Gift ideas for the animal lover in your life

Each year when the holiday season rolls around, people always ask me what to get the animal lover in their life. I know it can be a challenge to think of knew and exciting things so I have come up with a list of a few of my favorites that definitely make great gift options.


1. Columbus Zoo or Wilds membership
Of course I love the Columbus Zoo and the Wilds -- Memberships would be the gift that keeps on giving. Zoo members have free admission 365 days a year, free parking, free or reduced admission to more than 100 AZA accredited zoos across the country, and they also receive a $20 discount on Zoombezi Bay season passes. Being a member of Wilds offers the opportunity to board Safari Transports for free and discounts on Sunset and Open-Air Safaris. These memberships also provide priority registration for educational programs and are a great way to see hundreds of animals up-close and personal!

2. Pet portraits
My assistant had an artist draw 3 drawings of the family dog to put in her baby’s nursery. Including your four-legged family members in your décor adds such a personal touch! And don’t tell anyone, but my wife loves our dogs so much that I’m thinking about giving her a pet portrait of our two dogs for Christmas! This is such a meaningful gift for someone who is crazy about their pets.

3. ‘Adopt-an-animal’ program at the Columbus Zoo
Another good option for the person who has everything is the adopt-an-animal package from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. An adoption helps support an animal at the zoo, is tax-deductible and comes with a plush animal and certificate.

4. Backyard bird watching
Going on safari is not the only way to see wild animals, watching birds in the backyard is a wonderful way to enjoy local wildlife. Bird houses or birdfeeders are another great option for an animal lover.