Christmas is a time to treat those we love, including our pets. However, it can be difficult to know what to gift them.

If you're trying to choose the perfect present to get your pet rabbit hopping with joy, but are stuck for inspiration, you need to check out our list of the best Christmas presents for rabbits.

1. Christmas Cards

Don't forget to add your bunny to the Christmas card list! You can get cards personalised with their name or a photo of them on the front. Or get the kids involved in creating a beautiful homemade Christmas present for your rabbit in the form of a cute card. There are also cards you can buy for pet parents, designed to look like they came from their rabbit.

Why not get creative and have a go at a festive family photoshoot and get your favourite photo printed on a pack of cards to give to your family and friends?

2. Festive Toys

Rabbits love to play, and they can never have too many toys! Popular Christmas-themed toys include tree-shaped gnaw toys, chewable Christmas crackers, or a festive activity post.

Hanging mobile toys make great presents for rabbits as they're naturally curious. You can attach the mobile to the top of their enclosure so they can investigate it. Hanging toys made from natural materials, such as wood and wicker, are the safest.

Festive Rabbits Toys to Avoid

Avoid items that have been glued together, as your rabbit will chew all parts of the toy. Make sure the gifts you buy are rabbit-safe and suitable for their size and age.

While it may be fun to watch your rabbit unwrap a present, it's not safe for them to eat all that paper. If they consume wrapping paper, sticky tape, or swallow ribbons, it could cause an obstruction that requires immediate veterinary attention. No one wants to make an emergency visit to the vets on Christmas Day!

3. Christmas Treats for Rabbits

We all love to indulge in some edible treats over the Christmas holidays, and so will your rabbit. But too many treats are not suitable for rabbits, so how can you extend their enjoyment safely and healthily?

Many treat-dispensing toys make your rabbit work to get to their prize. Rabbit treat balls require your bunny buddy to roll them around for the treats to fall out, which keeps them active and stimulated.

Similarly, food puzzle toys require them to work out where the treats are hidden, which is mentally stimulating and means they can't gobble down all their treats at once. Forage boxes that require chewing through before your rabbit can reach the treat are another bunny favourite. Slowing down your rabbit's eating will help prevent choking and digestive problems, and extend their enjoyment of the process.

Top Healthy Treats for Rabbits

When choosing treats, make sure they're suitable for rabbits. You can buy biscuit sticks and chews, or for a healthier option, just cut up some of your rabbit's favourite fruit and vegetables. Some tasty and healthy ideas are:

• Pumpkin
• Cauliflower
• Peppers
• Carrots
• Cucumber

Never give your rabbit chocolate or nuts, as they are toxic to them. If you're introducing new foods, do it slowly to avoid any tummy upsets.

4. Rabbit Christmas Stocking

Bring your rabbit some festive joy with a stocking on Christmas morning. You can buy a pre-filled stocking or try your hand at filling one yourself. Include rabbit-friendly toys and treats to keep them busy. You can buy personalised stockings with their name and photo on the front, or if you've got the crafting bug, you could design the outside of the stocking yourself with a festive rabbit design.

5. Rabbit Advent Calendar

Did you know you can get Advent calendars designed specifically for rabbits? Each window contains a small treat for a rabbit.

Now, the whole family can enjoy a daily treat in the run-up to Christmas! Just make sure you don't share your chocolate Advent calendar with your rabbit, as chocolate is toxic to them.

6. Christmas Bedding and Bowls

New bedding or bowls are great, practical Christmas presents for a rabbit, but that doesn't mean they have to be boring.

You can get beds, blankets, bowls, and water bottles with a festive print, or, for an even more exciting gift, why not buy a festive-shaped hideaway, such as a snowman or Brussels sprout?

Seeing their little face peering out of a sprout is sure to bring joy and laughter. Make sure the size of the hideaway or bed you buy is suitable for your bunny's size.

7. Hutch and Run Upgrades

If you feel like going all out, Christmas is a great time to treat your bunny to a housing upgrade. There are many shapes and sizes to choose from. Introduce another floor or additional sections to give them more places to explore and hide. Add in some more ramps or steps for an extra workout that will help to keep your bunny in great shape.

You could also expand their indoor or outdoor run, giving them more room to roam around in. Add in play tunnels and fun hideaways for them to explore.

A digging pit is sure to bring your rabbit joy, as digging is a natural instinct. It's also much safer than having them dig up your garden and possibly escape.

Run Ideas for Indoor Rabbits

If you have an indoor rabbit, a small cat tower is a great gift idea. They have varied levels that your rabbit can hop up and down on, as well as a hideaway section where they can hide or take a nap.

Some towers also have toys hanging from them, which your rabbit will enjoy playing with. Just make sure it's not too tall, so if your rabbit accidentally falls off, it won't be from a great height.

8. Harness and Leash

If you want to let your bunny explore outside but are worried about them running off, a leash and harness would be the perfect Christmas present for your rabbit. They provide a way for your rabbit to exercise outside without the risk of danger. Experiencing all the new sights and sounds is great for their mental wellbeing.

It can take a while to get your rabbit used to wearing a harness and lead, so introduce it slowly. Start indoors so you're not exposing them to too much at once. When they're happy and comfortable using it indoors, you can start using it outside. Don't take your rabbit for walks outside of your garden, as they'll be exposed to dogs, cats, cars, and other dangers that may lead to injuries and cause stress.

Some rabbits may never get used to wearing a harness and lead, which can cause them stress. If you notice signs of stress or discomfort in your rabbit, remove the harness immediately.

9. Other Kinds of Rabbit Gifts

There are many great gift ideas for rabbit lovers, like: 

• Cards
• Baubles
• Clothing
• Mugs
• Cushions
• Keyrings
• Ornaments
• Pillowcases
• Tea towels… the list goes on!

These can be personalised with your pet's name or photo. Custom pet portraits are another popular gift for pet owners. They can be drawn or painted by local artists, or you can have a go at creating one yourself.

Whatever you decide to buy your rabbit for Christmas, make sure it's rabbit-safe and suitable for their age and size. Be aware that all the extra fuss and noise may become too much for your rabbit, so make sure they have a place they can retreat to away from it all.

Stick to their normal routine as much as possible, and avoid letting them overindulge in Christmas goodies. Anything new, like a harness or clothing, should be introduced slowly and don't continue if they become stressed. The most important gift you can give your rabbit at Christmas is time spent with you.

Everypaw Rabbit Insurance

Here at Everypaw, we want to help you keep your bunny healthy and in tip top shape. So, when it comes to your young rabbit’s care, Everypaw’s Rabbit Insurance could be just the cover to look after your little thumper.

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Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Lapis – www.vetlexicon.com/treat/lapis

Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.