Christmas Gifts for Cat and Dog Lovers That Get Hung, Not Returned
By Amy, Retro Reverence ·
Every year it’s the same problem: the cat person on your list has three candles already. The dog dad has enough mugs to open a diner. Nobody needs another thing that says “World’s Best Pet Parent” in a font.
A custom pet portrait solves this the way almost nothing else does. It’s not generic. It’s their actual cat or their actual dog, illustrated in a vintage style that feels like an heirloom, doing the exact thing that makes them them. It’s the gift that gets hung on a wall, not shoved in a drawer.
For a full guide to dogs, see What to Get a Dog Lover for Christmas. For cats, see What to Get a Cat Lover for Christmas.
How Each Portrait Is Made
Every scene starts as original digital artwork. Our own custom-built studio software, made in-house and used only by Retro Reverence, places your pet into it, then Amy Oliver, the artist behind Retro Reverence, takes over: matching markings and colors, retouching every detail by hand in Photoshop, and personally approving it before it’s delivered. It’s a real artistic rendering of your pet, not a filtered photo.
Works for Cat People and Dog People Both
48 vintage style scenes (25 for cats, 23 for dogs), from a library shelf to a pumpkin porch to a spot on the good couch, plus 20 vintage style travel posters in The Pet Atlas. Whoever you’re shopping for, there’s a scene that already looks like their pet’s personality.
For the season itself, 7 of those scenes are made for Christmas: the cat in the tree, the dog guarding Santa’s cookies, the gift box somebody claimed. See them all on our Christmas pet portraits page.
Give It as a Real, Physical Gift
Choose a fine art print or canvas that arrives ready to give, or order the digital file and print it yourself. The file is print-ready at 8" × 10" up to 24" × 30", fits a standard European frame with no cropping, and prints cleanly anywhere: your own printer, a local shop, or an online print service.
Order With Enough Time to Spare
Portraits are made individually, so plan on about 3 business days once your photos are in. Order sooner rather than later so it’s actually under the tree, not still in your inbox.
Read next: What to Get a Dog Lover for Christmas, seven ideas for the dog person on your list.
Questions
- What is a good Christmas gift for a cat lover or a dog lover?
- A custom portrait of their own pet. It’s personal in a way a mug or a candle can’t be, and it ends up on a wall instead of in a drawer. Portraits start at $19 for the digital file.
- How long does a custom pet portrait take before Christmas?
- About 3 business days for the digital file once your photos are in. Prints and canvases are printed after you approve your proof and take about 1 to 2 weeks to arrive, and can run longer in December.
- Can I give a digital portrait as a gift?
- Yes. Print it at home or at a local shop and frame it, or choose a fine art print or canvas that arrives ready to give.
- What photo of their pet should I use?
- An ordinary, well-lit phone photo where the face and markings are clear usually works best. Our FAQ has a short photo guide.