THE GIFT LIST

Unique gifts for reptile keepers

5 best gifts for reptile keepers

Reptile keepers spend more time checking temperatures than the weather. They've got a bearded dragon, a leopard gecko or a corn snake, maybe all three, and they know exactly what each one ate this week. Ask about shedding and you'll get a detailed answer. These gifts for reptile keepers help them look after their animals properly.

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  1. Exo Terra Combometer thermo-hygrometer

    Exo Terra Combometer thermo-hygrometer

    Getting heat and humidity right is the biggest part of keeping reptiles healthy. The Combometer reads both on one digital screen from a remote probe inside the tank, and remembers the highs and lows. It mounts neatly on the glass or slides onto an Exo Terra hood.

    Pros

    • Temperature and humidity in one.
    • Remembers highs and lows.
    • Neat remote probe.

    Cons

    • Exo Terra doesn't list accuracy figures.
    View on Amazon UK
    Product sources

    Exo Terra product page ↗

  2. Exo Terra infrared thermometer

    Exo Terra infrared thermometer

    Point it at the basking rock and it reads the surface temperature instantly. That's the number that matters for lizards and snakes, and air thermometers can't give it. An LED shows exactly where it's aiming, even inside a dark hide.

    Pros

    • Instant basking spot readings.
    • LED aiming light.
    • Works in dark hides.

    Cons

    • Reads surfaces, not air humidity.
    View on Amazon UK
    Product sources

    Exo Terra product page ↗

  3. Exo Terra angled feeding tweezers

    Exo Terra angled feeding tweezers

    Long feeding tweezers keep fingers away from eager mouths and make it easy to offer insects or defrosted food. These are stainless steel, 30cm long, with soft-coated tips that won't hurt a reptile's mouth if it strikes them.

    Pros

    • Safe, hygienic feeding.
    • Soft tips protect mouths.
    • Long 30cm reach.

    Cons

    • Very small species may need finer tweezers.
    View on Amazon UK
    Product sources

    Exo Terra product page ↗

  4. Zoo Med Habba Hut

    Zoo Med Habba Hut

    Every reptile needs somewhere to hide, and this natural fir hut looks far nicer than a plastic cave. A handful of moss inside turns it into a humid hide for shedding. It comes in five sizes from small geckos up to big lizards.

    Pros

    • Natural wood look.
    • Doubles as a humid hide.
    • Five sizes.

    Cons

    • Measure the tank and the pet first.
    View on Amazon UK
    Product sources

    Zoo Med product page ↗

  5. The Lizard Keeper's Handbook by Philippe de Vosjoli

    The Lizard Keeper's Handbook by Philippe de Vosjoli

    Philippe de Vosjoli is one of the best-known names in reptile keeping, and this is his all-round lizard guide. It covers housing, heating, lighting, feeding and health, plus care notes for more than 30 species. It's a good one for keepers thinking about their next lizard.

    Pros

    • From a respected author.
    • Care notes for 30+ species.
    • Covers health and husbandry.

    Cons

    • First published in 2007, so check advice against newer sources.
    View on Amazon UK
    Product sources

    Fox Chapel product page ↗

What to buy someone who loves reptiles

Reptile keepers value good husbandry kit over novelty. The best gifts for reptile keepers are a digital thermo-hygrometer, an infrared thermometer, feeding tweezers, a natural wood hide and a good care book. Check what species they keep before buying hides or decor.

How we picked these gifts for reptile keepers

We picked each product for what reptile keepers enjoy and because it makes sense as a present. The order is our own choice. The pros and cons come from published product details, not customer reviews.

Amazon shows the current price and delivery. Where we've checked that the US listing is the same product, the US link goes there. Otherwise you'll get the UK listing, labelled as such. More about our research.