15 of the Best Gifts for Dog Lovers in 2021

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Shopping for your canine companion is often easier and more fun than shopping for human family members (or is it just me?). Here are some of our favorite gifts for dog lovers and their dogs.

Many of these companies sent us free samples to test out the products, but our reviews and recommendations are still 100% true.

As always, we prioritize companies and products that are environmentally friendly.

Whether it’s for your own best buddy or for your family member’s pup, this holiday gift guide for dog lovers has you covered!

Price key (approximate):

  • $ = around or under $20
  • $$ = $21-50
  • $$$ = $50-100
  • $$$$ = $100-200
  • $$$$$ = $200 +

 1. Animal Biome Gut Health Kit

A healthy dog starts with a healthy gut. Many health problems can be tied to what is happening in your dog’s stomach. Make sure they are living their best life by testing their gut biome to identify any issues and restore balance.

  • Key features:
    • Easy testing with prepaid return label.
    • In-depth analysis of your dog’s gut health.
    • Personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle changes plan.
  • Price: $$$

Find it on Animal Biome.

 2. PupSocks

Socks – one of the quintessential Christmas gifts. Up your game this season with a pair of customized dog socks!

  • Key features:
    • Choose from a wide variety of colors and styles.
    • Add up to four faces on your socks.
    • Soft material blend.
  • Price: $$

Find them on sale at PupSocks

3. The Pet Pillow

I received one of these for Christmas last year and just LOVE it! The pillow is shaped like your dog and is just hysterical. 

Though it was a gift for me, my dog loves cuddling with it more than anything!

  • Key features:
    • Soft outer material is great to snuggle.
    • Many different sizes to choose from.
    • Pictures on the pillow are in great resolution.
    • Totally customizable.

Find it on The Pet Pillow starting for $9.95

4. Elevated Dog Bowls

I have always used random bowls for my dog’s food and water. It just seemed unnecessary to spend extra on bowls just for my dog.

Well, I was WRONG! I can’t count how many times I have cleaned up spilled water or had to fetch a bowl that ended up halfway across the kitchen because my dog was batting it around looking for more food.

  • Key features:
    • Beautiful wooden frame
    • Elevated frame reduces neck strains.
    • Bowls can’t be knocked over.
    • Huge variety of wood finishes.
    • Easy to remove and clean bowls.
  • Price: $$$

No more spilled water and it looks amazing on your floor. It’s time to stop throwing bowls around and give your dog’s food and water the treatment it deserves.

Find it on Etsy.

5. Clean Carl’s Pet Cleaner

Yes, that’s diarrhea on my carpet. Thanks, foster dog.

It’s a frustrating fact of life that dogs can be messy pets. Clean Carl’s is pretty good stuff. I’ve personally used it to clean up everything from diarrhea to vomit. It works quickly and is odorless. Unlike other competitors, this enzymatic cleaner doesn’t make your place smell like a hospital!

  • Key Features:
    • Safe on all surfaces
    • Enzymatic odor eliminator (no hospital smell)
    • Safe for pets and kids
  • Price: $

6. West and Willow Portrait

West & Willow specializes in these really cool, modern pet portraits. They’re not cartoons or photo-realistic – they’re simple, clean, and crisp.

Working with West & Willow was INCREDIBLY easy. I simply went to their website and chose the framed portrait (they also offer phone cases, unframed posters, and quote signs) and picked my dimensions and frame type.

  • Key Features:
    • Custom portrait of your pet
    • Clean, modern style with simple backgrounds
    • 2- and 3-pet portraits available
  • Price: $$$$

7. Alpha Pet Waterproof Couch Cover

We’ve all been there: wincing as our wet or sandy dog flops on the couch, snoring before we have the heart to kick them off; or arguing with a partner about the dog hair all over the new sofa. The Alpha Pet Couch Cover is here to protect your couch (and your personal relationships) without making your living room look too much like a crazy dog lady’s place.

  • Key Features:
    • Tough yet soft microfiber won’t be damaged with pet nails
    • Microfiber will absorb liquid to prevent it from rolling off onto your carpet or couch
    • Corner and seat anchors to stay in place
    • 46″ x 46″ to cover your couch and couch back
  • Price: $$$

8. Faunamade Dog Bed

This is a must add for anyone who wants a beautiful and cozy dog or cat bed.

  • Key features:
    • Handmade Fair Trade jute basket.
    • Multiple darling and soft pillow covers to choose from.
    • Perfect accent for any room of the house.
    • Keeps your pet feeling safe and cozy.
  • Price $$$$

It just looks so great! I have one and love that the basket keeps the cushion clean and makes it easy to transport anywhere. Plus, you are supporting a women-owned business with a purchase from Faunamade. 

