Gifts for Dog Lovers and Dog Moms
- 20 gift ideas
- From under $10 to $100 and up
- 7 niche picks
Good gifts for dog lovers are things that fit daily life with a dog: a hands-free leash or treat pouch for walks, a stuffable KONG or puzzle toy, a pet hair roller, or a keepsake such as a paw print kit. These 20 ideas cover dog moms and dads, plus a few books and a DNA test.
Quick picks
- Best overall: A dog breed DNA test A breed ID kit that answers the question about a mixed-breed or rescue dog. Idea 1
- Best splurge: A treat-tossing dog camera Check in on the dog and toss a treat from work. Idea 2
- Best for new puppy parents: A paw print keepsake kit A clay paw print keepsake from the puppy years. Idea 3
- Best small gift: A reusable pet hair roller A reusable roller for hair on couches and car seats. Idea 16
- Best for walks: A hands-free waist leash A waist leash that frees both hands on a walk or run. Idea 6
The best gifts for dog lovers start with the dog: its size, its coat, what it chews and where it walks. A gift that fits the actual dog beats a generic dog-themed item. We list a few keepsakes for dog moms and dads too, but most of these ideas are tools a dog owner will use every week.
The ideas are grouped into keepsakes and treats, walk gear, toys and enrichment, grooming and cleanup, and books. If the person shares a home with a cat as well, Gifts for Cat Lovers has ideas for them.
Ideas 1 to 5
Keepsakes and gifts for dog moms and dads
For the owner who wants something about their dog, rather than a toy for it.
1. A dog breed DNA test
A breed DNA test answers the question of what mix a rescue or mixed-breed dog is, which suits an owner who has long wondered. They swab the dog's cheek and send it in for a breed breakdown. Check that they have not already done one, and allow time for the lab to return results.
Tip: Ask whether the dog has already had a DNA test before you buy.
2. A treat-tossing dog camera
A pet camera that tosses treats lets an owner check in and reward the dog from work, which suits someone who is away from home most days. Check that their Wi-Fi reaches the spot where the dog stays. The listing says some features need a subscription, so mention that to the person you are giving it to.
Tip: Some features need a subscription, so check before you give it.
3. A paw print keepsake kit
A clay paw print captures a puppy's paw before it grows, which suits a new puppy parent or an owner whose dog is getting older and wants a memento. It makes a small, personal keepsake for a shelf. Read the kit directions first, and plan to make the print while the dog is calm.
Tip: Give it early; puppy paws grow fast.
4. A heavy stainless dog bowl
A heavy stainless steel bowl is the kind of upgrade an owner might not buy for themselves, which suits a dog person who has plenty of toys already. The YETI Boomer 8 is a heavy bowl in black. Check the bowl size against the dog, since this one is the Boomer 8.
Tip: Check the bowl size against the dog before buying.
5. A dog mom bracelet
A small bracelet with a dog mom message is an easy, personal gift for an owner who likes wearing their love of dogs. Ask the person you are shopping for whether they like jewelry with words on it, since not everyone does. It is a small, light present that fits a stocking.
Tip: Check whether they like wording on jewelry before buying.
Ideas 6 to 11
Walk and adventure gear for dog owners
Gear for dog owners who spend their hours at the park, on the trail or in the car. Hikers may also like Gifts for Hikers.
6. A hands-free waist leash
A waist leash frees the hands for running, hiking or holding a coffee on a walk, which suits a dog owner who runs or hikes with their dog. It works best with a dog that already walks calmly beside its owner. Check the dog's size and strength before you buy, and the waist size of the person who will wear it.
Tip: Check the dog's size against the leash's strength rating.
7. A training treat pouch
A clip-on treat pouch keeps rewards ready for training and opens with one hand, which suits an owner who is training a puppy or working on new tricks. It is a small tool that gets daily use during training. Check that the pouch clips onto a belt or waistband they usually wear.
Tip: Add a bag of training treats to make it a ready gift.
8. A dog water bottle with a bowl
A bottle with a built-in bowl gives the dog water on long walks without a separate dish, which suits an owner who hikes or takes long walks. It is simple to carry and share on the trail. Check the bottle's size against how long their walks last, and note that this listing is blue.
Tip: Check the bottle size against the length of their walks.
9. A rechargeable collar light
A rechargeable collar light makes the dog easy to see on night walks and in the yard, which suits an owner who walks in the early morning or after dark. It clips to the collar. Check the size against the dog, and note that this listing opens the color-changing option.
Tip: Check the clip size against the dog's collar width.
10. A ball launcher for fetch
A ball launcher throws a ball much farther than an arm and keeps hands off slobbery balls, which suits an owner of a fetch-obsessed dog. The listing is a bundle of a 26-inch launcher with Ultra balls. Check the ball size against the dog's mouth, and look for a launcher that has a wide enough scoop.
Tip: Check the ball size against the dog's mouth.
11. A car seat hammock
A back seat hammock protects the seat from hair and mud on trips to the park, which suits an owner who drives their dog to trails and beaches. Check that it covers their back seat, since this listing is a half hammock, and think about whether their car has room for it.
