Best Christmas Gifts for Your Dog

Written by Brenda Woods Updated 04/16/2024

Your dog may not be able to open a gift, but it can still experience the joy of a new treat or toy on Christmas. We have gathered some of our favorite gift ideas for your pooch so it can join in on the family fun.

Factors To Consider When Deciding on Holiday Gifts for Dogs

Consider these factors while shopping for a gift for your dog.

Your dog’s personality: Some dogs like to play fetch or tug-of-war until they drop; others prefer a bit of relaxed pampering. Consider what your dog enjoys doing the most and look for gifts that suit them.

Your dog’s age: Christmas gifts for older dogs will likely be quite different from ones for puppies. Think about your dog’s activity level and nutritional requirements when deciding between gifts.

Quality: How long do you want the product to last? Will it stand up to chewing or tearing? What have previous customers said about quality and durability?

Safety: It should go without saying, but make sure that any product you purchase is safe for dogs. Some unscrupulous sellers will market poor-quality items that could pose choking hazards or other problems.

Shipping time: How many shopping days are left before Christmas? Try to leave some buffer time in case shipping is delayed.

Budget: You’ll want to pick something that doesn’t break the bank, but try not to sacrifice quality. Look for Black Friday deals online or in pet stores if budget is a top concern.

The Best Christmas Gifts for Dogs

Here’s our selection of the best holiday dog gifts in each of the following categories.

Dog Toys

Think about your dog’s personality and breed. What does it enjoy doing? What is it naturally wired for? You could also try a new type of toy—it might end up being your pet’s favorite thing.

If your dog loves working for its treats, the Outward Hound Treat Tumble can provide hours of fun. Simply fill up the treat-dispensing ball to help your dog exercise both body and mind.
Some dogs can’t get enough of squeaky toys. This Eastblue Squeaky Dog Toy provides near-indestructible fun even for aggressive chewers.
If crackle sounds perk your pet’s ears, try a BarkBox 2-in-1 Interactive Plush Puzzle Toy. This adorable four-piece toy is shaped like a bag of chips (“Woofles”), and it’s perfect for dogs of all sizes.
A Nylabone Puppy Chew Variety Triple Pack provides three times the fun for power-chewing puppies. These healthy treats also help clean teeth and soothe teething pain.

Dog Beds

Dog beds can become lumpy, misshapen, and smelly over time. Consider upgrading to something more luxurious if it’s been a while since you replaced yours. The MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Dog Bed is available for small to extra-large dogs and provides a comfy sleeping spot for pets of all ages.

This ultra-plush cushion can be used on its own or inside a crate, and its low profile makes it good for senior dogs with limited mobility. The gray swirl ombre pattern is attractive and fits with most home decor, and the polyester surface is soft to the touch. Best of all, this dog bed is machine washable and dryer friendly, making it easy to clean.

Dog Clothing

The holiday season is time for cozy winter sweaters, and your dog can join in with this Blueberry Pet Pullover Fleece Hoodie, available in multiple sizes. The ultra-soft, lightweight fleece will keep your furry friend warm on cold winter nights, and the festive, sweater-like reindeer pattern will get you in the holiday mood. Blueberry Pet offers the same pattern in a dog sweater, jacket, scarf, and snood.

Dog Bowls

You might not think your dog’s bowls need upgrading, but the BurgeonNest 4-in-1 Dog Bowl has some pretty useful features. It contains a molded silicone mat plus two stainless steel dog bowls—one for food and one for water. The fourth piece is a slow-feeder puzzle bowl insert that will keep your dog from eating too quickly, reducing the risk of choking, bloating, and indigestion. The mat keeps the bowls in place and catches spills or splashes, helping your floor stay clean and dry at mealtime.

Dog Grooming Supplies

Some breeds are easy to groom, while others require frequent detangling and deshedding. This Friends Forever 6-in-1 Professional Pet Grooming Kit is as much a gift for you as it is for your pet. It has everything you need to keep your dog’s coat and nails in great shape, including nail clippers, a nail file, a slicker brush, an undercoat rake, a dematting comb, and a grooming comb.

The combs and brushes are suitable for medium and long hair of any texture, and the anti-slip handles ensure the tools stay comfortably in your hands. Customers report that the tools are high-quality and durable, and there’s even a carrying case for easy transport and storage.

Dog Crate

If you’re traveling for Christmas with your dog, a Petnation Port-A-Crate Indoor/Outdoor Pet Home will give it a secure place to rest. This steel-framed, fabric crate is available for breeds up to 70 pounds. It folds for easy transportation and can be used in the car. The rounded corners won’t damage anything around it.

The crate has multiple mesh “windows” for airflow and visibility, plus zippered “doors” at the front and top. You can wipe the water-resistant fabric clean or remove the cover from the frame and throw it in the washing machine. The crate sizes are compatible with most standard pet beds, making for a comfortable home away from home for your pooch.

Dog Harness and Leash

It’s not a good idea to attach your dog’s leash directly to its collar. The collar puts pressure on its throat and neck when it pulls on the leash, causing tissue damage. Instead, fit your pup for a harness that redistributes the pull’s force around its chest. If your dog is a chronic leash puller, look for a harness with a front attachment point that will slow its forward momentum.

The Voyager Dual Leash Attachment Dog Harness and Leash Set solves all of these problems. It’s available in nine colors, with a nylon option for extra strength or a mesh option for extra breathability. Sizes are available for extra-small to extra-large dogs, and every harness has a leash clip on the front (your dog’s chest) and top (your dog’s back). The harnesses are padded for comfort and adjustable across the chest and torso for a close fit. Even better, every Voyager product comes with a 100% money-back guarantee.

Dog Camera

Indoor video cameras aren’t just for security—you can also use them to check on your pets when you aren’t home. While there are many cameras on the market, the eufy Pet Camera provides several canine-specific features. It rotates 270 degrees and its tracking technology follows your dog’s movements. You can set a notification for every time your dog barks, or talk to them through the mobile app built into the speaker.

Arguably the best feature is Eufy’s treat dispenser, which flings small treats at three different distances to keep your dog entertained. The HD video quality makes it easy to see what your pup is up to, and the footage is stored locally, so there’s no need for a monthly subscription fee. There’s even night vision to keep an eye on your pooch when the lights are off.

Pet Insurance

Consider pet insurance a gift to both you and your dog. The policy will safeguard your budget from unexpected vet bills due to accidents, injuries, illnesses, and most health conditions. Most companies have you pay the bill first and reimburse you later for up to 90% of the cost (depending on your policy’s terms), but some companies pay the vet directly.

No pet insurer covers preexisting conditions, but the best pet insurance providers offer broad coverage for pets of all ages. Some companies offer add-ons for preventive and routine veterinary care, alternative treatments, behavioral care, and more. Explore the available coverage options and consider a Christmas gift that will last long after the holidays are over.

Our Conclusion

This Christmas, include your dog in the gift-giving fun. You can even make a game out of the process, hiding a scented toy or treat for your dog to find or allowing them to “unwrap” the present as much as their paws and teeth allow. Just make sure the wrapping has minimal tape and bows, and consider making a small tear in the paper to get them started. Whether you purchase a toy, treat, or something that will help you take better care of your dog, it will greatly appreciate the generosity.