- Pumpkin Team
- 3 days ago
- 10 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
Key Points
The right gifts match your dog's age, size, and chewing habits, keeping them happy and safe throughout the holiday season.
For dogs who light up at a little mental challenge, enrichment toys channel that holiday buzz into something more productive (and way less chaotic).
Tough chews can help burn off that extra holiday excitement (and save your wrapping paper from destruction).
Cozy beds and calming toys give your dog a warm, quiet place to unwind when festivities get a little too festive.
From grooming essentials to winter gear, practical gifts help your dog stay comfortable, active, and ready for every adventure.
There’s something magical about giving your dog a gift, especially for the holidays. As soon as you unwrap their new toy or treat, their eyes sparkle, their tail wags, and the whole room feels brighter. They may not physically say “thank you,” but the joy is unmistakable.
But just like shopping for kids, the options can be… a lot. You want something safe, something fun, and something that won’t lose your four-legged friend’s interest in less than five minutes. That’s why we created this dog gift guide: to make shopping easier and a lot more jolly.
Top Gifts for Dogs
From enrichment toys to cozy comforts, these Christmas gifts for dogs support their physical, emotional, and behavioral health.
The best dog toys for enrichment
Enrichment gifts challenge your dog’s brain and turn problem-solving into play. They’re especially beneficial for curious pups, food-motivated dogs, or any canine who needs a constructive outlet to burn off some extra energy.
The best puzzle toys
This multi-level puzzle toy encourages sniffing, spinning, and searching for hidden treats — a rewarding mental workout to keep boredom and destructive habits at bay. Available in versions for small and large breeds, it’s an excellent match for food-motivated pups who love a fun challenge or need help slowing down at mealtime.
Part puzzle, part lick mat, and part slow feeder, this food-safe and dishwasher-friendly toy keeps your dog’s interest layer after layer. It supports natural foraging behaviors and promotes slower eating. Repetitive licking can also help soothe anxious dogs during high-energy holiday moments.
The best treat-dispensing and scent-work toys
A durable, non-toxic treat dispenser transforms mealtime into an activity. Its customizable design lets parents adjust the difficulty, and easy-to-clean material makes it convenient for busy households. It’s ideal for moderate chewers who crave both mental and physical enrichment.
Snuffle mats & hide-and-seek toys
This snuffle mat turns sniffing into a rewarding adventure. Designed to mimic natural foraging, it gives pups a calming, low-impact activity — perfect for cold or snowy days indoors. Its durability, machine-washable design, and anti-slip backing make it a practical gift through the holiday season (and all year long).
The Lambwolf Bagel + Pickle toy is an intermediate-level snuffle set that builds on nosework skills with tighter treat pockets and a delightfully squeaky “pickle,” for added sensory enjoyment. Made from toxin-free materials and backed by a puppy-accident warranty, it's a thoughtful, safe gift for curious dogs who are ready for slightly more challenging sniffwork.
The Best Chew Toys
Chewing is a natural behavior that can help relieve stress and support oral health, especially during the stimulating holiday season. Choosing the right chew means prioritizing safe materials, proper sizing, and durability to prevent breaks or unintentional ingestion.
Rubber chews
For dogs who can demolish a toy (before you’ve even finished wrapping it), the KONG extreme is your holiday hero. It’s made from ultra-durable, natural rubber that stands up to powerful jaws while keeping play safe and exciting. Stuff it with festive fillings or freeze it for an extra challenge. It’s a long-lasting gift that can handle even the most enthusiastic chewers of the season.
Nylon chews
Infused with real flavors and designed with a dog-friendly grip, this USA-made nylon chew is built for pups with powerful jaws. While long-lasting, supervision is important. Be sure to replace once worn down to avoid sharp edges or small pieces.
Digestible chews
These Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) approved chews make a thoughtful holiday treat, backed by clinical evidence that they help reduce plaque and tartar. Their soft, specially treated rawhide is also easier to digest than traditional options, making for a satisfying chew for dogs. Just be sure to supervise and discard small end pieces for safety.
Best Comfort & Cozy Gifts
Soft blankets, quiet evenings, and warm light capture the essence of a cozy holiday memory. These gifts can provide your dogs with the same comfort.
Dog beds and heating pads
Highlighted as the best bed for anxious dogs by New York Magazine, the fluffy donut shape mimics the sensation of a gentle embrace, providing extra comfort. The plush filling and orthopedic support make it perfect for curling up during long holiday naps. It's also machine washable (a gift in itself).
