There’s no one-size-fits-all gift for a growing puppy or older canine companion. The perfect chew toy for a teething (and small) furbaby is certainly different than dog toys and treats for anxiety, teeth-cleaning, crate-training, high energy, boredom, etc.
Plus, no two dogs are the same. Even dogs of the same breed, sex, size, age and even liter have wildely different temperaments and tendencies. Some like to chew or tug on things, while others like to chase. Like humans, their personality impacts how they respond to new experiences – like being introduced to a new squeaker, tug rope, or soothing plaything.
So, which gift suits your dog the best?
No single gift is best for your dog. It depends on your dog’s size, activity level, habits,and preferences. Choosing the perfect gift for your dog requires intimate knowledge and research! Think about what they like to do and then find a toy that “fits that mould.”
Observation is key to determine what your dog prefers. Once you know their preferences, you can shortlist good gifts for them. Today, I’ll tell you how to find the perfect canine toy for best four-legged friend or favorite dog lover.
Here is a guide to the best dog gifts – sure to make your furry friend wag their tail with joy.
How to choose the best gift for your dog?
There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to gifting puppies, adult dogs, or senior canines. Consider these decision-making factors to guarantee the safety of the canine toy you choose and your dog’s well-being:
- Age – choose something that’s age-appropriate and reflects your dog’s unique personality and stage of development. For puppies and young dogs, select something durable and easy to clean (i.e. little to no stuffing) to prevent mess.
- Type of play – select a toy fit for purpose (chewing, comfort, fetch, etc.)
- Materials – check labels for any potentially dangerous stuffing/fillings. Rubber, rope, plush, and nylone are common dog-proof and childproof. Also, toys should have
- Size and chewing style – Buy toys of appropriate size for your dog. Avoid anything small or delicate that could be a choking hazard. Consider your dog’s chewing style (teething, aggressive chewer, etc.), the size of their mouth, and bite power.
- Development – Look for toys or puzzles that’ll help your puppy develop their natural intelligence, problem-solving skills, and behavioral responses. These can also be helpful in teaching basic commands and positive associations, such as in collar training.
Generic Gifts Suitable for All Dogs
1. Chew Toys
Puppies need to chew on things, so it is important to provide them with chew toys like bones or antlers. These will help keep their teeth clean and healthy and satisfy their natural desire to chew on things.
The All Pet Solutions puppy gift set contains four squeaky toys: a cactus, a cushion, a plush teddy and a heart (pink set) or a star (blue set). These toys are perfect for attracting your puppy’s attention and giving them a chance to vent their excess energy – which they will have a lot of! The gift set also includes a ball toy perfect for toss and chew games which are essential for dogs as their teeth grow.
Buy AllPetSolutions Dog Puppy Gift Set Kit on Amazon
2. Water Bottle
If you’re regularly out for walks with your dog and notice they get thirsty – this is a practical gift to make their walk more enjoyable.
The COTOP portable dog water bottle is portable and convenient. It is quick and easy to use: there is just one key to open/lock the water, making it quick and easy to get fresh water to your dog.
The bottle holds up to 12oz of fresh water, which you can pour into the dog-friendly ‘bowl’ attached to the bottle. There is a reason that this bottle is a best seller- every aspect of it has been carefully considered with ease for you, and the safety of your dog is at the forefront of its design.
Buy COTOP Portable Dog Water Bottle on Amazon
Gifts for a Dog Who Doesn’t Like Toys
If your dog is one of the few that doesn’t like toys, plenty of great gift options are still available. Here are a few ideas:
1. Personalised Dog Towel
If your dog loves a walk in the rain, running through puddles or a wash, then why not treat them to a super absorbent microfibre towel to ensure they can have fun and dry them off before they shake their wet fur in the house?
How amazing is this personalised microfiber towel for your dog? The lovely thing about this gift is that you can personalise it: you can get up to 12 characters embroidered onto the town with a choice of font and colours. The towel is 110×60 cm and is machine washable.
It is lightweight and folds up, making it an ideal towel for long walks. Although it isn’t a gift that your dog can play with – it’s a gift that promises long walks in the rain, rolling in mud and splashing in puddles which are the ultimate gifts for your dog to enjoy!
Buy Personalised Dog Towel on Amazon
2. Comfy Dog Bed
Most dogs love a comfortable place to sleep, and a new bed is a great way to show your furry friend how much you care.
A new, comfortable bed will help them relax and get a good night’s sleep. This super soft and cozy plush bed is just what your dog would love. It comes in three different sizes, so choose the size that best suits your dog.
