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The 16 Best Gifts for Dog Lovers, According to Dog Owners

Including cute toys, accessories, and several of our favorite tested dog products

The Best Gifts for Dog Lovers
Photo:

Chewy (1); West and Willow (1); Amazon (1); Target (1); Hanna Andersson (1)

If you’re shopping for a dog owner this holiday season, why not get them something that their four-legged best friend can enjoy, too? We’re betting they were a good boy or girl all year long! 

The best gifts for dog lovers are fun for both humans and their beloved pets, and we’ve rounded up some of our favorite options for this holiday season. In addition to fun dog toys and cute holiday accessories, we’ve included some of the best dog supplies that the PEOPLE team has tried out — just in case you prefer practical gifts. You’re sure to find something that your favorite dog lover will enjoy, as well as some gift ideas for your own pooch.

While it’s a little pricey, this viral Shark Tank product is the ultimate gift for anyone who loves cuddling with their dog. The Plufl is a “human dog bed” that’s 68 inches long, providing plenty of space for humans and their four-legged best friends to lounge together. The oval shape has thick, supportive bolsters on all sides and is covered in a super-soft faux fur fabric, and it’s perfect for napping, cuddling, and hanging out with your pup. 

Writers Say

"I’m not sure who loves this oversized bed more: my dog, Ace, or my boyfriend. I often find the two of them cuddled up in it watching movies, and Ace sleeps in it every night.”Camryn Rabideau, PEOPLE contributor and dog mom to Ace and Addy

A dog laying on the Plufl The Original Human Dog Bed

People / Camryn Rabideau

Once the star of a beloved children’s show, Lamb Chop has become a quintessential dog toy, and we think every pup deserves one! Even actress Lucy Hale paid tribute to the viral toy with her Halloween costume this year. This popular plush toy comes in three sizes, ranging from mini to jumbo, and it has multiple inner squeakers to get dogs excited for play time. Plus, it’s inexpensive, making it a perfect stocking stuffer for your pet. 

Editors Say

“My colleague gifted this plush toy to my dog, and it’s her absolute favorite. She carries it around and chews on it when she gets overwhelmed.”Madison Yauger, PEOPLE shopping editor and dog mom to Stevie

A dog laying with the Multipet Lamb Chop Squeaky Plush Dog Toy

People / Madison Yauger

If you’re shopping for someone who wants to learn more about their dog, this Wisdom Panel Dog DNA Kit makes a great gift. It’s the best dog DNA kit that we tested: It’s easy to use and provides lots of interesting information, including a detailed breed breakdown and even medical insights.

Testers Say

“We received results much faster than the expected two to three weeks. We also love that the Wisdom Panel test also looks at ancestry and other important factors, including potential health complications and possible allergic reactions to medicines.”PEOPLE Tested team

Instructions for a Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Collection Kit displayed on a wooden table

People / Cheyann Neades

This adorable personalized sweatshirt will quickly become a staple in any dog owner’s wardrobe. The design can be customized with dozens of dog breeds, as well as their dog’s name in several different fonts. The pullover comes in a variety of colors, and the high-quality material is comfy and washes well.

Editors Say

My friend gave this sweatshirt to me for my birthday last year, and it is the softest, cutest cozy fit.”—Madison Yauger

A dog laying next to the AtmosApparel Personalized Dog Face Sweatshirt

People / Madison Yauger

For the pet parent who’s always on the go, this well-made carrying bag from Away is one of the best airline-approved pet carriers that we’ve tested. We particularly loved this product for its luxe features: It has a soft, fuzzy lining, generously sized mesh panels, and even built-in shades on the sides to ensure small dogs are cozy and comfortable while traveling. 

Testers Say

“We loved the overall design of the Away carrier — it is sturdy, sleek, modern, and has some bells and whistles worth noting. The bag is made with high-quality materials, and we feel confident that it will hold up over time.”—PEOPLE Tested team

Away The Pet Carrier under airplane seat

People / Anna Popp

These cute dog bandanas are a must-have accessory for the holiday season and make a budget-friendly gift for any dog owner. The soft flannel design comes in two sizes, and there are 10 cheery holiday prints to choose from. The brand also offers matching pajamas for adults and kids, making it easy to dress up the whole family for a super-cute photo op.

If you want an extra-special gift for your favorite dog lover, you can’t go wrong with a custom pet portrait. The artists at West and Willow will turn any pet photo into a one-of-a-kind hand-illustrated design, and you can customize a variety of other features, such as the background, frame style, and font. It’s sure to be a welcome gift that you’ll see hanging on their wall for years to come. 

