Edible Christmas Cards Top List of Hot Pet Holiday Gifts

The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association Announces Hottest Holiday Pet Products and Holiday Pet Safety Tips

GREENWICH, CONN., September 24 2003—Forty million Americans will be shopping not only for the family this holiday season, but for the family pet as well. Hundreds of Santa's elves (otherwise known as pet product manufacturers) are making sure these shoppers will have a great selection from which to choose. To help shoppers create their pet gift lists, The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association has released its own list of some of the 'hottest' pet gifts on the market this year.

Topping the list is the APPMA 2003 "Best New Holiday Product" winner, Crunchkins' Crunch Cards. These custom edible dog greeting cards are made of flattened rawhide and imprinted with non-toxic ink. Card fronts include colorful Christmas designs with greetings such as 'Merry Christmas from Santa Paws', 'For All You Do, A Chew for You', 'Just Bepaws I Love You'. The cards come packaged with a red envelope for mailing and an insert for a personalized message.

Other items sure to top pet owners' lists this year include:

  • For the Jewish dog in your life, KosherPets introduces its all-natural, certified-kosher Hanukkah Doggie Treats! www.kosherpets.com. Kosher food for Passover for cats and dogs is also available. 
  • To adorn your pet with jewelry, Celltei has introduced pet that attach to collars or harnesses and come in gold, silver and colored bells, hearts made of Swarovski crystal, and sterling silver heart with a letter inside as well as dog and fish bones. Celltei also offers high-end silk and other material pet carriers.
  • Multipet International offers a creative line of Christmas pet toys including Snowman and reindeer Chenille Flying Toys that sing Christmas carols when squeezed. Also, Dingle Dangles™ are Santa and reindeer shaped animals that hang over doorknobs and squeak when squeezed, and Mousle Toe™ is a holiday mouse filled with catnip.
  • Happy Dog Toys makes a series of holiday products including: JingleBone, a red and green tennis ball bone with jingle bells inside, Holiday Tennis Buddys, which are bouncing plush toys in Santa, reindeer and snowman styles and Holiday Kitten Mitten, which combines pompoms, catnip and jingle bells that dangle from 12" fingers on a glove.
  • Panic Mouse Inc. is featuring a toy sure to keep your kitty occupied for hours on end. Adorned in Christmas wear, the battery-operated plastic mouse mechanically waves around a wand with a feather attached to the end for cats to chase after for hours.
  • For a combination of safety and fashion, Polybrite International, Inc. is featuring lighted safety collars and leashes for those festive evenings. With these products, Christmas trees won't be the only bright spot in the home.
  • Also for safety, Earthsbalance offers KEEP AWAY, an all natural, chemical free, non-staining spray that keeps pets away from the Christmas tree and dangerous ornaments and furniture.
  • For posh pets, Baker & Company offers 100% Woolrich wool dog coats in green, blue or burgundy, and safari-themed collars in animal prints including jaguar, tiger, zebra and cheetah.
  • Several companies are offering treat packages including: the Ciuffo Christmas Box® by Ciuffogatto® which contains a mix of treats for pets including dogs, cats and rodents; the Buddy Biscuits®â Treat Canister by Cloud Star, filled with gingerbread shaped, all natural, peanut butter madness wholesome dog treats in a reusable container. 
  • For the feathered family members, Just Selling, Inc offers Tweeter Toys hanging bird toys in a variety of Christmas plastic shapes such as Christmas trees, candy canes and snowmen with bells. They also offer toys for other holidays throughout the year.

APPMA COO Robert Vetere said, "Pets bring so much joy and relaxation to people that it's only natural we're inclined to, and feel good about, lavishing our pets and friends and family members' pets with gifts around the holidays."

APPMA reminds responsible pet owners to keep safety in mind this Christmas to better ensure a happy and safe holiday season for the entire family.

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Founded in 1958, the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association is the nation's leading not-for-profit trade organization serving the interests of the pet product industry and educating the public on the many joys and health benefits associated with pet ownership. APPMA's membership consists of nearly 700 companies, which include both small businesses, as well as the nation's leading pet product companies. Founded in 1958, the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association is the nation’s leading not-for-profit trade organization serving the interests of the pet product industry and educating the public on the many joys and health benefits associated with pet ownership. APPMA’s membership consists of over 700 companies, which include both small businesses, as well as the nation’s leading pet product companies.