The 51 Best Gifts for Dogs and The People Who Love Them

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Collage of gifts we recommend for dogs and dog lovers on a colorful background

The Spruce Pets / Lecia Landis

We think it’s more fun to buy gifts for dogs and for their people than for anyone else. For holiday shopping, you can get treats and toys for the canines on your list and fun dog-related presents for dog-loving humans.

One of our favorite picks is the West Paw Dog’s Best Friend board game (featured below), which lets people and pups play side by side on game night. For example, one of the activities has you hiding in the house with a squeaky toy to see how fast your dog finds you.

But there are lots of other ideas. Before you start stuffing your dog’s stocking, here are some of the best gifts for dogs and dog lovers.

WEST PAW Treat Dispensing Dog Toy Puzzle

WEST PAW Zogoflex Toppl Treat Dispensing Dog Toy Puzzle

Amazon

All West Paw dog toys are durable and sustainable, but we particularly like the Toppl. Fill it up with treats and freeze it and it will make dinner or treat time fun and challenging. It comes in two sizes and three sherbet-y colors. Another great option is the West Paw Qwizl, which is a great tug, fetch, or treat toy.

Price at time of publish: $20

Grounds & Hounds Coffee Subscription

Grounds & Hounds Foster Fuel

Grounds & Hounds

For the person who loves rescue dogs and java, this gift subscription gives back in several ways. Choose from selections like Belly Rub Blend and Rescue Roast and opt to send them for three, six, or 12 months. A percentage of proceeds benefits pups at rescue organizations.

There are all sorts of car seat covers to keep a vehicle relatively safe from muddy paws and floating dog hair. This one earned top honors for “best looking” in our car seat recommendations. It comes as a hammock or a bench seat cover and it’s a bright, attractive blue with either orange or gray stitching.

Max and Neo Double Handle Dog Leash

Max and Neo Double Handle Dog Leash

Amazon

This is our favorite dog leash. It has a traffic handle, which is an extra handle closer to the clasp so that you can get control of your dog quickly like when you’re crossing the street. It comes in seven colors and two lengths. Bonus points because for every item sold, the company donates one to a rescue.

FluentPet Dog Talking Button Tester Kit

Amazon FluentPet Cat & Dog Buttons for Communication

Amazon

For the dog who has a lot to say, these talking buttons let a pet touch a button with a pre-recorded message. It lets pups say they want a treat, a walk, or a car ride, for example. This starter kit includes two buttons and foam pads that keep them in place.

Price at time of publish: $80

West Paw Dog’s Best Friend Game

Amazon West Paw Dog’s Best Friend Game

Amazon

For the family that loves game night, the Dog’s Best Friend Game from West Paw lets humans and canines play side by side. In one challenge, you go hide with a squeaky toy and see how long it takes your dog to find you. You can play with a whole bunch of people or just you and your pup. There are five difficulty levels and training tips are built into the fun.

P.L.A.Y. Toy Collections

Choose from French fries or a pizza slice, a boombox or a station wagon. These plush toys have squeakies and crinkles and are so colorful and whimsical. All P.L.A.Y. products are eco-friendly featuring stuffing from recycled plastic bottles and minimal packaging. Plus, dogs just seem to love them.

Outward Hound Hide a Squirrel Dog Toy

Amazon Outward Hound Hide a Squirrel Squeaky Puzzle Plush Dog Toy

Amazon

Ideal for the smart pup, this interactive toy is a fun plush tree trunk packed with squeaky squirrels. The dog has to find them and pull them all out. This puzzle toy comes in three sizes, which include three to six critters, depending on size.

Best Friends by Sheri Original Calming Donut Dog Bed

Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Donut Bed

Amazon

You can never have too many great dog beds, whether it's an allergen-resistant one like NIGHT's Silk Pet Bed or a calming option like this one. Dogs just sink into this shaggy, soft donut-shaped bed. The shag keeps a pup warm as they curl up, plus there’s nice cushioning for comfy support. It comes in five sizes and a rainbow of colors.