Find all of their amazing animal beds on Faunamade.

9. Plaine Product Zero Waste Shampoo

No need to buy separate shampoo for your dog anymore, these bath products are human and animal safe! 

  • Key features:
    • Reusable, zero waste bottles. Just send in to get them refilled!
    • Vegan.
    • Free from sulphates, phthalates, and parabens, and silicone.
    • Two amazing scents: Rosemary Mint Vanilla and Citrus Lavender.
    • Classy metal containers.
  • Price: $$

Find it on Plaine Product.

10. Pendleton Wool and Hemp Dog Collar from Doorstep Market

Shown with a Copper Paws ID tag.

Let’s face it: I’m a sucker for cute dog collars. Tell me they’re eco-friendly, and I’m putty in your paws. Barley’s new Doorstep Market collar is SO cute – it’s a soft hemp with a festive blue-and-red plaid pattern on it. It just makes me feel cozy, and it would be an adorable gift for your loved one’s dog.

  • Key Features:
    • High-quality YKK metal buckle
    • Soft, eco-friendly hemp and pretty Pendleton wool
    • Machine washable
    • Webbing-backed for extra sturdiness
  • Price: $$

11. PetPlate subscription

PetPlate is a human-grade pet meal delivery service. They specialize in customized meals, toppers, and treats with real ingredients.

Barley absolutely loves his PetPlate – he can barely contain himself around mealtime as we pull it out of the fridge! I’ve found him snoozing near the fridge before mealtimes since we started feeding it. The containers it arrives in are reusable or recyclable (similar to yogurt containers), which is way better than a vacuum bag in my opinion!

  • Key Features:
    • Whole food ingredients
    • Human-grade and high-quality ingredients
    • Four protein sources available: beef, chicken, lamb, and turkey
    • Grain-free
    • Formulated to meet AAFCO standards (but not put through feeding trials)
  • Price: Varies widely depending on meal plan and your dog’s size.

12. Matching Sam and Nala Bandana and Poo Bag Holder

There’s nothing cuter than a dog in a bandana – unless it’s your dog’s bandana matching something else! Barley looks spiffy in his Sam and Nala bandana, but what I love even more is the convenience of the matching poo bag holder. It clips easily onto my bag, belt loop, or leash loop and really brings it all together.

Of course, there’s a bit more to this bandana. It’s not just cute: it’s hand-woven near Lake Atitlán in Guatemala. It’s gorgeous and supports indigenous communities.

I will say that the thick fabric can make knots a bit tricky, and the bandana has fallen off a few times. I haven’t gotten it muddy yet, so I’m not sure how it will stand up to mess and washing.

Barley is wearing the Sunrise bandana.

13. My Pet Prints Custom Decal

Who doesn’t want a custom sticker of their dog to put on their car or laptop? The Pet Prints decals are high-quality and custom. They’re not just generic breed clipart – you can approve the artwork of your pet before they print.

I chose a funny photo of Barley with his tongue poking out. It’s so HIM, and they captured him perfectly. I’m truly thrilled with the quality! I’ll have to order a second one of my new puppy once puppy’s ears have decided what they’re going to do.

  • Key Features:
    • Custom artwork of your pet that you can approve before printing
    • 6mil premium vinyl
    • Easy to apply, remove, and re-apply
    • Also a wide variety of options like blankets, pillows, and phone cases
  • Price: $

14. BarkYours Leash and Treat Holder

This leash and treat holder is practical AND cute! Never forget treats before your walk again – and have treats handy near the door for when the mailman shows up. This leash and treat holder is custom to your dog’s breed or mix.

I have this hanging next to my keys and back door. I love that it automatically comes with two hooks – either for your second dog or for a spare leash of a different length.

  • Key Features:
    • Sturdy hooks for leashes, collars, and/or harnesses
    • Comes with a glass jar that you can fill with your pup’s favorite treats.
    • Easily remove the jar for washing if needed.
    • Customize with your dog’s breed or breed mix!
  • Price: $$

15. Cuddle Clones Custom Plushy

I once spent hours scouring various toy stores for a plush toy that looked like my dog Barley. Even though he’s a very “classic border collie” in looks, I never did find one that I liked. So I was thrilled when Cuddle Clones reached out to make a sample of Barley!

The process is quite thorough: you answer questions about your dog’s build, and upload a variety of photos from various angles. I was astonished when the package finally showed up: the coat type, nose freckles, too-big tongue, and everything are PERFECT! You can specify having one ear up and one down, different colored eyes, and many other custom options!

  • Key features:
    • Custom plushy (or other product) of your dog
    • Satisfaction guarantee
    • Profits support animal shelters
  • Price: $$$$$

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