Baker Design

Design services from 'A to Z'

Shopping for dog accessories can be a little overwhelming when you first get your new pooch. There are so many things to buy like dog collars, leashes, crates, food and water bowls, dog beds, shampoo, brush, and the list goes on. This can be pretty expensive especially for someone on a budget.

Dog beds can range in price from $10 to over $200 depending on the size and quality. First, think of what kind of dog it is that you have. How big is he now and how big will he when he is full grown? I really don’t see any value in buying an oversize bed for a small dog. He just isn’t going to use that space. Now, if you have multiple small dogs or even cats, then this might be a good investment because they tend to like to cuddle up together anyways and that always makes for a great picture. If, on the other hand you have a bigger dog, you will definitely want to get a good size bed one that he can fit in comfortably.

Many people are hesitant to spend a lot on dog accessories, particularly dog beds because they can be quite expensive. If you are on a budget, then do what you must and try to find the best deal that will also make your dog feel comfortable. But, if you are not on a budget, then consider spending the extra cash on a nice quality bed for your dog. He will certainly thank you for it.

There are several companies online selling high quality dog beds if you are an online shopper. You can also find ones of high quality at your local pet stores. Most pet stores will allow you to bring your dog in with you, so it will be a nice trip for him and he can even try some of the dog beds out. You want to have a bed that he will feel comfortable in. You might also want one that is aesthetically pleasing and goes with the color scheme in your home. Something else to consider is how you will wash the bed, because it will most likely get dirty. Remember that as a general rule, with any other investment you make, the more you spend on a product, the longer it will last. So take you time making the decision.

Typically people think of the hamper as a pretty impersonal gift almost like when a husband gets his wife an iron or something. We all want our gifts to be personal and nobody wants to get some random household item. But, there is a big difference in just buying someone a hamper and in using a hamper to create something personal. In fact, this route is actually better than the standard mothers day gift baskets with just some wine and cheese. Doing it this way not only saves me money, but it forces me to stop and think about my mother’s gift. I really think about her as a person and make it something I know she will love. I really get creative with it and gives me an opportunity to have a lot fun while giving energy to my mother in a way that shows her my gratitude for all that I have done. In the end, I know she appreciates it a lot more than when I just buy her something unoriginal.

I have used many different kinds of hampers in the past. She is always excited to see what I end up getting her. I have used small and medium size wicker hampers and decorated them with ribbon then put in some of her favorite things. I have also used a plastic tub hamper and collaged it with old photos and magazine scraps that really made it into an art. My mother keeps her “baskets” (a.k.a hampers) each year even after she uses whatever I put inside. Most of the time, I don’t even buy candy to put inside it. Instead, I make some of her favorite desserts myself. I make her peanut butter balls, fudge, and truffles. I sometime throw in cookies too. I like to make the cookies in shapes of things she likes. Last year I made bingo balls with the different letters and numbers because she is really into playing bingo. It was nice because I also threw some bingo daubers in there and collaged with bingo cards on the outside of the hamper too. Think about what your Mom likes and see how you get creative and make a basket especially.

You really cannot go wrong with mothers day gift baskets. The possibilities are endless. This is a tradition I may keep for many years to come. I love making the baskets and my mother enjoys receiving them.