Yeti Boomer 8 Dog Bowl

Yeti Boomer 8 Dog Bowl

Dick's Sporting Goods

These handsome dog bowls come in two sizes and more than a dozen colors. It’s made of double-walled (non-insulated) stainless steel and has a rubber ring on the bottom to keep it from slipping. The bowl is dishwasher-safe and has a 5-year warranty.

For the person awash in a cloud of dog hair, these gloves make spa time easier for everyone involved. The nitrile rubber bumps (the same material used in medical gloves) collect hair gently as they pass over a pet’s body, providing a massage in addition to de-shedding. They’re really easy to clean and come in five sizes and several colors.

Blue Sparrow Designs Co Dog Doormat

Blue Sparrow Designs Co Dog Doormat

Etsy

When their dog does a better job than the doorbell, consider this appropriate welcome mat. Made of real or synthetic (all-weather) coconut fibers, they come in two sizes. Most dog owners will appreciate the message: “Just Text When You Get Here. No Need To Knock and Get the Dogs Involved.”

Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Brick Puzzle Dog Toy

Amazon Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Brick Puzzle Game Dog Toy

Amazon

Keep a smart dog entertained with a puzzle toy. In this brick interactive game, a dog has to lift and slide the pieces in order to get to the kibble or treats underneath. It slows down a pup so he doesn’t eat too fast, and it makes dinner time fun. There are lots of designs with different degrees of difficulty, but this one is a popular intermediate game.

MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle

MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle

Amazon

This is such a handy gadget for people who hike or take car rides with their dogs. This travel water bottle is easy to use one-handed and fits in a cupholder. Just turn the bottle on its side, press the button, and fill the lid with water. If a dog doesn’t drink everything, press the button to drain the water back into the bottle.

Stellaire Chern Snuffle Mat

Stellaire Chern Snuffle Mat

Amazon

Sprinkle food or treats into the nooks and crannies of a snuffle mat and a pup can hunt for all the yummy goodies. It slows them down when they eat and keeps them engaged and having fun. This mat comes in two sizes and has lots of spots to hide alluring morsels.

Another great treat option, Jiminy’s are made with crickets, which is a more sustainable protein than traditional pet foods. They come in several flavors, are nutritious, and are easy to break apart for training. This is a good option for people who try to be eco-conscious and care about their pet’s impact on the environment.

Modoker Dog Travel Bag

Modoker Dog Travel Bag

Amazon

In this travel bag, there are lots of compartments and containers for food, treats, leashes, and other accessories that travelers want to take on the road. It includes a tote bag, two dog food containers, two silicone bowls, and a placemat. There are plenty of pockets for storage and it comes in seven colors.

Barkley and Wagz Customized Tote Bag

Barkley and Wagz Dog Ears Customized Tote Bag

Etsy

Some are floppy; some stand up. Dogs communicate a lot with their ears. This personalized tote has a stylized tattoo-like outline of a pup’s ears, created from photos you send. It is available in two sizes, two colors, and with or without a zipper.

Morezi Large Dog Toy Storage Box with Lid

Morezi Large Dog Toy Storage Box with Lid

Amazon

A dog can never have too many toys, but they’ll need someplace to stash them all. This large dog toy box has two compartments, a removable divider, and a split lid that attaches with Velcro. It’s collapsible and comes in nearly 20 colors and patterns.

RAYCO Pet First Aid Kit with LED Safety Collar

RAYCO Pet First Aid Kit with LED Safety Collar

Amazon

For adventurous dog owners who are always out exploring, this medical kit has a good stash of emergency supplies. It includes an assortment of gauze and bandages as well as tweezers (for tick removal), scissors, an ice pack, an emergency blanket, a styptic pencil for bleeding, and lots more.

Frisco Sherpa Dog Blanket

Frisco Sherpa Blanket

Chewy

This cuddly, soft blanket protects the furniture while keeping a pet warm. It’s reversible gray with one side plush sherpa and the other a subdued print. It comes in two sizes and, of course, is machine washable to remove tufts of dog hair and muddy paw prints.

Uncommon Goods Customizable Pet Puzzle

Uncommon Goods Customizable Pet Puzzle

Uncommon Goods

Put together all the pieces and the result is a fun caricature of a pup’s face. Choose a color and choose from a dozen dog illustrations. Then add a name or message. The 500-piece puzzle is made in Minnesota.

