Last Updated on September 25, 2017 by Marie Bautista
The vast majority of kids will go through a phase where they can’t get enough of animals. They want to pet every dog they see, cuddle every cat, hang out with every crawly creature they find in the backyard; it’s adorable! It might be the beginning of a lifetime of animal adoration or just a phase of childhood, but either way, it’s definitely a good one to encourage. There’s so much that children can learn from animals, allowing them to be more empathetic, caring, and considerate – so as phases go, it’s definitely a good one!
While your household pets can be a source of encouragement of this love of the animal kingdom, why not ratchet it up a notch the next time their birthday rolls around? No matter what age your kids are or which animal in particular is the subject of their fascination, there’s something for everyone…
1) Sponsor An Animal
There’s so many choices for animals in need that are in requirement for sponsorship. You could go big and feline, with a sponsorship pack for a white leopard or a lion in Africa. The money you spend will go towards conservation efforts like those listed on Forbes.com, and your kids will receive a leaflet information packet full of photos and unique tidbits of information for them to pour over.
Or you could go cold and look for polar bear sponsorship; or into the sea and for dolphins or marine life. There are so many choices, if you decide to go down this route, the biggest problem you’ll have is deciding which to pick!
2) Wearables
Sometimes we all want to proclaim our love of something loud and proud, so why not look for wearables and accessories as the perfect animal-lover presents? You could take a look at www.geckoshirts.com/animal-tees/horses-t-shirts.html for the horse lover in your life; opt for a keyring of a dolphin if it’s the ocean creatures your kids are more obsessed with; or go for shoes with cat faces on them. Just run a search for their preferred animal species and you’ll see plenty of options, from customizable mugs to beautiful art prints.
3) Information Posters
Talking of art, why not look for informative posters that give deep details about the animal of your choosing? From a ferret through to an African elephant, your child could have a handy fact guide on their bedroom wall. Not only do these pieces make for interesting wall art, but they’re educational thanks to the facts featured too. Perfect!
4) Experience Days
Maybe your kids are fans of birds, in which case, a falconry experience will be the perfect gift. They’ll be able to spend the day around these beautiful hunting creatures and learn more about caring for them, giving a truly unique day out that your kids will remember for years to come.
You’ll find that many zoos will also offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access to a variety of animals, which can be perfect for the fledgling zoologist. While these won’t be as up close and personal as falconry – most zoo animals are dangerous at close quarters, of course – it will still be a thrilling day out for the whole family.
No matter the animal or your budget, there’s definitely a gift you’ll be able to find for the animal-loving child. Have fun!