Your dog is a member of your family, and you no doubt want to include your pup on your holiday gifting list. When it comes to holiday gifts for dogs, there are plenty of different options out there that can give your dog an enjoyable day and encourage them to live their best life. Our guide tells you about the top 10 holiday gifts for dogs so that you can purchase something your pup is sure to love.
What to Think About When Buying Dog Holiday Gifts
As you start to think about what your dog might enjoy for the holidays, you can keep the following considerations in mind. Selecting a gift for your dog can be very subjective and should take your dog’s preferences into account, and the following factors can help you select a gift that meets the needs of both you and your dog.
Types of Gifts
When it comes to holiday gifts for your dog, there are many different types of gifts available. You may want to give your dog something practical that can be used year-round, such as a new bed, or you might want to get them a fun Christmas-themed toy to be used throughout the holiday season. You can get your dog new leashes and outfits, or you could get them special treats to enjoy.
There is no limit to the types of gifts that you may choose to spoil your dog with this holiday season.
Special Needs
Taking your dog’s special needs into account, if they have any, is especially important when you buy holiday gifts for your dog. Your dog may need to avoid a certain type of fabric or food due to allergies or a different special need. Always check ingredients on any treats you plan to buy your dog and make sure that you take the time to investigate your holiday gifts and ensure that they meet your dog's standards.
Your Budget
While several of us have no problem spending as much money as possible on our dogs, many have a budget that you need to stick to when it comes to your holiday gift list. You can shop for holiday gifts for your dog within your budget, avoiding higher-priced items and looking for more affordable gifts. Fortunately, there is plenty of variety when it comes to the price range of holiday gifts available for your dog.
Your Dog’s Preferences
Your dog’s specific toy and gift preferences are one of the biggest factors to keep in mind as you shop for holiday gifts. For example, if you know your dog loves toys that squeak, you may want to invest in a holiday-themed version of this toy. If your dog loves a specific type of treat, you can spoil them by getting a variety pack of this treat.
Always keep your dog's preferences in mind when shopping for holiday gifts, but don't be afraid to trial and error other types of toys to see if you can find a new favorite for your pup.
Holiday Gift Safety
The quality of materials that go into the holiday gifts you purchase for your dog should be given a good amount of thought. In general, you will want to stay away from holiday gifts that appear to be made by suspicious manufacturers or may not have the best design. This prevents your dog from chewing off certain parts of the toy and ingesting it, and it can avoid exposing your dog to chemicals and materials that may pose a safety hazard.
If you have any questions about general holiday gift safety, you can talk to your vet and listen to their recommendations.
Our Selection: The Top 10 Holiday Gifts for Dogs
Our team researches popular dog products to provide reviews and insights. If you choose to purchase using the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which helps support our work at no additional cost to you.
As you start shopping for dog holiday gifts, you might be easily discouraged by the number of options available. However, our top 10 holiday gifts for dogs are a great way to start reviewing your options and select your dog’s holiday gift from our well-researched and dog-approved picks.
1. Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5 out of 5
Why we like it
Outward Hound’s plush squirrel dog toy makes for the perfect puzzle gift and suits dogs of all sizes.
Key Notes
Soft, encourages mental stimulation
This soft, plush squirrel toy is gentle on your dog’s mouth, and it provides a great way for your dog to stay mentally stimulated. You can encourage play with this toy by hiding the small squirrels in the main toy and allowing your dog to find them before pulling them out. This puzzle toy can entertain your dog for hours, and it does come in multiple sizes to suit your dog’s specific size.
Keep in mind that this is a soft stuffed toy, and if your dog is an aggressive chewer, they may easily tear and pull apart this toy. Always monitor your dog while they use their new gift.
Pros
- Soft, plush, and gentle on mouths
- Puzzle toy for mental stimulation
- Multiple sizes
Cons
- Not great for aggressive chewers
2. Three Dog Bakery Holiday Lick’n Crunch Treats
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5 out of 5
Why we like it
Perfect for dogs who love flavor variety, these treats are the best holiday treat for your pup.
Key Notes
Flavor variety, appetizing aroma
The Three Dog Bakery Holiday Lick’n Crunch Treats are a great addition to your dog’s holiday gift collection. These sandwich cookie treats come in a variety of flavors, allowing you to choose something that your pup is sure to love. The treats themselves have a very appetizing aroma and appearance, and they are sure to give your dog something to get excited about every day during the holiday season.
