Gifts for Dog Lovers (and the Dogs Who Run the House)

By the Gift DeskUpdated October 8, 202621 hand-picked ideas

Where we’d start

For a bored dogWashable Snuffle Mat for Dogs~$35
For the ownerCustom Pet Portrait~$50
Under $15Engraved Pet ID Tag~$12

Ask a dog person about their dog and you’ll be there a while. They’ll show you photos, explain the breed mix, tell you which squeaky toy lasted eleven minutes and which bed got ignored in favor of the couch. For many people, the dog is the center of the household schedule: walks before work, a sprint home at lunch, weekends planned around somewhere they can bring the dog along.

That gives you two ways in. You can buy for the dog, which most owners find more touching than anything you could buy for them, or for the human on the other end of the leash. This page does both: brain games for the dog first, then gear for dogs who go everywhere, then gifts for the owner, a short section on buying for someone else’s pet, and a list of small, cheap extras at the end.

Shopping for a household with a cat as well? Our gifts for cat lovers guide is the companion to this one. If they run or hike with their dog, gifts for runners and gifts for hikers have more trail gear.

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For the dog: games for the nose and brain

Most dogs get plenty of toys and not much to think about. Sniffing and problem-solving are tiring in the best way, so a few minutes with a puzzle can settle a dog as well as a longer walk. These are the gifts owners tend to rave about afterward.

Size matters with anything a dog can get in its mouth. Choose for the dog’s weight and chewing style, and when in doubt go a size up.

Our favorite1
Washable Snuffle Mat for Dogs
Pet Parents Forager Snuffle Mat
A fleece mat with folds and strips where kibble or treats can be hidden, so the dog has to sniff out every piece. It slows down fast eaters and makes a rainy afternoon less frantic. It’s suitable for most dogs of any age, including seniors who can’t manage long walks. Supervise the first few sessions, since some dogs would rather chew the fabric than search it.
On Amazonabout $35
2
Dog Nosework Scent Tin and Search Mat Kit
The K9 Nose Easy Starter Kit
A beginner kit for scent work, the dog sport where dogs learn to find a particular smell. It’s a great outlet for hounds, herding breeds and anyone with a busy nose, and it’s something the owner and dog learn together. Best for a person who enjoys training and has a few minutes most days to practice.
On Amazonabout $32
3
Interactive Treat Puzzle Toy
Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Treat Puzzle
A puzzle board with sliders and lids that hide treats, so the dog has to work out how to reach them. Clever dogs solve the easy levels fast, so look for one with adjustable difficulty. It’s a good choice for a young, energetic dog or a breed that gets into trouble when bored.
On Amazonabout $14
4
Tough Rubber Dog Chew Toy
KONG Classic Natural Rubber Stuffable Dog Toy
A thick, hollow rubber toy that can be stuffed with food and frozen, which keeps many dogs busy far longer than a plush toy survives. These come in sizes by weight; pick the one for their dog’s size, and size up for strong chewers, since a toy that’s too small can be a choking hazard. Ask the owner what fillings their dog can have.
On Amazonabout $14
5
Silicone Dog Lick Mat
Our pick: LickiMat Splash Suction-Cup Lick Mat
A textured silicone mat that sticks to the side of the tub or a tile floor, spread with something the dog loves. Licking is calming for a lot of dogs, so owners use these during baths, nail trims and loud evenings like the Fourth of July. It’s not a chew toy; heavy chewers should use it with someone watching.
On Amazonabout $18

Know exactly who it’s for?

For the dog who comes along everywhere

Some dogs never miss a car ride, a lake day or a hardware store run. Gear for them keeps the car cleaner and the dog safer. Measure first where it matters: life jackets and harnesses are sized by chest girth, not breed.

6
Quilted Dog Car Hammock
A washable back-seat cover that catches hair, mud and sand. The car stays cleaner and the dog has a comfortable spot to stretch out.
On Amazonabout $50
7
Washable Dog Seat-Belt Harness
Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Dog Car Harness
A padded harness that clips into the seat belt so the dog stays put. If they drive with the dog often, look for one advertised as crash-tested.
On Amazonabout $35
8
Dog-Friendly Hiking Water Bottle
A bottle with a fold-down trough the dog drinks from directly. No more cupped hands or hoping for a stream on hot summer walks.
On Amazonabout $22
9
Dog Life Jacket with Rescue Handle
Ruffwear Float Coat Dog Life Jacket
A buoyant vest with a grab handle for boat days and lake swims. Even strong swimmers tire; it’s for supervised water time, never instead of it.
On Amazonabout $100
10
Rechargeable LED Dog Collar Light
Nite Ize SpotLit XL Rechargeable Collar Light
A small light that clips to a collar for winter walks after work. Dark-coated dogs become visible to drivers, and easy to find in the yard.
On Amazonabout $20

For the person on the other end of the leash

Dog owners spend a lot of their lives walking, wiping paws and removing fur from everything they own. These gifts make that daily routine easier, or simply celebrate the dog they adore.

