The Best Gifts for Dog Lovers, According to Dog Owners

The Best Gifts for Dog Lovers, According to Dog Owners

If you’re shopping for a dog owner this holiday season, why not get them something that their four-legged best friend can enjoy, too? We’re betting they were a good boy or girl all year long! 

The best gifts for dog lovers are fun for both humans and their beloved pets, and we’ve rounded up some of our favorite options for this holiday season. In addition to fun dog toys and cute holiday accessories, we’ve included some of the best dog supplies that the PEOPLE team has tried out — just in case you prefer practical gifts. You’re sure to find something that your favorite dog lover will enjoy, as well as some gift ideas for your own pooch.

Human Dog Bed
PHOTO: The Plufl

While it’s a little pricey, this viral Shark Tank product is the ultimate gift for anyone who loves cuddling with their dog. The Plufl is a “human dog bed” that’s 68 inches long, providing plenty of space for humans and their four-legged best friends to lounge together. The oval shape has thick, supportive bolsters on all sides and is covered in a super-soft faux fur fabric, and it’s perfect for napping, cuddling, and hanging out with your pup. 

Writers Say

“I’m not sure who loves this oversized bed more: my dog, Ace, or my boyfriend. I often find the two of them cuddled up in it watching movies, and Ace sleeps in it every night.”—Camryn Rabideau, PEOPLE contributor and dog mom to Ace and Addy

People / Camryn Rabideau


Multipet Lamb Chop Squeaky Plush Dog Toy
PHOTO: Chewy

Once the star of a beloved children’s show, Lamb Chop has become a quintessential dog toy, and we think every pup deserves one! Even actress Lucy Hale paid tribute to the viral toy with her Halloween costume this year. This popular plush toy comes in three sizes, ranging from mini to jumbo, and it has multiple inner squeakers to get dogs excited for play time. Plus, it’s inexpensive, making it a perfect stocking stuffer for your pet. 

Editors Say

“My colleague gifted this plush toy to my dog, and it’s her absolute favorite. She carries it around and chews on it when she gets overwhelmed.”—Madison Yauger, PEOPLE shopping editor and dog mom to Stevie

People / Madison Yauger


Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Collection Kit
PHOTO: Amazon

If you’re shopping for someone who wants to learn more about their dog, this Wisdom Panel Dog DNA Kit makes a great gift. It’s the best dog DNA kit that we tested: It’s easy to use and provides lots of interesting information, including a detailed breed breakdown and even medical insights.

Testers Say

“We received results much faster than the expected two to three weeks. We also love that the Wisdom Panel test also looks at ancestry and other important factors, including potential health complications and possible allergic reactions to medicines.”—PEOPLE Tested team

People / Cheyann Neades


AtmosApparel Personalized Dog Face Sweatshirt
PHOTO: Etsy

This adorable personalized sweatshirt will quickly become a staple in any dog owner’s wardrobe. The design can be customized with dozens of dog breeds, as well as their dog’s name in several different fonts. The pullover comes in a variety of colors, and the high-quality material is comfy and washes well.

Editors Say

My friend gave this sweatshirt to me for my birthday last year, and it is the softest, cutest cozy fit.”—Madison Yauger

People / Madison Yauger


Away The Pet Carrier
PHOTO: Away

For the pet parent who’s always on the go, this well-made carrying bag from Away is one of the best airline-approved pet carriers that we’ve tested. We particularly loved this product for its luxe features: It has a soft, fuzzy lining, generously sized mesh panels, and even built-in shades on the sides to ensure small dogs are cozy and comfortable while traveling. 

Testers Say

“We loved the overall design of the Away carrier — it is sturdy, sleek, modern, and has some bells and whistles worth noting. The bag is made with high-quality materials, and we feel confident that it will hold up over time.”—PEOPLE Tested team

People / Anna Popp


Hanna Andersson Dog Bandana
PHOTO: Hanna Andersson

These cute dog bandanas are a must-have accessory for the holiday season and make a budget-friendly gift for any dog owner. The soft flannel design comes in two sizes, and there are 10 cheery holiday prints to choose from. The brand also offers matching pajamas for adults and kids, making it easy to dress up the whole family for a super-cute photo op.

West & Willow Custom Pet Portrait
PHOTO: West & Willow

If you want an extra-special gift for your favorite dog lover, you can’t go wrong with a custom pet portrait. The artists at West and Willow will turn any pet photo into a one-of-a-kind hand-illustrated design, and you can customize a variety of other features, such as the background, frame style, and font. It’s sure to be a welcome gift that you’ll see hanging on their wall for years to come. 

