The holiday season is supposed to be filled with love and cozy meals with family. However, we can often find ourselves frazzled the closer Christmas gets, either because we are still behind on our shopping, we don’t know what to get everyone, or we’re worried about the price tag. It doesn’t help when there are commercials with people giving their loved ones actual cars. If you’re not on a new crossover SUV budget and just want to make your friends and family smile with a kind thought, you could consider a gift mug.

Filling a mug with a with presents is a fun and affordable way to give a totally personalized gift. The possibilities are endless! If you’re reading a blog on The Animal Rescue Site, there’s a good chance you’re kind of into dogs and/or cats and probably have a few like-minded people on your shopping list. For the animal lovers in your life, here's our recipe for a Happy Paw-lidays Mug!

Step 1: Choose Your Mug/Tumbler

To start off, you'll need your mug or tumbler. We've got a suggestion for both below, but there are plenty more to choose from here!

Paws & Prints Tall Ceramic Mug (Snuggle Cats) 

Snuggle Cats mug bursting with holiday cheer.

The Paws & Prints Tall Ceramic Mug features a black cat and a white cat snuggling together. This dishwasher safe mug has a 17-ounce capacity, which provides plenty of room for a variety of thoughtful smaller gifts.

Paw Print Vacuum Sealed Stainless Steel Tumbler - 40 oz (Plaid Paw-lidays) 

For a little extra space, and to gift an item that cuts down on single-use waste, you could also consider this 40-ounce Paw Print Vacuum Sealed Stainless Steel Tumbler. It comes with a cute plaid paw-lidays print and matches that cuteness with a strong ability to keep beverages at your preferred temperature. Its double-wall insulation can keep drinks hot or cold for up to six hours. Its size is also perfect for most car cupholders.

Step 2: Add Your Fillings!

Now you've got at least 17 ounces of space to fill, or more if you don't mind an abundant gift mug. Here are five presents that will fit perfectly!

Paw Print Touch Screen Gloves (Paws Galore) 

When it's cold out, gloves can get in the way of responding to a text message or checking the bus schedule while we're waiting out in the cold. The right kind of gloves can help, though! These paw-print touch screen gloves are machine washable, demonstrate a person’s love for our four-pawed friends, and provide a soft, warm covering for fingers while they’re typing away on a phone. 

Charming Critter Cuffed Slipper Socks (Terrier) 

We've covered keeping hands warm. What about feet?These Charming Critter Cuffed Slipper Socks have a sweet terrier design but are also available with other animal themes. Regardless of which you choose, a cuff at the ankle keeps these slippers from slipping off. They’re also perfect for your friends who have non-carpeted flooring that can be extra chilly on feet this time of year.

Color Pop Kitty & Dog Ornament (Cat) 

After opening presents, it's nice to kick back with a mug of hot chocolate and look at the ornaments and lights on your tree, since it will soon be put away. A new addition to that tree could be just the ticket for your animal-loving friends. This Color Pop Kitty Ornament really does pop with color, with blues, greens, yellows, purples, and more on a silver-tone metal cat. The kitty's collar is even vibrant!

Moonlight Dog Earrings 

Cat art can brighten up our loved one's tree, but for our friends who love both dogs and cats, you could also throw in some gorgeous dog art. A pair of these Moonlight Dog Earrings may become your loved one's new favorite accessory. These drop earrings feature a brass crescent moon with a silver-tone dog resting on it, facing away from view. This unique piece of jewelry is handmade and fairly traded from Mexico.

Patterned Silicone Apple Watch Band (Rainbow Paws) 

Time becomes a little fuzzy around the holidays, but we have to get back to the grind afterward, which means being very aware of time. You can help your loved ones enjoy a cute print while they check the time with this waterproof Patterned Silicone Apple Watch Band. Available in a variety of patterns, including plenty of paw print options, it’s compatible with Apple Watch series 1 through 9 and SE models. 

Don't Forget the Extras

Be sure to fill in the extra spaces in your mug or tumbler with chocolate, candy canes, other treats, and some crinkle paper. 

Finding the Perfect Gifts for Your Loved Ones

Hopefully we’ve provided you with some gift inspiration, whether you choose these specific items or others to fill up a mug. We’d all like to wish you a happy holiday season, too, with your friends and family, even the four-legged ones!