The scene becomes commonplace in French living rooms: when the packages are unwrapped, Médor or Félix are also entitled to their moment of glory.
According to a Rover 2025 study, nearly 8 out of 10 owners plan to give their faithful companion a gift. With an average budget of €23, pet parents spend countless hours finding that festive treat or toy that will hit the mark. But what does this say about our relationship with them?
The “Pet Parent”: when the animal becomes a full member of the family
Gone are the days when the dog stayed in the garage during New Year’s Eve. Today, he is at the heart of the party. In specialized stores, such as Barkers and Brothers in Paris, we see a new generation of customers, often young adults without children, who fully embrace this bond.
This change in mentality is global: the animal is no longer a simple utilitarian companion, it is the “hairy granddaughter” of the grandmother or the “nephew” of the siblings. We buy for him as we would buy for a loved one, with a desire for total inclusion in family rituals.
Toys, treats and experiences: what do we really put under the tree?
If toys (73%) and treats (71%) remain the big favorites, owners are using their imagination to mark the occasion. The market is adapting with increasingly sophisticated products:
- Canine Advent calendars to help you wait through the month of December;
- Festive menus: specific yogurts, apple strudel sticks or duck breakfast;
- Trendy accessories: multi-colored bandanas, Christmas sweaters for dachshunds or designer digging games.
Even more surprising, the trend is moving towards the intangible. Nearly 8% of owners now opt for an experience: a professional photo session or a special activity. Proof that the gift is above all an excuse to spend quality time together.
Be careful of excess: does the animal really need all this?
Faced with this profusion of gifts, some experts are calling for action. Hélène Gateau, ex-veterinarian and author, recalls that if the market creates new needs, the animal does not care about the price of the gift. “These objects are mainly there to flatter the owner. she explains to Le Parisien.
The risk? Falling into excessive consumption that forgets the essentials. The best gift for a dog or cat remains presence and activity. Moreover, the trend of “pack walks” or donations to associations (7% of owners) shows that some French people are seeking to return to more essential values: animal welfare and solidarity, rather than simple fashion accessories.