42 Best Gifts for Dog Lovers 2024 | The Strategist

Few things are more rewarding than owning a four-legged friend, but finding a helpful, unique, or simply amusing gift for a fellow dog lover is definitely up there. As one of the Strategist’s resident pet experts, I’ve spent countless hours interviewing veterinarians and testing tons of toys, treats, and grooming supplies with my family dogs and my 2-month-old basset hound puppy, Ringo (who likes to express his approval with tail wags or the odd howl). Thanks to their feedback and the constantly updated Rolodex of presents in my brain, I’ve put together the following roundup of the best gifts for dog owners.

Below, you’ll find 42 gift ideas for canines of every size and breed — and for every type of parent. Many of the following products have been culled from our archive, while others are gifts I’ve received — and some are just too pleasing to leave off this list, like an ergonomic device for holding bully sticks and an actually nice-looking, hands-free tool for holding poop bags.

Update on November 12, 2024: Added new gift recommendations; updated prices and checked stock for all other products.

This soft puzzle tree will keep any dog occupied (mine included) for hours because of its squirrel-filled trunk that mimics a game of hide-and-seek. It’s available in various sizes — the largest includes six squeaky squirrels.

When he’s not playing with the plush toy above, one of my family dogs — a 160-pound Great Dane — enjoys flinging these replacement squirrels around. My parents basically have a standing order of this three-pack for when he inevitably pulls out the squeakers, which would make a useful (and affordable) gift for the owner of any chew-happy dog.

Michael Kim, founder of the dog skin-care brand Floof, uses these poop bags for his French bulldog, Leo. Kim loves the design — a nod to classic “Thank You” takeout bags — and the fact that they’re compostable.

The week we brought our puppy Ringo home, one of our neighbors (who’s also a dog owner) recommended this book to my partner and me. How to Be Your Dog’s Best Friend is a must-read for any first-time dog owners, but it’s also great for anyone eager to deepen their connection with their canine friends. It’s been such a helpful training manual, and we often refer to sections we’ve highlighted about obedience, feeding, and the human-dog bond.

The dachshund owner in your life will be delighted to receive this charmingly long ring holder, inspired by their doxie’s regal stance.

Crate-training a pup can be a struggle, but I’ve found that lick mats are the best way to soothe an anxious dog and generate a positive association with the kennel. We own this two-pack, which has textured surfaces and grooves, and at under 10 bucks, it’s a great low-cost enrichment tool.

Keep their house fur free with this easy-to-use brush that strips away dander and removes knots or mats hidden beneath a dog’s coat. It’s a top tool at grooming centers because it has flexible rubber bristles that feel like a soothing massage when combed through a pup’s hair.

Hide your dog’s favorite treats in the compartments of this food puzzle, then let them sniff and slide the blocks to uncover delicious tidbits. It’s essentially the canine equivalent of the “New York Times crossword puzzle,” says Lauren Camerini, a dog trainer and the founder of the Peaceful Dog.

Here’s another stimulating option for dogs: this silicone snuffle mat that we picked up from our local pet store. So far, I’ve found it much easier to clean than fabric mats I’ve used. It’s made by Toronto-based brand Dexypaws and has a strong suction-cup base, which prevents Ringo from flipping it over or using it as a chew toy.

A gift idea that’s more for an owner than their four-legged friend is this delightful four-pack of pencils from Mr. Boddington’s Studio. The print is beloved by Elisabeth Weiss, a dog trainer and the owner of Dog Relations NYC, who describes it as “a bit Old World but in a friendly and sort of British humor style.”

Featuring the same cheery illustration as the above cards, this composition notebook contains 192 wide-ruled pages for jotting down notes or drafting their War and Peace–length dog-sitter plan the next time they’re (reluctantly) out of town.

I’m a big fan of Wild One’s poop bags and the accompanying dispenser. The plant-based material is extra-thick, and I’ve never had any issues with leakage; plus, the holder has an elastic that can be looped onto a leash or my tote-bag handle for quick access.

Owners of large- or giant-breed dogs will appreciate this hands-free tool designed to hold one or multiple waste bags (a.k.a. a lot of poop). It’s also a gift that gives back: When you purchase a Dooloop through the brand’s site, 20 percent of the profit will be donated to the NAACP.

For training, I love these tiny freeze-dried treats because they contain just one ingredient (beef liver) and are perfectly bite-size. A dog trainer introduced them to us at puppy preschool, and while they don’t have a strong scent, Ringo goes crazy for them whenever we’re practicing new commands.

If nail trims don’t faze their dog, the pooch is ready for a paw-dicure (sorry — we couldn’t resist). This water-based, nontoxic polish pen from Warren London dries in under a minute and is available in 13 shades for more than just French tips.

Another way to dress up your pet: this mop top that Molly Shannon calls her Chihuahua’s “I hate Mondays” wig.

Oreos might be a no-no for dogs, but they can safely enjoy these all-natural Paw-reos from Maison de Pawz, a Parisian-inspired pâwtisserie in New York City. Freshly baked to order, the five-pack only contains five ingredients, including organic buckwheat flour, unsweetened carob powder, and coconut milk.

This silicone Apple AirTag holder, a gift idea courtesy of social-media consultant and dog owner Rachel Karten, will allow your recipient to keep track of their pup using the Find My app. It lies flush when attached to a collar, so it’s less likely to detach during playtime. (Awoo also sells a matching harness and leash for those looking for fully monochrome kits.)

