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When it comes to the holiday season, there is nothing better than including your dog on your holiday gift list and spoiling them alongside the rest of the members of your family. However, when you start to think about holiday gifts for your dog, you might be wondering what the best gifts for your dog are. Our guide gives you some of our favorite options for dog holiday gifts so you have an idea of what to get your beloved pup this holiday season.
Considerations for Dog Holiday Gifts
Purchasing a dog holiday gift can be an overwhelming process at first, but the following considerations can help you narrow down your options and start thinking about what your dog might enjoy. Keep these factors in mind as you start the shopping process for dog holiday gifts.
Your Dog’s Preferences
Your dog's preferences are one of the most important things to think about as you shop for holiday gifts. After all, you will want to select a gift that your dog enjoys and will use throughout the holiday season and beyond.
For example, if your dog loves rope toys and toys that they can play tug-of-war with, you may want to invest in a few new options for them. Similarly, if your dog loves puzzles and interactive toys, you can grab them a few to gift throughout the holidays to make their season special.
Your Budget
Your budget is another highly important thing to keep in mind as you start shopping for dog holiday gifts. You will want to select something that is within your budget but still lets you spoil your dog.
Fortunately, there are plenty of different options for dog holiday gifts around today that come in at a range of price points; it should be easy to find something that meets you and your dog's needs while still staying within your budget.
Safety and Materials
The safety and materials of any holiday gift that you purchase for your dogs should be taken into careful consideration. This means avoiding toys that don't appear to have been designed specifically for dogs and toys that come from suspicious manufacturers.
By keeping safety and the quality of materials in mind, you can avoid purchasing toys and other holiday gifts that may pose a safety risk to your pup via exposure to chemicals, poorly made materials, and other issues.
Gift Types
There seems to be no end to the different types of toys and holiday gifts available today for your dog. It’s important to consider all gift types as you search for something for your dog, as you might just stumble upon a new favorite item that your dog uses daily.
From puzzle toys to squeaking toys, to beds and dog outfits, take time to consider the specific gift type that you want to spoil your dog with this holiday season so you know where to start your search.
Top 10 Holiday Gifts for Dogs: Our Picks for Your Pup
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Selecting a gift for your dog can seem overwhelming at first, which is why our top picks are here to set you in the right direction. Below, we give you an overview of our top choices for holiday gifts for your dog.
1. Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5 out of 5
Why we like it
Great for dogs of all sizes, the Outward Hound Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle is a hit with most pups.
Key Notes
Gentle on mouths, multiple sizes, encourages mental stimulation
The Outward Hound Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle is crafted with safe, dog-safe materials and is designed to be a mentally stimulating toy. To use this toy, you can hide the small squirrels inside of the main toy, allowing your dog to pull them out. This toy comes in multiple sizes in order to suit dogs of all sizes, and it is great for independent play.
If your dog is an aggressive chewer or known to pull apart stuffed toys, they may easily tear this toy apart, so it’s important to monitor your pup’s use of this toy.
Pros
- Soft, dog-safe materials
- Mentally stimulating
- Great for independent play
- Multiple sizes
Cons
- May easily be torn apart
2. Three Dog Bakery Holiday Lick’n Crunch Treats
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5 out of 5
Why we like it
These holiday-themed sandwich cookie treats are sure to entice your dog and give them something special to look forward to.
Key Notes
Great smell and taste, flavor variety
These holiday-themed sandwich cookie treats make a great change of pace and addition to your dog’s holiday gifts. There are several different flavor options available from this brand, so you are sure to find something that your dog will love. The Three Dog Bakery Holiday Lick’n Crunch Treats are made with wholesome ingredients and smell amazing to dogs, giving them something to look forward to every day of the holiday season.
These treats are made with wheat flour, so keep that in mind if your dog has a suspected wheat allergy or an overall more sensitive stomach.
Pros
- Smells great to dogs
- Different flavor options
- Holiday-themed cookie treats
Cons
- Not good for dogs with allergies or sensitivities
3. Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5 out of 5
Why we like it
Great for keeping your dog cozy, this orthopedic dog bed is essential for dogs who need a little extra support.
