She’s made a list and has checked it twice – here’s what Christina is getting her mostly nice (but a little naughty) pets this Christmas.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year –at least according to me!

Christmas is coming and it’ll be here before we know it. You don’t wanna be one of those last minute shoppers, right?

That’s why this week I wanted to share some great gift ideas for the urban pet (or urban pet parent) in your life.

Best of all, these picks are unique –they’re all from that haven of handmade goods we know (and love) as Etsy, so you can be sure that everyone and their dog won’t be strutting around town in the same thing and you’ll be supporting independent makers and artists at the holidays. Win-win, am I right?

Puppy Pocket Scarf Sling Pet Carrier

by HeartPup (

$118)

Seriously? This is such a cool (not to mention stylish!) idea.

While my pooch is way too big to be carried in a sling, it’s perfect for the urban pet parent with a puppy or small breed dog.

If you’ve got pavement to pound and errands to run but don’t want to leave your pup at home, this an amazing option. It’s hands-free, has a mini “leash”that keeps your dog securely in the sling and also has a pocket for your cellphone.

It’s perfect for getting around the city and it won’t cramp your style. $118 is a lot money for a glorified pet carrier, but it’s also made out of a beautiful 100% Italian wool cashmere blend, so you won’t look out of place, even if you’re running around the Upper East Side.

Pebble Cat Bed

by SimplicityOfFelt (

$59 and up)

I love this bed! It almost looks space age. At the very least, it’s super cool, contemporary and wouldn’t look out of place in even the sleekest of city condos.

Aside from the obvious cool factor, it also provides the warm, cavelike atmosphere that cats love –it’s basically like their own little lair, and considering it’s made of felted merino wool, the price is pretty reasonable.

The beds also come in different sizes, so if your pooch is on the smaller side this could work for them, too.

Seriously, your cat would love to doze off in this bed come Christmas morning.

Mohawk Hoodie

by PetitDogApparel (

$27 and up)

Yikes –you wouldn’t want to meet this punk pooch in a dark alley!

Just kidding; the only thing this little guy would likely assault us with is kisses, but doesn’t he look just adorably badass?

The skull print and mohawk give it a gritty, urban bent, but the color scheme and cosy plaid flannel just scream winter wonderland (and I love it!). It’s perfect for pounding the mean streets of the concrete jungle when the temperature drops below zero.

There are also a variety of other styles, sizes and colors on the seller’s Etsy store (including some adorable mohawk winter hats!).

If you have a very tolerant cat, you might even be able to get away with putting this on them (but I wouldn’t bet on it!).

Embossed Leather Traffic Leash

by Leathercraftshop (

$30.95)

How is it possible that I had never heard of a traffic leash until I started doing research for this article?

As you can see, this leash has two handles: one for when you want to give your dog a little more leeway and one for when you need to keep your dog close (like in high-traffic areas, hence the name “traffic leash”).

This is perfect when you’re crossing a busy city street or navigating a sidewalk filled with pedestrians. Right now, I usually wrap Matilda’s leash around my hand a gazillion times when I want to shorten it, which sucks because it cuts off the circulation in my hand!

Plus, the leash is leather and comes in a variety of colors, so it will stand up to city life and look stylish in the process. Did I mentioned you get it embossed with your pooch’s name? I’m sold.

Designer Dog Crate Cover

by BowWowBeds (

$58.95 and up)

Again, another idea that I absolutely love.

I think we can all agree that while crates are great, they’re not the most attractive things in the world; the black wire framing isn’t exactly chic.

But a custom sized dog crate cover in high-quality fabric with your choice of print? A-mazing. You can get one that not only works with your home decor, but also expresses your (or your pup’s) personality.

We just draped an old blanket over Matilda’s crate –oh, how I wish I’d known about these instead!

Christina Peden is a lifelong animal lover and avid wordsmith. She lives in Toronto with her boyfriend Ryan where they are proud pet parents to puppy, Matilda and cat, Oscar. In her spare time, she can be found enjoying Toronto, Canada’s all-too-short patio season, taking advantage of the city’s numerous parks or curled up with a good book.