With September heralding the start of meteorological Autumn in the UK I thought it was time we looked at what was hot this summer and highlight some of our favourite Guinea Pig Products.
Treats:
- Natural and organic were two key words this summer with new brands like Binky and Wheeks and For Haymazing Pets appearing next to the established names of Nature’s Own and Rosewood.
- A hugely expanded area was ‘hay toppers/mixers’ encouraging natural foraging behaviour and hay consumption.
Favourites: 
Toys:
- Toys also largely followed the natural trend with Rosewood’s I Love Hay Cube fast becoming a firm favourite with both the Squidgypigs and the Guinea Pig community at large.
- I really liked Binky and Wheeks Make your own Fruir Dangler Kit, which was 100% edible.
- Haypigs burst onto the market in April with their vintage circus inspired stylings injecting a sense of fun into the small animal market.
Favourites:
Care:
- The natural theme continued into Care with 2Pure Pet Fresh and Fitch offering ecofriendly alternatives to everyday products.
- A turn away from the disposable trends of yesteryear was also evident. Haypigs and Snugglesafe produced high quality items designed to last.
Favourites:
Hay:
- This year even the hay was largely green and I don’t see this trend going away. It looks good, it smells good, and it clearly tastes good too.
Gifts:
- The gift world was dominated by magic and whimsy.
- Guinea Pigs smirked, partied and flew.
Favourites:
Predictions for Autumn/Winter:
- Hay toppers/mixers are going to continue to be a big thing. With the weather getting worse; the dried fruits, flowers and herbs we see in these mixers are perfect for injecting interest into plain hay and recreating boredom busting foraging behaviour.
- Fleece is already THE big thing in the world of Guinea Pig bedding and with the days getting darker and colder I don’t see that changing any time soon. I think we will see more pigs snuggled into fleecey beds of various colours and themes.
- I think cold pressed food and Hay Cookies are yet to fully have their day and I envisage a lot more love for these products over the coming months. I wonder whether we will see Hay Cookies with flowers and fruits dried into them?
Rosewood Meadow Menu (a cold pressed food) - From the success of the Cath Kidston Pets Party range we can see that Guinea Pig fashion and homeware sells; so I’m excited to see what the Christmas season brings gift wise from other brands.
- I do hope that pigs aren’t the new pugs tho; I’m not sure I’m ready for 101 generic looking Guinea Pigs to stare at me in Asda every time I want new fleeces and jaffa cakes.
- In books I hope that we will soon see a sequel to the Caroline Whittle’s The Flying Carpet (the unnamed piggy may even get a name) and I feel we are likely to get more colouring fun from Katie Leonard at Guinea Pig Wheekly.
- On a personal note: I would like large water bottles that genuinely do not leak.
What were your favourite products of the Summer and what do you hope to see as we head towards Christmas?
Squidgypigs 