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.
Best dog toys
For just $5, this Christmas pickle will add a little joy to the furry family member who will have fun unwrapping their gift.
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.
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.
My [Moon] dog usually never plays with toys at the dog park — he’s too distracted with other dogs — but we once came across this toy in a park, and he would not let go of it, so I knew it was one I needed to track down for the home. Thankfully, I was able to find them, and it’s still his favorite toy to play with on a regular basis. Because of the odd shape, it doesn’t bounce the same as a regular ball, making fetch even more fun and unpredictable for him. I will say that these are best for smaller dogs because they are on the smaller size and may be a choking hazard for bigger dogs.
Associate editor Allie Wise recently gifted this bone toy to her sister's new teacup Yorkie. "He absolutely loves it and plays with it any chance he gets. It is affordable, stylish and super soft."
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.
Keep them entertained for hours with this breakfast bundle of plush toys. Associate editor Kamari Stewart recently gifted a friend this set and notes that the giftee "is particularly obsessed with the pancake stack." If you're only interested in one of the items, they're also sold individually.
Now that Stewart has her own pup, Cleo, she's spoiling her with toys that will keep her active and enriched. This ball launcher makes it easy to throw a ball without the hassle of leaning down to pick it up every 30 seconds. Stewart also loves that the brand has scented options with bacon and peanut butter-scented sniff balls .
Stewart also recommends this festive version of Lamb Chop. It is jumbo-sized and bound to be a hit with any and every pup.
Best dog treats
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.
Shop TODAY commerce editor and producer, Julie Ricevuto, says her golden retriever loves these jerky strips. Made with good-for-them ingredients, this pack comes in a variety of flavors and is made with probiotics to help support immunity, per the brand.
Ricevuto notes that this is another favorite for her pup, Chloe. “My dog goes crazy for these whenever I take them out for her,” she says. “Plus, I love how the brand uses high-quality ingredients without any artificial flavors or preservatives.
For Cleo's first Christmas, Stewart will be gifting her with lots of festive treats like these from Blue Buffalo. They're crunchy and make for great training incentives.
If the pet parent in your life wants an additional way to enrich their pup, they'll love this find. Pick a size and mix flavor (there are three of each available), and they'll be able to make up to 20 pops for their pup to keep them busy and satisfied.
"We mix this with her kibble and, for a time, Cleo would actively seek out just the wet food," says Stewart. "We felt confident giving it to her because it’s human-grade food and she responded to it so well immediately from 10 weeks old."
Best beds for dogs
Add a bit of whimsy to their life with this precious dog bed. It's also easy to clean with a removable cover that is machine-washable.
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.)
For me [Moon], this bed is an investment that is definitely worthwhile. This dog bed is more than just a regular fluffy bed, it’s an orthopedic option that has a 10-year warranty, making it a one-and-done option. My pet loves this bed because it is both comfortable and has enough room for him, and I can feel good about giving him an option that is good for his joints as he grows. I also have the cooling treatment so that it can be even more comfortable for him during the hot summer months.
This crate was not only easy to put together, but it has noteworthy features. I [Moon] was able to put it together all by myself within minutes, and I love the many features it has. It has two doors that open instead of just one, meaning I can put it in a different location if I move. It’s a lot cuter than a regular crate and has a lock that my dog cannot get out of, which is also super helpful if your pet is a magician!
Best dog leashes, collars, clothes and accessories
Give the good boy or girl a merit badge that reflects their personality. Each badge comes in a fun, colorful shape and has various monikers and sayings. From Postman Patrol to Bed Hog and Belly Rub Club, there's a merit badge for any type of pup.
Keep their paws protected in the elements with this vet-approved product, according to the brand. The balm is not only safe for their little toe beans, but it can also be used on their ears, elbows and noses.
If the pup in your life loves going on long walks and spending time outdoors, their paws are likely in need of a deep clean before entering the home. These hypoallergenic wipes can offer you the peace of mind that there will be fewer dirty paw prints all over that new carpet.
Messy eaters have a tendency to get food everywhere so keep their space clean with this BPA-free silicone mat. Deputy managing editor Jess Bender notes that her furry niece enjoys this mat that is available in two sizes and is dishwasher-safe.
Stewart says she is "obsessed" with the pillow she has with her dog's face on it. It comes in a variety of sizes and shapes so you can really make it custom.
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.
Post-bath zoomies are inevitable, and so is the wet mess that dogs leave behind. This towel can help you dry them off so that there's less water everywhere when they're done.
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.
Every good dog deserves a spa day with 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.
I [Moon] also love this leash for longer walks as it allows for more space for my dog to wander while still staying safe. The leash is also made from a PVC-coated nylon, making it waterproof and easy to clean. The best part? It comes in nine fun colorways.
Some dogs have a harder time staying warm in the colder months and thankfully, there's a solution for that with Ororo's heated dog vest. It comes with rechargeable heating panels that have sensors to keep the dog from overheating and start to work in five seconds, a pocket for a pet tracker and reflective accents to keep them safe.
When hunting for an alternative to a traditional leash, I [Moon] opted for this style that allows me to remain hands-free. I also love that it has a little treat pouch so I am always ready to have a little training session, no matter where we are. I will note, this is best for smaller dogs because even when mine pulls — and he’s under 20 pounds — it still can be forceful, so if your dog pulls and is bigger, this might not work for you.
You can’t put a price on peace of mind: This lightweight AirTag holder can be attached to a collar or harness to make tracking your dog seamless and easy. I [Moon] have this on my dog's collar and feel safer going on any walk knowing that in case of emergency, I can easily track him in seconds.
We know, a perfume for dogs might sound crazy, but it would make for a great gift for the dog parent who has it (and has seen it) all. The vet-approved mist has notes of Ylang-Ylang and sandalwood to give them a fresh scent that lasts all day, according to the brand.
Best gifts for dog owners
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.”
For the dog parent who has everything, they'll likely be surprised with this chic find. The brand has offerings with a chihuahua, like the one above, and other options like a dachshund, poodle, French bulldog and more.
Chances are, the dog lover in your life follows viral photographer, The Dogist, also known as Elias Weiss Friedman, on Instagram. Now they can get a look at the man behind the lens in this New York Times bestseller, where he documents the bond between man and his best friend.
Keep the little one protected in the rain with a rain jacket of their own. For the dog who hates getting wet, this pick will let them stay dry and stylish. We also love that you can get matching options for the family so everyone can be a part of the fun.
For the dog with a less-than-favorable smelling breath, these easy-to-use dental wipes help alleviate the stink, says the brand. Just slide one on your finger and easily get to cleaning for a fresher smelling breath and healthier gums.
This year, the internet fell in love with a sweet rescue dog named Tiki whose story of bravery took over TikTok (and our hearts). If you or a loved one went on the journey or wants to support rescue dogs, this tee is a thoughtful and comfy gift.
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.
Ricevuto also suggests this as a gift to a pet parent who wants a subtle nod to their furry child. The dainty paw print comes in black or write and can be layered with any jewelry set.
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.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team works hard to find the best products and coolest gifts out there. We use our own personal experiences with brands and shopping to find the most unique gifts on the market that are sure to be a hit with the pups in your life.
Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides to find the perfect present everyone on your list including cozy gifts, gifts under $50, gifts for husbands, cool gifts and gift baskets.
