Best Gifts for Pets: Put a Little Something Under the Tree for Your Best Furry Friend
Looking for a gift for your four-legged friend? Look no further than this gear built for canines (and felines) that love to run, play, paddle, swim, hunt, chase, and more.
If the people you’re shopping for are pet owners and lovers, look no further than our gift guide for pets. The gifts in this guide benefit both humans and pups, and span from the more utility-focused to the tasty to the downright fun.
Calling all the running dogs, water dogs, hunting dogs, house dogs (and cats!) — if you’ve been good this year, ask your human for one of these. We’ve got toys, treats, beds, blankets, leashes, harnesses, accessories, and more items that are sure to please.
Best Gifts for Pets
YETI Boomer 4 or 8 Bowl
This is a must-have purchase for dogs that tend to rough up their bowls (cough, especially Labrador puppies). The YETI Boomer Bowls will run you $40-$50 each, but their durability, size, and quality are worth every penny. Read more on why we love these bowls in our staff Gear We Love column if you aren’t convinced!
Check Boomer 4 Price at AmazonCheck Boomer 8 Price at Amazon
Carhartt Firm Duck Dog Chore Coat
This waxed canvas chore coat is for all the workin’ ranch dogs out there. The Carhartt Chore Coat ($40), much like the human version, is made with 100% ringspun cotton duck and has a corduroy-trimmed collar with under-collar hood snaps, triple-stitched main seams, and reinforced chest pockets.
It’s both water- and wind-repellent, and best of all, warm.
If you know someone who appreciates the iconic Chore Coat, this dog jacket makes an extra special gift. It comes in three sizes.
Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Backcountry
Kurgo Loft Seat Cover
This puffy-style, reversible (two colors!) car seat cover from Kurgo ($70) is one of the best things you can buy if you or a friend always have pups in tow.
The seat cover is bench style and covers both the seat and seatback, ensuring no pet hair or treat crumbs get in any cracks or crevices. The loft cover is made with a water-resistant microtomic ripstop material, filled with synthetic loft for ultimate comfort, and fits most vehicles. Ours has stayed functioning and durable for years.
Treat your pet to a cozy ride and protect your upholstery all at the same time. This gift is a win-win. And it’s just $70.
Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Kurgo
Orvis Folding Travel Crate
Sometimes an indestructible Gunner Kennel is the way to go, but other times, it’s nice to travel light. The Orvis Folding Crate (from $159) is sturdy, well-built, and collapses easily once you reach your destination.
The Orvis travel crate is made with a strong metal frame (not plastic), a heavy-duty, tight polyester Oxford weave, a mesh door and windows, YKK zippers, and a padded sherpa fleece mat. Top it off with a carry handle and you and your pup are set to hit the road!
It’s built to accommodate dogs weighing 10-90 pounds.
CLIF Pet Jerky
Plant-based snack jerky … for dogs? Yes, the popular trail snack brand CLIF launched its first dog treats in 2022. We had our pups taste-test two different flavor varieties of CLIF Pet Plant-Based Jerky ($9), the squash and cranberry as well as the pumpkin and apple. Both were major hits. Bonus: Ingredients like cranberries pack in antioxidants, pumpkin is great to aid in digestion, and flaxseed offers both protein and fiber.
Check Price at PetcoCheck Price at CLIF BAR
KONG Classic Kong Toy
You can’t go wrong with the KONG classic (from $8) as a gift. For pet lovers who already have their dog kitted out in the latest gear, a new toy is a safe route to go. And what pet wouldn’t want to play with a ball with an “erratic bounce”? Bonus for pet parents: These toys are ultra-durable too. Stuff ’em with treats, slather ’em in peanut butter, freeze ’em, toss ’em, drop ’em, even wash ’em in the dishwasher!
KONG makes this classic rubber cone-shaped play toy in several different models: for puppies, senior dogs, “power chewers,” and even kitty cats. And they come in various colors and sizes (from XS to XXL).
Check Price at AmazonCheck Puppy Version Price at AmazonCheck Extreme Price at AmazonCheck Cat Version Price at Chewy
Snow Peak Anchor Stake
Every so often, I stumble upon a piece of gear that is such a good idea I’d buy it for myself. This is that gift for me and I’m sure for many other pet owners. There are dozens of different leashes, ropes, bungees, and hitch systems to secure your pet at camp, but there’s something simple and beautiful about this heavy-duty stainless steel anchor stake ($55).