It’s important to note that the richer ingredients in these treats may upset dogs with more sensitive stomachs, and if your dog has food allergies, you should pay attention to the ingredients in the flavor you are thinking about purchasing.
Pros
- Holiday-themed sandwich cookie treats
- Variety of flavors
- Appetizing aroma
Cons
- Can upset dogs with sensitive stomachs
3. Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5 out of 5
Why we like it
The Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed is an essential item for dogs of all ages who need some extra comfort and support.
Key Notes
Cozy and comfortable, versatile
Comfortable and cozy with plenty of support, the Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed provides your dog with support on all four sides. There is a small lowered entrance at the front of the bed to assist your dog with getting in and out of this bed easily, and this allows dogs with joint pain and senior dogs to easily get comfortable. Several holiday colors are available, and this bed comes in different sizes to meet your dog’s needs.
Keep in mind that this dog bed is on the pricier side, as it is specially designed for dogs with joint issues and dogs who need a little more support.
Pros
- Good for dogs with special needs
- Different bed sizes
- Plenty of support
- Easy access for dogs with joint pain
Cons
- Pricier compared to some beds
4. ADOGGYGO 2 Pack Dog Bandana Christmas Classic
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
Great for photos and holiday cards, these Christmas-themed bandanas are perfect for putting your pup in the holiday spirit.
Key Notes
Easy to wear, great for photos
The ADOGGYGO 2 Pack Dog Bandana Christmas Classic makes a perfect holiday gift for your pup, as these bandanas are easy to put on your dog and great for photos. It’s a simple, straightforward gift, and the material of the bandana itself is soft and durable. The sizes on these bandanas do run a little small, so keep that in mind if you have a larger dog breed.
Pros
- Easy to put on your dog
- Great, simple addition for photos
- Soft and durable material
Cons
- Sizes run smal
5. PETSTA Treat Dispensing Dog Enrichment Toy
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
Perfect for keeping your dog’s mind active and stimulated, the PETSTA Treat Dispensing Dog Enrichment Toy is a great puzzle toy for your pup.
Key Notes
Puzzle toy, easy to clean
The PETSTA Treat Dispensing Dog Enrichment Toy is a great addition to your dog’s holiday gift collection, as this toy stimulates their mind and provides them with a great way to engage. Your dog will love searching for treats in this toy, and there are multiple ways for them to play with it. The interior pockets also fit multiple types of treats, making it easy to fill the toy with your dog’s favorites.
Some dogs do grow bored of this toy, especially if they are quite intelligent and easily solve the puzzle on the first try. It can also get chewed apart by dogs who are more aggressive chewers and players.
Pros
- Multiple ways to use
- Great for mental stimulation
- Keeps your dog engaged when you aren’t around
- Can be filled with different treat types
Cons
- Some dogs grow bored of it easily
- Can be chewed apart
6. Best Pet Supplies Crinkle Dog Toy
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
The Best Pet Supplies Crinkle Dog Toy is a no-mess, straightforward holiday gift for your playful pup.
Key Notes
Affordable, fun squeaking sound
The Best Pet Supplies Crinkle Dog Toy offers an affordable holiday gift option for your dog, and this toy is designed with your pup in mind. The toy is free of stuffing, leading to a lack of mess if your dog happens to chew it open. It features a squeaking sound to encourage your dog to play, and multiple toy designs are available to suit your dog’s preferences.
However, some dog owners report that this toy is not the most durable for pups that are aggressive players and heavy chewers.
Pros
- Multiple toy designs to fit your dog’s needs
- Squeaking sound for fun
- No-mess stuffing-free design
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Not the most durable
7. Pacific Pups Products Dog Rope Toys
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
This variety pack of rope toys is great for pups who love to chew and need a toy that is a little more durable.
Key Notes
Variety pack, non-toxic materials
Pacific Pups Products Dog Rope Toys make a great gift for the dog in your life who loves to chew and needs something more durable. This variety pack includes several different lengths and types of ropes toys to keep your dog excited, and these toys are great for pups that love to chew while they play. The materials that make these rope toys are safe and non-toxic, allowing your dog to have worry-free fun.
It’s important to note that very large dogs or strong dogs may easily chew through the ropes, so even though these toys are durable, you might need to replace them every so often.
Pros
- Variety pack of rope toys
- Great for heavy-chewing dogs
- Good for playing or chewing for anxiety
- Safe and non-toxic
Cons
- Can easily be destroyed by large dogs
8. Afreschi Turkey Tendon for Dogs
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
For dogs that love to chew, the Afreschi Turkey Tendon for Dogs makes a great special treat for the holidays.