Key Notes
Orthopedic, easily accessible, many sizes
Perfect for when your dog needs a little extra support, the Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed offers plenty of support and comfort for your pup. This bed has four high sides and a small lowered end for your dog to easily get in and out of the bed, and it is great for dogs who have joint issues or senior dogs who may need lots of support. The Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed comes in multiple sizes and it features several holiday colors for a great holiday gift.
It’s important to note that this bed may be a bit more expensive than other beds on the market due to its orthopedic design.
Pros
- Orthopedic bed for dogs who need extra comfort
- Holiday-themed colors
- Easy to get in and out
- Multiple sizes
Cons
- Can be expensive
4. ADOGGYGO 2 Pack Dog Bandana Christmas Classic
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
Easy for your dog to wear, these holiday bandanas are sure to make your pup the star of every holiday photo.
Key Notes
Versatile, durable material
This fun two-pack of Christmas bandanas is perfect for families that want to dress up their pups to match the holidays. These bandanas are easy for your dog to wear, and they are versatile for many different occasions. They also come in three different options, so you can pick the one that best fits your dog’s style and your own preferences.
You may need to keep an eye on these bandanas, as they can easily slip off very rambunctious dogs who play while wearing them. They may also run a little small and not quite fit very large dog breeds.
Pros
- Versatile and easy to wear
- Fun Christmas and holiday themes
- Great for photos
Cons
- May slip off of very rambunctious dogs
5. PETSTA Treat Dispensing Dog Enrichment Toy
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
The PETSTA Treat Dispensing Dog Enrichment Toy is a great way to keep your pup’s mind active throughout the holidays and beyond.
Key Notes
Easy to clean, great mental stimulation
There’s nothing like a puzzle toy for mental stimulation, and you can spoil your dog this holiday season with the PETSTA Treat Dispensing Dog Enrichment Toy. This toy can keep your pup entertained for a while as they search for treats and work out the puzzle’s mechanisms, and there are multiple ways to play with this toy. It is also easy to clean, which makes it a hit with dog owners.
That being said, some dogs can solve this toy quite easily and get bored of it. It may also easily be chewed apart by dogs that decide to bite it in an attempt to get the treats out.
Pros
- Great for mental stimulation
- Keeps your dog entertained
- Easy to clean
- Multiple ways to play
Cons
- Some dogs solve the puzzle too easily
- More playful dogs can destroy i
6. Best Pet Supplies Crinkle Dog Toy
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
This Crinkle Dog Toy comes in multiple designs and is complete with a fun squeaker to entice your dog to play.
Key Notes
Mess-free design, budget-friendly
This budget-friendly toy is great for dogs who may love to rip apart stuffed toys, as the design of this toy is stuffing-free. The Best Pet Supplies Crinkle Dog Toy features a soft squeaking sound that entices your dog to play, and there are multiple different designs available; you can choose the design you think your dog is most likely to play with.
Some dog owners find that the squeaker in this toy easily breaks, leading to less fun for their dogs and a loss of interest over time.
Pros
- No stuffing design
- Fun squeaking sound
- Multiple toy options
- Affordable
Cons
- Squeaker breaks easily
7. Pacific Pups Products Dog Rope Toys
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
Great for heavy chewers, this toy is sure to please your pups who want a durable toy to carry around throughout the holidays.
Key Notes
Durable material, great for chewers
If your dog is a heavy chewer or a more aggressive play partner, the Pacific Pups Products Dog Rope Toys make a great holiday gift. This variety pack includes 11 different rope toys to keep your pup entertained, and these toys are crafted with safe, non-toxic materials. Your dog can chew to relieve anxiety or play tug-of-war with these ropes to their heart’s content.
Keep in mind that even though these rope toys are durable, if you have a very large or strong dog, you may need to replace these ropes often after they are chewed apart.
Pros
- Suits heavy and aggressive chewers
- Variety of options
- Safe, non-toxic design
Cons
- Very large dogs can chew these ropes apart
8. Afreschi Turkey Tendon for Dogs
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
Afreschi’s Turkey Tendon for Dogs gives your pup something special to chew on and improves their dental health with every bite.