Yappy Personalized Tea Towel

Yappy Personalized Tea Towel

Yappy

Choose from all sorts of breeds (including rescue dogs) to find the illustration that looks the most like the dog you know. Then add a name and see what it would look like on all sorts of dish towels with sayings like “Dish licker” or “Did someone say food?” Towels are 100 percent cotton and come in many colors and designs.

LickiMat Tuff

LickiMat Tuff

 Amazon

Lick mats are flat plates with little raised nubs that can help calm or entertain a pup. Smear on some peanut butter, yogurt, or other spreadable treat, and a dog will lick all the crannies. This particular mat is good because it’s heavy duty and it has suction cups to attach to the floor or even the bathroom wall during bath time.

Messy Mutts Silicone Treat-Making Mold

Messy Mutts Silicone Treat-Making Mold

Amazon

Nothing says love like a homemade treat. These reusable silicone molds each have room to make a dozen bone-shaped cookies or frozen morsels. Each mold has a little line down the middle to make it easier to break treats in half. The molds are dishwasher safe and made of food-grade silicone.

Primitives by Kathy Dog Sign

Primitives by Kathy Dog Sign

Amazon

These small wooden box signs have cute dog-themed messages like, “Sorry, I Can't. I Have Plans With My Dog” and “Dogs Welcome. People Tolerated.” They’re black and white, look distressed, and can hang up or stand by themselves on a shelf or right near the dog treats.

Canine Styles Polar Fleece Dog T-shirt

Canine Styles Polar Fleece Dog T-shirt

Canine Styles

The stylish pooch would look nifty in some of this high-end doggie wear from this popular New York shop. There are cashmere sweaters, raincoats, and boots. We like this soft and cozy polar fleece T-shirt that comes in four colors and six sizes.

Plattepus Customs Custom Metal Dog Sign

Plattepus Customs Custom Metal Dog Sign

Etsy

It can be wall art inside or an address number outside. These personalized steel signs can feature any dog breed and a name, message, or number. They come in black, red, or silver and are coated to deter rusting and scratching.

Rescue Box Subscription

Rescue Box Subscription

The Animal Rescue Site

There are lots of pet-related subscription boxes where a pup receives monthly treats and toys. The Rescue Box sends these goodies, but also benefits a good cause. Each monthly purchase feeds 142 shelter animals. There are five pet products in each box and they can be customized to fit the size of the pup.

If My Dog Could Talk Personalized Book

I See Me Books US If My Dog Could Talk Personalized Book

Etsy

Told from the dog’s perspective, this sweet rhyming storybook tells the tale of a pup and the people they love. Personalize it by adding a name and a photo and choosing the type of dog that will be illustrated throughout the book. You can add as many as four people in the dog’s life to make it even more customized.

West & Willow Custom Pet Portrait

West & Willow Custom Pet Portrait

West & Willow

Portraiture is a beautiful way to memorialize your dog. Working from a favorite photo, you can order a modern portrait or a line drawing created by a digital artist. You can add the pup’s name, choose a background color, and opt for a frame. Each portrait is printed on gallery-quality paper and comes in three sizes.

Paper Source Dogs Personalized Notepad Set

Paper Source Dogs Personalized Notepad Set

Paper Source

Perfect for leaving a note for the dogwalker or vet, these notepads feature four interested pups. Personalize each pad with the name of a dog or their person. They come in four colors, are made with 50 percent post-consumer recycled materials, and have matching items like stationary and journals.

KINGNOW Wood Dog and Person Sculpture

KINGNOW Wood Dog and Person Sculpture

Amazon

A person tucks their dog’s head between their face and hands in this sweet wooden sculpture. Choose from an adult or a child or a combination of people and pups. The puzzle-like pieces fit together and can be displayed together or individually.

Furbo 360° Dog Camera

Furbo 360° Dog Camera

Amazon

For the pup owner who can’t stand leaving their BFF behind, this monitor keeps an eye on them. It dispenses treats and lets people talk (and listen) to their pets at home. The 360-degree view of the room is particularly handy and it has great resolution.

