Yeah, we know who’s been naughty. And they’ll get gifts for Christmas and Hanukkah anyway, the little darlings.

By Danielle Cadet

With waggly tails and rumbly purrs, they show us the love every day. What better time of year than the holidays to delight a four-legged family member with a special gift?

“Pets get so much joy out of toys,” says Lorrie Shaw,., pet owner and pet blogger. “They get to use all of their senses and identify something as theirs.”

Pet ownership is at an all-time high. Sixtytwo percent of U.S. households own a pet – some 72.9 million homes, according to the 2011-2012 annual survey by the American Pet Products Association. And we’re loving – and giving – to our animals like never before.

In 2010, dog owners increased spending on their pooches more than 30 percent, and dogs and cats are among the small pets that are most likely to get gifts at Christmas time, according to the APPA survey. Nine percent of dog owners say they’ve held a holiday or birthday party for their dog, and 4 percent say they’ve done so for their cat.

Pet owners’ emotional ties with dogs and cats run deep. “A lot of baby boomers become empty nesters and still have that nurturing need,” says Kristen Levine, founder of Fetching Communications, a marketer serving the pet industry. “A lot of millennials get pets before starting a family to fulfill that same need.”

While most pet owners won’t hesitate to purchase a little something special for their pets this holiday season, the boom in products at retail means there’s more to choose from. Think before you shop, says Shaw. “Pay attention to what your pet likes to do. Does he run and play, or is he more cognitive?”

Gaga for green Natural, nontoxic, sustainable, recycled and locally produced products are hot for pets.

Earth Dog offers hemp dog collars, leashes, beds and toys, all made in the U.S. The Leaf green adjustable hemp collar has quick-release hardware ($18 to $20, specialty stores). Dog and cat beds made of soy-based material and recycled content are widely available. Many suppliers offer organic catnip. The Purr Highness cat scratcher from Worldwise is made of recycled corrugated cardboard and doubles as a lounger ($20, specialty stores). Doggles Plush Bottle Toys come in the shape of animals and have two squeakers. Stuff a used plastic water bottle inside and the toy provides instant crinkly chewing fun. ($13 and up, specialty stores).

Cognitive play Products that appeal to an animal’s intuitive side, engaging them and encouraging natural activity, also are trendy. “Foraging toys are hot,” says Levine. They give owners a chance to do other things while their pet is occupied, she says. Shaw suggests the treat-dispensing Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble by Premier Pet (two sizes, $10 to $20, specialty stores). This activity ball stimulates pups mentally and physically by making them work for their food. Levine is a fan of the Physipet, a line of exercise and entertainment products for cats and dogs. The toys react to the pet, pulling back when the pet pulls, incorporating exercise with play and reducing boredom and separation anxiety, says company founder and inventor Jude Waddy ($70 and up, physipet.com).