This Rosewood Dog Bed is made from a luxury grey cord, super soft cream plush material, and rectangular. Unique to this bed, raised sides to help provide a comfortable, calming spot for your pet to sleep. Its price varies with the bed size, but you can easily buy one for £30.
Buy Rosewood Dog Bed for Large Dogs on Amazon
Read More: Guide to Best Indestructible and Chew-Proof Dog Beds
What can I get my dogs for Christmas?
When it comes to Christmas, we all want to ensure our dogs have the best time possible. After all, they’re a part of the family too!
So, what can you get your dogs for Christmas? Here are a few ideas:
1. Dog Treat Toy
This stocking by Cupid and Comet is a wonderful Christmas gift for your dog. The stocking contains three Christmas Dinner dog treats: salmon for starters, turkey for the main course and cheese biscuits for their dessert.
The treats are made with real salmon, turkey and cheese – so as well as being a fun and tasty gift – it is healthy and nutritious. The stocking also contains two toys: a squeaky cracker for pre-dinner entertainment and a tennis ball for some entertainment after the meal.
Treating your dog to a gift over Christmas is a lovely way to treat them and ensures they are kept entertained and included throughout the day when your attention may be elsewhere.
Buy Rosewood Cupid & Comet Christmas Dinner Dog Treat Toy for Amazon
2. Advent Calendar for Dogs
This is a great way to make sure your dog gets a little something extra every day leading up to Christmas. This unique advent calendar for dogs by Woof Naturals is beautiful and giant enough to keep your dog entertained and happy.
It is available for under £30 and has great value for that money. Twenty-four substantial low-fat, high-protein treats await behind the windows of this December doggie food fest!
Many dogs have enough biscuit-like textures throughout the year to warrant an all air-dried raw treat each day for December to Woofmas! The rear of the calendar tells you which meat is behind each window, so if your dog has an allergy, you can easily substitute that particular day with something else! This is a 100% complementary natural feed for dogs. It also contains no additives or preservatives.
Buy Woof Club Naturals GIANT ADVENT CALENDAR on Amazon
Whatever you decide to get your dog for Christmas, they’re sure to love it. Remember to include them in the holiday festivities and make sure they have a great time!
What can you get a dog for their birthday?
A dog’s birthday is a special day to celebrate and give them something they will love. Knowing your dog’s personality and interests is important before buying a gift. Here are a few gifts for your dog you can select from:
1. Custom Dog Bowl
A custom dog bowl is one of the best birthday gifts you can give your doggo alongside a brand-new toy of their choice. It’s a personalised gift that your dog will enjoy and cherish for a long time. It’s a great option; you can get one for only £14.99.
Although you can find a lot of custom dog bowl designers, here is the one we recommend: Personalised Ceramic Dog Bowl by the brand 103 Designs. They provide a stylish high gloss ceramic design with a stunning printed finish.
The bowls are completely dishwasher safe and suitable for both food and water. They are available in both standard (15cm x 5.5cm Weight: 550g) & large (18.5cm x 8cm; Weight 750g) sizes. You can choose your colour and design to suit your dog’s liking.
Buy Personalised Ceramic Dog Bowl on Amazon
2. A Good Treat
If your dog likes to eat different meals and treats – this is a brilliant gift set for their birthday, new home or even a new home gift to help them to settle into their new environment.
The gift includes a bottle of Bottom Sniffer dog beer: this healthy, non-alcoholic drink poured over their dog food to soften it and give it an extra flavour.
The gift includes a 300g bag of Billy and Margot Venison marrow bones and a box of nutritious training biscuits. There are some delicious coconut, banana, and peanut butter daily treats by the brand Tribal.
The gift set is packed into a beautiful Not in the Dog House branded box and lined with black tissue paper. So, all in all, this is a fabulous gift both for your dog and for a friend or family member’s pooch.
Buy Dog Treat Gift Set on Amazon
If nothing else, a new toy goes a long way!
Read More: How To Train Your Puppy To Wear A Collar In One Week
Should you wrap presents for dogs?
You might be wondering if you should wrap presents for your dog. The answer is that it depends on the present and the dog. If the present is something that your dog can easily tear open, like a toy, then you probably don’t need to wrap it.
However, if the present is something you don’t want your dog to destroy, like a piece of clothing, then wrapping it might be a good idea. Also, dogs love to play with wrapping paper, which is a great way to keep them entertained.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether or not to wrap presents for your dog. And if you do decide to wrap their presents, make sure to use safe, non-toxic materials and avoid small pieces that they could swallow.
