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Christmas gifts for dogs

TrustedHousesitters blog author - Hayley Ward
Hayley Ward
05 December 20228 min read
A small cute dog standing in front of a Christmas tree, a red gift bag in its mouth

Updated 03/11/23

The pups in our lives do so much for us humans - from welcome-home tail wags, to excitable (sometimes slobber-filled) embraces, and of course, those cozy evening snuggles on the sofa. That’s why in the holiday lead-up, we love nothing more than tracking down the best dog gifts to get those tails wagging!

So whether you’re house sitting this Christmas or you’re after tokens of appreciation for your own holiday hound, we’re here with a rather merry mix of Christmas gifts for dogs. From puzzle toys and soft toys to sensory gifts and gifts for dogs who love to chew, there’s something for every hound here. So without further ado, let’s get into it…

Christmas puzzle gifts for dogs

If the fur mama or papa in your life has recently welcomed a new pup home, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to holiday gifts! We’d say puzzle toys are always a great shout - they’re something pups can just about never get bored of (and if they do, we can safely say that there are heaps more available online to keep pups stimulated). 

They’re also one of the best gifts for dogs who are still learning - toys that take a bit of thinking not only get canine brains ticking, but they’re also a fab behavior management tool. Why? Well, stimulating your dog’s mind avoids boredom, and helps pups to feel like they’ve got a role to play and a job to do! Many of the breeds we know and love have working backgrounds, so do well when they’re focused on a daily task - something that’s easy to achieve with a puzzle toy (or three!) to hand. 

And if you’re thinking about Christmas gifts for dogs in particular, a puzzle toy (and a pet-safe jar of peanut butter) makes for the ideal festive package for the fluffball (and pet parents) in your life to unwrap. Great for keeping our pet family entertained while their humans are opening presents, cooking dinner, and of course, tucking in and having a merry time!

Sensory Christmas gifts for dogs

Much like puzzles, sensory Christmas dog toys are a great way to keep your pooch stimulated throughout what can be a pretty hectic day for our canine friends. As much as we’re sure the pups in your life love festive walkies and cuddles by the fire, a bit of mental stimulation amongst all the socializing on a busy day like Christmas certainly won’t go amiss from your pup’s perspective. So if you’re after Christmas toys for dogs, challenge your dog’s noggin with sensory dog gifts - they’re a great way to help puppies learn about the world around them and to keep older minds busy. 

Here we’ve found a bunch of sensory gifts that rock a whole range of different sounds, colors, and textures. If squeaky toys simply aren’t for you (or the pet parent in your life), we get it, they can get a little grating (especially amongst lots of Christmas chatter!). So instead, find squishy toys, crinkle toys (which actually have a rather soothing sound), as well as rope toys and snuffle mats to keep your pup happy and stimulated throughout the festive period.

Christmas gifts for dogs who love to chew

If you’re after Christmas gifts for dogs that’ll not only help them have festive fun but also benefit their health, then chew toys could be a fab option. Somewhere between a Christmas dog toy and a puzzle, chew toys have been popular with dog lovers since time immemorial (well, almost). Why? Well, chew toys have a variety of health benefits for our canine pals - let’s start with the obvious: teething. If you’ve been a pup parent before, you’ll know that teething puppies chew on just about anything and everything they can get their little mouths around. So, providing a chew toy not only relieves their frustration, but it also saves your furniture, shoes, and (dangerous) electrical household objects! 

And if you know the pup in your life suffers from anxiousness, chew toys can be a great help. While they won’t always tackle the cause of the problem, they can be a great distraction while pet parents put in the work. Chew toys are also great for your pup’s oral health - adult or fur baby. Just like us humans, dogs are prone to plaque build-up and other oral hygiene issues, so some time with a chew toy can help to keep your pup’s teeth and gums clean while fending off stinky breath!

