Ideas For Christmas: Animal Themed Gifts

I've got lots of friends who love animals and if they can't have one in their flats because of house regulations or lack of time or space they like to have items that remind them of thei beloved animal. So when you know which animal your best friend is in love with, it is just a matter of seconds before you buy something for the house or some accessory with the pet depicted in it. I have the same with cats. I can't keep a cat in my flat and I've got lots of items depicting cats, scattered everywhere.

If your friend is a dog lover, one of these bright mugs from Joules will be the perfect choice. You can add a nice packet of tea for that final touch. Joules has created a whole range of homeware with the dogs for this season, so egg cups, plates and tea towels are available  to make the matching breakfast set. www.joules.com

This lovely robin door stop is from M & Co and it is made of fabric. It has that festive feel, I know, but robins are lovely all year round. I remember a visiting robin every day in my yard, waiting for my mum to shake the crumbs from the tablecloth. Check at M & Co , they've got another door stop with a polar bear as well. www.mandco.com

Mugs are always a popular choice for a gift and they are never enough in a house. There are the work mugs, the treat myself mugs and the tea for two mugs among many others, each used for a specific moment. These set of two mugs with a deer in it are by Next and they are made of Fine China. Add a hot chocolate jar or a special tea pack for a complete treat. www.next.co.uk

House of Fraser is the one stop for most of your Christmas gifts. This Dickins & Jones Goosey Lucy Hotwater Bottle is a great gift. The cover makes it keep the hot water for many hours, as well as avoiding to be scalded when the surface is very hot. It is a gift for all ages and one that will be always in use, especially in the cold months when you want a bit of warmth and you don't have a cat that can sit on your laps.  www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Paperchase has got  many ideas for an Animal Themed gift. This Woodland Tails Rabbit Teapot  is a lovely addition to any kitchen and owning a teapot put an emphasis at prepare a cup of tea with a bit of care, using leaves and let them brew . It is a kind of " me time for tea time". Just remember not to use washing up soap to wash it, but only hot water. This is for keeping the teapot odour free but for the flavours of the teas brewed in there.  www.paperchase.co.uk

Museum shops are always full of intriguing pieces and this Squirrel Pitcher Jug is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship and can be found at the Victoria and Albert Museum  shop. It is hand painted and it can go in the microwave and the dishwasher as well. It is 25 cm tall with a capacity of 1 litre. It will bring a twist to any afternoon snack with fruit juices or iced tea or to a breakfast while pouring hot milk from it. www.vam.ac.uk