Spread Some Compassionate Cheer! Check Out These Creative Gifts From Animal Sanctuaries

Who can resist the loving gaze of a well-cared animal at a sanctuary? Thousands of animals find their way into the care of these safe havens where they will be nurtured, healed, and brought back to the joyful life they, and every living creature has a right to live.

Unfortunately with the pandemic, tours and visits to many local sanctuaries have not been possible. This has greatly impacted a big source of revenue for sanctuaries who rely on tours and visitors to help with daily operational costs.

But not to be “grinched” out of spreading holiday cheer, many sanctuaries are bringing us creative ways to still support their compassionate cause while putting a smile on the face of every person on our holiday list.  Because, who doesn’t like knowing that thanks to them a Mountain Goat in Montana or a Capuchin Chimp in Arizona gets to continue enjoying the love and care for which they are so appreciative.

So get your list out and scroll through these cool gift ideas from animal sanctuaries all of which are accredited by the American Animal Sanctuary Association. 

For the Little Ones:

Monthly Care PackMake a new friend at Odd Man Inn Animal Refuge and stay in touch with this cool monthly subscription. Truly the gift that keeps on giving, this gift is both educational and fun.

• Kids will receive letters 2 every month!
• A stuffed animal included in the first mailing for every subscription.
•  Includes an interactive activity with the letter. Kids will create art, assemble their own letters and cards, design magnets, and more.
• Engaging educational and fun facts about real animals in every letter.
• Special surprises from real sanctuaries and rescues!

Animal Pen Pal ProgramSheeps, cows, horses and mules all call Indraloka Animal Sanctuary (Dalton, PA) home and while they love their four-legged pals they really, really would like to get in touch with the children again. 

Get the little one in your family matched with their very own Indraloka animal pen pal. Through letter exchanges children will learn about the unique qualities of animal species. The perfect fun activity for these stay-at-home days. 

Kids can also enjoy listening to Indraloka’s podcast ‘Sanctuary Stories that Save Us’ where host Indra Lahiri tells us the stories of the animals rescued. 

Children’s BookThe perfect stocking stuffer comes from Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue (San Angelo, TX): Tink the Bravest Donkey!  

“Tink wants to fit in with the rest of the herd but can’t because the others bully him for wearing a boot. When Tink is left all alone to fend for himself against a mean, old dog, he musters up all of his bravery to save the day and bring them all closer together.”

Written by Jessica Anselment, Perfect for ages 3-8. 32 full-color pages featuring original art by Andy Griffiths.

For the Nature and Animal Lover:

Gift of MembershipThe Animal Ark (Reno, NV) offers two sure-to-delight membership options so your loved one has access to all the fun activities available. The best part is knowing your gift is supporting such amazing creatures as orphaned black bear cubs and cheetahs who cannot survive in the wild. 

Membership Packages

• Standard Membership $75
• Platinum Membership $150

Picture CalendarLong Way Home Adoptables (Bryan, TX)  2021 Calendar . Truly there’s no shortage of monthly canine cuteness. Try not to peak ahead to December but we won’t blame you if you do!

Buy a BrickAt Hermitage Cat Shelter (Tucson, AZ) a truly thoughtful gift to celebrate a person’s love for animals or a beloved pet. Your customized clay brick will be installed in the landscaped walkway surrounding the shelter facility and help the Hermitage team continue caring for their purrrfect residents.

Be an Animal SponsorHow about a playful Spider Monkey or a curious Tamarin at Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary (Gainesville, FL). Through monthly sponsorship you get to be a part of these endearing primate’s lives. A range of sponsorship levels make it comfortable for every budget starting at just $10 a month and going up to  $100. 

Sponsor gift pack includes: Monkey photo and certificate, original monkey art and the “Almost Wild” DVD.

Sponsor a resident Farm Animal at Mountain View Farm Animal Sanctuary (East Burke, VT). Take your pic from among one of the Yorkshire pigs, a family of Pygmy goats, Shetland Sheep, Holstein Steers, various breeds of horses, and a couple of barn cats. Animal sponsorships start at just $30 and can be made in the name of someone on your holiday list. Sponsor goodies, depending on level, can include a certificate, a photo of “your” animal and visits to the sanctuary (when available).

Gift a Work of ArtPainted by the animals at Pride Rock Wildlife Rescue these unique works of art are sure conversation starters. 

Animals such as big cats, bears and other exotic animals have been rescued from abuse and given a safe haven at Pride Rock. So naturally their new habitat inspires them to be creative. Your gift to a loved one is a gift to them. 

Cool Animal SwagSeriously, who wouldn’t LOVE a Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf Unisex hoodie from Refuge Ridge (Williamsburg, KY) home to wolves and wolf dogs.  Being unisex means you and your bestie can match! 

Bear it all with this artsy t-shirt  from Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary (Himlay, NV) a sanctuary created to house the wildlife that is being pushed out of their habitat as remote areas become urbanized. They also care for injured animals and those who can no longer fend for themselves in the outdoors.  

Take your animal love on the road with a custom license plate from the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary featuring mountain lion, Sacajawea. 

This charitable contribution will help feed wild residents and purchase enrichment items so they have fulfilling and engaging lives outside of the wild.

We hope this gift guide inspires you to bring cheer to sanctuary animals this season while making someone’s day with a cool gift.  Have fun shopping!