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Call off the zoomies! These gifts for dogs and dog lovers will arrive on time

From chewy toys to matching sweaters, you'll score major points with these fun, unexpected gifts.
Kara Birnbaum / TODAY
/ Source: TODAY

Dog lovers are a special breed. You know the type: They're forever finding a way to show you videos of their dog's adorable antics, they plan their days and vacations around their pet's playdates, and they're constantly buying new accessories for their pup.

But all with good reason: Dog owners know that showering their pets with amazingness is only fair. After all, there's nothing quite like a dog's comfort, company and unconditional love.

Finding gifts for dog owners can be especially difficult, but we're here to help. Whether their canine companion is a frosty-faced senior or a brand-new puppy, we curated a group of functional, unique dog gifts that celebrate all pups — and their compassionate, loving owners.

To quickly jump to the gift category you're looking for, click on the links below or keep scrolling to see all 28.

Dog toys and treats | Dog beds | Dog leashes, collars, clothes and accessories | Personalized gifts for dogs and dog lovers | Gifts for dog owners

Best dog toys and treats

Andy's Dandys Honey Oat Trio Classic Decorated Bones

If you’re shopping for gifts for dog birthdays, end your search at Andy’s Dandys, a Vermont-based dog treat company on a mission to develop human-grade dog treats in an environment that’s inclusive. This sweet treat trio is topped with a delicious pup-friendly yogurt. Order by Dec. 19 for arrival by Christmas.

Dr. Catch Dog Puzzle Toy

Not only does this slow feeder encourage dogs not to snarf down their kibble, but it also provides mental stimulation and fights boredom. It has eight moving parts to keep even the most genius of pups busy.

Outward Hound Invincibles Green Gecko Plush Dog Toy


Some dogs are relentless chewers who just won’t quit until they shred a toy to tiny little bits. For those who want their dog to feel the joy of ripping apart a toy — but not have that joy last a mere 36 seconds — this is for them. It has an inner Dura-Tuff lining and reinforced double-stitched seams, and it has multiple squeakers to keep the pup’s interest. It’s also stuffing-free, so they won’t have to worry about the pet ingesting fluff.

Pet Zone IQ Treat Dispensing Ball

Ideal for high-energy dogs or those who get bored easily, this food-dispensing toy engages pets physically and mentally: They learn how to roll the ball to get treats out, and pet parents can change the difficulty level as Fido starts to catch on. Plus, it comes in two sizes.

Haute Diggity Dog Champup & Pawsecco Collection

Ring in the new year with your furry pal. This plush dog toy comes in festive variations, including Woof Clicquot Rose and Dog Perignonn. 

Yummers Freeze-Dried Cheddar Cheese Gourmet Meal Mix-In

Created by Antoni Poworski and Jonathan Van Ness, these tasty cheese food mix-ins instantly punch up any bowl of kibble. Shop TODAY freelance writer Hannah Baker says her “dog goes crazy for this whenever we add it to her food.”

Haute Diggity Dog Chewy Vuitton Toy

The discerning pup with an eye for fashion will love carrying (err, chewing on) this squeaky toy around town.

Hear Doggy Ultrasonic Squeaker Toys

For the dog that loves squeaky toys but whose human works from home and finds the squeaky distracting, look no further than Hear Doggy’s ultrasonic squeaky toys. The toys, available in several cute animal shapes (we’re partial to the purple elephant), makes a squeaky noise that dogs can hear but is virtually silent to the human ear. Happy squeaking.

Outward Hound Hide a Squirrel


You can’t put a price on happiness for man’s best friend, and this toy provides endless hours of fun. Just keep stuffing the squirrels back inside; it’ll never get old.

Barkbox Gift Subscription


Editor's note: While it isn't guaranteed that this subscription box will arrive by Christmas, it is a gift that keeps on giving. Consider gifting it to keep the holiday spirit going long after you put the tree away!

This popular subscription box for pets also sends gift boxes filled with customized toys and treats. Your friend’s dog will be thrilled, your friend will be overjoyed — and you’ll be a hero.

Best beds for dogs

Thermo Snuggly Sleeper Pet Bed

Everyone knows someone who has a hard time keeping their dog out of their human bed. But this electric heated dog bed may be just what it takes. It’s got a 6-watt thermostatically controlled heater that can keep pets warm all year round, or it can be removed so the bed can be used in all seasons. It’s ideal for elderly dogs or those who have trouble staying warm in winter. (And yes, it’s OK to want one for yourself.)

Casper Dog Bed

From the people who created the cult fave “mattress in a box,” this dog bed is thoughtfully engineered to meet a dog’s needs: It has pressure-relieving memory foam and strong support, along with a tough microfiber cover that’s removable for easy washing. Available in four colors: Blue, Eucalyptus, Gray and Sand.

