Mariah bangers on the radio? Must be holiday shopping season! Making a list, checking it twice, worrying that you’ll forget an extended cousin. At least there’s one family member who’s always fun to buy for — the same one who’d be happy receiving nothing but continued affection, despite their lack of cognitive understanding towards the season or its ceremonial rituals. Yes, the only thing we love more than our dogs is buying gifts for our dogs. Be it toys, treats, or comfy sweaters, these are just a few of our favorite things — not to mention witnessing the pure joy your dog feels when they see something new they can try to chew to bits.
Btw, our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission. (We’ve got a lot of toys to buy over here, you know?)
A gift for small dogs
This is not our first, and certainly not our last year obsessing over this tug toy by House Dogge. That’s because, in addition to being aesthetically pleasing, this tug toy is made of non-toxic eco-friendly materials and 100 percent vegetable-tanned leather. It’s also entirely biodegradable, so by buying it you’re actually healing the earth, basically.
Gifts for medium dogs
Keep your pup cozy in this sweater by Oeuf NYC. With its charming design and quality craftsmanship, it will ensure warmth and style for your dog during the chilly holiday season.
Add a touch of sophistication to your dog’s holiday look with this velvety and nostalgic bow collar by the Foggy Dog. Available in XS-L, this collar is perfect for doggos of all sizes.
Gifts for large dogs
Treat your pup to an indulgent nap with Shinola’s Pet Kuddle Bed. Available in M-XL sizes, this cozy bed can easily accommodate larger dogs looking for a snazzy snooze.
Running up to a 2X, dogs of all sizes can sport this classic tartan coat by Dog & Co. Not only does this jacket give us major ’90s Ralph Lauren vibes, but the hint of purple will make your dog look ready for the holidays at Sandringham with Kate Middleton herself.
Physical activity gifts
If your dog loves to dig, the iDig Stay Digging Toy is the ideal solution for both your pup and your front lawn. This cleverly designed interactive toy allows your pup to dig, search, and discover hidden treasures all from the comfort of your living room. It’s also a great stress reliever, which we could all use around the holidays.
“Hide some treats, your dog’s dinner, or even just toys inside and let your dog have fun digging!,” trainer and The Wildest Collective member Nicole Ellis says about the iDig. “I put this toy away when they are done digging; this helps them stay interested in it and prevents them from chewing on the digging flaps.”
Provide your pup with a delightful sensory experience with this tasting box by Luca Pets. Filled with gourmet scents and flavors, we recommend crushing these treats up into an interactive puzzle or licky mat for a fine dining enrichment activity. Looking for more holiday themed treats? Check out our faves here.
With quite literally over 100,000 reviews on Amazon, this interactive puzzle from Nina Ottosson might as well be to dogs what mini Ugg boots are to Gen Z — i.e. the perfect gift.
“My goal is for dogs and their owners around the world to have fun with my products,” Ottosson told The Wildest. “I call them ‘games’ because the owner and the pet are supposed to play together, which strengthens the bond between them.”
Wearable gifts for dogs
This glam jumper by Christian Cowan is the epitome of holiday haute couture. Available in S-XXL, dogs of all shapes and sizes can experience a holly jolly glitz-mas.
For dogs with a more minimalistic fashion sense, look no further than this Fireplace Plaid collar by Sniff and Bark. This chic accessory is both understated and refined — and available in sizes XS-L.
Christmas themed gifts and treats
Every good boy and girl deserves a visit from Santa, which is why you simply must gift your dog this pup-sized Santa from Harry Barker. Nostalgic and playful (literally), this toy is sure to get your pup in the holiday spirit.
Your dog is probably not the Hallmark card type — but they are definitely the edible card type. Shaped and designed like a Christmas card (it even comes with a pen filled with edible ink), this cheese-flavored card is a unique and delicious way to spread holiday cheer to your pup.
Keep your pup safe this holiday season by keeping them away from the holiday dinner table. Instead, give them their own feast with the Yappy Howlidays Christmas Dinner snuffle toy. Encourage your pup’s natural foraging instincts with this interactive toy, designed to engage and entertain while keeping your pup away from the holiday ham.
Are there any Christmas gifts suitable for all dog breeds?
When shopping for a gift for your pup, size, age and activity level should take precedence over anything that has to do with breed. You might have a Golden Retriever who finds fetch achingly boring or you might have a Havanese who is obsessed with tug-of-war.
Whatever your dog’s interests, make sure you get them something size appropriate. A Chihuahua-sized tennis ball is sure to be a choking hazard for a Great Dane. Luckily, any reputable brand will have a size chart for their products that will allow you to select the size safest for your pet.
How can I keep my dog safe during the holidays and around presents?
The jolliest dog is a healthy dog, so make sure to take appropriate steps to keep your dog safe during the holiday season. Properly store non-safe holiday foods, such as peppermint, nut, alcohol and chocolate in a place where your dog cannot reach. In addition, when opening gifts immediately clean and dispose of any choking hazards, such as bows and ribbons.
And remember, holiday gatherings and the frenzy of a million people opening presents can be overwhelming for some dogs — make sure they have a safe and quiet space they can relax in if they need a break from the festivities.
How can I involve my dog in the holiday celebration apart from gifts?
A lot of holiday celebrations can be overwhelming for dogs, so try to include them in less stimulating celebrations if possible. Even better, take them to dog specific festivities such as PetsSmart’s Santa photo days!
Should you consider your dog’s personality and interests when selecting a Christmas gift for them?
Of course! Far more important than breed or age are their personality and interests when it comes to selecting a gift. Just make sure to buy size and texture appropriate gifts based on your dog’s shape and age (i.e. some puppy toys will be too soft for adult dogs, while some senior dogs might need senior specific chew toys).