Just note: This only works for dogs weighing 66 pounds or less.
Nite Ize SpotLit Carabiner Light
It’s dark out, and off darts your pet into the distance. You can’t see … wait. You can! Thanks to this simple clip-on light from Nite Ize ($20), your pet stays visible whether at the park or on trail. It’s a great lightweight accessory to clip to a collar, harness, or dog coat for those early winter nights.
This gift is perfect for all those pets who love to roam free on various adventures, and it makes a great stocking stuffer!
HEST Dog Bed
If your dog hasn’t yet found a favorite dog bed/resting perch it won’t destroy or wear down, check out the brand new Dog Bed (from $149) from HEST. HEST began by making memory foam sleeping pads for campers and expanded to canine customers in 2022.
Is it a luxury item? For a dog, probably. But is it also perfect for daily back-and-forth travel, car and road trips, and camping? You bet. We’ve been taking ours everywhere for months and highly recommend it for anyone who travels frequently with their pet.
You are gifting your pet not only a sweet new bed but hundreds of wonderful nights of comfortable memory-foam sleep. And super important for some: The cover is removable and washable, making this dog bed easy to clean.
Tiny Tents Tiny Basecamp Dome Tent
OK, this might not be an actual piece of gear (at least not full-size), but the Basecamp Dome Tent ($25) from Tiny Tents is adorable. The mini model of a basecamp tent is 15 inches tall and sports all the features of a real tent (think zippers, poles, storage bag).
And it’s extra awesome (and cute) if you have a small pet (cat, rabbit) who shares your affinity for gear. Insider tip: You may want to get two – our cats have been fighting over who gets to sit in ours.
Kurgo Journey Air Dog Harness
The Kurgo Journey Air harness ($30) brings freedom of movement and functionality to the forefront while maintaining the athletic cut and convenient handle of the original Journey harness.
The Journey Air has a deep V-neck to keep your dog’s shoulders free and a wide and padded chest plate that reduces potential neck strain common with harnesses. The aluminum hardware is rust-free, which means you can take your pup out in all conditions without worry. All this comes in a featherweight 8-ounce package so light, your dog won’t even know it’s wearing anything.
Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Chewy
Thule Courier Child & Dog Bike Trailer
This gift is definitely a big-ticket item, but it is worth it for any family that likes to get after it. The Thule Courier Bike Trailer ($800) seats two kids but also converts to a dog trailer. It’s a kid hauler, dog hauler, cargo (grocery) hauler, and convertible stroller all rolled into one!
Want to commute and bring your pet along? Looking for another way to get your kids and canines out on urban trails? This bike trailer serves two purposes, thanks to the Thule Courier Dog Trailer Conversion Kit (sold separately for $150). It has a roomy cockpit, reflective wheels, a rain cover, and folds down flat.
Check Child Trailer Price at AmazonCheck Dog Trailer Price at REI
Wolf Republic Rope Toys
I discovered husband-and-wife-owned Wolf Republic pretty recently this summer, but I’m already in love with their durable (read: puppy-proof!) dog toys.
After the founders adopted their shelter pup, they realized how important it was to have dependable gear, which led them to make their own variety of “function-first equipment,” including the brand’s hallmark Ranger Pack for dogs.
My favorite items that make a great gift for pet owners and pets are the braided rope toys (from $14) These babies are perfect for training, tossing, and fetching and are made with 100% cotton, 3-inch-diameter rope, and nontoxic dyes.
In testing, I expected it to be a safe, durable, no-frills toy — and it is.
Check Rope Toss Price at Wolf RepublicCheck Monkey Rope Price at Wolf Republic
Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Collar & Leash
Dog leashes and collars are one of those items that see a lot of repeated use no matter what. For one of our editors, this Colorado brand really impressed with its brand ethos: build gear that lasts forever.
The Lifetime Leashes ($68) and Lifetime Collars ($44) are sleek, durable, and beautifully hand-built from 9mm dry-treated dynamic climbing rope, 316 stainless steel, and repairable clamps. Grab a collar in any of APC’s seven colors and five sizes. The leashes come in two lengths, 5 and 8 feet.
Check Leash Price at Atlas Pet CompanyCheck Collar Price at Atlas Pet Company
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