“When you love your pets, you don't count”: in the heart of Nîmes pet shops, Christmas is also celebrated for furballs

Tout le monde à droit à son cadeau de Noël au pied du sapin. Midi Libre – Pierre Meuriot

Peluches, friandises, arbres à chat et même calendriers de l’Avent : nos animaux de compagnie ne sont pas oubliés à Noël !

The end-of-year holidays are approaching, and excitement is spreading throughout the homes. Between Christmas trees, garlands and last-minute shopping, there is one detail that speaks volumes about our priorities: one in two people give their pet a Christmas present. Toys, treats, accessories… in pet stores, it’s a frenzy, and our four-legged friends are not left out.

Gifts for all tastes and budgets

Giving your pet a gift, is it something new? ? Not really… “I’ve been working in a pet store for fifteen years and I’ve always known this”, explains Peggy, manager of Tropic Plantes in Caveirac. “But every year, it gets stronger. People increasingly consider their animals as members of the family.”

What do caring owners buy? ? Toys mostly, as Léa, a saleswoman at Maxi Zoo, explains: “The soft toys and balls are very popular. We also make toys specially designed for Christmas and they work well.” As for cats, Advent calendars and cat trees are proudly at the top of the sales charts. “By November 15, I had already run out of Advent calendars in stock”, says Peggy. For tighter budgets, there is no shortage of ideas: a small squeaky soft toy, a bone to chew or a few treats are enough to make our companions happy.

200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000

Soft toys, for young and old. Midi Libre – Pierre Meuriot

A phenomenon that continues to grow

“When I started working in the pet store, it was already common, but every year, it gets a little bigger”, notes Léa. It's as if our animals are becoming the real stars of Christmas! And this phenomenon is not limited to the end-of-year holidays. “People like to give their animals little gifts for other occasions, like Easter”, adds one of the four directors of the family brand Tom & Co based in Ville Active.

For some, it has even become a real tradition. Xavier, who came to do his shopping in Nîmes, confides: “For three years, we have been buying a stuffed toy for our Cavalier King Charles for Christmas. And every year, it gets bigger, like our dog”, he jokes. However, that wasn't always the case. “Before, we didn't necessarily get this attention. But it's important for our children so we played along.” Now, everyone has the right to their own stocking under the tree!

When inflation bites into kibble

Despite inflation that particularly affects pet food products, owners don't seem ready to give up this attention. “Over the last two years, food prices have increased by up to 35-40% in purchase price for us”, we hear from Tom & Co. Fortunately, toys and accessories remain more accessible, allowing everyone to spoil their companion without breaking the budget. And then, “when you love your pets, you don't count”, smiles Léa, who has already bought a gift for her own dog. A squeaky plush toy ? A timeless classic!

Finally, Christmas is an opportunity to share a moment of joy with all members of the family, including animals. “If I don't give my dog ​​anything, he gets jealous,” jokes Sara, owner of a border collie-labrador cross. “Receiving a gift makes them as happy as it makes us,” she continues. And this is true even if inflation is slightly eating into budgets.