Pet-Themed Gift Baskets & Packaging Bring Happy Tails & Hefty Profits

According to the latest National Pet Owners Survey, 63% of U.S. households own a pet. That’s over 71 million homes with pets – dogs and cats being the most popular.

As retailers, are we cashing in on this growing market? Over $40 billion was spent on pets last year. Americans love their pets, creating a growing demand for pet-themed gifts, treats and toys.

Paul Mitchell, Omaha Steaks, Origins, Harley Davidson and Old Navy now offer lines of pet products ranging from dog shampoo, pet attire, and name-brand toys to gourmet treats and food. Many hotels across the country are even adopting pet-friendly policies.

Nashville Wraps carries paw print packaging for retailers in this market. We have paper and plastic shopping bags, gift bags, tissue paper, gift wrap, gourmet boxes, basket boxes, take-out pails, cello bags, ribbon and bows in our Paw Print Collection, perfect for pet stores, boutiques, pet bakeries and even pet gift baskets!

Bisket Basket and More in Parker, Colorado creates high-end gift baskets from individual consumers to prestigious companies across the U.S. Some of their celebrity clients include Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Aniston and Senator Hillary Clinton.

They started their business in 1999 designing pet gifts and began purchasing Nashville Wraps paw print boxes, benches, and ribbon, making it easy to carry the pet theme from the gift through to the incredible presentation. Today they design an entire line of both premium gift baskets and pet gift baskets. “We love Nashville Wraps new box designs and easy online shopping,” said owner Gail Bohall. “We commend your efforts on going green and truly appreciate working with a company that sets high standards for your products and your employees.”

Pet gifts like monogrammed sweaters, personalized food and water bowls to digital collar tags allow owners to treat their pets like one of the family.

Bubba Rose Biscuit Company specializes in homemade organic treats in their Rockaway, New Jersey dog bakery. Eric & Jessica Talley sell their products through their retail and online store as well as wholesale across the country. “Our packaging is very important to our business,” said Jessica. “It is worth getting higher-end packaging for our products because our customers will pay for it.”

If you are in the gift basket or gourmet food business and not taking advantage of this growing niche, you might consider testing the waters by adding pet gift baskets to your line.

Lee Dachot of Pets Gift Baskets in Beverly Hills said that most of her customers are buying pet gift baskets for friends and family members’ pets, not their own pets. They use Nashville Wraps basket boxes, nested boxes, cello bags, take-out pails, and paw print ribbon to make exquisite designs. These baskets make unique and appreciated hostess gifts.

“We are so happy with the current look of our baskets thanks to Nashville Wraps,” stated Lyn Booska, owner of MyPetGifts.com. They design hand-made gift baskets for dogs and cats that are shrink wrapped and include a personalized gift card and bow. Lynn’s online business gives her national exposure, from their Frisco, Texas location. The basket at right features Nashville Wraps Nested Boxes.

Biscotti Treats, Peanut Butter Cups, Truffles and Carob Stripes are just a few of the favorites Doggie Deliveries offers its upscale clients. Owners Craig & Cassie Custance started the business five years ago. They use Nashville Wraps Presentation Boxes for their gourmet dog treats. “These boxes are the perfect addition to our baskets,” said Cassie.

High-end specialty pet stores continue to thrive despite competition from the big box stores as passionate pet owners look for selection, style, and a unique shopping experience.

Le Woof Dog Bakery & Boutique in Yorba Linda, CA allow owners to pamper their pets with luxury beds, clothing, collars and toys. Their organic gourmet bakery is a doggie favorite. At left, one of their customers, Mika celebrates her 1st birthday with a gift in her Nashville Wraps Pooch’s Paws Bag.

The good news for pet retailers is that in a tough economy, the pet industry tends to do better than other retail sectors. “We are in a recession-proof industry,” says Joe Fucini, a spokesman for Pet Supplies Plus and several other pet retailers. “We don’t boom during good times, but we also don’t dip during down times. A consumer might stop going to Starbucks or put off buying that new set of golf clubs, but they will continue to spend on their pets.”

We’d love to hear your ideas on selling to the pet market.