Key Notes
Encourages dental health, natural ingredients
The Afreschi Turkey Tendon for Dogs is great for encouraging dental health in your dog, as chewing on these treats can help keep teeth clean and healthy. There are a variety of different all-natural turkey-based treats available from this brand, and these treats are generally fun to chew and play on. They are also considered safer than rawhide treats which can negatively impact your dog’s digestive system.
You should monitor your dog’s use of this treat regardless, and some dogs who like to swallow treats whole should not be trusted with this treat due to the risk of upsetting their stomach or eating too much at once and causing digestive problems.
Pros
- Variety of chew treats available
- Improves dental health
- Fun to chew and play
- Safer than rawhide
Cons
- Use should be monitored
- Some dogs cannot be trusted with the turkey tendon bone
9. EXPAWLORER Plaid Dog Hoodie
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
The EXPAWLORER Plaid Dog Hoodie is great for adding a little cozy comfort to your dog’s day this holiday season.
Key Notes
Cozy fabric, windproof hood
Perfect for dogs that need something cozy and comfortable to wear around your home, the EXPAWLORER Plaid Dog Hoodie is versatile and adorable. The designs of this outfit are perfect for the holidays, and the fabric itself is soft, cozy, and windproof. Multiple colors and styles of this dog hoodie are available to suit your dog’s needs.
Some dog owners note that this dog hoodie is not the most durable if your dog likes to chew at materials, and it can be a little lackluster in snow or rain. If you need to walk your dog in these conditions, make sure they have the proper protection.
Pros
- Windproof hood
- Cozy and comfortable fabric
- Multiple colors and sizes available
Cons
- Not the most durable
- Not great for wear in the rain or snow
10. Custom Catch Personalized Dog Blanket
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
The Custom Catch Personalized Dog Blanket is great for crafting a gift that makes your dog truly feel at home wherever they need a cozy blanket.
Key Notes
Machine washable, customizable
The Custom Catch Personalized Dog Blanket allows you to put your dog’s name on their blanket, making for a truly unique and lovable holiday gift. There are multiple sizes available for this blanket, so you can select the one that best fits your needs, and the blanket itself both repels hair and is machine washable for easy cleaning.
There are only two color options, which can be a drawback for some dog owners, and the blanket is on the thinner side, which may make it less cozy than some owners would want for their pups.
Pros
- Machine washable for easy cleaning
- Multiple sizes available
- Customizable for the perfect gift
Cons
- Blanket is on the thinner side
- Limited color options
What to Know About Holiday Gifts for Dogs
Shopping for your dog’s holiday gift may have left you with a few questions below, we tell you what to know about holiday gifts for dogs so you can keep these answers in mind as you select the best holiday gift to spoil your dog with.
Are Some Dog Holiday Gifts Better Than Others?
While it may seem that some dogs enjoy their holiday gifts more than others, the truth is that there is no one universal gift or toy that can please your dog. All of our dogs have different personalities and preferences, and owners have different budgets.
You can spoil your dog perfectly fine by selecting a toy that you know will fit their needs and desires, and one that suits your requirements for a fun holiday gift.
What If My Dog Doesn’t Like a Holiday Gift?
It’s totally possible for your dog to turn their nose up at a holiday gift you give them. After all, our dogs have their own preferences, and they may simply not want to play with or use a gift that you give them. In these cases, you can explore a return policy at the store or retailer where you purchased your dog’s toy, or you can donate the gift they are not using.
You may want to buy a few different holiday gifts for your pup to try out so you can see what they best prefer and what they will use past the holiday season.
How Do I Pick a Great Holiday Gift for My Dog?
Picking a great holiday gift for your dog involves taking their needs and preferences into account alongside your own budget. While we love to spoil our dogs for the holiday season, the truth is that our pups are probably going to be happy with whatever toys and gifts we give them, holiday or not.
You can pick the best gift by finding something that will encourage play, mental stimulation, or even comfort in your dog and providing them with lots of love to go along with their gift.
Including Your Pup on Your Holiday Gift List
Our dogs are family members, and this means that your dog has a place on your holiday gift list. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the many different choices for dog holiday gifts, we recommend you start with the options in our guide. These options, plus considerations for your dog’s preferences, can help you select a holiday gift for your dog that they are sure to enjoy day after day, long after the holiday season has passed.