Editors Say

“I gave one of these framed portraits to my friends for their engagement present, and loved it so much, I got one for myself, too.”—Madison Yauger

People / Madison Yauger


Frisco Paw Personalized Plaid Dog & Cat Stocking
PHOTO: Chewy

Every good boy and girl needs their own holiday stocking — where else would Santa leave their gifts? — and these personalized pet stockings will look darling hanging on the mantle. The paw-shaped design is made from a festive red plaid fabric, and you can even have it embroidered with their name across the top.

"Good Human" and "Good Girl" Keychain & Collar Tag Set
PHOTO: Target

Dog owners and their furry friends will love sporting these matching accessories. The set comes with a key ring that says “good human” and a collar tag that says “good girl” — so sweet! The tags have a rose gold finish, and they’re perfect as a stocking stuffer or an inexpensive white elephant gift.

Vintage Style Dog Paw Wall Mounted Dog Leash Holder
PHOTO: Amazon

For the pet parent who’s always misplacing their dog’s harness or their leash, this wall-mounted hook is a cute and practical gift. The shabby chic wall plaque features a cute paw print and a large metal hook, making it the perfect spot to hang accessories after each walk.

Furbo Mini
PHOTO: Amazon

A pet camera is a must-have for dog owners who are frequently away from home. These cameras, such as the Furbo Mini, allow pet parents to check in from anywhere, connecting to the camera’s live video feed from their phone. This particular camera can even send notifications if it detects a dog crying or barking, giving owners peace of mind that their pup is safe and sound when they’re out of the house.

MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle
PHOTO: Amazon

This dog water bottle is a handy accessory for anyone who loves walking or hiking with their pet. It has a leak-proof design with a convenient carrying strap, and the built-in cup on the top lets dogs have a quick drink any time they’re feeling thirsty — no bowl needed. Plus, you can even let water drain back into the bottle when they’re finished drinking, making sure none goes to waste.

Editors Say

“Every single dog parent at the dog park has some version of this handy water bottle from Amazon. I personally own it in two sizes and my dog loves drinking water from it.”—Madison Yauger

People / Madison Yauger


I See Me Books US If My Dog Could Talk Personalized Book
PHOTO: Etsy

Dog lovers of all ages will have a blast reading this personalized picture book, which details what would happen if dogs could talk. The story can be customized with both your recipient’s name and their dog’s name, and you can choose from dozens of dog illustrations to find the one that looks most like their pet.

Editors Say

“I got this for my son, Malcolm, as a Christmas gift, and he loved it!”—Kayla Kitts, PEOPLE shopping editor and dog mom to Beatrix

People / Kayla Kitts


Riikyu Kangaroo Pouch Fleece Pullover Pet Carrier
PHOTO: Etsy

It might look like a regular fleece sweater at first glance, but this cool pullover has a secret pocket where dog owners can carry their pet — similar to a kangaroo pouch! It’s a stylish gift for any dog lover who likes to take their pet everywhere, and there’s even a hidden buckle inside the pocket where a leash can be attached for extra security.

Uncommon Goods Dog Face Pillow
PHOTO: Uncommon Goods

This sweet pillow will be a welcome addition to any dog lover’s décor. Each one is hand-crafted using 100 percent wool, and there are a variety of dog breeds to choose from, including golden retrievers, pugs, poodles, and more. It’s sure to put a smile on their face every time they look at the dog’s goofy grin.

Why Trust PEOPLE? 

Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer for PEOPLE and product reviewer who specializes in home, kitchen, and pet products, and she’s also the proud owner of two golden retrievers, Ace and Addy. She loves giving (and receiving) dog-themed gifts, and one of her go-to presents for fellow dog owners is the Multipet Mr. Bill Dog Toy, which makes the character’s signature “Oh no!” when squeezed. 

Our Shopping Experts

  • Madison Yauger is a shopping editor for PEOPLE who’s tested hundreds of products firsthand, and she has a 2.5-year-old golden retriever, Stevie.
  • Kayla Kitts is a shopping editor for PEOPLE who has more than a decade of experience, and she shares her home with her 9-year-old pit/lab mix, Beatrix.
  • Erin Johnson is an associate shopping director for PEOPLE with nine years of experience, and she is a dog mom to a 15-year-old Chihuahua, Pup. 
  • Shalwah Evans is a senior shopping editor for PEOPLE with over a decade of experience covering beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, and she has a 1-year-old silky terrier, Minni. 

What Is PEOPLE Tested? 

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.


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