With the holidays fast approaching, forget about struggling to find that perfect gift for your reptile-loving relative or bestie. Why not celebrate their passion for their cold-blooded companions with something special? Whether a practical item like food or a trip to the local zoo, this guide will help you find the perfect gift. Let’s look at the top four holiday gifts for reptile lovers.
1. Everybody Loves Free Food!
There’s no doubt that giving a reptile keeper food and treats for their scaly companion will be appreciated. Many people aren’t comfortable with the idea of a ball python or bearded dragon as a pet, but offering feeders as gifts shows keepers you care. Items such as feeder rodents and roaches will save pet owners the time and cost of purchasing food for their beloved reptiles. You can create a hamper full of tasty reptile goodies or have food delivered to their door as an early Christmas surprise.
If you aren’t sure where to start, do some research by looking up the reptile species and their preferred diet. Leopard geckos enjoy dubia roaches, crickets, and mealworms, whereas corn snakes and pythons prefer mice and rats. Alternatively, you can purchase reptile vitamins, including calcium supplements, but remember to base it on the particular species.
2. Forms of Pet Enrichment
Reptile keepers, or those new to the hobby, can be gifted tank accessories, and there’s no shortage of designs to choose from. Reptile accessories include synthetic caves for snakes and small lizards to hide in, substrates, and items such as branches and decorative features. Most herp hobbyists will tell you that fresh substrate is always needed. The substrate should be reptile-friendly or reptile-safe and should not contain any chemicals. Reptile grass is a fairly good substrate for most types of critters.
Synthetic tree trunks, plants, skulls, and miniature castles are examples of popular decor for terrariums and vivariums. Pick an accessory to complement a theme or personalize the gift by choosing a decorative item that reflects the recipient’s interests. If you decide to gift a reptile keeper with a pet enrichment accessory, consider the items they already have in their tanks. Choose an item that will serve as a functional and aesthetic piece for their snakes, lizards, or amphibians. If you aren’t sure which piece to purchase, speak to an assistant at a reptile pet store for a few creative ideas.
3. Tickets to a Reptile-Themed Zoo
For a more experiential gift, a trip to a reptile-themed zoo or park is sure to impress! Be sure to purchase at least two tickets so they can take someone along to enjoy the day. Reptile zoos have a variety of animals on display, from iguanas and venomous snakes to large alligators and crocodiles.
Another exciting holiday gift for reptile lovers is attending a reptile expo. Find out whether reptile vendors are hosting an expo in the area and get tickets to the show. Many shows are interactive, allowing visitors to hold a lizard or take a picture with a python draped around their shoulders. It’s up to you to decide which type of day out would be better suited to your friend or relative’s interests. You’ll also want to find out whether they have out-of-state or international travel plans, so you don’t book tickets while they’re away.
4. Personalized Merchandise (Like T-Shirts)
Personalized mugs, T-shirts, and hoodies are practical gifts that never go out of style. You can use a picture of the person you care about with their pet reptile and have it printed on a mug or tee. For those with a sense of humor, have a light-hearted phrase with an image of a lizard or snake custom printed on mugs or apparel.
For someone who may not have a pet but has a love for ectotherms, add an image of their favorite type of lizard or snake to a hoodie or tee. Customized prints serve as meaningful gifts and should be based on the recipient’s personality and preferences.
If you aren’t too keen on customized prints, you will find a wide range of clothing items online with unique reptile designs. This includes graphics of both animated and realistic animals with fun logos that are sure to be appreciated by the person receiving the item.
Avoid Gifting Surprise Pets!
If you’re thinking of getting someone a new pet lizard, snake, or tortoise as a surprise for the holidays, it might not be the best idea. Whether a small green anole or a constrictor that can reach 10 feet in length, a pet comes with responsibility, and it’s a personal decision. It’s better to ask the person if they’re interested in getting a particular type of reptile and whether they’d like one as a gift. This way, they’re prepared for the arrival of their new pet and have a chance to think about their first or additional reptile companion.
If you’re thinking along the higher end of the price scale, there’s always the option of purchasing a loved one a brand-new tank or enclosure. For new keepers who have bought a starter tank, helping them upgrade their pet’s habitat is a wonderful gift. Remember that it should be suited to the particular reptile species and include proper ventilation, fixtures for basking lights, and plenty of space.
With the above-mentioned four holiday gifts for reptile lovers, you’re sure to find that special something for keepers and new hobbyists. Take time to think about their interests and their pet reptile’s needs (if they have one) to help you pick a gift they’ll truly appreciate.