Fable Dog Bed


This gorgeous dog bed from pet brand Fable will look great anywhere you place it, and you'll feel at ease knowing it's water-resistant and super easy to clean (just toss the cover into the machine).

Yeti Trailhead 2-in-1 Dog Bed


The Yeti brand is known for rugged adventure gear, and reviewers say it doesn’t fall short when it comes to this bed. Notable features include a sturdy waterproof bottom, a washable cover and a comfy bolster for pups to rest their chin for a snooze. The center section is even removable and acts as a travel pad. Order by Dec. 19 to get free holiday shipping for purchases over $40.

Best dog leashes, collars, clothes and accessories

Soggy Doggy Super Shammy Dog Towel

Perfect for post-bath or an impromptu dip in the pool, this super absorbent microfiber shammy holds up to seven times its weight in water. It’s even got easy-on hand pockets to help dry soaked pups. The wet dog smell, though? You can’t have everything.

Kurgo Quantum 6-in-1 Dog Leash

This multifunction leash converts to six different styles, including hands-free around the waist, over the shoulder in a courier style and even as a double dog leash. It’s made of strong nylon, it’s got a padded handle, and it’s reflective.

Ouai Pet Shampoo


For the very good dog that deserves a spa day is Ouai's pet shampoo. With notes of floral and citrus, this vegan formulated pet shampoo leaves pups with soft, amazingly smelling fur that will have everyone wanting to snuggle up with them.

Kate Spade New York Dog Leash

For the stylish fur baby, this Kate Spade dog leash is complete with bold polka dots and a gold lobster clip. The 4.5-foot leash is ideal for dog owners who love to look stylish even when they’re doing an early morning walk

Foggy Dog Scrunchie And Bandana Set

Known for its preppy, floral and stylish accessories like bandanas, leashes and collars, the Foggy Dog has a cult following among dog lovers. The brand’s scrunchie and bandana set is perfect for the dog lover in your life that wants to subtly match their best furry friend. Order by Dec. 19 to score this doggie accessory by Christmas.

Whistle Go Explore Pet Tracker

You can’t put a price on peace of mind: This lightweight smart device — which affixes to a pet’s collar — monitors a pet’s health, sets fitness goals and acts as a GPS so you can track a dog’s location and receive alerts when they leave a designated safe place. The charge lasts a couple of weeks when linked to Wi-Fi.

Puraclenz Surface and Air Purifier


You'll feel relieved knowing this air purifier is safe to use around pets (and children). The brand says the purifier is able to remove indoor pollutants without releasing harmful materials back into the air.

Best gifts for dog owners

Cavertin Novelty Socks

These socks are the perfect gift for dog lovers who enjoy lounging around with their pup. They are designed with cute pics of dogs and the bottoms feature a cute message that reads "I can't get up right now" one sock while the other follows up "the dog is on my lap."

“Dog’s Best Friend: The Story of an Unbreakable Bond” by Simon Garfield

This heartwarming, witty book investigates our relationship with man’s best friend, calling upon history, art, science and personal experience.

Travel Pet First-Aid Kit

Most pet owners don’t have one of these, which makes it the perfect gift. The kit includes sterile gauze pads, scissors, adhesive bandages, one roll of medical tape, hand cleansing wipes, disposable gloves, a bottle of saline solution, sting relief pads and other supplies. Plus, a carabiner clip provides a convenient attachment for hikes or trips to the dog park.

OTOTO Best Buddies Dog Kitchen Spoon Holder

While their little bestie likely already keeps them company at the stove, your dog-loving friend can add more dogs to the party with this kitchen spoon holder duo. To use, place the little dog on the side of the pot. The spoon will fit right in the dog’s mouth when not in use.

Rechargeable Hand Warmer


From the snuggles to the wagging tail there are so many great things about having a dog, but getting outside for a walk on a chilly day can be a struggle. Make it better with this covetable rechargeable hand warmer that will have the dog lover in your life wanting to reach for the leash. Better buy several, though: I gifted one of these to my mom last year and my siblings keep stealing it.

Bokksu The Premium Dog Lover’s Gift Box

An ideal gift pet parents and their pups, this adorable box holds a curated collection of dog toys and treats, including Japanese chocolate, tea and other snacks for humans, a dog-inspired tote bag to carry it all, and a Minoyaki Dog Yunomi Cup. Order by Dec. 19 to get this gift by Christmas.

Embark Dog DNA Test

If your friend has a dog that’s a mystery breed, there’s nothing more fun than trying to uncover the DNA secrets behind a pet’s scruffy fluff or stand-up ears. They’ll love that this kit looks at more than 350 breeds and 210 genetic health risks. Chihuahua on the outside, Great Dane on the inside? You never know until you check.

Bonus: The online platform allows pet owners to see other dogs that are related to theirs.