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If you have a dog lover in your life—and we’re talking a true dog-obsessed puppy parent—then you might think that buying a gift for them will be easy. Just buy them something for the dog! But hold up. Some dog owner gifts are better than others—like these 20 gift ideas.
Editor Picks
Budget-Friendly Gifts for Dog Lovers
If you’re trying to keep things on the budget-friendly side, stick to these gifts that are all under $25.
1. Portable Dog Water Bottle
Don’t underestimate how much your fave pet owner will love this perfect gift. There’s nothing quite as frustrating as carrying around cumbersome dog water dishes just so Fido can have a drink, or trying to find a makeshift option in a pinch.
This portable dog water bottle, available on Amazon, both holds the water and dispenses it in a dog-friendly bowl. When it’s not in use, it clips handily onto most leashes for easier walks, hikes and car rides, with less juggling the leash, poop bags and other necessary items that every dog person totes around.
2. Warren London Pawdicure Polish Pens
If your favorite dog dad or dog mom is constantly dressing up their pup, styling their hair and turning them into a little pint-sized (or not-so-pint-sized) fashionista, gift them a few of these pet polish pens, available on Chewy. The quick-dry, water-based, non-toxic polish comes in an array of colors, for that perfect “pawdicure.”
3. How to Speak Dog Cards
This is a cute little gift that’s also extra affordable, making it a great stocking stuffer or Secret Santa idea. The set of speak dog cards, available from Uncommon Goods, features various dog behaviors and postures, and offers interpretations and tips to help the user better communicate with their furry friend.
4. Dog Astrology: Decode Your Pet’s Personality with the Power of the Zodiac
Shopping for someone who loves both dogs and astrology? We’ve got you covered with this unique dog astrology book, available at Amazon, that blends two interests into one seriously cool gift. Based on the signs, your gift recipient will learn things like which dogs would be most compatible living in the same household.
5. Pettsie Pink Matching Dog Collar Bow Tie and Owner Friendship Bracelet
For the person whose favorite dog is truly their best friend, this Walmart set of a matching dog collar and human friendship bracelet is a must. The collars come in three sizes and feature a pink print and a little bow in the front.
Gifts for the Tech-Savvy Dog Lover
Take your gift recipient’s pet parenting into the future with one of these tech-savvy gifts.
6. Hunger for Words Talking Pet Starter Set
You’ve likely seen the videos online that show dogs pressing large buttons that then say a word, and everyone acts like the dog is “talking.” Well, that’s done via a set of these talking pet buttons and a whole lotta training.
With this starter set, you’ll give your fav dog parent everything they need to start training their fur baby to speak when spoken to (and you might just launch their TikTok career!).
7. Furbo Dog Camera
This 360-degree, sleek and stylish dog camera is a great gift for any pet parent who has to spend time away from their pup while at work or when traveling. The camera can rotate to show an entire room, as your gift recipient controls the camera via the connected mobile app. The camera even automatically turns on and auto tracks the dog’s movement and issues alerts when the dog starts barking. The camera’s night vision can also detect colors, even in the dark.
Related: The 9 Best Dog Cameras To Watch Your Pets While You Are Away
8. Cube Smart Tracker for Dogs
You’ve seen smart trackers that you can add to your key rings or that attach to your phone, but what about a tracker for a dog? This smart tracker for pets works in a range of places, including on the family dog, to keep Fido safe and easily trackable even when the unthinkable happens.
9. Whistle GO Explore
This piece of tech likewise tracks a dog’s location, but also does so much more.
This smart device for your pet provides alerts when the dog leaves a designated safe space (like the backyard). Like a Fitbit or other health tracker, though, the device also tracks a dog’s fitness stats. Via an app, your recipient can track and monitor their dog’s activity, calories burned for the day and behaviors that might indicate a health problem, like excess licking, scratching or sleeping.
One-of-a-Kind Personalized Gifts for Dog Lovers
Why buy the same ol’ thing that anyone can pick up at the pet store, when you can treat your friend to a totally original gift customized for their pet?
10. Royal Renaissance Custom Pet Portrait
Grab a photo of your friend’s dog from their social media and then send it over to the artists at Etsy. They’ll turn that photo into a one-of-a-kind, customized pet portrait that features Fido in historical garb. The only problem you’ll have is choosing how you want to dress your recipient’s pup. Top hat and cane? Court attire? Suit of armor? The options are expansive.
11. Embark Breed Identification Dog DNA Test
There’s nothing quite as unique as your gift recipient’s dog’s DNA. Help them get to know their pet on a new level, with this dog DNA test. All they have to do is take a quick swab sample and then they’ll get results that tell them about their dog’s breed, ancestry, relatives and more.
12. True to Life Custom Pet Portraits
If you think your friend would prefer a custom dog portrait that’s a little more realistic and a little less whimsical, you can try this option, also available on Etsy. While you can pick a new or creative color palette for the piece, the portraits more or less show off pets just as they are. You can get the portrait delivered as a canvas, print or poster. Framing is also an option.
13. Personalized Doggy Welcome Mat
If you have someone in your life whose home is totally ruled by the dog and everyone knows it, gift them this personalized doggy doormat that proclaims their dog’s status (with their dog’s name) as king or queen of the household. The mat comes in three different sizes.