Transform your dog's favorite resting spot into a cozy, heated retreat. Designed to slip easily inside their existing bed, this low-wattage warmer features a smart thermostat that automatically heats to a soothing, vet-recommended 102°F only when your dog lies down. Certified for indoor use, it can offer your pet a soothing spot to nap after adventures in the cold.
Plush toys
Designed to mimic the comforting rhythm of a heartbeat, this plush toy helps soothe puppies, seniors, and anxious dogs. It’s important to note that this toy may not be suited for larger dogs or excessive chewers, as it is not designed as a chew toy. Whether your dog uses it for crate training or holiday travel, this soothing gift provides steady, familiar reassurance.
This festive plush set includes squeakers and crinkle textures for gentle and safe play. Best suited for dogs under 50 pounds, it offers light and easy playtime. They also make cute, photo-ready gifts for dog lovers. If you enjoy their cookie set, Foggy Dog also has some adorable scarves for dogs that you can personalize with their name.
The beloved KONG toy gets a festive makeover with its Holiday Cozie Reindeer. The classic rubber core provides a safe and satisfying chew, while the soft outer adds seasonal charm and extra durability. It's a great choice for gentle chewers and indoor sessions by the cozy fireplace.
Practical Gifts for Dog Health & Wellness
These gifts aren’t just fun; they support long-term wellness and make daily care easier for pet parents.
Grooming tools
This nail trimmer features stainless steel blades and a built-in safety guard to help pet parents safely trim their dog’s nails with confidence. Its durable, ergonomic design also makes routine grooming at home more manageable. If this is your first time attempting to trim your pup’s nails, check out our helpful nail trimming guide.
With retractable bristles and a gentle feel, this slicker brush helps reduce shearing and prevent matting. It’s a practical gift for any household, especially those with double-coated or long-haired dogs.
A wellness plan
Preventive care, like routine check-ups can help your dog stay healthy through the new year! The Pumpkin Wellness Club¹ helps pet parents save up to $460 each year on routine treatments, including annual checkups, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and heartworm prevention. A preventative care plan is the gift that keeps on giving by supporting long-term health and proactive care year-round.
Best Outdoor & Adventure Gifts
For dogs who love exploring beyond the living room rug, these picks bring comfort, freedom, and safety to every outing.
Harnesses & reflective gear
Durable, padded, and fully adjustable, this harness keeps dogs comfortable whether they’re strolling through the neighborhood or hiking snowy trails. Its reflective trim also enhances visibility, and its multiple leash attachment points offer flexibility and control in training.
Lightweight, waterproof, and designed to withstand significant pulling force, this leash gives hands-free convenience, perfect for brisk winter walks or holiday errands.
Winter protection
These water-resistant boots shield Fido’s paws from winter risks like snow and ice. Its skid-resistant soles and wide size range also help ensure a secure fit and protection year-round.
Featuring a foil lining that reflects body heat and waterproof materials for winter weather, this coat keeps your pup warm and dry. Its reflective accents provide extra safety during early nightfall in holiday months.
Best Holiday Dog Stocking Stuffers and Treats
Even small, safe, and delicious gifts can bring holiday cheer to even the pickiest pups. Here are some treats and stocking stuffers to consider gifting them.
Single-ingredient treats
These nutrient-rich, single-ingredient bites are made from locally sourced, grass-fed beef lung. While they may not be your idea of a yummy treat, your dog will find them delightful. They’re low in fat, easy to break into training pieces, and make a wholesome stocking stuffer.
Freeze-dried and made from 100% grass-fed beef liver, these treats are nutritious and flavorful with no additives — a perfect high-value treat for training sessions or holiday gifting.
Holiday-themed treat
This festive, hypoallergenic treat is made from a single ingredient (cod skin) and packaged in cheerful holiday wrapping. It’s gentle on digestion, free from artificial sweeteners, and free of unsafe ingredients.
DIY dog treat ideas
If you prefer unique dog gifts with a personal touch, this homemade treat uses dog-safe ingredients like pumpkin puree and xylitol-free peanut butter. They’re also easy to customize for dietary needs and make a heartfelt, handmade gift straight from your kitchen.
How to Choose the Right Gift for Your Dog
Choosing safe dog toys starts with understanding your dog’s chewing style, size, and play habits.
Size and breeds
The best dog toys for larger dog breeds are big and sturdy enough to withstand strong jaws and enthusiastic play. Smaller dog breeds tend to do best with lightweight, appropriately sized toys to prevent choking risks; plush or soft toys often work well for them.
