By Sophie, co-founder of Beast + Bonbon. Updated October 2026.
Short answer: A gentle Christmas gift for someone who lost a pet this year honors the pet quietly and by name: an ornament with the pet's name, a donation to a shelter in their memory, a candle with a handwritten letter, a photo book of their year, or a memorial blanket or pillow. Give it privately, and order custom gifts by December 10 for US Christmas delivery.
This is for you if someone you care about lost a dog, cat or other pet this year and you want to show them, this Christmas, that you remember. It is also for you if you are not sure whether a gift will help or hurt. Here is how to choose, give and time it with care.
Why is the first Christmas after losing a pet so hard?
The first Christmas is hard because the holidays are full of routines the pet was part of. There is the empty spot in the family photo, the stocking no one fills, the dog who used to sit by the tree or the cat who pulled at the ribbons.
Pet grief is real grief. In a PLOS One study of 975 UK adults published in January 2026, 21% of those who had lost a pet said it was the most distressing bereavement of their life (summary by Harvard Health). So a small, gentle gift that says "I remember them too" can mean a lot during a season that feels loud and happy for everyone else.
What are gentle Christmas gifts for someone grieving a pet?
The gentlest gifts use the pet's name, are easy to keep or put away, and ask nothing of the person. Here are five that work well.
1. An ornament with the pet's name
A simple ornament with the pet's name lets them keep the pet in the holidays every year. A local maker can engrave wood, ceramic or metal. Choose something plain rather than cute, so it fits whatever they are feeling.
2. A donation in the pet's name
Give to a local shelter or rescue in the pet's name, then tell them in a card. It turns the loss into help for another animal, and it takes up no space if they are not ready for keepsakes.
3. A candle and a letter
A good candle with a handwritten letter is small, calm and personal. In the letter, share one real memory of the pet. That memory may be the part they keep.
4. A photo book of the pet's year
Ask a partner or family member to send you photos, then make a short photo book of the pet's last year or whole life. Keep the captions light: dates, places and names.
5. A memorial blanket or pillow
A woven blanket or pillow with the pet's portrait is something they can hold on a cold evening. For someone who wants the pet in their holidays, our Christmas design has red and green stripes and a bow. For a quieter gift, the Original style in sage or cream is calmer and works all year.
Looking for gifts for pet people who are not grieving? Our list of Christmas gifts for dog and cat lovers has more ideas.
How should you give a pet memorial gift at Christmas?
Give it privately, not in front of a crowd. A memorial gift opened at a busy family table can bring tears the person did not plan to share.
- Drop it off or mail it a few days before Christmas, so they can open it when they choose.
- If you are together on the day, hand it over quietly and say they can open it later.
- Include a card that says there is no need to reply.
- Say the pet's name out loud if the moment allows. Hearing it can be a comfort.
What should you write in a holiday card to someone who lost a pet?
Write one or two short lines that use the pet's name and say you remember. You do not need to fix anything. A few lines you can adapt:
- "Thinking of you and Luna this Christmas. She is missed."
- "Missing Max with you this season. He made every holiday brighter."
- "Holding you close this Christmas, and remembering Coco's spot by the tree."
- "No need to reply. I just wanted you to know I remember Charlie too."
Skip "at least" and anything about getting a new pet. For more wording ideas, see our guide to pet memorial gifts and what to write in the card.
When should you order a custom memorial gift for Christmas?
For Christmas delivery in the US, order a custom blanket by December 10. That leaves time for the design proof and weaving.
| Step | Timing |
|---|---|
| Order and send your photo | By December 10, or email us after that date for fast delivery options |
| Free design proof by email | Within 24 hours |
| Weaving and delivery | 8 to 12 days after you approve the proof |
Ordering after December 10? Email us at hello@beastbonbon.com before you order. We will check fast delivery options for your order and tell you which delivery date we can reach. Approving your design proof the same day it arrives also helps.
How our custom pet blanket works
- Our designers create the pet's portrait from your photo and check every detail by hand, then it is woven from 100% cotton yarn in the USA. Woven, not printed, so there is no printed layer to fade, crack or peel.
- Old, dark or blurry photos are okay. You can email several to hello@beastbonbon.com.
- Nothing is woven until you approve the proof, and revisions are free.
- Sizes from Small 52" x 37" ($105) to Large 80" x 60" ($165). A double-sided 17" x 18" pillow is $79.
- Our holiday gifts support the ASPCA.
See styles and colors on the custom pet woven blanket page.
Questions people ask
What is a gentle Christmas gift for someone who lost a pet?
Choose something quiet that honors the pet by name: an ornament, a donation to a shelter in the pet's name, a candle with a handwritten letter, a photo book of their year together, or a memorial blanket or pillow made from a favorite photo.
Is it okay to give a pet memorial gift at Christmas?
Yes, for most people it is a kind gesture, because the first holidays without a pet can be hard. Give it privately rather than in front of a group, and let them open it when they feel ready.
When should I order a custom pet memorial blanket for Christmas?
For Christmas delivery in the US, order a custom blanket from Beast + Bonbon by December 10. You get a free design proof within 24 hours, and delivery takes 8 to 12 days after you approve the proof. After December 10, email hello@beastbonbon.com and we will check fast delivery options for you.
What do you write in a Christmas card to someone who lost a pet?
Keep it short and use the pet's name. Try "Thinking of you and Luna this Christmas" or "Missing Max with you this season." A simple line that says you remember the pet is enough.
Can I still order a custom gift for Christmas after December 10?
Yes. Email hello@beastbonbon.com before you order and we will check fast delivery options for you. Approving your design proof the same day it arrives helps your blanket reach them sooner.