14. Pooch Prints Custom Pet Phone Case
But why settle for just displaying one’s love for their pet in the home, when they can take that love on the go as well? Your gift recipient can show off their favorite pooch wherever they travel, thanks to this personalized, custom pet portrait phone case.
Gifts That are Actually, Really, for the Dog
Okay, but we all know that some of the best gifts for dog lovers are really just for the dog, like these options.
15. Pet Zone IQ Treat Dispensing Ball
This dog toy is just the thing for the hyperactive pup who needs to be entertained. The IQ treat ball distributes food at a slow, healthy rate, which is great for fast overeaters. It provides lots of mental stimulation for breeds who need it most, and the difficulty of the “puzzle” can be increased, so when the pup thinks he has it figured out, he’ll be bamboozled the next time your gift recipient sends this ball rolling across the house.
The ball comes in two sizes, for larger and smaller breeds.
16. Outward Hound Hide a Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle
This fun dog puzzle toy is cute, while also being extra-challenging for any pup — or, at least more challenging than your average plush toy, which many dogs will rip apart eventually. The “puzzle” features a series of plush squirrels hidden inside a plush trunk. It’s up to the pup to get the squirrels out.
One of the best parts of this toy (which just so happens to come in a range of sizes for different breeds)? If a dog rips apart a squirrel or two, their parent can just order more.
17. Dr. Catch Dog Puzzle Toy
Another puzzling food toy that will come in handy at feeding time is a new take on a traditional dog bowl. The plate features a series of holes in which the owner can distribute servings of food. Then, small slots slide over the food, requiring the dog to nose them over and around to get to their treats.
18. Snuffle Nosework Feeding Mat
If you want to provide your friend’s dog some challenging and mentally stimulating fun, but you know they already have similar toys to the above, consider this dog feeding mat that’s large, soft, transportable and machine washable (a feature that every pet parent will appreciate).
Essentially, this mat is a big fabric pad with a non-slip, grippy bottom that features a bunch of fabric flaps, pockets, and other features that conceal food, requiring dogs to nose around and hunt for their treats.
19. Portable Dog Splash Pool
Summertime approaching? Make sure everyone in the family can cool off when you gift your favorite pet parent this portable dog splash pool. It can also double as a doggy bathtub and comes in three sizes.
Gifts That Any Dog Lover Would Like
But some gifts are just good enough that anyone would love them.
20. Bad Dog Wisdom Tumblers
These fun dog-lover tumblers feature pups acting especially naughty and providing a bit of advice for their human counterparts while they’re at it. Available from Uncommon Goods, they’re bound to become your gift recipient’s new favorite glassware.
Things to Consider When Shopping for Dog Lovers
Have your eye on one of the above gifts? Make sure to think about these things as you make your final gift decision.
Dog breed and size
Your loved one’s dog’s breed and size will play into what gifts might be most suitable for them. You want to get something the dog can enjoy using without causing extra problems for their owner.
For example, you wouldn’t want to buy a small toy intended for small dogs for a large breed, as that large breed may inadvertently swallow the small toy whole — and that’s going to be one expensive vet visit at best.
Dog Temperament
Beyond dog breed and size, you also want to consider the dog’s temperament. Some dogs love toys and can’t get enough of them. Others could care less and really just want some snacks. Some dogs love to lay around and need all the comfy, cozy bedding to do it. Others are constantly moving and will sleep just about anywhere, in the most uncomfortable positions, only when they’re completely tired.
Dog Allergies
If you’re purchasing anything edible, check with the dog’s owner or a friend or family member who would know about any possible allergies or sensitivities. Even if the dog doesn’t have any particular worries or illnesses, it might be that their owner only feeds them certain brands.
If unsure, your best bet is to stay away from anything edible.
Dog Safety
Unfortunately, many products out there that, while marketed for dogs, aren’t safe. In order to ensure you’re only purchasing the best, highest quality, and safest products, read up on the reviews of any item you’re considering buying for your recipient’s pup. You don’t want them accidentally ingesting a harmful part of a toy or treat.
Pick the Perfect Pooch-Specific Gift
When you shop for your dog-lovin’ friends and family members, you’re really shopping for the dogs, too. Pick out that perfect present with the help of our above suggestions.
Need more ideas? You might find other dog-worthy anytime gifts or holiday gifts among our list of healthy dog treats that any dog will flip over, the best dog beds for old dogs or the best indestructible dog beds for the toughest canines.
20 Best Gifts For Dog Lovers:
- Portable Dog Water Bottle
- Warren London Pawdicure Polish Pens
- How to Speak Dog Cards
- Dog Astrology: Decode Your Pet’s Personality with the Power of the Zodiac
- Pettsie Pink Matching Dog Collar Bow Tie and Owner Friendship Bracelet
- Hunger for Words Talking Pet Starter Set
- Furbo Dog Camera
- Cube Smart Tracker for Dogs
- Whistle GO Explore
- Royal Renaissance Custom Pet Portrait
- Embark Breed Identification Dog DNA Test
- True to Life Custom Pet Portraits
- Personalized Doggy Welcome Mat
- Pooch Prints Custom Pet Phone Case
- Pet Zone IQ Treat Dispensing Ball
- Outward Hound Hide a Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle
- Dr. Catch Dog Puzzle Toy
- Snuffle Nosework Feeding Mat
- Portable Dog Splash Pool
- Bad Dog Wisdom Tumblers