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According to the American Pet Products Association, 51 percent of dog owners and 38 percent of cat owners will buy their pet a gift this holiday season. The National Retail Federation estimates that an average of $28.05 will be spent by an owner on the pet’s holiday gift.

But, if you are still not sure what to buy your beloved pet—or another pet that you love, Pet Sitters International turned to our members for their suggestions for the best pet gifts this holiday season.

PSI’s professional pet sitters spend more time with their clients’ pets than perhaps any other pet professionals, including veterinarians and groomers. So they have special insight into the likes and dislikes of the pets in their care.

Looking for a pet gift idea?
Check out these suggestions from PSI’s pet-sitting members:

Enrichment activities: Abby Tomkiewicz, owner of Fiver Star Critter Care in Colorado, recommends enrichment activities as the perfect holiday gifts for pets:

“There are so many [enrichment activities] out there, but they keep pets mentally and physically active while owners are gone or when they are busy around the house doing other things that are not pet related.”

When it comes to enrichment toys, PSI member Audree Lavertu, owner of Avenue Canine in Quebec, specifically recommends Nina Ottoson puzzle toys for dogs:

“They are a great way to keep your pets mentally stimulated and make them work for their food. They are also a great inside activity for rainy days.”

Audree advises that these puzzles are not the type that you would fill up and leave your dog alone to complete—because the puzzles are difficult she suggests helping your dog with the puzzle, which also offers great bonding time!

Durable dog toys and chews: There are numerous dog chew toys on the market, so your choices are virtually limitless—but it’s important to find options that are safe and durable. PSI member Peggy Collins, owner of At Your Service in Ohio, says she’s a big fan of Hurley® dog bones and has found them to be durable and fun—and they can also float for dogs that enjoy water retrieving.

PSI member Dee Adams, owner of Professional Pet Partners, Inc. in Illinois, also recommends durable dog toys and chews as a great holiday gift. In particular, she’s found that KONG Wubbas are great for enthusiastic (or dare we say “destructive”) dogs! For ball-obsessed dogs prone to chewing through them, PSI member Jennifer Taylor, owner of JenLovesPets in San Diego, recommends the KONG Extreme Ball.

Handmade pet gifts and toys: Often handmade items can be the perfect (and an often inexpensive) gift for the pet that already has everything. For cats, PSI member Tess Ross, owner of The Pet Nanny & Dog Walker in Pennsylvania, finds nothing can beat a handmade crocheted cat toy filled with cat nip. Tess says she finds them at craft shows, online yard sales and occasionally at fundraisers for rescues. She says that she typically pays only around $2 for the cat toy and even senior cats can’t resist them!

PSI pet sitter Cynthia Thibeau, owner of All Critters Pet Sitters LLC in Alabama, often makes gifts for her pets and clients’ pets—and says two handmade gifts that received “rave reviews” were her homemade treat jars and pet-themed fleece knot blankets.

Photo provided by PSI member Cynthia Thibeau.