Simply set the container on a large piece of clear cellophane paper. Pull the sides up over the top of your gift-filled container. Secure the cellophane paper at the top with a ribbon and bow.

For a special finishing touch, you can purchase wide ribbon with paw prints to use for securing your package and making a bow. Choose a color of ribbon to represent the gender of the puppy or the owner's favorite color.

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting event. Presenting the new pet owner with a gift you designed especially for them will make the occasion even better.