If you've got an animal lover in the family, here's how to give them the perfect gift this Christmas

Christmas is right around the corner, which means if you haven't already, it's time to start thinking about your shopping list.

Finding the perfect gift for your loved ones can be an excruciating task, only adding to the mountainous list of things to get done before December 25 rolls around.

But if one of the names on your shopping list just happens to be an animal lover, we might just be able to help.

Help a family in need

Instead of a gift that'll sit in the back of the cupboard for years, give a gift that gives back.

Through World Vision's gifting program, you can help a family in need by purchasing the gift of 'a lamb'.

While not necessarily an actual animal, the gift will provide a family with milk and up to 136 kilograms of wool for warm clothing, which can also be sold for income.

Gifting a lamb also helps crops flourish because animal manure is rich in nutrients, as well as steadying income so families can afford to send their children to school.

You also have the option of a print-at-home, emailed or delivered card to gift to your recipient.

Adopt don't shop

There's a common misconception that more animals are surrendered to shelters following the Christmas period, but according to the RSPCA, it's all a myth.

"We've not experienced this in our shelters, in fact our surrender rates in January and February are on average lower than the rest of the year," RSPCA South Australia told Pet Rescue.

But an animal is still not a gift you should give lightly.

If you're thinking about buying a cat, dog, or any other kind of animal as a gift, it needs to involve serious consideration – it's a living animal that requires a lot of care.

But, if you have put the time and effort into it and a certain that your family is ready to take on a new member this Christmas, make sure to adopt.

People get swept up in the idea of wanting to buy from a breeder or pet shop, with this false narrative that pets from a shelter are somehow 'faulty' in comparison.

But if you want to give back this Christmas, head to your local animal shelter and just meet a few of the pets living there, we doubt you'll be able to leave without one!

Adopt a zoo animal

Your recipient can become a Zoo Parent through an animal adoption that supports Taronga Zoo's conservation work with eight different animals and six levels of adoption to choose from.

You can choose to adopt a platypus, koala, bilby, Tasmanian devil, meerkat, red panda, Sumatran tiger or Asian elephant, with prices starting at just $48 for a digital adoption certificate and a fact sheet on your adopted animal.

As prices start to climb, more is added into the package, culminating in the $1000 Jungle package with all kinds of goodies, including a special animal encounter at the zoo!

Buy cruelty-free cosmetics

It seems self-explanatory to most, but if you're shopping for cosmetics this Christmas, make sure you don't get caught purchasing products tested on animals for your animal-loving family or friend.

Because some countries require that cosmetics be tested on animals, many of the world's largest brands aren't cruelty-free.

To ensure you're purchasing cruelty-free products, research the brand's ethical sourcing information and check for cruelty-free certifications.

Support a small business

If you have a friend or family member obsessed with their pet, one of the best gifts you can give them is something personalised.

If you head to Etsy there are plenty of small creators designing and making some adorable pet memorabilia.

Think handmade stained-glass pet portraits, watercolour pet paintings or custom pet-shaped pillows!

And the best part is that your money will help support small businesses and creators.

Gift an educational experience

This is the perfect gift for any young animal obsessives in your life!

Gift the experience of a lifetime where not only will they get to get up close and personal with some of their favourite animals, they'll also learn about the conservation efforts to save the species.

Swimming with dolphins, whale watching and koala encounters are just a few of the possible options. Just make sure to do your research beforehand and book an ethical, educational experience!

Produced in partnership with World Vision.