Shopping for someone who loves their dog is easier than it looks, because you already know what they talk about most. The trick is to pick a gift that fits their life with that dog, rather than one that simply has a paw print on it.
This guide is for the person, not the pup. For gifts aimed at the dog itself, see our list of Christmas gifts for dogs, and for small extras, our stocking stuffers for dogs. Here we'll sort ideas by the kind of dog person you're buying for, including plenty that don't come from a store at all.
What is a good gift for dog lovers?
A good gift for a dog lover makes daily life with their dog easier or more fun, or celebrates the dog they already adore. The gifts people actually use tend to solve a small, real problem.
Before you buy, think about their dog's age and size (a bouncy young Lab and a 13 year old beagle need very different things), their routine, and their taste, since some dog people love anything with a dog on it while others would rather have something useful that doesn't look like a pet product. Gifts the owner and dog enjoy together are often the best of all, because they become a little ritual the two of them share.
What are good homemade and experience gifts for dog lovers?
Some of the most loved gifts cost little or nothing, because they give the owner time, a memory or a treat made with care.
- An hour (or a week) of dog walking. Write it on a card and mean it. For a busy friend, it can be the most useful gift of the season.
- A framed photo of their dog. Pick a favorite from their social media, have it printed well and choose a simple frame. If their dog is getting older, this one often means the most.
- A homemade treat jar. Bake a simple dog biscuit recipe, fill a glass jar and add a label with the dog's name. Ask the owner first about allergies or special diets.
- A weekend of pet sitting. For the friend who never travels because they won't leave the dog, a couple of nights away with peace of mind is a real gift.
Christmas gifts for dog lovers, by the kind of dog person
Here are four dog people most of us know, and what tends to suit each one.
The one with an older dog
People with senior dogs often miss the games they used to play once long hikes and hard fetch are off the table. Gentle play is a lovely fit, and so are rug runners for slippery floors. Our guide to toys for senior dogs has more ideas.
The BorkBall Disco works well here because the owner can join in from the couch. A nudge from a paw or nose sets it rolling, spinning and glowing for about ten seconds before it rests, and Normal Roll mode keeps an easy pace for cautious or older dogs. With the optional paw-shaped remote (the Ball + Remote set), the owner can send the ball forward or back, switch modes and turn it on or off without getting up. Like any battery toy, it's for supervised play.
The busy one who works long days
A friend who works long hours often feels a little guilty about it, and their evenings with the dog are short. Gifts that make those evenings calmer are a kind thought, like a lick mat or snuffle mat that gives the dog a slow, quiet job while the owner makes dinner.
The BorkBrain Lick is a silicone mat with a suction base that goes in the freezer and dishwasher, and the BorkBrain Sniff is a machine washable fleece snuffle mat. Neither replaces the walks and attention they already give, but both make the quieter hours easier. Our guide on how to keep a dog busy while you work has more.
The one with a new puppy
New puppy owners are tired, happy and a little overwhelmed, so the best gifts give them a break or help with training. Think of a spot in a puppy class, a big bottle of enzyme cleaner for accidents, or an evening of puppy sitting so they can go out to dinner. For toys that suit growing teeth, our list of best puppy toys is a good place to start.
The one who loves Christmas decor
For the person whose tree goes up early and whose dog owns a holiday sweater, a dog bed that looks like part of the decorations is a lot of fun. The BorkBed Santa is a sleigh bed and the BorkBed Dasher is its reindeer sleigh cousin, both in small, medium and large. For small dogs up to 10 lb, the BorkBed Gift is a covered bed shaped like a gift box. Our guide on what size dog bed to buy helps you pick.
What do you get a dog lover who has everything?
Give them time, an experience or something that celebrates their dog, because those are the things nobody buys for themselves. A custom portrait from a local artist, a short session with a pet photographer or a donation to a local rescue in their dog's name all land well. You can also notice what they use every day, like the leash or the car seat cover, and replace the tired one with a nicer version. If it's the dog in the family who has everything, try our list of gifts for a dog who has everything, built around toys that do something new.
What's a good Christmas gift from the dog to mom?
A gift "from the dog" works best when it's sweet and a little funny, like a card signed with a paw print, a framed photo of the dog in a Santa hat, or a clay paw print keepsake made at home. Add a handwritten note "from" the dog listing what they love most about their person, such as the morning walks and the warm spot on the couch. Kids or a partner can set it up easily, and it works just as well as a Christmas gift for dad from the dog.
Are there good gifts for dog lovers under $20?
Yes, plenty. A homemade treat jar, a printed photo in a simple frame, a dog walking coupon or a lick mat all come in under $20.
If you have several dog-owning friends, buying three of the same thing covers them all. Borkly's Buy 2, Get 1 Free offer applies when you buy three of the same product, so with three lick mats the third one is free (mixed products don't qualify).
Shopping for the dog as well as the person? Our dog gift basket ideas cover what to put in one and what to leave out.
Quick answers
What is the best gift for dog lovers? Something that makes life with their dog easier or more fun, or something that celebrates their dog, like a framed photo or a custom portrait.
What are useful gifts for dog owners at Christmas? Dog walking or pet sitting time, a lick mat or snuffle mat for quiet evenings, and an upgrade of something they use every day.
What are good gifts for dog owners and their dogs? Anything the two enjoy together, such as a dog-friendly outing, a photo session or a toy they play with as a team.
What are the best stocking stuffers for dog lovers? Small, useful things like a lick mat, a poop bag holder, a homemade treat jar or a dog walking coupon tucked inside a card.