Animal lovers are notoriously difficult to shop for. They already have the mug, the calendar and the keyring. What they don't usually have — and almost always want — is a piece of art of their actual pet, made for their actual home.
This is a short, honest list of pet art gifts that consistently land well, ranked roughly from lightest to most meaningful.
1. A Small Framed Cartoon Portrait
A printed cartoon-style portrait of their pet, in a small frame they can keep on a desk or shelf. Low-risk, photogenic, instantly delightful. The cartoon style takes the edge off the formality of a portrait and feels more giftable than a photographic print.
2. A Custom Pet Paint-by-Numbers Kit
The standout pet art gift of the last few years, and not by accident. A custom paint-by-numbers kit of their pet turns into a two- to four-week activity, then becomes a finished painting they can hang forever.
It is rare to find a gift that gives someone both a calm activity and a long-lasting keepsake. This is one of them.
3. A Cartoon Portrait Mug
For someone who works from home and lives in front of their coffee. A cartoon portrait of their pet on a ceramic mug becomes one of the most used objects in the house within a week.
4. A Stretched Canvas of Their Pet
A printed canvas of a cartoon or stylised portrait of their pet, sized for an actual wall (40×50 cm or larger). More formal than a framed print, more giftable than a memorial piece.
5. A Memorial Paint-by-Numbers Kit
For someone who has recently lost a pet. A custom paint-by-numbers kit becomes more than a gift — it becomes a quiet, weeks-long way of spending time with a pet who is no longer there.
Handle with care; offer the gift gently rather than presenting it as a big surprise. If painting feels like too much to ask of them, our pet memorial pieces are a gentler alternative.
6. A Set of Cartoon Portrait Coasters
A four-pack of coasters, each one with their pet in a slightly different pose. Useful, cheerful, and impossible not to smile at.
7. A Personalised Pet Art Tote Bag
For the friend who walks their dog twice a day and takes a tote bag everywhere. A simple, well-illustrated cartoon portrait on a heavyweight canvas tote outperforms almost any other small gift.
8. A Custom Family Portrait Including the Pet
The most meaningful version of pet art: a portrait — printed or paint-by-numbers — of the whole family with the pet included. Especially powerful as a wedding, anniversary or housewarming gift for a family who consider their pet a full member of the household. We also paint a finished pet and owner portrait for you if nobody in the house wants to hold a brush.
The best pet art gifts have one quality in common: they prove you noticed the specific animal, not just the fact that someone has a pet. A custom design — cartoon or realistic, printed or painted — is the easiest way to do that.
You can preview a free design from any photo before ordering anything, which makes choosing a pet art gift surprisingly easy.
— Be Artistic Club