Ben's Garden Crystal Dome Paperweight

Ben's Garden Life Is Short Play With Your Dog French Crystal Dome Paperweight

Ben's Garden

This crystal dome paperweight is a sweet reminder for any pup lover. Remember, “Life is short. Play with your dog.” It’s handcrafted in New York with a heavy French crystal top and a decoupaged message.

Pacific Hound Dog Scarf

Pacific Hound Dog Scarf

Pacific Hound

Dog scarves from Pacific Hound add a little warmth and a ton of style to a dog’s outings. Available in dozens of colors and patterns, the scarves vary from lightweight to heavyweight and can be worn by pets and their humans for matchy photos and excursions. You can add a hand stamped name tag for a few extra dollars.

Ten Thousand Villages Dog Chefs Apron

Ten Thousand Villages Dog Chefs Apron

Ten Thousand Villages

What’s more fun for someone who loves cooking and dogs than an apron covered with pups wearing chef's hats? Also decorated with cooking utensils, bones, and paw prints, this 100 percent cotton apron from Ten Thousand Villages has a large center pocket and an adjustable tie. The apron and matching tea towel and oven mitt are handcrafted in India in conjunction with the Tote Project to empower victims of human trafficking.

Uncommon Goods Dog Face Pillow

Uncommon Goods Dog Face Pillow

Uncommon Goods

When the dog is always hogging the couch, get a pillow to keep them company. The Uncommon Goods Dog Face Pillow is hand hooked from 100 percent wool and features a choice of nine different breeds, including a corgi and a border collie. But there are also several designs, like the golden retriever, that could represent lots of mixed breed pups. The pillow is compact at just 8 by 12 inches and is made in India.

PajamaGram Christmas Pajamas For Family

Amazon PajamaGram Christmas Pajamas For Family

Amazon

For the pet and person who do everything together, PajamaGram matching pajamas make Netflix nights much more entertaining. This loungewear is available in candy cane stripes, red plaid, or wintry polar bears. There are sizes for adults, kids, and pets with the pet pjs ranging from XS to XXL. The pjs are made of machine-washable, soft microfleece.

Merry Makings Advent Calendar

Petco Merry Makings Advent Calendar Chew for Dogs

Petco

Truly a gift that keeps on giving—at least through the holiday season—the Merry Makings Advent Calendar for Dogs from Petco offers 25 days of dog chews. Behind each little window is a rawhide-free chew or crunchy treats shaped like snowmen, trees, and gingerbread men. As each door is opened, the box creates a festive pop-up holiday scene.

Frisco Personalized Dog Treats Jar

Chewy Frisco Ceramic Personalized Dog Treats Jar

Chewy

There’s no confusion over whose snacks are whose with a Frisco Ceramic Personalized Dog Treats Jar. The white jar says “Treats for…” with room for a pet’s name up to 12 characters. The tight lid keeps items fresh in between snack breaks. The canister is about 10-inches tall and holds an impressive 13 cups of treats.

Pettsie Matching Set Gift Box

Amazon Pettsie Matching Set Gift Box

Amazon

When a person and their pet are truly BFFs, this Pettsie Matching Set lets them show the world. The gift set includes a matching collar, bandana, and friendship bracelet. The pup sports the collar and/or bandana and their favorite human has the matching friendship bracelet. They are available in blue, green, pink, or turquoise fun daisy print and are available in four sizes.

Merry Makings Jumbo Prestuffed Stocking Dog Toy

Petco Merry Makings Jumbo Prestuffed Stocking Dog Toy, X-Large

Petco

Big dogs—and little dogs, really—deserve massive stockings. This Merry Makings Jumbo Prestuffed Stocking from Petco is so big! It’s more than 3 feet long and has a clear window in front so you can see all the goodies inside. It’s packed with stuffed toys, balls, rope toys and, of course, a toy bag of coal. Even though we know all dogs are good dogs.

