As we approach the holidays, there are a lot of new “pandemic puppies” (and pandemic puppy parents) to shop for! Whether your loved one has a 5-month-old teenager or is bringing home a new pup in the new year, they’ll love these picks for holiday gifts!
I’m actually expecting to bring home a puppy on December 19, so I hand-picked many of these items from my own puppy shopping list.
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.
Puppy owners everywhere will rejoice in this selection of gifts that are sure to help make the hectic time of puppyhood a bit less stressful.
Price key (approximate):
- $ = around or under $20
- $$ = $21-50
- $$$ = $50-100
- $$$$ = $100-200
- $$$$$ = $200 +
1. Bark Potty
If you live in a high rise apartment or want to work on transitioning your puppy from inside to outside, the Bark Potty is a great way to expose your dog to the smells of nature that make them want to “go” when they can’t actually be outside.
I’ll be using this to help my puppy get through the night, especially in cold Montana winters when I live on the 3rd floor of an apartment complex!
We love Bark Potty’s focus on sustainability. They’re members of 1% for the Planet (meaning 1% of sales are donated to eco-friendly nonprofits). They also plant trees by working with One Tree Planted. What’s not to love?
- Key features:
- Natural and recyclable
- Replaces up to 60 pee pads
- Lasts up to 6 months
- Naturally neutralizes odors
- Includes a free roll of poo bags
- Quickly trains dogs to associate potty with outside smells
- Price: $$
Find it on Amazon.
2. New Puppy Giftbox
All new puppy parents quickly learn how many things you need to have a new dog. Between the food, bedding, toys, vet costs, leashes, treats, and other miscellaneous items, it can become expensive and overwhelming.
- Key features:
- 5-7 hand-picked goods
- Includes treats, toys, chews, and accessories
- Customized training guide to help any new parent when they are overwhelmed
- Price: $$
Find it at PupBox.
3. Copper Paws Dog Tag
Getting a new dog means making sure they can be found if anything happens to them.
Most dog tags you can get at the pet store are pretty simple: think dog bones, circles, and diamonds. Copper Paws makes gorgeous hand-stamped dog tags with a unique, adventurous feel.
Why not treat you and your dog to a beautiful tag that is sure to turn heads? I have a slight Copper Paws addiction and have about 5 of their tags. I especially love their “Wild Slides,” which slide onto harnesses or collars for a jingle-free ID option.
- Key features:
- Hand stamped
- Customize the metal type and font
- Choose from a huge selection of designs and shapes
- Price: $
Find them on Copper Paws Tags.
4. West Paw Zogoflex Dog Toys
If you have ever had a puppy you know how much they LOVE to chew! Everything from your shoes to the furniture are fair game in the eyes of a puppy.
If you are sick of giving them toys that they rip through within minutes or get bored of quickly, West Paw has just the toys for you.
These toys are made of Zogoflex, a durable rubber that can be recycled pretty much infinitely, so you can rest assured that your dog will enjoy their toy for ages while being as sustainable as possible.
I already have 3 or 4 West Paw Zogoflex toys for Barley. My favorite is the Toppl, which I fill with his raw grind food. And yes, I’ve got a couple minis in the puppy’s stocking!
- Key features:
- Most float
- Offer interactive play with your dog
- Are easy to clean
- Some can be filled with yummy treats for extra engagement for your pup
- Come in a wide variety of styles and chew levels
- Price: Under $20.
If your dog ever does destroy a Zogoflex toy, you can send it back for a one-time replacement.
When your dog’s toy has reached the end of its life or you are ready for an upgrade, you can just send the toy back and it will be recycled into new toys!
Find Zogoflex toys here.
5. Diggs Groov Training Aid
Crate training can be a real drag – but the Diggs Groov is made to make crate training a puppy much easier. Simply smear peanut butter, cream cheese, or something else tasty onto the Groov and snap it into your dog’s crate!
Unlike other puzzle toys, the Groov stays in place on the crate wall to facilitate crate training. Freeze the Groov for a longer-lasting pupsicle!
- Key Features:
- Compatible with most wire crates
- High-quality, BPA-free rubber
- Durable for most chewers
- Easy to clean
- Comes with a freezer shell for pupsicle-making
- Price: $$
6. Carlson Pet Product Pet Gate
Raising a puppy successfully requires lots of proactive management. I acquired a Carlson Pet Products 3-in-1 gate for my puppy. Paired with some rubber garage mats and the BarkPotty, I’ve got a fully puppy-proofed area within my studio apartment!
This will allow me to shower, cook, read, and leave my apartment in peace, knowing that my stuff is safe from my puppy and my puppy is safe from herself.
- Key Features:
- Modular: set up as a gate or a pen, depending on your floor plan and needs
- Hinged posts to facilitate changes as your puppy grows and is more trustworthy
- Walk-through door
- Chew-proof steel
- Tough enough for outdoor use
- Price: $$$$+ depending on size
7. The Puppy Primer
Start your puppy off on the right paw with this great training book by Patricia McConnell and Brenda Scidmore.
If you want an engaging read with lots of amazing training tips, this is the book for you. Training tidbits and an upbeat tone will help you and your dog breeze through puppyhood.
Find it on Amazon for under $20.
8. Django Adventure Harness and Leash Set
Any new puppy is going to need lots of gear! Puppies grow fast, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t get them decent gear for walking and playing in. The Django Adventure Collar/Harness set is smooth, durable nylon with padding in all the right places. I’m so excited to put my new puppy into his!
- Key Features:
- Weather-resistant, lightweight, and padded neoprene body
- Beautiful 100% solid cast brass hardware
- Four points of adjustment for a custom fit
- Reflective piping for low light adventures
- Ultra-padded neoprene handle
- Price: $$$
9. Yummy Combs Dental Floss Treat
It’s no secret that puppies LOVE to chew. In fact, they need to chew! I’m already stocking up on all the chews I can find to prepare for puppy teeth. I love that Yummy Combs come in decent-sized packs. They’re made to help clean teeth and massage gums – perfect for teething pups.
- Key Features:
- Unique honeycomb shape to massage gums and clean teeth
- 44% protein
- Dogs love the taste
- Not too hard, not too soft – perfect for chewing!
- Contain chicken, honey, salmon oil, glucosamine, and minerals for a nutritious snack
- Price: $
10. Eco Friendly New Puppy Gift Basket
This gift basket is a fabulous place to start if you’re expecting a new puppy or just brought one home. The triceratops toy is adorable and the perfect size for a new puppy. The squeaker is sure to be a hit. And Victoria Stilwell’s book is chock-full of great advice. The treats are a bit too big and crunchy for some puppies, but overall this gift box is well worth it.
Best of all, a portion of all proceeds go towards Just Causes like pet charities, whales, bees, giraffes, and global women.
- Key Features:
- Cute puppy basket doubles as a toy bin later.
- Includes shampoo, treats, a sweater, a puppy raising book, and an adorable toy.
- Perfect if you’re not quite sure what supplies your puppy has or needs!
- Price: $$$$
What a great list! I’m always looking for fun, new gifts and recommendations for puppy parents! Thanks for sharing!
So glad to help! 🙂