So: Someone in your life is a dog lover. This is a perfect avenue for gift giving—if you're thoughtful with your choices. It's not always easy to find an item that your friend or family member doesn't already have or isn't weirdly picky about. With our help, however, you can nail the perfect present.
Toys for puppy parents
The one universal truth of puppydom is teeth: They clamp onto absolutely anything they can, including fingers. The Good Cuz/Bad Cuz line of rubber dog toys are perfect. Hold them between your fingers, making a fist, and your fingers are hidden, and your puppy has something to chew. A better puppy stocking stuffer there never was. They come in various sizes, so choose based on the size of the puppy.
Gifts for parents of a newly rescued dog
Helping a newly adopted dog feel safe, secure and loved is one of the major challenges for people who take a rescue into their homes. One of the most endearing things I saw this year, just before I adopted, was a TikToker who gives their adopted pit bull spa days, literally showering their dog with attention and care. The time together has brought my rescue dog and myself closer, so a spa set with an explanation is a really thoughtful gift. Even if their dog doesn’t like showers, simply rubbing some coconut oil into their skin once in a while is soothing and beneficial.
Burt’s Bees Shampoo for Dogs: $7.48
Coconut oil for fur and skin: $8.99
Pet MD Dog Paw Balm - 3-in-1 Paw, Nose/Snout, & Elbow Moisturizer: $15.49
Dog Bathrobe Towel: $35.99 and up
Pet Grooming Gloves: $13.99
Dog parents who lost their dog this past year
Instead of getting someone a new dog (which you should never do), give them a dog experience. For instance, you can have them visit Vermont's Golden Dog Farm and loll around with “at least 10 Butternut Goldens." Or consider a pilgrimage to Dog Mountain, also in Vermont, the retreat that wood carver and folk artist Stephen Huneck built as a tribute to canines. If a trip to Vermont isn't in the offing, there's this lovely custom pet memorial stone, which they can place in their garden.
Dog Mountain: free
Custom pet memorial stone: from $25.42
Parents of an older dog
Some photographers specialize in sessions with older doggos. Gifting a photo session of your loved ones with their loved one is something they’ll likely treasure forever, but lets them set it up on their timetable and with their own parameters. Google “senior dog photography” and your city to find the right service provider. Or have a custom portrait created based on your favorite photo. (This would also be a thoughtful gift to anyone who's lost their beloved pet.)
West & Willow pet portraits: from $68
Pet parents who’ve returned to the office
Dogs aren't the only ones who struggle as their humans go back to the office; their humans are stressed about it, too. Pair some activity toys with a pet camera to keep everyone’s anxiety at bay. We recommended the Eufy N140 last month with its 360-degree swivel, great resolution and ability to pitch treats to your doggo. WickedBone is an interactive smart toy designed to keep your dog stimulated while you control the fun from an app on your phone.
Eufy n140 pet camera: $209.99
WickedBone interactive toy: $43.99
Great gift ideas any dog parent would love
No dog ever has enough Kongs or Chuckits, so more are always welcome. Consider boxing up 20 or more tennis balls for a floofy friend. The look of unadulterated joy they’ll have when they unbox and are overwhelmed with balls is worth it. For the ultimate holiday gift, get your friend a pair of PJs with their dog’s face on them—and then get their dog matching PJs with your friend’s face on them.
Kongs: price varies
Chuckits (pack of two): $5.30
Pet mini tennis balls (50): $29.99
Custom-printed PJs: $46.95
Custom-printed dog PJs: $25.95
All listed prices are subject to change.