Age
Puppies and senior dogs benefit from toys that are soft and size-appropriate, that won’t cause injury to weaker teeth or gums. Orthopedic calming beds and gentle enrichment toys like snuffle or lick mats also offer comfort and mental stimulation. Adult dogs with plenty of energy may prefer more durable toys that can handle vigorous chewing, tugging, and active play.
Behavior
For heavy chewers, gift them toys made of hard rubber or reinforced, tough nylon or fabric. Soft, plush toys with squeakers could pose a risk, according to veterinarians, if parts of the toy are ingested. High-energy dogs often enjoy tennis balls, durable rubber balls, or frisbee-style toys that encourage chasing and movement; adventure-ready gear can also be a wise choice for dogs who spend lots of time outdoors.
Food-motivated dogs thrive with puzzle feeders or KONG-style toys, turning mealtime into a mental activity. Meanwhile, anxious dogs may prefer a soft, cozy bed or plush toys for comfort and self-soothing.
Home environment
Apartment dwellers may prefer quieter toys, like plush toys, lick mats, or slow-feed enrichment activities. These toys minimize noise while keeping dogs mentally engaged. Homes with yards or more open space offer room for fetch toys, agility gear, or outdoor training tools. Think about your space, flooring, and noise tolerance to choose gifts that fit seamlessly into your daily life.
Safety checklist for toy selection
Here are some quick tips when buying safe dog chews and non-toxic toys for your pupper.
Look for BPA-free and non-toxic toy labels
Choose toys made from natural rubber, cotton, wool, or hemp
Look for brands with clear safety testing and transparent manufacturing standards
Select the right-sized toys so they can’t be swallowed intentionally or unintentionally
Use the “thumbnail test”: If your nail can make a slight indent in the object, it’s generally safe to chew
Buy toys made from washable material to reduce bacteria buildup
Replace toys that show fraying, cracks, or loose parts
Rotate the toy to maintain novelty and prevent wear
Holiday Safety Tips for Dog Gifts
Around the holidays, your home is full of new sights, smells, and chew-worthy temptations. Puppies are especially susceptible since they love to explore the world with their mouths. So, it’s important to supervise play with new toys and keep in mind holiday safety tips for puppies. Be sure to keep holiday hazardous decor, like tinsel, lights, small ornaments, ribbons, and gift wrap, out of reach to prevent ingestion or injury.
If you’re giving treats, introduce them slowly and offer them in moderation to prevent digestive upset. After the celebrations wind down, store toys safely and rotate them to keep playtime engaging.
No matter what you get your pup for the holidays, they will still think you hung the moon. The real gift is having them around. Everything we buy will always come in a distant second. Whether your dog is a championship napper or gets the zoomies like they’re training for the canine Olympics, we hope this guide helps you feel more like the thoughtful, overachieving pet parent you are.
FAQs
What are the best gifts for dogs who chew everything?
Durable rubber toys and strong nylon chews are great options for heavy chewers. Avoid plush or rope toys unless they’re specifically designed for tough chewers. Always supervise your dog and replace toys once they show signs of wear.
What’s the best holiday gift for a senior dog?
Senior dogs still want to go places and do things with you, even if they are a little slower now. A hike, walk, or scent game can be a great gift for mature dogs. If mobility is more limited, gentle enrichment toys like a snuffle mat combined with veterinarian-approved treats can keep them mentally stimulated at home.
What can I put in a dog’s Christmas stocking?
Consider single-ingredient treats, festive plus toys, durable chews, and mini enrichment toys. Avoid treats with artificial sweeteners, unsafe decorations, or non-food items small enough to swallow.
Are holiday dog treats safe?
Holiday treats are safe when they contain dog-friendly ingredients and avoid harmful items like xylitol, nutmeg, raisins, or chocolate. Always introduce treats in moderation and check labels for hidden sweeteners or additives.
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Pumpkin Wellness Club is marketed and administered by Sprout Wellness Services LLC (d/b/a "Pumpkin Wellness Club"). Pumpkin Wellness Club is NOT INSURANCE, nor a regulated insurance product. It is offered as a standalone pet wellness membership program. Membership Fees are based on annual membership in the Pumpkin Wellness Club. Your use of Club benefits may result in liability for Outstanding Fees if you terminate your membership before the expiration of any 12-month membership period. Any discounted fees will be credited to your membership in month 1, but will not accrue to Outstanding Fees in the event of early termination. For full terms, visit wellness.pumpkin.care/membership-agreement.
