Every December, the pet aisle fills up with squeaky reindeer that last about four minutes. Your dog loves them. Then they’re stuffing on the rug.
These dog Christmas gifts are the ones that actually get used. Some are for your dog, some are for the person on the other end of the leash, and a few make life easier for both.
How to pick a gift that gets used
Before you buy, think about the dog, not the packaging.
- Size matters. Toys and chews should be too big to swallow and right for the dog’s jaw.
- Chewer or not? Power chewers destroy plush toys. Buy tougher rubber instead.
- Age matters. Puppies need soft chews for teething, seniors need comfort.
- Ask the owner about allergies or diet rules before you give food.
Here’s the full list, grouped by type. Our 8 top picks are summed up in the card further down.
Gifts that keep their brain busy
A tired brain makes a calm dog. These are great for winter, when walks get shorter.
- Puzzle feeder: dogs work for their kibble. Start with an easy level.
- Snuffle mat: hide treats in fabric strips for sniffing.
- Lick mat: spread with plain unsweetened yogurt or plain pumpkin puree (not pie filling) and freeze.
- Treat-dispensing rubber toy: stuff, freeze and hand over during dinner.
Need more ideas for snowy days? Here are our indoor enrichment ideas for dogs.
- Works for puppies, adults, rescues and seniors
- One page per problem, step by step
- Printable PDF, free
Gifts for comfort
These cost more but last for years.
- A supportive bed with thick foam and a removable, washable cover. Seniors and big dogs especially.
- A washable throw for the couch, so your dog has a spot that isn’t your spot.
- A raised feeder for tall dogs, if your vet agrees it suits your dog.
Handy with a sewing machine, or even without one? Try our DIY dog bed ideas.
Winter gear
Not every dog needs a coat. Huskies and fluffy breeds are fine. But thin-coated, small or older dogs feel the cold.
- A winter coat that covers the chest and belly, measured properly.
- Booties for ice and salted sidewalks. Expect some funny walking at first.
- Paw balm for cracked pads.
- A reflective or light-up leash for dark evening walks.
Safety gifts
Not exciting to unwrap, but some of the most useful things on this list.
- An updated ID tag with a current phone number. Check the microchip details are up to date too.
- A GPS tracker for escape artists. Check the monthly fee before you buy.
- A car safety harness or travel crate. Look for brands that publish independent crash testing.
- A doggy first aid kit with gauze, a tick remover and your vet’s number.
Gifts for dog owners
The dog person in your life will love these, and the dog won’t mind either.
- A pet portrait painted or drawn from a favorite photo.
- A good lint roller or a pet hair vacuum attachment. Unromantic, deeply appreciated.
- Waterproof walking gear: a jacket with big pockets, gloves that work with a phone.
- A treat pouch that clips to a belt for training walks.
- A dog camera so they can check in from work.
- A paw print keepsake made with a pet-safe ink pad or air-dry clay.
One warning: homemade salt dough ornaments are dangerous for dogs if eaten, because of the salt. Hang them high or use a different craft.
Homemade treats in a tin
A batch of homemade biscuits in a pretty tin is cheap, personal and always a hit.
- Use simple, dog-safe ingredients like oat flour, plain pumpkin puree, eggs and xylitol-free peanut butter.
- Skip chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, nutmeg and anything sweetened.
- Add a label with the ingredients and a “use by” date.
Our pumpkin oat Christmas dog bones are an easy place to start.
Toys that last
If you buy a toy, buy one that survives the morning.
- Thick rubber toys for strong chewers.
- Rope toys for tug, but bin them once they start to fray.
- Plush toys only for gentle dogs, with no small plastic eyes.
- A ball too big to get stuck in the throat.
Be careful with very hard chews like antlers and real bones. They can crack teeth. Never give cooked bones, which splinter.
Small stocking stuffers
Want something little to fill a stocking? These are cheap and genuinely handy.
- A roll of poop bags with a clip-on holder.
- A collapsible water bowl for walks and car trips.
- A soft-bristle brush or a grooming glove.
- A bandana in a festive print.
- A pack of small, soft training treats.
Hang the stocking high if it has food in it. A dog nose will find it by morning.
Gifts that cost nothing
Short on cash? Dogs really don’t care about price tags.
- A long walk somewhere new with lots to sniff.
- A cardboard box with treats hidden in crumpled paper.
- An offer to dog-sit for a friend so they can have a night out.
- Ten minutes of training a new trick, every day for a week.
Keep Christmas safe for your dog
The best gift is a holiday without a vet visit. A few December hazards to watch:
- Don’t put food gifts under the tree. Dogs can smell them through the wrapping.
- Chocolate, raisins and xylitol are common in holiday treats. Keep them up high.
- Tinsel, ribbon and string can cause dangerous blockages if swallowed.
- Batteries and small ornaments belong out of reach.
- Clear away wrapping paper fast. Some dogs eat it.
If your dog eats something worrying, call your vet or an animal poison control line right away.
Common questions
What is a good Christmas gift for a dog?
A puzzle feeder, a supportive bed or a tough toy sized for your dog. Gifts that keep them busy or comfortable get used most.
What do you get a dog owner for Christmas?
A pet portrait, a lint roller or pet hair tool, warm walking gear or a dog camera.
Are rawhides a good Christmas gift?
They are popular, but swallowed pieces can cause choking or blockages. Choose the right size, supervise every chew and ask your vet what suits your dog.
Can I put dog treats under the Christmas tree?
Better not. Dogs smell food through wrapping and may tear into gifts, ribbon and all.
What’s a cheap but thoughtful dog gift?
Homemade dog-safe treats in a tin, or a long walk somewhere new. Both cost very little.
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