iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Christmas is a popular time of year for gift-giving, so if you have a beloved canine at home, you may need to search for the best Christmas gifts for dogs. There are so many dog products out there, so choosing something that they’ll love and benefit from this holiday season can be overwhelming. This article can help you narrow down your search.
We’ve reviewed many great dog Christmas gifts to ensure that your pup is overjoyed during your family’s celebration. Remember to keep your dog’s individual preferences in mind when purchasing items.
How to Choose the Best Christmas Gifts for Dogs
If you need help choosing dog gifts for Christmas, following these tips can help you make a decision.
Think About Your Dog’s Preferences
Christmas presents are meant to be enjoyed by the recipient, so that includes your dog. When giving your dog a gift, make sure it’s something they’ll love, not something you want. So, look for your dog’s favorite treats or toys rather than a cute outfit (unless your dog happens to love dressing up). For dogs who aren’t as motivated by treats or toys, a cozy bed might do the trick.
Consider Your Dog’s Size and Age
Your dog’s age and size are important to think about, especially if your dog is new to the family and you’re still getting to know their personality. Make sure any toys, beds, and other supplies you buy are ideal for your dog’s size and life stage. For example, senior dogs will benefit from treats that are soft and easy to chew since their teeth may be more sensitive. For any dog, make sure you avoid products with pieces that are too small since they could pose choking hazards.
Look for Safe Products
Make sure the products you choose are durable with non-toxic materials to keep your dog safe. Regardless of what you buy, you should always monitor your dog when playing with toys and treats to ensure they stay safe and don’t choke.
Balance Fun with Practicality
While your dog’s enjoyment is a priority, it can’t hurt to find fun items that are also practical. For example, the fun toy you pick could also help with mental stimulation. A pack of chews may be able to benefit health aspects in addition to being delicious. While the gift doesn’t have to be practical, it can make it even better.
What are the Best Christmas Gifts for Dogs?
- Keeps dogs entertained to reduce destructive chewing
- Hide treats or kibble in the fabric pieces for you dog to sniff out
- Also works as a slow feeding mat
- Donates a toy to a shelter dog
The Sniff Diggy Mental Stimulation Snuffle Mat is the perfect Christmas gift for dogs who love treats. It’s covered in colorful pieces of fabric so you can hide training treats or kibble in it, causing your dog to sniff out the snacks. Using it can improve your dog’s nose work and mental stimulation, keeping them busy and preventing boredom. If you want to give your dog more space to sniff, you can buy more than one Snuffle Mat and attach them. Plus, every Snuffle Mat purchased will also give a toy to a shelter dog so they can have a Christmas gift too.
- Chicken-flavored dental chew
- Removes plaque and tartar with its texture
- Uses parsley to freshen breath
- Comes in two sizes
- Donates meals to shelter dogs
Even though these chews are meant to benefit your dog’s teeth and breath, they’re disguised as a tasty treat. So, it will be a great Christmas gift for both you and your dog because it will keep them happy while allowing you to feel more at ease about their dental health. As your dog chews on these chicken-flavored snacks, the texture can help remove plaque and tartar while the included parsley can freshen their breath. These chews come in two sizes to cater to dogs of all breeds, and every bag purchased donates meals to shelter dogs.
- Made of dense, medical-grade foam
- Choose from Orthopedic, Memory, or Cooling Gel Foam
- Plush faux fur cover
- Cover is removable and machine-washable
- Comes in three colors and five sizes
If your dog loves to lounge around, a cozy bed might be the perfect gift for them. The FurHaven Luxe Lounger is shaped to cradle your dog’s body as they sleep. The interior is made of dense, medical-grade foam, making it great for relieving joint pain in older dogs. You can choose between three types of supportive foam: Orthopedic Foam, Memory Foam, or Cooling Gel Foam. Then, the removable and machine-washable cover has a plush faux fur top to add to your pup’s comfort. This bed comes in three colors and five sizes, allowing you to choose one that fits your dog’s needs best.
