Christmas Gifts for Dogs: 10 Toys, Sweaters and Stocking Stuffers
Heads up: this post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Dogs are part of the family, so of course they get presents too. The trick is picking gifts that are fun on Christmas morning and still useful in January.
Below are ten ideas, from toys to holiday sweaters to stocking stuffers, with a few tips on sizing and safety for each.
10 Christmas gifts dogs (and their people) love
1A holiday plush toy with a squeaker
Gingerbread men, reindeer, mini Christmas trees and Santa plushies are the classic dog gift, and they look great under the tree in photos.
Pick the toy by your dog's size and chewing style. Soft plush is for gentle players; heavy chewers do better with tougher toys, and every plush toy is best used with you around.
2A Christmas rope toy for tug
Rope toys in red, green and white double as a festive gift and an everyday tug toy. They're a good pick for dogs that shred plush in minutes.
Check the size chart: a rope that's too small for a big dog is easy to swallow pieces of. Toss it once it starts to fray.
3A puzzle toy to keep them busy on Christmas morning
While everyone opens presents, a puzzle feeder with a few treats inside keeps a dog occupied instead of chewing wrapping paper.
Puzzle toys come in levels. Start with an easy one so your dog wins quickly and stays interested.
4A classic Christmas sweater
A knit holiday sweater is the most-photographed dog gift of the season, from snowflakes to reindeer to fair isle.
Sizing goes by chest measurement, not weight. Measure around the widest part of the chest behind the front legs and pick the size that matches, sizing up if your dog is between sizes.
5A Santa or elf outfit for photos
For the holiday card, a simple Santa or elf vest with a matching hat gets the look without much fuss.
Look for outfits that fasten with velcro or slip over the head easily, and keep photo sessions short.
6A Christmas bandana (for dogs who hate clothes)
Not every dog tolerates a sweater. A bandana that ties around the neck or slides over the collar gives a festive look with almost nothing to get used to.
Reversible bandanas work for both Christmas and the rest of winter.
7Matching Christmas pajamas for you and your dog
Matching family pajamas in plaid or holiday prints, sold in human and pet sizes, are one of the most popular holiday photo ideas.
Order early: popular prints and sizes often sell out in December.
8A personalized stocking
A stocking with your dog's name on it gives them a spot on the mantel. Bone- and paw-shaped designs are easy to spot among the family stockings.
Hang it high enough that a curious nose can't pull it down when it's full of treats.
9A dog advent calendar
Advent calendars for dogs hide a small treat or toy behind each door, turning December into a daily countdown.
Check the ingredients against anything your dog can't have, and count the treats as part of their daily food.
10A Christmas collar or bow tie
A plaid holiday collar or a slide-on bow tie is a small gift that looks sharp all season.
Slide-on bow ties attach to the collar your dog already wears, so there's nothing new to adjust.
What to look for in a dog Christmas gift
- Size first. Toys should be too big to swallow, and clothes should match your dog's chest measurement.
- Chewing style. Gentle players can have plush; strong chewers need sturdier toys.
- Comfort over cute. Outfits should let your dog walk, sit and lie down normally.
- Easy to clean. Machine-washable sweaters, bandanas and pajamas make life easier.
- Ingredients. For treat-filled gifts like advent calendars, check the label against anything your dog can't have.
Keeping Christmas safe for dogs
Holiday decorations add new things for dogs to chew. Keep ribbon, tinsel, ornaments and wrapped food gifts out of reach, and pick up wrapping paper as presents are opened. If you have questions about foods or plants around the holidays, ask your vet.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good Christmas gift for a dog?
Toys are the safest bet: a holiday plush for gentle players, a rope or tougher toy for chewers, or a puzzle toy for dogs that need something to do. For photos, a sweater, bandana or matching pajamas are the most popular picks.
How do I find the right size dog sweater?
Measure your dog's chest at the widest point just behind the front legs, then compare to the brand's size chart. Sizes vary by brand, so always check the chart instead of guessing from weight.
Do dogs actually like wearing clothes?
Some do and some don't. Try the outfit for a minute or two with treats and praise. If your dog freezes, scratches at it or tries to back out, a bandana or a festive collar is a better choice.
When should I buy pet Christmas gifts?
Earlier is better. Popular holiday sweaters, matching pajamas and advent calendars often sell out or ship slowly in December, so many people order in November.
We don't accept payment for placement. Prices and availability change often, so check the retailer for current details. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