Tip: This is a half hammock; check it covers their back seat.
Ideas 12 to 15
Toys and enrichment for dogs
Things to chew, lick and work out while the owner is busy.
12. A lick mat
Spreading food on a textured lick mat keeps a dog busy during bath time or when the owner needs a few minutes, which suits owners of dogs who fidget. It is a low-cost gift that works for many kinds of dogs. Check the size against the dog, and plan to wash it between uses.
Tip: Pair it with a treat that their dog already enjoys.
13. A treat puzzle toy
A treat puzzle makes a dog work for its rewards, which suits an owner of a clever dog who gets bored on rainy days. Nina Ottosson puzzles come in difficulty levels. Check how skilled the dog is with puzzles, and start with an easier level if the dog is new to them.
Tip: Pick an easy puzzle first if the dog is new to them.
14. A tough nylon chew bone
A nylon chew that is made for strong chewers suits an owner of a dog that destroys soft toys. The Benebone Wishbone is curved so a dog can hold it between its paws, and it is flavored with real bacon. Check the size against the dog's weight, and replace chews once they wear down.
Tip: Pick the size by the dog's weight and supervise chewing.
15. A KONG Classic stuffable toy
A KONG stuffed with food and frozen keeps a dog busy for a long while, which suits owners of puppies and busy dogs. This listing is a two-pack, so one can wait in the freezer while the other is in use. Check the size against the dog, and look at the dog's chewing strength.
Tip: Choose the size by the dog's weight, not its age.
Ideas 16 to 18
Grooming and cleanup gifts
For homes where dog hair and muddy paws are part of the routine.
16. A reusable pet hair roller
A reusable roller lifts dog hair off couches and car seats without sticky sheets, which suits an owner of a shedding dog. The ChomChom works by rolling, and the hair collects in a box. Check the surfaces it will be used on, and pair it with a deshedding brush for a fuller gift.
Tip: Pair it with a deshedding brush for a fuller gift.
17. A deshedding tool
An undercoat tool pulls loose fur during brushing, which cuts down on hair around the house and suits an owner of a double-coated dog. Check the dog's coat length and size, since these tools are sold for specific coats. This listing is for large dogs with long hair.
Tip: Match the tool to the dog's coat length and size.
18. A muddy paw cleaner
A cup with soft bristles cleans muddy paws at the door before the dog reaches the couch, which suits an owner who lives somewhere rainy or muddy. Fill it with a little water and twist the paw in it. Check the size against the dog, since this listing is the large cup.
Tip: Choose the large size for medium and bigger dogs.
Ideas 19 to 20
Books for dog lovers
Reading for owners who like to understand their dog.
19. Inside of a Dog
Alexandra Horowitz explains how dogs see and smell the world, which suits a dog owner who likes science and wants to understand how their dog experiences walks. It is written for general readers rather than trainers. Check whether they already own it, and consider pairing it with a lick mat or a new toy.
Tip: Pair it with a toy for a ready-to-give set.
20. The Other End of the Leash
Patricia McConnell writes about how human behavior looks to a dog, which suits an owner who is working on training and wants to understand why a dog responds the way it does. It reads as a practical guide with stories. Check whether they own it already, and pair it with a treat pouch.
Tip: Pair it with a treat pouch for a training starter set.
Frequently asked questions
What are good gifts for dog lovers?
Pick something that fits how the person lives with their dog. A hands-free leash or treat pouch suits walkers, a KONG or puzzle toy suits owners of busy dogs, and a pet hair roller helps owners of shedding dogs. For a keepsake, a paw print kit or a dog mom bracelet is personal.
What do you get a dog mom?
Look for a gift about her dog, not a generic one: a paw print kit, a bracelet, a breed DNA test for a rescue dog or a sturdy stainless bowl. Practical picks also work, like a pet hair roller, a lick mat or a collar light for evening walks. Check whether she likes jewelry and themed wording first.
What is a good gift for a dog lover who has everything?
Choose a specialist item rather than another toy: a breed DNA test, a treat-tossing camera, a stainless bowl, a deshedding tool for their dog's coat or a muddy paw cleaner. A book such as Inside of a Dog also suits owners who like to understand their dog.
What are good gifts for a new puppy owner?
A treat pouch, a KONG or a puzzle toy, a lick mat and a paw print kit all suit the puppy years. A training book such as The Other End of the Leash helps new owners understand their dog. Check the size and chew strength of the dog, and choose toys sized for it.
What are good stocking stuffers for dog lovers?
A KONG, a lick mat, a chew bone, a paw print kit or a dog mom bracelet fit a stocking. A treat pouch and a collar light are small enough to wrap easily. Add a bag of dog-safe treats. See Stocking Stuffers for more small gift ideas.
What should I check before buying a gift for someone's dog?
Check the dog's size, coat and how hard it chews, since many dog items come in sizes. Ask the owner about any toys or foods they avoid, and look at the age label. Avoid giving a live pet as a surprise. Pick a gift for the owner if you are unsure about the dog.