There’s always that ball-obsessed dog who just can’t play enough fetch. The Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster is a lightweight, easy-to-use ball launcher. It comes in three sizes and any tennis ball fits in the medium and large versions. When a dog (hopefully) returns a ball, it’s easy to pick it up from the ground with the blaster to avoid slobbery messes.

SodaPup Gnome Chew Toy

Amazon SodaPup Gnome Durable Treat Dispenser and Chew Toy

Amazon

SodaPup has all sorts of whimsically shaped treat dispensers and chew toys, like a coffee cup, cupcake, or retro van. For the holidays, we like this Gnome treat dispenser and chew toy. This squat little guy can be filled with treats or something longer lasting like peanut butter to give pups a fun and calming distraction. It’s durable and dishwasher safe too.

FurfriendsEmpawrium Matchy Matchy Set

Etsy FurfriendsEmpawrium Matchy Matchy Set

Etsy

These are just the sweetest accessories. The Matchy Matchy Set features a dog collar ID tag with a cut-out heart and sparkling crystals. It can be personalized with a pet’s name and a contact number. The human wears a corresponding heart on a necklace or bracelet with the first letter of the pet’s name. The tag and charm are handmade from brass.

Mademydays Pet Portrait Sweatshirt

Etsy Mademydays Custom Pet Portrait Sweatshirt

Etsy

Some dog people wear their hearts on their sleeves, why not let them wear their pets? Mademydays Custom Pet Portrait sweatshirts and T-shirts feature handmade illustrations of a pet, based on photographs. Choose from line art, color drawings, black and white illustration, or even people and pets and splash the happy designs on T-shirts, hoodies, or sweatshirts.

Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Gourmet Jerky Sticks

Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Gourmet Jerky Sticks for Dogs

Amazon

These 6-inch jerky sticks are made with real chicken or beef and they have such a delectable aroma (to dogs) that tricks and training are so easy when these snacks are involved. They are soft enough to break into teeny tiny pieces so that one bag lasts a very long time. They are made in the U.S. and come in a durable, foil, resealable pouch to keep the treats fresh.

Floof Gentle Essentials Kit

Floof Gentle Essentials Kit

Floof

The Floof Gentle Essentials Kit is a really nice set of grooming products that contain no sulfates, phthalates, parabens, or synthetic fragrances. The set includes gentle shampoo and conditioner that are very hydrating and were created to help ease itching from allergies. There’s a tube of soothing cream for paw pads, noses, and wrinkles, and three packs of alcohol-free wipes. It’s all packed inside a fun Floof black crossbody canvas tote bag.

Whether someone is trying to house-train a new puppy or dealing with a senior dog and accidents, potty pads can make things go more smoothly. Pupiboo Washable Pee Pads are reusable over and over again. Available in several patterns, they look like an attractive rug instead of a puppy pad. But they don’t have the same texture as a rug so pups shouldn’t be tempted to use area rugs for bathroom breaks.

The Tuffy Gingerbread Man is not as fragile as his cookie counterparts. This durable toy has three layers of fabric: soft fleece on the outside, plastic coating on the inside, and industrial-grade luggage material in the middle. It has four layers of stitching and the squeakers are tucked inside protective pouches. The gingerbread guy floats in water and is machine washable when it gets grimy.

Stocking Stuffers and Gift Wrapping

When holiday shopping, you’ll find lots of gifts for the dogs you love as well as great choices for dog-loving people. First, make sure to fill your dog’s stocking. If you don’t already have a stocking for your pup, here are some dog stockings we love:

But the fun part is choosing the treats and toys for your pup. These small gifts are stocking-ready and only cost about $10 or so:

And because dogs (and people) love to open presents, here are some suggestions for wrapping your canine gifts in style.

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

To find some of the very best dog gifts, we asked people who have dogs and people who love dogs some of the best gifts they’ve ever given or received. We considered items just for dogs, just for people, and some that everyone can enjoy. This story was written by Mary Jo DiLonardo who has covered animals and pets for several decades. Mary Jo has fostered more than 70 puppies and dogs and is always looking for the most interesting pet products. She always finds interesting gifts for her own rescue dog as well as the dogs she loves who live with other people. Mary Jo has written about a range of topics including best dog toys and best slow feeder bowls.

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