Key Notes
Good for teeth, all-natural
The all-natural ingredients in Afreschi’s Turkey Tendon for Dogs make this a safe, healthy treat for your dog to chew on and encourage dental health. In addition to the Turkey Tendon bone treat, several other all-natural options are available and can fit large, small, and medium-sized dogs. These treats are generally healthier than rawhide chews, which may be bleached and unsafe for some dogs.
That being said, it’s generally a good idea to monitor your dog’s use of these treats. If you know your dog swallows some treats whole, you may want to stay away from this gift to avoid issues with your dog’s digestion.
Pros
- Safer than rawhide chews
- Good for teeth
- All-natural
- Several chew treat varieties
Cons
- Not suitable for dogs that swallow treats whole
- Must be used with supervision
9. EXPAWLORER Plaid Dog Hoodie
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
The comfortable design of this dog hoodie is windproof and perfect for pups that need a little extra warmth.
Key Notes
Cozy styles, soft fabric
The EXPAWLORER Plaid Dog Hoodie comes in several different adorable styles, all of them crafted with cozy, soft fabric. If your dog needs a little extra warmth and help staying safe from the wind, they can wear this outfit around the home or in your yard, and the design is comfortable enough for long-term use. The outfits themselves are perfectly designed for the holiday season.
However, the material is not the most durable when it comes to extreme weather, wind, and rain, so you should make sure your dog has the protection they need in these conditions.
Pros
- Adorable styles
- Cozy, soft fabric and comfortable design
- Windproof
Cons
- Material is not the most durable
- Not good for extreme weather conditions
10. Custom Catch Personalized Dog Blanket
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
Easily cleaned and great for a customizable gift, the Custom Catch Personalized Dog Blanket is perfect for making your pup’s day.
Key Notes
Machine washable, custom name option
This customizable dog blanket is a cozy holiday gift for your pup and is sure to make your dog feel special. You can add your dog’s name to this blanket, and there are three different size options available to meet your needs. The blanket is also machine washable, and it generally repels hair so it doesn’t get too dirty too quickly.
There are only two color options available, however, and some dog owners find that the blanket is a little bit too thin for their liking.
Pros
- Customizable for your dog
- Three size options available
- Machine washable and repels hairs
Cons
- Only two colors available
- Blanket may be too thin for some
Buying Holiday Gifts for Your Dog: FAQs
Purchasing holiday gifts for your dog can lead to several questions and concerns. Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about holiday gifts for dogs, so you don’t have to worry as you shop for your pup.
How Can I Tell If a Gift Is Safe for My Dog?
Determining if a gift is safe for your dog to use involves looking at the reviews and the manufacturer of the item. It’s important to only purchase gifts for your dog that have been designed specifically for dogs, as these items will be made with pet-friendly material and generally more durable for the wear and tear that most dogs might put them through.
You can also look closely at the ingredients of a gift if it is an edible treat in addition to examining the materials and quality of any other holiday gift. For example, if you know that your dog is a big chewer, you may want to avoid gifts that can easily be chewed apart and ingested.
Always monitor your dog while they use their holiday gifts for the first time, and keep an eye out for your dog showing any concerning signs after playing with their holiday gifts.
Can I Return Dog Holiday Gifts?
You may be able to return your dog’s holiday gift depending on the type of gift and the retailer you purchased it from. Many holiday gifts that are edible or easily destroyed, such as treats and some soft toys, may not be eligible for return. Other toys that require a larger investment, such as some dog outfits and beds, are much more likely to have generous return policies.
Always check return policies ahead of time if you are not sure whether or not your dog will love a toy, and you want to have the option of exchanging it in the future.
How Do I Select a Gift My Dog Will Love?
Selecting a gift that your dog loves involves taking your pup’s preferences into account, looking at the reviews for toys, and some trial and error. Many dogs will have certain preferences for treats and toys based on their personalities and what they love to play with, and your dog might also have special needs that you need to take into account, such as not being as active as they used to be.
As long as you take the time to really think about the best toy for your dog and cater to their needs, your pup is sure to love any holiday gift you give them.
Spoiling Your Pup During the Holidays
As dog owners, there is no greater joy than buying our pups a fun gift and seeing them enjoy it. The holiday season is known as the season of giving, and there’s no reason why your dog can’t be included on your holiday gift list. Review our options above to start your shopping for the best holiday gift for your dog around and get ready to spoil your pup throughout the holidays.