- Can hide treats inside the toy
- Made of durable Zogoflex material
- Floats in water
- Dishwasher-safe
- Comes in three sizes that can stack
The West Paw Toppl Toy is perfect for dogs who get bored easily. You can put treats or kibble inside the toy, and your dog will have to move the toy around to get the treats to fall out. For an added challenge, you can stack a smaller Toppl on top of a larger one. Like many other West Paw products, this toy is made with the company’s Zogoflex material, which stands up to tough chewers while also being recyclable. The toy floats, and if it gets dirty, you can throw it in the dishwasher.
- Box of decorated dog cookies
- Made with pet-friendly, human-grade ingredients like honey, peanut butter, and apples
- Yogurt-based "frosting"
- Ingredients sourced locally
What better way to spoil your dog than with a box of cookies? Wufers makes lots of dog treats that look just like human cookies, but don’t worry, they’re all safe for dogs. This is just one of their many themed boxes that you can surprise your pup with. The cookies are made using only tasty, human-grade ingredients like honey, peanut butter, and apples. Then, the “frosting” is all yogurt-based. Wufers’ bakery is located in Ontario, Canada, where all the ingredients are sourced locally.
- Automatic, self-moving ball
- Has three interactive modes
- Outer shell is replaceable
- Includes charging cable
- Comes in four styles
Some dogs love to play fetch so much that their humans don’t always have time to throw the ball. So, the Cheerble Wicked Ball is a perfect way for dogs to get their energy out without their human needing to throw the ball. You can choose between three interactive modes (gentle, normal, and active). Then, when you set the ball down, it will move on its own, prompting your pup to chase it. The ball’s shell is replaceable, so even if your dog destroys it, you can still use the automatic part of the ball. This ball comes in four styles, including the blue Cyclone, which has a texture to reduce the risk of it breaking.
- Only ingredient is beef esophagus
- Great for dogs who love to chew
- Natural source of chondroitin to benefit joints
- Shelf life of 36 months
- Comes in several quantities and sizes
Lots of dog parents love to give their dogs tasty chews during special events like holidays. Pawstruck’s Beef Jerky treats are the perfect gift for dogs who adore long-lasting snacks. The only ingredient is beef esophagus, so you can feel confident knowing exactly what’s going into your dog’s tummy. This jerky is a natural source of chondroitin, which is beneficial to your dog’s joint health. You can choose between medium and large jerky strips, and packages can come with 15, 25, or 100 pieces. They have a shelf life of 36 months, so it’s easy to stock up on them.
- Single-ingredient bully sticks
- Great for dogs who love to chew
- Relieves boredom while benefitting teeth and muscles
- Shelf life of 36 months
Looking for another great chew? Redbarn’s Bully Sticks are a favorite snack among dogs. Like most bully sticks, they only have a single ingredient, which means there are no preservatives, chemicals, or artificial flavors. These chews can help relieve boredom while also promoting good dental hygiene and muscle development. They have a shelf life of 36 months and are safe for all dogs, regardless of whether they’re a light chewer or a heavy chewer. If you don’t want to buy a whole pack, Redbarn also sells lots of individual bully sticks.
- Large beds come in four sizes
- Made of 4.5lb density human-grade memory foam
- Raised headrest acts as a pillow
- Includes removable cover with waterproof liner
- Microfiber cover comes in three sizes
The Original Bully Bed is a great present for dogs who love to nap. It’s best for big dogs since it comes in four large sizes, but it can be a cozy spot for any breed. The interior of the bed is made with 4.5lb density human-grade memory foam to support the aching joints of large breeds and senior dogs. One end of the bed has a raised cushion that can act as a pillow. On top of the foam is a waterproof liner and removable, washable microfiber cover. The cover comes in either tan, chocolate, or gray, and the zippers are heavy-duty to resist chewing.
- Steps help dogs get onto beds and couches
- 3-step or 4-step options
- Variety of color patterns to choose from
- Cover is removable and machine-washable
These steps might not be the gift your dog is expecting, but they can help make life so much easier. If your dog has trouble getting onto furniture, whether it’s because of their size or joints, consider buying them some Majestic Pet Stairs. The featured stairs have three steps, but there are also 4-step options so you can choose one that fits the height of your bed or couch. These cushioned pet steps are soft on top, making your pup feel more comfortable when climbing them. The cover comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and it’s removable and machine-washable for easy maintenance.
