When another kitten calendar just won't do
Breaking the mold on gift-giving for cat lovers
It's gift-giving time and let's face it: you're mildly panicked (if you're anything like me, that is ). You want to find a gift that will surprise and delight and you know your friend/colleague/spouse/relative loves cats--but you have a sneaking suspicion that the cute kitty calendar from the mall just isn't going to cut it. Aren't there any gifts for cat lovers whose tastes run a little off-center, who prefer gifts that, like their cats, are unusual and independent?Turns out there are--it just requires a little searching. Or a little help from a cat loving artist who got sick of getting the same Cracker-Barrel-style cat figurines every year (hint hint, nudge nudge, wink wink).
All teasing aside, I'm not just writing to promote my own work (but wait, isn't that what the internet is all about?). Okay, sure, I'd love it if you decided something I made was perfect for the cat lover you have in mind, but it may not be, and more than anything I want to erase the notion that all cat-themed gifts are created equal. Just because it has a cat on it doesn't mean a cat lover will like it. Just because most gifts for cat lovers seem cut from the same cutesy cloth doesn't mean there isn't really original stuff hiding in the corners, waiting to be discovered.
So where to find more unusual gifts for cat lovers? A google search for "unique gifts for cat lovers" doesn't help so much (I know, I tried--345,000 results--ack!). I've featured a few of my favorite unusual cat designs in the cafepress modules below--handpicked, not randomly generated, so they really are actual vetted suggestions. Below are a few specific suggestions.
Artsy Cat Lover Gifts on CafePress
Specific places to look online
1) Go to etsy.com . This is one of my favorite places on the web because it brings together a huge variety of independent artists and crafters in one place. It's also especially neat because they have a section, called Alchemy, where you can request custom work of just about anything you can imagine and etsy members bid on your requests. (I've used this feature countless times when I didn't know what to give someone; I just listed my ideal price and all the interests I could think of and wonderful ideas came flooding in every time). I've favorited a number of etsians I personally adore, so if you want a more specific place to start go to purrprints.etsy.com and click on the "Favorites" link (not all of these people make cat-themed stuff, but all of them are very cool!).2)Felinerina.com has some cool stuff for both cats and their owners. Though I prefer getting stuff directly from artisans on etsy whenever possible, Felinerina is a great spot too.
3)Purrprints.com has my own wonderful, marvelous, lovely, original, and [insert wide range of additional compliments here] work (okay, so I had to promote myself a little), plus I'm happy to customize any of my designs to make just what you're looking for.
4) But my biggest tip for gift-giving to cat lovers? Don't grab just anything--find a gift that not only reflects your lucky recipient's love of cats but also his/her distinct personality. Whether this means you look for a funky indie custom stuffed cat (try smoody.etsy.com), a realistic looks-just-like-their-pet felted cat (try featherheart.etsy.com), a hand-made and catnip filled quilt for their kitties (try coloradocatniptoys.etsy.com), a custom indie bag (try katesy.etsy.com), or animal-themed jewelry (try BeadedTail), you'll probably have more fun feeling like you found something special--and they are sure to appreciate your thoughtfulness.
The Most Important Thing
Avoid the mall like the plague when shopping for cat lovers.
Cute but not TOO cute cat lover gifts on CafePress
Vote on your favorite cat lover gifts
Maybe I'm wrong. Here's your chance to tell me which links you've found the most useful by voting--or suggest some of your own that you think I (and others) need to see!
Purrprints.com
My hand-drawn cat designs on a variety of prints, more...2 points
Alchemy: request custom items from etsians
Put in requests for custom handmade items and get more...1 point
LJT Fine Arts, Original Drawings and Paintings by Lisa Teitelbaum
Original drawings and paintings. Subjects include more...1 point
Etsy for Animals Charity Shop
100% of profits on sales here go to animals charit more...1 point
Funky Sock Creatures
These are not your standard sock critters. The las more...0 points
The Radical Thread Co.
Kate has more cool indie upcycled fabric bags and more...0 points
http://featherheart.etsy.com
Custom felted pet likenesses by a super-nice artis more...0 points
http://thescoopatboops.etsy.com
Cool custom silver sculptures and pendants, from c more...0 points
BeadedTail :: We're making tails wag one bead at a time!
Etsy shop with cool animal themed beaded jewelry.0 points
PurrPrints Handmade: My etsy shop
Reader Feedback
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devilsworkshopcrafts
Great idea for a lens! I'll keep these in mind! Posted July 26, 2008 |
| k8company
"Just because it has a cat on it doesn't mean a cat lover will like it." So true! Another great lens, and I love your cat art. Posted June 27, 2008 |
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tripznow
Cats rule and this lens is so cool. Great places to visit listed here. Thanks from tripznow Posted June 24, 2008 |
| LjtFineArts
Great Lens! I love your designs. Thanks for the offer to list my lens here. I'll lensroll you in mine! Posted June 04, 2008 |
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The_Homeopath
Just what I needed, more enabling! Darn you - I want that jersey with the black kitty on cafe press now!!!!! Posted June 01, 2008 |












