Best Gifts for Dogs This Holiday Season

When your pup is one of the fam, filling a stocking with pawsome presents or including a gift for them under the tree is natural. In fact, according to a Total.vet survey, close to 90% of dog owners in the United States planned to buy their dog something for the 2023 holiday season.

Around 27% of pet present buyers said they'd spend $25 to $50 on their dog's holiday gifts, and 25% said they'd spend more than $75. Toys and treats were the most popular gift choices, but accessories, bedding, and other pet products also make dog owners' Christmas shopping lists.

Ensuring your dog has something exciting to enjoy during your holiday celebration can help them feel part of the seasonal fun and strengthen your bond with them. Some of the best gifts for dogs this season include:

1. Interactive toys
2. Delicious treats
3. Subscription boxes
4. Comfort items
5. Outdoor gear
6. Personalized accessories

1. Interactive Toys That Keep Tails Wagging

Interactive toys support solo or companion-based play. Favorite examples include:

• Toys that dispense treats. These rubber toys, which hold treats that dogs can obtain by chewing, are great for exciting solo play.
• Puzzle and licking toys. Puzzle mats slow fast eaters down and help them enjoy a treat over time.
• Ballistic chew toys. These chews and tug toys include inner layers that crunch and crinkle. This design helps provide additional sensory experiences for dogs—especially for aggressive chewers.
• Balls. Balls and other fetch toys are favorites for bonding, training, and outdoor playtime.
• Cotton rope toys. Heavy-duty rope toys are ideal for tug play with other dogs or human friends.

Toys like chews and tugs are easy to tuck into closets or wherever you hide holiday gifts from the rest of the family before you wrap them. Shop early to get great deals or stock up so you can stuff a stocking for your pup.

2. Delicious Treats for Food-Motivated Pups

People often feast during seasonal celebrations, and tasty treats seem to adorn every counter or table. Investing in some delectable treats for your dog can help them join in on the merriment. Favorite options include:

• Jerky. Dog jerky is available in a variety of flavors, including beef, duck, and salmon. It's high in protein and provides a tasty snack that lasts a little longer than a soft treat for non-aggressive chewers.
• Beef hides. Beef hides are often easier to digest than some other rawhide types, and they can be a long-lasting treat even for somewhat aggressive chewers.
• Dog-safe baked goods. Consider local sources for fun homemade dog treats, like doggie cookies. You can often find these types of pet gifts at local holiday or farmer's markets.

As with holiday food for people, moderation is important when treating your dog for the holidays. Too much of a good thing can leave your pup with stomach pains or more serious symptoms.

3. Subscription Boxes: Gifts That Keep Giving

Subscriptions are the gift that keeps giving. It's true for the people on your list as well as your dog. Curated boxes of toys, treats, and other items are a great way to keep your dog excited long after the holidays are over, and this gift option lets you combine some of the item types on this list.

For example, 3-, 6-, or 12-month subscription plans from BULLYMAKE ensure toys and treats show up in your mailbox periodically.

• BULLYMAKE boxes are customizable; you provide information about your pup, including their weight, allergies, and toy preferences, and you can pick toy types that work best for their playstyle.
• You also get several toys and treats in each box, checking off the first two items on this round-up of the best gifts for dogs with a single easy purchase.

4. Comfort Items for a Cozy Snuggle Season

When temps drop, many dogs happily trade extra playtime for snoozing in a warm, cushy location. Cozy comfort gifts help your dog settle in for long winter naps alongside the rest of the family, especially during those downtime days at the end of the year.

Great comfort gift items for dogs include:

• Plush dog beds. High-quality dog beds ensure pet comfort and a secure sleeping spot. Consider gifting your dog a plush bed to sleep in near yours or one for lounging on in the family living space. For example, PawHut's luxury dog beds look like small couches and provide a comfy spot for your dog during movie night or while waiting for you to return home from work.
• Warm blankets. Fleece and sherpa blankets help keep dogs warm, and you can use them to protect your own sofa or bedding if your pets share furniture with you.
• Heated pads. Older dogs, small pups, and any pet that always seems cold may appreciate a low-temperature warming pad. These pet products are akin to a heated blanket for a human, and they can add comfort during chilly winter nights.

Consider wrapping up a comfort item to place under the tree from Santa Paws, especially if your dog's on the nice list this year.

5. Outdoor Gear for Backyard Fun or Adventures

Whether your dog adores backyard zoomies or you're an adventurous pair in search of your next winter hike, outdoor essentials can make great holiday gifts. They're fun and functional, as they can help your pet stay safe, visible, and ready for your next outing.

Ideas to consider include:

• Durable leashes and collars. Look for strong hardware and weather-resistant materials for all-season use. For instance, Zee Dog offers sturdy outdoor gear, including harnesses and hands-free leashes, in bold colors.
• Weather-proof coats. Cold-weather outings can chill everyone, including your dog, to the bone. Lightweight jackets and insulated parkas for pups can help keep your pet warm.
• LED tags or reflectors. Sunlight is fleeting during midwinter, and you may need to walk your dog during morning or evening hours when the world is still dark. Visibility gear helps keep your pet safe.
• Portable water bottles and bowls. Hydration is as important in winter as it is in warmer months, so consider collapsible pet water containers to make it easier for your dog to get a drink on the go.

Small pieces of practical gear make great items to stuff in your dog's stocking.

6. Personalized Accessories for Style and Safety

Personalized gifts are a thoughtful way to show off your dog's personality while keeping them safer. A few popular ideas include:

• Custom collars. Leather, nylon, or biothane collars engraved with a name or phone number are a fun and functional gift for your pup. PoshBlossomDog on Etsy offers one-of-a-kind pieces, and shopping on sites like Etsy lets you support small creators.
• ID tags. Add a new ID tag to a custom collar or slip one in your dog's stocking so you can upgrade a current collar. Choose fun shapes and colors or engrave a meaningful quote on the tag to make it unique.
• Embroidered bandanas. Festive bandanas printed with your dog's name can make for adorable photos and holiday card moments. A bandana can also help bring out your pup's fun side and add a little warmth on cold days.
• Personalized harnesses. Adjustable harnesses with embroidered patches or nameplates add comfort and extra safety on walks.

You can also opt for personalized non-wearable accessories, such as a food or water bowl with your dog's name.

Ultimately, the best dog gifts are items that make your pup's eyes light up and their tail wag. Consider items you know your dog will enjoy and that you'll use regularly with them. Enjoy the Paw-liday Season!