Christmas pajama matching sets

If you’re new to the pet parenting life, you may want to skip this one, but a few years in and you’ll probably be looking for new ways to get Fido involved in the festive fun! While your pup might only wear it for the photos (as let’s face it, many of our canine friends hate wearing ‘clothes’), others will happily potter around the festive period in a matching set. As the coldest time of year for many of us, they might even appreciate the extra layer! So, if you’re after presents for Christmas for your whole family as well as Christmas gifts for dogs, a matching pajama set will make for the perfect first gift of the day! Or, unwrap a little early on Christmas Eve for the coziest night in with your holiday hound and the rest of your pack (and warning - don’t be disappointed if your furry friend only wears it for the pictures!).

Cozy Christmas gifts for dogs 

Christmas might be the most wonderful time of the year, but in our books, it’s also the coziest! So, why not make your pup’s festive season (and beyond) even more snug this Christmas with presents that are specifically for snuggling? Below find a whole host of the best dog gifts we could find that’ll help your pooch settle while you and the pack get stuck into a Christmas film marathon. 

Before we get into it, there are a few things we’d just like to highlight. Take the snuggle sack, not only does it make your pooch look like a Christmas present, but we’re also kind of jealous and wishing there was an adult human version?! Then there’s the snuggle dog comforter toy, which is perfect for helping your pooch get comfy, and blocking out any drafts that might come through the room. And the microwave heat pack! This one’s ideal for keeping your pooch warm and cozy on cold winter nights - while blankets and snugglers can help, they can get a little uncomfortable. So, simply pop a heatable pad in the microwave (as long as it’s microwave-safe, of course), and know your pooch will be toasty warm for a cozy evening in.

Unique Christmas gifts for dogs 

Sometimes the best Christmas gifts are the weirdest (and if not, at least they’re memorable). That’s why we scoured the web for the more left-field Christmas dog gifts, as well as customizable Christmas presents for dogs. From pet massage gloves (yes, that’s a thing - great for removing excess dog hair and saving the vacuum) to customized cushions, doormats, and matching crockery sets, find our festive bizarre bazaar below!

Practical Christmas gifts for dogs 

There might be a pup in your life who seems to have it all - maybe the pheromone diffusers, snuggle mats, and puzzle toys were so last year. Well we’ve considered that,  and the fact that sometimes the best dog gifts are the gifts that also benefit the dog parents, too. So, if you were at a loss for dog gifts for Christmas, below find a series of seriously practical dog gifts that’ll (indirectly) enrich your fluffy pal’s dog life.

Sometimes you can receive a gift and wonder how you ever lived without it - well this is how we felt about the portable dog water bottle and bowl. Ideal for keeping pups fed and watered on longer walkies, pet parents no longer need to worry about how to keep their hounds hydrated (without any spillages!). Also, take the glow in the dark apparel - ideal for darker times of the year when it’s vital your pooch can be seen. And amongst all the practical fun, storage boxes never go amiss (especially if the pooch in your life is receiving Christmas toys no end!).

Edible Christmas gifts for dogs 

If you’re not used to buying your dog Christmas presents, edible goodies are always a safe place to start. Delicious and affordable, we’re sure the pooch in your life won’t be turning down treats any time soon, no matter what type of dog you’re pet parenting! And to be honest, some the best gifts for dogs are the simplest! So if you’re after something that’s sure to make your hound happy (as there’s always a chance they’ll ignore the toy you spent so long choosing, and prefer the box instead…), yummy dog food and treats are always a winner. Below find treats ideal for training (positive reinforcement is the way to go!), along with a few canine dog treats for the festivities. And just one more note before we nose-dive into these delicious gift ideas: be sure not to overfeed your pooch over the festive season - obesity in dogs is dangerous, and dodgy stomachs are a pain for pups and their humans!

Related article: 5 things that would happen if dogs ran Christmas

Decked the halls yet?

In ode to the best fluffy pal, how about creating a pooch-approved winter wonderland, fit for a (canine) king (or queen!)? We love these dog Christmas decorations as a way to get Fido involved in the fun (doggy treat advent calendars, we’re looking at you!), and these tips for a pet-proof Christmas tree to keep pups safe this festive season! And if festivities are your thing, check out these Valentine's day crafts (dog-themed, naturally) that'll make the special someone in your life swoon!

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