Editors Say

“I gave one of these framed portraits to my friends for their engagement present, and loved it so much, I got one for myself, too.”—Madison Yauger

West and Willow Custom One Pet Portrait of a dog, hanging on the wall

People / Madison Yauger

Every good boy and girl needs their own holiday stocking — where else would Santa leave their gifts? — and these personalized pet stockings will look darling hanging on the mantle. The paw-shaped design is made from a festive red plaid fabric, and you can even have it embroidered with their name across the top.

Dog owners and their furry friends will love sporting these matching accessories. The set comes with a key ring that says “good human” and a collar tag that says “good girl” — so sweet! The tags have a rose gold finish, and they’re perfect as a stocking stuffer or an inexpensive white elephant gift.

If you know a dog mom or dad who also loves a good bottle of wine — consider this custom label from Josh Cellars. Simply choose the wine label (Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Noir) and the layout (text only, photo only, or both), and then upload the photo of their dog before previewing and submitting the order.

Editors Say

“My mom gave me a bottle of Josh Cabernet Sauvignon with an adorable photo of my dog, Stevie, on it for Christmas last year, and it was one of my favorite and most delicious gifts!”—Madison Yauger

The personzalied Josh Cellars Custom Wine on a table near a TV

People / Madison Yauger

For the pet parent who’s always misplacing their dog's harness or their leash, this wall-mounted hook is a cute and practical gift. The shabby chic wall plaque features a cute paw print and a large metal hook, making it the perfect spot to hang accessories after each walk.

A pet camera is a must-have for dog owners who are frequently away from home. These cameras, such as the Furbo Mini, allow pet parents to check in from anywhere, connecting to the camera’s live video feed from their phone. This particular camera can even send notifications if it detects a dog crying or barking, giving owners peace of mind that their pup is safe and sound when they’re out of the house.

This dog water bottle is a handy accessory for anyone who loves walking or hiking with their pet but doesn't want to carry a dog bowl with them everywhere. It has a leak-proof design with a convenient carrying strap, and the built-in cup on the top lets dogs have a quick drink any time they’re feeling thirsty — no bowl required. Plus, you can even let water drain back into the bottle when they’re finished drinking, making sure none goes to waste.

Editors Say

“Every single dog parent at the dog park has some version of this handy water bottle from Amazon. I personally own it in two sizes and my dog loves drinking water from it.”—Madison Yauger

Two MalsiPree Dog Water Bottles next to a dog bowl

People / Madison Yauger

Dog lovers of all ages will have a blast reading this personalized picture book, which details what would happen if dogs could talk. The story can be customized with both your recipient’s name and their dog’s name, and you can choose from dozens of dog illustrations to find the one that looks most like their pet.

Editors Say

“I got this for my son, Malcolm, as a Christmas gift, and he loved it!”Kayla Kitts, PEOPLE shopping editor and dog mom to Beatrix

A dog laying on a rug next to the Personalized If My Pet Could Talk Book

People / Kayla Kitts

It might look like a regular fleece sweater at first glance, but this cool pullover has a secret pocket where dog owners can carry their pet — similar to a kangaroo pouch! It’s a stylish gift for any dog lover who likes to take their pet everywhere, and there’s even a hidden buckle inside the pocket where a leash can be attached for extra security.

This sweet pillow will be a welcome addition to any dog lover’s décor. Each one is hand-crafted using 100 percent wool, and there are a variety of dog breeds to choose from, including golden retrievers, pugs, poodles, and more. It’s sure to put a smile on their face every time they look at the dog’s goofy grin.

Why Trust PEOPLE? 

Camryn Rabideau is a writer for PEOPLE and product reviewer who specializes in home, kitchen, and pet products, and she’s also the proud owner of two golden retrievers, Ace and Addy. She loves giving (and receiving) dog-themed gifts, and one of her go-to presents for fellow dog owners is the Multipet Mr. Bill Dog Toy, which makes the character’s signature “Oh no!” when squeezed. 

Our Shopping Experts

  • Madison Yauger is a shopping editor for PEOPLE who’s tested hundreds of products firsthand, and she has a 2.5-year-old golden retriever, Stevie.
  • Kayla Kitts is a shopping editor for PEOPLE who has more than a decade of experience, and she shares her home with her 9-year-old pit/lab mix, Beatrix.
  • Erin Johnson is an associate shopping director for PEOPLE with nine years of experience, and she is a dog mom to a 15-year-old Chihuahua, Pup. 
  • Shalwah Evans is a senior shopping editor for PEOPLE with over a decade of experience covering beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, and she has a 1-year-old silky terrier, Minni. 

What Is PEOPLE Tested? 

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

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