photo by Cris ♥s Christmas, Flickr

Did you just open your calendar to check how many days are still left in 25^th December? Well, why wouldn’t you, for that, after all is the day of Christmas – the day to promote goodness, to show compassion and to express our love and gratitude to our loved ones.  And what better way of showing your love than a nicely wrapped, lovingly selected Christmas gift? So let us see the top Christmas gifts that you can give to your dear ones to make their Christmas even more joyful!

1-Chocolates:

The absolutely magical combination of coca beans and milk is the most cherished and timeless gift in the world. It takes the minimum of effort to buy a box filled with mouth-watering chocolates that people of all ages are equally likely to enjoy. So, next time you go to the shopping mart, be sure to stock up on this great gift!

2-DVDs:

December is the time of year when great movies bombard the DVDs stores. Movies are the prime source of entertainment for people during the holiday season, and can also help you out of budget crises while shopping. Pick some must-watch classics or the latest hits to brighten the celebrations of your friends or family.

3-Tickets:

Presenting a plane ticket to some exotic location will definitely show that your loved one holds a special place in your heart. A lovely surprise such as this will add a spark in their holidays making them extra special, making this the perfect gift idea for someone you truly love and cherish.

4-Pets:

Giving Pets as Christmas gift is a great idea. Pets are not only great companions but can also add some much needed liveliness and playfulness in dull lives. Cuddly cats or friendly puppies will sure bring a smile on your friend’s, neighbor’s or loved one’s face.

5-Electronic Gadgets:

Can you go the extra mile and spend a little more than average on a special Christmas gift? If you can, then you should definitely go for a super cool electronic gadget available in the market, from latest mobile phones to the hottest iPods. This is the perfect gift for someone special like a little brother or a pampered child.

6-Books:

Make sure to visit the nearby book store to buy a great recipe book for your mom or the thrilling bestsellers for your siblings. Surprise your friends with just the book they need and make their day!

7-Clothing, Shoes and accessories:

Clothing, shoes and accessories holds a special value for the fashion conscious. Many companies launch new stock for Christmas season and provide you the opportunity to style-up your friends. You can also take advantage of great Christmas sales on all these items, saving your budget and keeping your friends happy at the same time.

8-Perfume:

Perfume can be the perfect gift to give to your mother, your uncle, your cousin or to your friends. A very elegant present, it requires minimum effort to obtain and is usually appreciated by any recipient.

9-Gift Certificate:

If you are stressed and overloaded with work and have no time to spare on Christmas shopping, or you just simply cannot make a decision about what to buy, then giving Gift certificates is the best option you have. It is both hassle free for the giver and gratifying to the receiver.

10-Christams Decorations:

You can provide great help in decorating your friends’ places by giving them Christmas decorations, ranging from Christmas trees, to fancy candles, bells and beautiful wreaths. These gifts are not only immensely serviceable, but also capture perfectly all the spirit of Christmas.

photo by Fairplex – Home of the L.A. County Fair, Flickr

Coming home to your happy dog, which never fails to greet you with a wagging tail, palpable happiness, and absolutely no retributions for anything you have done – this is all part of owning a dog. Since time immemorial, dogs are said to be “man’s best friend” thus your pet is going to rely on you to be his best friend as well.

Some canine pets require a lot of time for grooming therefore you should be aware what breed you are considering based on the time and effort you will have to spend on grooming your canine best friend.

Unless you plan to breed your new pet, the shelter is the best place to consider getting a dog.  There are so many available, and they all greet you as their best friend the moment you walk into the kennels.

Consequently if you are ready and willing to part with care, food, and attention, they will pledge their allegiance to you and guard you as though you were the most precious thing on earth, which of course, to the canine mind, you are!

Nutrition

In order for your pet to live long and yes, prosper; you need to purchase dog food that is nutritious. This is not the time to acquire junk food and expect your pet to thrive, just as junk food is not nutritious enough for most humans, neither are the low-priced cans of dog food contain cheap fillers.  Also, just as humans need treats, so dogs need treats as well, but you should be judicious with them.
Training

Dogs need to learn manners, tricks and other ways to bring you pleasure, for bringing you pleasure is essential to their happiness.  A well trained dog is one who relishes pleasing their owner, thus it rests on your shoulders to train the dog yourself, or attend the local dog training sessions so that your dog is not a nuisance but instead the “true friend” that you seek.

Grooming

In order for your dog to be the attentive companion you seek, you must be sure to either groom it or have it groomed.  Depending on the breed you’ve chosen, it will require, to be well brushed so it maintains a pleasant coat.  The longer haired breeds may need to have their coats trimmed at intervals to prevent painful knots from forming. Also, you will need to clean the dog’s ears and brush their teeth. Of course all dogs need an occasional bath, which you will have to provide.

Exercise

Making a commitment to a dog means that you must be ready to walk your pet so that it can relieve itself and get the exercise it needs.  The larger the breed, the more exercise it will require.  Make the walk a fun time for you to bond with each other.

Health Care

Just as you see your own Doctor at specified intervals so will a good veterinarian set up a schedule for your pet.  Yearly shots are necessary but you also need to keep a careful eye on your pet so that you can bring your dog pal to seek help as soon as possible.  Just as a human becomes listless when they are sick, so do our canine friends.  As you become accustomed to your dog’s specific habits, you’ll note a difference in your dog when they are ill.

All in all, you’ll have years of pleasure with your dog if you follow the tips listed above, and most importantly you’ll discover why a dog is known to be “man’s best friend!”

photo by sheriberi1, Flickr

Just as two owners are not the same, so no two canines are the same.  Keeping this in mind will help you tremendously in seeking the “right” breed to suit your temperament, your home and even your local temperature. This article should help you in making notes for the possible “ideal” pet for you.

Lifestyle

What kind of lifestyle do you have? Are you a couch potato, or do you like to camp in the great outdoors? Does a smaller breed, such as a poodle or Chihuahua suit your lifestyle best, or do you dream of owning a Great Dane?  Pet stores are a great way of looking at different breeds, but doing your “homework” prior to falling in love with a squirmy puppy is imperative.

If you are searching for a purebred dog, your best bet is either the Internet or local dog clubs. Speaking with breeders will allow you to lean a tremendous amount about the particular breed, so do be sure and follow up on that as well.

Space

Is your home large and spacious with a few acres of land behind it, or do you live in a small condominium or a city rental apartment?  It stands to reason that the amount of space you can devote to a dog, will also rule what breed you will be happiest with.

Time

How much time will your pet require in order to be healthy and contented?  Obviously many longhaired dogs require a tremendous amount of time for grooming purposes, but any breed needs exercise and walks to relieve itself.

Expenses

Purebreds require an initial cost, but any animal needs to be properly taken care of.  You will encounter vet bills, grooming bills, dental costs, nutrition costs and such. Getting a pet from the local shelter is much cheaper and often they will come pre-neutered and with all their shots.  If not, you will also incur those costs if you accept a pet from either a breeder or someone advertising in the newspaper.

Because Disney made a wonderful movie about Dalmatians does not mean that you should adopt or purchase a Dalmatians no matter how the kids clamor for one.  For instance, Dalmatians require special care and frequently have specific problems with the breed, such as deafness.  Will you be able to deal with a deaf dog?  Will your children

Stress compatibility

It cannot be stressed enough that canine compatibility with yourself, and your family will guarantee that everyone, including that cherished dog, will be suited for each other and will bring long years of happiness.