We wrote about using this dog pool for kids — but your giftee could also use it for, well, dogs. It’s ideal for keeping furry friends entertained during cookouts or picnics; just be sure to “monitor your pup” for safety during use, says Erin Askeland, an animal-health and -behavior consultant at Camp Bow Wow.

This ultradurable, veterinarian-approved toy can be filled with peanut butter or a few treats to distract a mouthy puppy from chewing on the corner of your couch. I still use one to entertain Ringo, especially when we practice his crate-training since licking the Kong helps to make his crate feel safe and comfortable. Pro tip: Try filling the Kong using all-natural peanut butter like Buddy Butter.

An outdoorsy dog owner will appreciate the length and customizability of this leash from Oakland-based brand High Tail Hikes. Made of woven polyester webbing with a soft PVC coating, its auto-locking carabiner will allow their pet to roam more freely while maintaining an ultrasecure connection.

This ingenious device is a win-win for both owner and pet because it’s a controlled way to give Fido his favorite chew. It tightly secures a bully stick, preventing overeager dogs from choking on the last bit of the treat.

And if you’d like to complete the gift idea above, we recommend adding these fully digestible and USA-made bully sticks. Endorsed by multiple experts, these are our top-rated chew for puppies (and for non-puppies) because they’re rich in nutrients but softer on a pet’s teeth than bones or antlers.

For very active owner-and-pup duos, I recommend this bottle that dispenses water into a bowl-shaped top that functions like a portable drinking fountain for your dog. I use one with our Aussie mix because it can be carried on hikes or down long trails where clean water isn’t readily available.

If their dog tends to be anxious, give them this donut-shaped bed that provides a cozy sense of security. I’m also a big fan of this fun floral pattern that’ll blend nicely with pastel interiors.

They might already use Ouai — and now their pup can, too. The brand’s animal wash is formulated with aloe vera, along with many ingredients that promote a healthy coat.

Pet-clothing company Little Beast makes a range of stylish dog sweaters and onesies, like this knit option that’s great for pet parents who want to coordinate their dog’s outfit with their own Lisa Says Gah’s ensemble.

These dog bowls won’t throw off your giftee’s highly curated aesthetic when they’re nice-looking enough for human use. Available in two sizes, the speckled dishes are made by the female artisans behind Brooklyn-based ceramics studio Franca.

These tiny Wellington boots would make a great gift for a furry recipient who’s already comfortable wearing shoes — and their owner, who can skip the post-walk chase-and-wipe-down routine. The slip-on footwear is available in six colors, plus the price includes a set of four.

Another giftable collar attachment is Mejuri’s 24-karat gold-plated charm that can be engraved with a dog’s name and your phone number. Rachel Zoe customized one for her toy Maltipoo and says it’s a super-durable (and stylish) pet accessory.

What furry friend could turn down a monthly subscription box filled with treats, plush squeakers, and other surprises for playtime? BarkBox also offers a super-chewer option for dogs that play harder and need extra-tough toys.

Give the gift of oral health with the toothbrush-shaped treats favored by three Strategist writers — myself included — to combat bad breath in each of our dogs. Author Ottessa Moshfegh is another fan, saying her four pups are “obsessed with” these chews and come running whenever she grabs the box from the shelf.

This wobbly device can be filled with more than a cup of kibble and used as an interactive slow feeder for added mental enrichment at mealtime. Our Aussie mix enjoys knocking it around with her paws or snout to release a few chunks of food; however, I recommend supervising your dog to make sure they’re going after the dispensed rewards rather than just gnawing on the exterior like it’s a chew toy.

If they’re looking for more enriching dog-play options, Woof’s handy holiday kit has everything they’ll need: It comes with the Pupsicle, which holds ready-made “pops” (the brand’s re-fill treats), plus a tray for making DIY frozen treats and a bag of training morsels.

The cheery hues and rounded rim of these glossy bowls remind me of Swedish designer Gustaf Westman’s curvy (and rarely in stock) dinner plates. And they even include a silicone, nonslip mat, which will hopefully mean less mess after meals.

Here’s another feeding kit that has everything you’ll need for mealtimes on the go. The seven-piece travel set includes two zip-top food-storage cubes, two collapsible bowls, a feeding tray, and a collapsible measuring scoop, which all fit inside the insulated travel bag.

Women-led brand Approved by Fritz offers tons of bright and sustainable dog essentials, like this color-block walking set. Made from easy-to-clean PVC-coated nylon, the leash has versatile swivel clips on both ends and the collar has a quick-release buckle for extra safety.

If their carrier has seen better days, upgrade them to this tote-style option, from New York City–based brand Just Fred, which has a padded window that will allow their pup to see what’s happening outside. Available in two sizes to fit animals up to 35 pounds, it offers the highest weight capacity of any pick in our roundup of the best dog carriers.

For owners going into the office and leaving their pup at home, this 360-degree camera allows them to still interact throughout the day by tossing treats or reassuring them they’re such a good dog with the real-time two-way audio. Along with its rotating view for full-room monitoring, the Furbo can detect barking and send alerts straight to your smartphone for peace of mind.

After adopting my rescue Shea, I purchased a DNA test to find out her exact breed mix and better understand her behaviors — and years later, I still think it’s the perfect gift for any pet parent in a similar boat. With one simple cheek swab, Embark will screen your dog for more than 350 breeds using research-grade data developed with Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

This dog bed from Saatva, the maker of our best-performing mattress, is made with responsive microcoils, like the ones humans sleep on, so it’s an excellent option for older pups or those with mobility issues. It’s available in three textures, including bouclé and linen, plus three sizes to support animals up to 120 pounds.

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