How to Buy Christmas Gifts for a Dog

Christmas is a time to spend with those you care most about, like friends, family, loved ones, and pets. Giving your dog a gift on Christmas can be a way to express your affection and to have fun with your dog. Whether you're considering a new toy, or festive or novelty wearables, buying something playful and thoughtful will help make Christmas memorable for you and your dog.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Choosing and Buying Your Gift

1
Consult your local pet store. Consult employees at your local pet store about potential gifts you'd like to give your dog on Christmas. Ask them if they have any best sellers this season or what might be a good gift to give your specific dog.
- Ask about your specific breed and if there is anything particular for your dog. A luxury dog bed might be more common with larger breeds whereas a custom collar might be more popular with smaller breeds.
- Check pet stores like PetSmart or Petco as well as small family-run dog stores in your area.
2
Consider what your dog likes and enjoys. Considering what activities, treats, and toys your dog likes will help point you in the direction of a certain gift. Try taking something your dog likes and spinning into a fun and thoughtful gift. For example, if your dog happens to love walks at night, get them a glow-in-the-dark leash or a leash with LED lights.
- Buying your dog a Christmas gift can also be an opportunity to give them an item that can be used for training, like a custom harness.
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3
Choose something unique. There are many different gifts you can get for your dog, from custom accessories to toys, treats to beds, and novelty items to seasonally themed gifts. Choose a gift that you wouldn't buy for your dog any other day. Try browsing online vendors or viewing blogs geared toward Christmas gift options for dog(s).^{[1]XResearch source}
- Give your dog something meaningful, like a customized collar, or something playful, like a box full of cigar dog toys.
- Remember, this is an excuse to give your dog something that you would not normally buy them. Be creative and have fun!
4
Buy custom gifts from an online vendor. There are many online vendors that can offer you custom made gifts that you think up or imagine. Many online vendors also regularly stock custom items. Be sure to contact your online vendor to place custom orders a few weeks, if not months, before the holiday season in order to ensure your gift arrives on time.
- Check online vendors, like Etsy, for custom and hand-made dog gifts.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Wrapping and Giving Your Gift

1
Avoid traditional wrapping paper. Your dog will likely not be able to unwrap a gift wrapped in normal wrapping paper without making a mess or eating some paper in the process. Most wrapping papers can be toxic to dogs and possibly make them sick, even in small quantities.
- Try using pet friendly wrapping paper, like Pet Party Printz, that is free of toxic chemicals to wrap your gift.^{[2]XResearch source}
Once you have your gift, you are ready to place it under the tree or in a stocking. Placing your dog's gift in a stocking is a good way to also keep the gift out of your dog's site and avoid them getting into their gift before Christmas morning.
3
Give your gift with a treat. Call your dog over and give your gift with a treat to let your dog know that it is receiving something special. Present them with their gift first and let them smell and become familiar with it. If it is an unusual or custom gift that it will not be familiar with, like a custom water fixture or light-up toy, show them what the gift does. After your dog has seen, smelt, and become familiar with their gift, give them a treat.
- If your dog's gift is something to wear, place your gift on your dog before giving them a treat.
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Expert Q&A

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Question
How can you tell if a dog toy might be dangerous for your dog?
Sophie Amphlett
Professional Dog Trainer
Sophie Amphlett is a Professional Dog Trainer and Service Dog Coach with over five years of experience. Sophie graduated from CATCH Canine Trainers Academy’s Master Course with Distinction in 2016. She is also a Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI) and a Certified Fun Scent Games Instructor (DN-FSG1). Sophie serves as a volunteer adoption counselor and dog walker for Adopt-A-Pet as well.
Sophie Amphlett
Professional Dog Trainer
Expert Answer
Most dog toys, you can't leave with dogs. If the toy is made of very strong rubber, like a Kong, and it's big enough so that the dog can't swallow it or he's not going to be able to chew bits of it, I think that's fine. You can get some big Nylabones. Lots of dog toys I wouldn't leave out because puppies will chew and destroy them and could potentially choke on the pieces. I think most dog toys will tell you on the box whether you should leave them out
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Why is it that this should be meaningful? Will the dog really know the difference?
Community Answer
The dog may not know it's Christmas, but it will be happy to get a new toy, and it usually makes people happy to see their dog happy. So in that way it is meaningful.
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What about crafts I can make? I don't want to buy my dog something for Christmas, I want to make it but I have no ideas at all.
Community Answer
If your dog likes toys, you can easily make a tug-toy. Take three stripes of fabric, tie a knot, and braid it. A very simple, but nice craft.
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Tips

If you don't have a stocking for your dog, just cover your gift for your dog with a blanket. Bring it down when it's time to open the presents so your dog doesn't discover it before then.
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If you can't buy anything fancy, that's fine! Try giving them a fun experience at a park, beach, or somewhere that your dog will enjoy.
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