This week we’re sharing some of our best ideas for holiday gifts for kids of all ages! Be sure to check out all of our holiday gift guides here!

If you have a kid who loves animals, big and small, this holiday gift guide is for you!

Why an animal lover gift guide? Well, my kids long for a pet, but mom and dad are just not quite ready yet (we just potty-trained #4, why in the world would we introduce another creature into our lives??). For now, the kids have to settle for pretend, so here are some ideas I came across when looking for a in-the-meantime substitution.

1. Zoomer Interactive Puppy ($94.95)

This is one of the toys I’m most excited about this season. Zoomer is a robot dog that you have to train just like a real live puppy! It plays around, learns to follow commands, and even cuddles! In the same line of toys, there are also interactive dinosaurs and kittens (both which seem to be cheaper than the dogs, but still look cool!).

2. Animal Architects: Amazing Animals Who Build Their Homes ($11.12)

Animal Architects (Laurence King Publishers)  is a really cool book about how animals build their homes. Each 2 page spread shares about a different kind of animal – chimpanzees, hummingbirds, beavers. We learn basic information about each animal, what materials it uses to build its homes, etc. While reading this book, the kids and I all marveled about how AMAZING, unique, and resourceful these animals are. The pictures are beautiful and detailed– this book would be an excellent one for an animal enthusiast.

3. PLAYMOBIL Pet Examination Room Set ($26.95)

Playmobil is a favorite here at our house. Not only is the set durable, but it’s also really creative and fun! Future vets can heal their sick animals in this play pet examination room.

4. Little Live Pets ($18-$50)

Don’t have space or time for a real pet? These little critters are a fun substitute. You can choose from turtles, birds, or mice — take them home and love them like they’re your own! The birds are responsive to touch and motion; the turtles swim in water, and the mice run around through tubes :).  Can you tell our kids are suffering some serious pet deprivation?

5. National Geographic Really Wild Animals DVD set ($39.95)

For the animal enthusiast, this fun, kid-oriented set of 4 animal DVDs will educate while entertain! We love everything that National Geographic Kids puts out- always super high quality!

6. B. Critter Clinic ($33.99)

Use your tools to nurture these cute cuddly pets back to good health! This is made by B. Toys, a company that has a track record of giving back to the community!

7. Pucci Pups ($15)

What could be better to a 5 year old girl than carrying around a pup in a handbag? Exactly. Our Pucci pup is a well-loved toy, played with nearly everyday. It’s a cuddly pet that be carted in the purse or put on a “leash.”

8. Ikea Landet Farmhouse with Animals ($34.97)

I’m not sure if Ikea still makes this fabric fold ‘n go farmhouse, but you can still buy it on Amazon. This playset includes a variety of farm animals,  a few fences, a rock pile, and a bed of hay. Some of the pieces velcro onto the playset, which is a handy feature!

9. Plush Treehouse with Animals ($29.99)

I first found this when searching for fun props for Aly’s Woodland Friends birthday party. We didn’t get it then, but this cute log with 5 furry friends poking out has crossed my mind several times since then.

10. Melissa & Doug Oversized animals (from $39.99)

Finally, super cute and huge stuffed animals are really worth the consideration as a great gift for animal lover. Especially now, then you can find these toys at Nordstrom and buy it a lot cheaper along with deals and Nordstrom coupons. These huge stuffed creatures will be an excellent gift for any kid and even for adult!

Anything else I’m missing from this gift list for lovers of our 4 legged friends?

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