When you’re getting your holiday shopping done this year, it’s important not to forget about your best non-human friend—your dog! While some dogs are afraid of wrapping paper (and everything else), they’ll still love getting some new toys or gifts, even if they don’t understand the concept of presents. Like any other gift-buying experience, there are some things that are more popular or practical than others. Check out our list for best picks for dog presents.
Toys
If your pup doesn’t yet have a KONG rubber “chew” toy, this season might be the time to splurge. They’re a bit pricier than the average toy, landing in the $10-20 range, but where a simple $5 plush toy will be destroyed in mere minutes by many dogs, these rubber toys are designed to be nearly indestructible. Plus, they’ll keep your pet occupied for quiet a while, especially if you use KONG fillings or treats. The company also produces stronger, more durable plush toys if your dog loves stuffed animals but you’re tired of throwing them out once they’ve ripped a seam.
You can also get your dog a laser pointer—similar to how cats will chase the red dot around the house, many dogs will, too. This might, however, be better if you have a smaller dog—larger breeds might cause too much chaos in the house chasing after it.
Squeaky tennis balls are also always a good choice.
Clothes
Since most of the country is cold during winter months, you can consider getting the dogs in your life sweaters, coats, or even snowsuits. If they’re the type of dog that would be ok with wearing boots and won’t immediately kick them off, getting boots might be a good idea to keep their paws safe from chemicals like ice-melter as well as from cracking pads due to dryness caused by snow and cold. As with any other type of clothes, make sure it’s not too constricting on your dog, as that can make it difficult for them to breathe.
Accessories
Things like a new collar, a new leash, or waste pick-up bags are always things that dogs and dog owners need. If you know a dog that doesn’t have a nametag with contact information listed on it, that can also be a good gift, as it increases the chance that the dog will find his way back home if he gets out of the yard or breaks from his owner’s grasp during a walk.
Treats
Of course, treats are always welcome, too. Pick out ones that are low calorie and safe to digest—ones that are made from quality ingredients, rather than filler. If you’re purchasing for a friend or loved one’s pets, you may want to ask if their dog has a special favorite treat!
Gift giving for dogs is easy—after all, they won’t ask for a gift receipt, and they’re not picky about presents! Enjoy your holiday season, and don’t forget Fido under the tree!
