In this post: We share some of our favorite stocking stuffers for dogs that are both fun and kinder to the planet.
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For many of us, our furry friends members are an important part of the family. We feature them in our holiday cards, take them on vacation, and dote on them like furry children. And they give us so much happiness in return. So it's only natural that we include them in our holiday gift-giving.
Like buying any gift, shopping for your dog can be time-consuming so we wanted to share some of our favorite and unique ideas for stocking stuffers for dogs. If you're looking for gift ideas for your dog, we hope these just might help!
Homemade holiday treats that are safe for pups
These adorable treats would brighten any pup's stocking! Each set of 6 is made with human-grade ingredients including honey, peanut butter, rolled oats, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, and yogurt.
This Etsy shop features a variety of treats for Christmas, Hanukkah, birthdays, Halloween, Valentine's Day, and more. And in the event that your pup doesn't love peanut butter (is that possible?) they also sell doggy cakes and treats in a variety of flavors.
Definitely check them out for your upcoming puppy festivities!
Putting a bow on stocking stuffers for dogs
These adorable bows would be just the right touch for that holiday photo featuring your pup. And if, per chance, bows aren't your dog's thing, Oh Barks! on Etsy also has a lot of really great bandanas, scarves, and collars in a range of styles.
I love supporting small businesses on Etsy and especially appreciate knowing how thoughtful they are about their environmental impact. Their sustainability initiatives include offsetting the carbon emissions from the shipping associated with their site – they have a goal of having net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Bursting the bubble with scented stocking stuffers for dogs
Sniffington's Flavored Bubbles
One of my favorite discoveries has been flavored bubbles. If you have a canine friend who is obsessed with bubbles these will lend a fun holiday scent like Eggnog, Sugar Cookie, or Gingerbread to your playtime.
They also feature special scents for other times of year like Watermelon and Blueberry Muffin. Birthday Cake could also be a fun gift if you ever found yourself in the situation of celebrating a dog’s birthday.
West Paw stocking stuffers for dogs
West Paw Zogoflex Tux Treat Dispensing Dog Chew Toy
West Paw is an all-around great company. What makes them so cool? To start, they’re a certified B Corp, and it’s clear that they put a lot of thought into the materials they use in their products. Many of their chew toys are made of recycled ocean plastic and they have a closed-loop process where they accept old toys which they recycle into new ones.
We’d need a whole article to mention all of the ways that they produce a more thoughtful product, but one that definitely needs to be mentioned is that they build their products to be more durable and stand behind them with a guarantee. In addition to toys, they also sell beds, puzzles, and other accessories.
Shameless Pet treats: upcycling produce into healthy treats
Shameless Pets Soft Dog Treats
Shameless Pets is another company that is definitely worth knowing about. They take visually imperfect food that won’t sell in the grocery store and save it from landfills by turning it into healthy dog and cat treats. In addition, all of their treats are made in the US in a facility that utilizes solar power. Their products include soft treats, jerky, dental chews, and calming chews.
Paw Nectar
Paw Nectar .5oz Jumbo Dog Paw Balm
For those in the snowy parts of the world, unless your dog is willing to wear booties, their paws will take a beating in the winter.
And since most dogs' paws will end up in their mouths at some point, it's great that the ingredients are natural. It's also great to see that there are pretty decent reviews from dog owners who have purchased the product. Bring it on, winter!
If It Barks collar
If It Barks Personalized Striped Dog Collar
Slightly more practical than the hair bows, but still just as cute, are If it Barks collars – especially this personalized and engravable one. Who doesn't love engravable collars that eliminate the need for loud, cumbersome tags?
All of If It Barks collars are handmade in North Carolina and designed to be extremely durable. They specialize in martingale collars and offer a range of colors and personalization options you should definitely check out.
The Foggy Dog: featuring fashion-forward stocking stuffers for dogs
The Foggy Dog bandanas and bows
A quick skim through The Foggy Dog and you'll agree that their products are gorgeous. Even better, they have a very cool business model.
First, the company is woman-owned, yay. They are also thoughtful about the materials that they use in their products including natural fibers when possible, stuffing their beds and toys with fibers made from recycled plastic bottles, and adorable upcycled denim scarves and other accessories.
Foggy Dog also shares that their products are made in the US by workers paid a fair wage and that they provide a meal for a shelter dog with each purchase you make from their store.
Farm to bowl: local stocking stuffers for dogs
Spot Farms brings the idea of farm-to-table to your dog. They use human-grade, antibiotic-free ingredients sourced from farms across the US.
In addition to focusing on quality, they have some create sustainability credentials. Spot Farms qualifies for the “Climate Pledge Friendly” designation on Amazon and they are a member of 1% for the Planet.
Upcycled tug toy for your little chewer
Keepin It Green Designs Upcycled Toys for Dogs
We love these beautiful upcycled tug toys that have received strong positive reviews from many dog owners. In the maker's own words:
These unique, colorful, tough, sturdy dog toys are made from strips of discarded t-shirts. The scraps were cut into strips and securely knotted to make a thick rope like toy your dog will love to chew and play tug with. They are even machine washable!
Treats for other worthy pups
One final thought: if your dog doesn’t really need another toy or treat, you could consider making a donation to a national organization or local shelter. Many animal shelters could use things like small blankets which many of us have in abundance. And if you don’t have extra cash in your budget for a monetary donation, many shelters are looking for volunteers to help care for their animals.
We hope you found these recommendations helpful and that your special pup have an amazing holiday!
Top FAQs: best stocking stuffers for dogs
What about larger gifts for dogs? Any suggestions?
Molly Mutt is one of our favorite sellers of larger gifts for dogs. They make dog beds, blankets, car seat covers, crate covers, and more. There are a few things that really make them stand out:
- Unique design – The concept behind their dog beds is ingenious. They sell covers and bag inserts that you fill with old clothes and blankets. This reduces the materials and waste needed to stuff each bed and has the bonus of carrying your scent which is more soothing for anxious dogs. They are also machine washable!
- Safe – Their focus is on materials that are safe for your dog. They source 100% US-grown cotton and do not use harmful pesticides, phthalates, or PBDEs in their products.
- Sustainable – Molly Mutt is both Climate Neutral certified and has received Pet Sustainability Accreditation so their sustainability practices have been reviewed and verified by independent organizations.
What are some key things to consider when buying gifts for dogs?
Buying gifts for others is tricky, even if those others are of the canine variety! Here are a few things to keep in mind for buying useful gifts for dogs.
- Safety – Safety is always #1. Make sure whatever you are buying is designed for dogs and doesn't contain any toxic, small, or ingestible parts that could be harmful if swallowed. (because chances are if it can be chewed and swallowed, it will be.) Try to consider if there are any other ways that the item could be harmful if was broken or got tangled.
- Size, breed, temperament: Some gifts may be more suitable for smaller dogs, while others are designed for larger breeds. If you know your dog is a chewer or has destructive tendencies, consider how that factors into your gift.
- Dietary restrictions and allergies: Many dogs have food allergies or sensitivities. If you're not sure if the dog you are purchasing for can have treats, consider a non-edible surprise.
- Quality and durability: Dogs can be quite rough on their toys. Look for durable, well-made toys that can withstand the dog's play. Reinforced seams and sturdy materials are essential for toys that will last.
- Environmental Impact: Consider sustainable or eco-friendly dog products. Look for items made from natural materials that reduce waste. (Check out our great suggestions, above!)
By taking these factors into account, you can choose a thoughtful and appropriate gift for a dog that not only brings joy but also ensures their safety and well-being.
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