When it comes to puppies at Christmas, it’s popular in movies and TV shows that the dog itself is the gift. While we can’t necessarily recommend gifting a pet, that shouldn’t stop you from joining the many other dog owners out there who plan to buy at least one gift for their dog. In fact, Wellness recently completed a survey that found that 74 percent of pet parents said they’d buy a gift for their cat or dog. Of those, 59 percent said the dog would even have their own stocking. I’m certainly buying one for each of my three knuckleheads.
Whether you’ve got an actual puppy or you still call your fully-grown dog a puppy (I’m guilty of this), Christmas is the perfect time to buy all the toys, treats, and even essentials a little furball may need. For actual puppies, we recommend first having a peek at our new puppy checklist to get an idea of some of the basics. For this list, we’ve included a mix of utilitarian choices and fun treats so your dog won’t be left out when it’s time to open presents.
While you’re pondering presents, don’t forget that the holiday season is a great time to dress your pup up in something ridiculous. Try our best dog Christmas sweaters to get them into some festive garb.
Don’t leave your dog out of the fun this year. Pick them out one of our ten best puppy Christmas presents.
1. Kong Puppy Rubber Chew and Treat Toy
Kong
Every dog needs a Kong. If this will be your puppy’s first one, opt for the one meant for them, which has softer rubber for young teeth and gums. A Kong is an especially handy tool for crate graining (for help buying a crate go here), since it gives your pup something to focus on and enjoy when you leave them in there. Kong makes a puppy recipe stuffing treat, as well as Kong shaped snacks, but you and I both know that peanut butter does the job just fine. Don’t forget the bottle brush; they’re tough to clean without one.
Price: $4.49 to $5.49
Buy the Kong Puppy Rubber Chew and Treat Toy here.
2. Outward Hound Invincibles Snake Toy
Outward Hound
Need a toy that will grow with your growing puppy? Try the Invincibles line from Outward Hound. Instead of stuffing that you will inevitably have to pick up from every square inch of your floor, these are filled with squeakers that still squeak even if they’re punctured. My three brutes have not yet managed to tear these apart after months of trying, even as other toys have been laid to waste in the meantime. Available in three, six, and twelve squeaker lengths, they also come in three colors: blue and green, orange and blue, and green and yellow. If you don’t love the snake, geckos and a few other creatures are available, too.
For more tough toy ideas, check out our best indestructible dog toys and best durable dog toys posts.
Price: $7.99
Buy the Outward Hound Invincibles Snake Toy here.
3. MidWest Homes for Pets Foldable Metal Exercise Pen
MidWest Homes for Pets
When your puppy is still little, it’s easier to contain them. Of course you’ll want to take them outside with you, but they’re not quite used to the leash yet and they certainly don’t answer to any commands. A playpen is a nice alternative to a crate providing some room to move around, enjoy the grass and the fresh air, and even play some (very) limited fetch. It removes the worry that they’ll just amble off if someone isn’t watching them every second. Choose among 24, 30, 36, 42, and 48 inch heights, all of which provide 16 square feet of play area. There are options for black and gold zinc finishes and with and without a door. Admittedly, this probably won’t contain most dogs forever; I’m even amused they pictured a husky in the image for the tallest version, since I assure you that these would not contain my husky mix. Still, as a nice bonus, you could use this for chinchilla play time after your dog is grown.
Price: $30.59 to $63.17, depending on size (up to 43 percent off MSRP)
Buy the MidWest Homes for Pets Foldable Metal Exercise Pen here.
4. Wellness Grain Free Soft Puppy Bites Treats
Wellness
Though they didn’t quite make our list of the best training treats, these Wellness Puppy Bites are made in the U.S., are grain free, and soft for teething youngsters. Even though they’re no longer puppies, my dogs love these, and I occasionally get them for something different. You can even find the normal soft WellBites in a bundle with a rope toy.
Price: $4.19 for a three ounce bag
Buy the Wellness Grain Free Soft Puppy Bites Treats here.
5. Nylabone Puppy Chew Toy Starter Pack
Nylabone
According to the American Kennel Club, you’ll get your puppy around eight to 12 weeks old and by six months, all the puppy teeth should be replaced with adult teeth. That’s a handful of months of teething they have to get through, which is an excellent time to reinforce proper chewing habits to spare the items in your house that are not puppy toys (which is virtually everything). Just as you might with a human baby, providing them with teething toys will make your life easier. Indeed, this bundle from Nylabone contains a few toys that look like they’re for human babies in addition to the standard Nylabone offerings.
Price: $19.99
Buy the Nylabone Puppy Chew Toy Starter Pack here.
6. Blueberry Pet Christmas Dog Collar
Blueberry Pet
Collars are another great way to deck your puppy (as opposed to the halls) out in holiday gear. Blueberry Pet have released over a dozen different holiday patterns for you to choose from. Each of them comes either with a bowtie or with an ornament embellishment. If you wanted to give a collar that isn’t season-specific, check out our best dog collars or best designer dog collars.
Price: $12.99
Buy the Blueberry Pet Christmas Dog Collar here.
7. Little Dove Pet Teepee Dog Bed
Little Dove
Whether a tiny puppy or a smaller breed, a covered pet bed makes a cozy place to doze. This teepee design features poles made of pine with cotton canvas draped over them. The cushion is also made of the cotton and can be machine washed. It measures 24 inches tall with a 20 inch diameter. Replacement cushions can be purchased separately, and there are variations with no pad, a fur mat, or a cooling rattan pad for warmer areas. I’ve seen a few of my friends’ dogs use these for sleeping in every night. If you want to train your puppy to stay out of the bed at night, this could be a good way to designate a place for them to sleep. More options are available in our best cheap dog beds post.
Price: $69.99
Buy the Little Dove Pet Teepee Dog Bed here.
8. Square Paisley Design Personalized Ceramic Dog Bowl
Square Paisley Design
While most new dog parents will probably opt for something very simple for their puppy’s first food dish, Christmas is a great time to gift something a little more special. This handmade dog bowl features an adorable cartoon version of the dog’s breed next to the personalized name you choose to put on it. In addition to the French Bulldog design above, they also offer:
- Boston Terrier
- Border Collie
- Chihuahua
- German Shepherd
- Beagle
- Boxer
- Black Lab
- Golden Retriever
- Poodle
- Pug
- Corgi
- Dachshund
Might be worth messaging to see if they can work up other breeds if the one you’re looking for isn’t currently available.
Price: $28
Buy the Square Paisley Design Personalized Ceramic Dog Bowl here.
9. Yellow Fern Studio Personalized Dog Leash Hook
Yellow Fern Studio
Speaking of personalized goods, newly minted dog owners will need a place to hang their leashes between walks. It’s much more orderly than just about any other option, and keeps it handy right by the door. When ordering, specify the breed and name and the studio will create a handsome handmade leash hook just for you. Need the leash, too? We have those over here.
Price: $27
Buy the Yellow Fern Studio Personalized Dog Leash Hook here.
10. Murphy & Roxy Puppy Starter Kit
Murphy & Roxy
Of course, while you can buy all of these things separately, a starter gift pack will give the new puppy owner on your list all the items they need to get started right out of the gate. Intended for medium dogs, this set includes the following ten pieces: plush bed, 100 pet wipes, 120 poop bags, one bottle of oatmeal shampoo and conditioner, training pee pads, one plush toy, one teething toy, a small food bowl, a double-sided grooming brush, and nail trimmers.
Price: $89.99
Buy the Murphy & Roxy Puppy Starter Kit here.
Looking for more pet gifts? Try our best gift ideas for dog owners or best gifts for cat lovers.