Best Gift Ideas for Dogs: Treats, Toys & Practical Gifts
Dogs are just as much a member of the family as anyone else. We love to get little presents for our dog for Christmas and we are sharing a few ideas for small presents for your dog. A gift guide for dogs sometimes contain things that are more for the pet parent than the actual pup. Our gift guide contains items that make our dog happy, and I hope your dog might like them too! Some of these items were originally gifted to us, but we have purchased again. Other items are things we have always gifted to our dog, Mabel. If you are looking for a gift for your dog or for someone who is a dog parent, we hope the recipient loves them as much as our Mabel does!
Shopping for someone who has more photos of their dog than anything else on their phone? You are in the right place. A thoughtful gift for a dog owner can be as simple as a new toy for their favorite walking buddy or a little bag of goodies to share. The dog gets something fun, and their person gets to enjoy all that tail-wagging excitement.
I like gift ideas that feel personal without needing a huge budget. Think a fetch toy for the friend who is always at the park, a puzzle for a curious pup, or treats tucked into a little gift basket. These gifts for dog owners work for Christmas, birthdays, a newly adopted dog celebration, or a thank-you to the friend who always welcomes your whole crew—including the furry members.
This guide brings together dog treats, toys and some practical things. Match each gift to the dog’s size, play style and food needs, and ask the owner if you are unsure. We personally have used these with our dog, but every dog is different. Keep every dog’s age, size, breed, temperament, health, and unique needs in mind.
Dog Gift Ideas at a Glance
- Nutra Bites Beef Liver Dog Treats
- Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Training Treats
- KONG Classic Stuffable Dog Toy
- Chuckit! Ultra Ball
- Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Brick Puzzle
- Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Plush Toy
- Earth Rated Unscented Dog Poop Bags
Nutra Bites Beef Liver Dog Treats
I am posting Nutra Bites first because this is our dog’s newest favorite treat. Our dog has a limited diet due to her age and health, and she needs treats with less ingredients these days. Nutra Bites has several options, Mabel likes Beef Liver flavor the best. You can purchase at your local pet store or check out Nutra Bites Dog Treats on Amazon!
Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Training Treats
A bag of treats is an easy place to start when you want a little something for a dog-loving friend. These small, soft chicken-recipe treats can be tucked into a gift basket or paired with a toy for a present that feels complete.
This is another treat Mabel loves. We personally love to give pet treats to our friends with dogs. Consumable gifts and a treat they have maybe never tasted always goes over well.
KONG Classic Stuffable Dog Toy
A toy you can tuck treats into is an essential for a new pet parent. The red KONG Classic has a hollow center for stuffing and an irregular shape for stimulation. We have gifted a Kong with a special treat like one above as a gift to a newly adopted puppy or dog.
The linked toy is the large version. Check KONG’s sizing and chewing guidance for the recipient’s dog, and use fillings their owner already knows are suitable. No toy is indestructible; supervise use and replace it if damaged.
Chuckit! Ultra Ball
For the dog whose idea of a perfect afternoon is “throw it again,” a new fetch ball is a cheerful little gift. The Ultra Ball is a rubber fetch toy that floats, so it is an option for families who enjoy both park outings and supervised water play.
The linked set is the medium, 2.5-inch two-pack. Choose the size for the individual dog; a ball should not be small enough to swallow. This is a fetch toy, rather than something to leave out for chewing.
Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Brick Puzzle
Dogs often are under stimulated. A treat puzzle gives their brains something fun to do! The Dog Brick is an interactive puzzle with compartments for hiding treats, making it a gift the person and their pup can explore together. Mabel loves her puzzles and our daughter enjoys filling them.
A good direction for someone who likes hands-on activities with their dog. Begin with an easy setup and supervise play. Put it away when the treats are gone; it is a puzzle, not a chew toy.
View Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Brick Puzzle on Amazon
Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Plush Toy
Let’s be honest, this is more for the people than the dog. Dogs don’t really care about cuteness factor, but I had to include something silly! This little tree trunk filled with squeaky squirrels is the sort of gift that is fun to unwrap. Hide the squirrels inside for a dog to find, or bring one out for a short game together. It is a cute choice for a pup who enjoys carrying soft toys around.
I have to point out here that our dog does not really care for cuddly toys or chew toys, this is one the internet just showed me that I thought was fun. While I would love for you to buy this toy if you are looking for one; I also have to suggest that I have been known to gift a clean but preloved stuffed animal to a pet that I purchase at a charity shop, thrift store, or garage sale. I learned this trick from my mom who always bought 25 cent stuffed animals for her dogs at garage sales and skipped that aisle at the pet store. While I know a thrifted gift does not work for everyone (that is why I share these lists!), keep your eyes open for stuffed animals that are clean and safe; as it can often make a lovely and environmentally friendly gift.
Choose this for gentle plush-toy play. Skip it for a dog who tears apart stuffing or swallows toy pieces. The link is for the large version; compare sizes before ordering.
Earth Rated Unscented Dog Poop Bags
Practical gifts are a great option for someone who has everything or someone who maybe is having a lean year financially. Poop bags may not win the glamorous-gift contest, but a dog owner uses them on every single walk. They can also be part of a larger gift basket. Tuck refill rolls into a walking-themed gift basket with a toy and a handwritten invitation to meet for a walk.
Make a Simple Gift Basket for a Dog Owner
You do not need to buy everything on this list! Start with one toy that fits the dog, add a bag of their usual treats, and tuck in something useful for the owner. A fetch ball and refill bags make a walking-themed gift; a treat puzzle and suitable snacks make a little activity bundle.
For a personal touch, add a printed photo of their dog or a handwritten offer to join them for a walk. Keep ribbon, wrapping and packaging out of the dog’s reach when it is time to open gifts.
What Should You Check Before Buying a Dog Gift?
Ask about the dog’s size, chewing habits, favorite activities and any food restrictions. Supervise play, follow the product instructions, and remove damaged toys. For treats, read the current ingredient list and let the owner decide whether the recipe fits their dog.
What Do You Give a Dog Owner Who Has Everything?
Useful refills, a fresh version of a well-loved toy, or time together can be more welcome than another novelty item. Ask what they use regularly, and build a small gift around that. The thought is in knowing the person and their pup—not in filling the biggest basket.
Shopping for the rest of the family? Browse our tween gift ideas and affordable gifts for teens.