- Made with plush faux fur and ultra-soft microsuede
- Machine-washable
- Includes waterproof lining
- 12 patterns to choose from
Christmas gets cold in many locations, so this PupProtector Waterproof Dog Blanket is perfect for keeping your dog cozy in the winter. One side has plush faux fur while the other is made with ultra-soft microsuede. If it gets dirty, you can throw it in the washing machine, making it easy to clean up. Plus, it has a waterproof lining to prevent accidents from making a mess in your home. Thus, it’s the perfect blanket for protecting your furniture from your dog’s dirty paws. This durable blanket has 12 color patterns to choose from.
- Interactive toys benefit mental stimulation
- Dogs need to move pieces around to find treats
- There are four difficulty levels
- Over 20 toy varieties to choose from
The Outward Hound Nina Ottosson toy is a unique Christmas gift for your dog because it improves their mental stimulation while also satisfying their love for treats. These toys involve hiding treats or kibble in various compartments, which requires your dog to push, lift, and press different objects to get to the snacks. There’s a variety of versions of this toy, each falling under a level between 1 and 4 (1 being the easiest and 4 being the hardest). You can even purchase extra parts for some of the toys in case you lose them.
- Small, soft treats are perfect for training
- Each treat only has two calories
- Only made with natural ingredients
- Comes in eight flavors
Nearly every dog can benefit from training treats, so it’s a great item to gift your dog during Christmas. You can use these treats for training sessions, games, or interactive toys. The Zuke’s Mini Naturals are perfect for training because they’re small and soft, making them easy for dogs of all ages and sizes to chew. Plus, each treat only has 2 calories, so you don’t have to worry about your dog gaining weight during training sessions. These treats come in a variety of flavors, including peanut butter, chicken, duck, and salmon, allowing you to choose the flavor that your dog loves the most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Okay to Wrap My Dog’s Christmas Presents?
Yes, it’s generally okay to wrap dog Christmas presents. However, you should supervise your dog while they’re unwrapping to ensure they don’t ingest any wrapping materials, which could be harmful. If possible, choose pet-safe wrapping options.
Can I Give My Dog Rawhide for Christmas?
Rawhide isn’t recommended as a Christmas gift because it can be difficult to digest, potentially causing a blockage or choking hazard. Thus, it’s better to choose a safer alternative, such as No Hide Chews, bully sticks, or jerky. No matter the type of chew, always monitor your dog while they gnaw on it.
How Can I Keep My Dog Safe During Christmas?
To keep your dog safe during Christmas, ensure that holiday decorations, especially those that are small or fragile, are out of their reach to prevent ingestion or injury. Avoid feeding them human foods, particularly those toxic to dogs like chocolate, grapes, and onions. Create a quiet and comfortable space for your dog to retreat if the noise and activity become overwhelming, and consider their comfort when introducing them to guests or new environments.
Is it Okay to Give a Puppy as a Christmas Gift?
No, you shouldn’t give a live animal as a gift without the recipient’s knowledge. Pets are a huge commitment, so any good rescue, shelter, or breeder will want the owner of the puppy’s consent at the time of purchase. Sadly, many surprise Christmas puppies are returned shortly after. If you want to get someone a Christmas pet, consider offering to pay the adoption fee and then letting the person pick out the pet themselves.
Can I Dress My Dog Up for Christmas?
Yes, you can dress your dog up for Christmas, provided the clothing is comfortable and non-restrictive. Ensure the outfit is the correct size and doesn’t have small parts that could be chewed off and ingested. Always monitor your dog to ensure they’re comfortable and safe while wearing the outfit.
Final Thoughts
With so many things on your holiday checklist, it can be stressful to try to get everything in order in time for Christmas. Luckily, dogs aren’t picky, so getting them a toy, treat, bed, or other fun pet product is sure to make them ecstatic. Any of the products in this article are great Christmas gifts for dogs, but don’t forget that every dog is unique. So, consider what makes your dog the happiest when doing your Christmas shopping.
Toledo, United States.
