Nothing expresses love for your furry friends quite like a Christmas gift
As the saying goes: It's better to give than to receive.
'People love to spend money on their pets at Christmas,' says Lee Won-jee, owner of Puplicity pet boutique in Central. 'Especially people without children. Come Christmas, they will buy something like a new collar or toy.'
Pets in Asia have traditionally been the preserve of the wealthy, Lee says. 'Pet owners tend to be wealthier. They need extra space for their pets that are kept in the house,' she says. Therefore, owners have the disposable cash to treat their pets to a Christmas gift.
Lee's boutique opened in May this year and could be mistaken for a high-end baby clothing store. However, inside, discerning shoppers will find everything for their pets, from organic dog snacks and personalised dog bowls to winter sweaters and leather dog carriers.
The owner has designed most of the merchandise in the boutique for people who like 'nice things but don't want to spend a fortune'.
Her top picks for the season are a Christmas stocking in the shape of a dog's paw (HK$239) and personalised diamante cat and dog collars (from about HK$250).
Lane Crawford's home and lifestyle creative director, Ross Urwin, agrees that customers are spending more on their pets than in the past.
'We see an increase in sales of pet merchandise in our stores,' he says. 'This could also be that more customers are getting dogs and cats as pets than before.'
Urwin's top pick is a dog bed. 'This is because [it is] the top-of-the-range luxury item. It is as if the customer is buying a Four Seasons, five-star hotel experience for their pet,' he says.
Shoppers at the department store can also find a range of dog leads, dog carriers and products from Mungo and Maud, including the pink and grey striped knitted mouse toy for cats (HK$160), pin brush (HK$350) and a must-have wool grooming kit (accessories not included, HK$1,100).
For dog owners who love their labels, Louis Vuitton offers the Collier de chien monogram Baxter dog collar with a pink leather and metal gold bow (HK$2,450), Sac chien Baxter dog carrier GM (HK$13,500), and Laisse Baxter dog leash GM (HK$2,750). A fashionable Fido can also turn to Juicy Couture, known for its trendy range of casual clothing. The US brand has produced a pink leather adjustable leash with studs and enamelled Juicy gold charms (HK$690); and a dark grey felt trench coat and matching vest with brown faux fur (each HK$690). And, after a hard day at the doggie spa, your furry four-legged friend can relax in comfort with Juicy Couture's felt pet bed with a removable faux fur cushion (HK$1,790).
Whatever festive gift you decide for your pet, it will be a welcome surprise.