11
Custom Pet Portrait
A hand-illustrated portrait from a photo of their dog, which reliably produces the happiest reaction of anything on this page. Order a few weeks ahead and choose a sharp photo with good light and the dog’s face clearly visible. It’s especially meaningful for a dog in its senior years, when owners start treasuring every image.
On Amazonabout $50
12
Hands-Free Dog Walking Belt
Mighty Paw Hands-Free Dog Leash
A waist belt with a bungee leash, so their hands are free for coffee, a phone or a stroller. It’s a real upgrade for joggers and parents who walk the dog and the kids at the same time. It suits dogs that already walk reasonably well on a leash; a strong puller can throw the owner off balance.
On Amazonabout $19
13
Portable Dog Paw Washer and Microfiber Drying Mitt
Dexas MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner
A cup with soft bristles inside that cleans muddy paws one at a time, plus a mitt for drying them off. It lives by the door and saves the floors after every wet walk. A useful gift for anyone with pale carpets, a big dog or a muddy backyard.
On Amazonabout $28
14
Self-Cleaning Pet Hair Remover
ChomChom Roller Pet Hair Remover
A reusable roller that pulls fur off couches, car seats and coats, then empties into a compartment. Unlike sticky lint rollers, it doesn’t run out. It’s most appreciated by owners of shedding breeds like retrievers and huskies, who basically live with a layer of fur on everything.
On Amazonabout $25
15
Pet Camera with Treat Tosser
Petcube Bites 2 Lite Pet Camera
A Wi-Fi camera that lets them check on the dog from work, talk through a speaker and toss a treat. It’s a joy for owners of anxious dogs or new puppies, and a source of endless short videos. Some features come with an optional subscription, so check what’s included before you buy.
On Amazonabout $80
16
Paw Print Clay Keepsake Kit
Pearhead Pawprints Pet Photo Frame Kit
Soft clay for pressing a paw print that dries into a lasting keepsake, often in a frame or ornament. It’s lovely for a new puppy whose paws will never be that small again. If the dog is elderly or the family is grieving, it can be very moving; give it gently and with a note.
On Amazonabout $20

A few rules for buying for someone else’s dog

Never give a dog itself as a surprise. A dog is often a commitment of a decade or more, with costs, training and a schedule, and that decision belongs to the person who’ll live with it. If someone is planning to adopt, a gift card to a pet store or a starter kit after they’ve chosen the dog is a much kinder way to help.

Food and treats are the owner’s call. Many dogs have allergies, sensitive stomachs or special diets, so ask before giving anything edible, and include the packaging so they can check the ingredients. Toys should suit the dog’s size and chewing habits; small balls and soft toys with squeakers can be risky for a big, determined chewer. And if a dog has a health issue, leave anything medical to their vet and buy something fun instead.

Small things dog people use every day

Stocking stuffers, Secret Santa gifts and add-ons for the dog-obsessed coworker. All under $25.

17.
Engraved Pet ID Tag
A steel tag with the dog’s name and a phone number. Ask for the number before you order, or give a voucher so they can fill it in.
On Amazonabout $12
18.
Leash Poop Bag Dispenser
Wilderdog Dog Poop Bag Holder
A small holder that clips onto the leash, so the bags are always there. The kind of thing nobody buys and everybody uses.
On Amazonabout $9
19.
Dog Treat Training Pouch and Clicker Set
Karen Pryor Clicker Training Treat Pouch
A belt pouch and clicker for training on walks. Great for someone with a new puppy or a rescue they’re working with.
On Amazonabout $15
20.
Funny Dog Mom / Dog Dad Mug
Joyful Moose Funny Dog Lover Mug
A cheerful mug that announces their priorities. Pick the wording that fits their sense of humor and how they talk about the dog.
On Amazonabout $18
21.
Gourmet Dog Treat Gift Bag
Three Dog Bakery Mutt Cookie Trio
Baked biscuits in a gift tin, a nice thank-you for a dog-owning neighbor. Check for allergies or diet restrictions first.
On Amazonabout $15

Picking a gift for a dog person

Buy for the dog when you can. Most owners are more delighted by a gift for their pet than for themselves.
Size everything to the dog. Toys, harnesses and life jackets all depend on weight, chest girth and chewing style.
Ask before giving food or treats. Allergies and special diets are common, and the owner knows best.
Think about their routine: walking, driving, hiking or working from home. The best gift fits the life they already lead with the dog.
Want suggestions that fit their dog and their lifestyle? Try our gift finder.

Dog lover gift questions

What is a good gift for someone who loves their dog?

A custom portrait of their dog is the most heartfelt choice. For something practical, a snuffle mat, a car seat cover or a paw washer all get used constantly. Many owners are happiest with a gift that’s really for the dog.

Is it okay to give dog treats as a gift?

Only after checking with the owner. Many dogs have allergies, sensitive stomachs or prescribed diets. If you’re unsure, give a toy or enrichment gift instead.

What are good gifts for a new dog owner?

A training pouch with a clicker, an engraved ID tag, a lick mat for stressful moments, and a paw print keepsake from the puppy days. Leave bigger items like crates and beds until they know the dog’s size and habits.

What’s a good cheap gift for a dog lover?

An engraved ID tag, a leash bag dispenser, a lick mat or a funny mug all cost under $20. A snuffle ball or treat puzzle is around $20 as well.

Gifts for Cat Lovers Gifts for Runners

For the dog: games for the nose and brain

Know exactly who it’s for?

For the dog who comes along everywhere

For the person on the other end of the leash

A few rules for buying for someone else’s dog

Small things dog people use every day

Shop this guide by price

Under $25

$25–$50

$50–$100

Picking a gift for a dog person

Dog lover gift questions

Related gift guides

For the dog: games for the nose and brain

Know exactly who it’s for?

For the dog who comes along everywhere

For the person on the other end of the leash

A few rules for buying for someone else’s dog

Small things dog people use every day

Shop this guide by price

Under $25

$25–$50

$50–$100