The Ultimate Dog Lovers Gift Guide: 13 Dog Lover Gift Ideas

TL;DR / In short, if you have no time:

Quick Tips for Picking a Gift:

• Think about what makes life easier for them as a dog owner.
  
• Personal touches like custom items are always a win.
  
• Fun gifts that include the dog as part of the experience are extra thoughtful.
  
• Consider items they might not want to afford for themselves but would love to have.

Overview of Great Dog Lover Gift Ideas:

1. Custom Pet Portraits: Try Crown & Paw.
   
2. Dog Subscription Boxes: Check out BarkBox.
   
3. Practical Gear: Hands-free leashes, portable water bowls, or reflective collars like the Ruffwear Front Range Harness.
   
4. Dog-themed Outfits: Cute, comfy, and very high-quality dog-lover clothes from Dog Lover Clothing.
   
5. Interactive Toys: Puzzle feeders or a classic KONG.
   
6. DIY Dog Treat Kits: Fun baking kits like this one from Amazon.
   
7. Comfy Dog Beds: Stylish, high-quality options like the Casper Dog Bed.
   
8. Personalized Items (like custom bowls, tags, or leash hangers): Etsy or Dog Lover Clothing.
   
9. Smart Dog Camera incl. Treat Dispenser: The Furbo.
   
10. Gift Cards: Grooming sessions, training classes, or pet store credit.
    
11. Dog GPS Trackers: Like the Fi Smart Collar, for dogs that love adventures a little too much.
    
12. DNA Test Kits for Mixed Dogs: Like the Embark Dog DNA Test. Find out about the breeds, and also get health insights.
    
13. Dog-Friendly Backpacks & Carriers: Like the Maxbone Carrier Bags, if you know someone who’s always out and about with their dog.
    

Shopping for a dog lover can be tricky, especially if you want to get something thoughtful and not just another squeaky toy. And honestly, I feel you. As someone whose dog is basically the center of my universe, I know how much we appreciate it, if someone actually puts the time and effort into a heartfelt present. These small gestures mean a lot! So, to make your life a little easier, here’s a list of 13 gift ideas for dog lovers that are practical, fun, and I'm sure will win over any dog owner and their furry BFF. Why? Because I’d love them too. 

Disclaimer: None of the items on the list are paid advertising. I only recommend these products based on my own or my close friends' positive experiences.

1. Custom Dog Portraits

One of the best gifts I ever got was a custom painting of my dog, and it’s still one of my favorite things in the house. There are tons of talented artists on platforms like Etsy who can create a portrait that really captures a dog’s personality. And I’ve also seen some awesome work from Crown & Paw, where they turn pets into knights, queens, or even astronauts. Prices typically range from $35 to $100 depending on the size and style. Check them out.

Custom dog portrait by https://crownandpaw.com/.

2. A Dog Subscription Box

Who doesn’t love a box full of surprises? I do, and my Corgi Max goes wild every time his BarkBox arrives. He loves it. Each box has a mix of toys, treats, and chews, and they tailor it to your dog’s size and chewing habits. Genius! Subscriptions start at $29 per month.

3. Practical Gear They’ll Actually Use

For example:

• A sturdy, hands-free leash for those busy walks (around $25–$35).
  
• A collapsible water bowl for trips, hikes, or long beach days in summer (typically $10–$20).
• Reflective collars or harnesses for evening walks ($15–$40).
  
• High-quality dog shampoo like the Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog Shampoo (about $19 for a bottle).
  
• Stylish poop bag dispenser like the Fable Poop Bag Carrier ($25).
• Washable, stylish rug from ruggable.com. Prices vary by size, starting at $149.

I personally recommend the Ruffwear Front Range Harness. It’s comfortable, durable, and has a front clip for better control during walks. It costs about $40–$60. But feel free to go with other options as well.

4. Dog-themed Outfits

I never thought I’d be the kind of person who buys outfits about dogs… but here I am, and now I do it all the time. Our shop, Dog Lover Clothing, offers anything from super soft dog t-shirts, cozy dog-themed hoodies and sweatshirts, high-quality dog bandanas, bowls and more that just make it easy (and stylish) to show off with your pup. Plus, they’re great for cute photo ops. Prices start at around $25 for shirts and about $40 for hoodies, for example.

5. Interactive Toys

For dogs who get bored easily (like mine!), interactive toys are a lifesaver. The KONG Classic is a must-have for me. You can fill it with peanut butter, freeze it, and watch your dog stay busy for hours. It’s available for $10–$15 depending on the size. Puzzle toys are another great option—my Corgi Max loves figuring out how to get treats out of his Outward Hound puzzle, but there are other great options out there too. These kinds of puzzles should cost around $15–$25.

6. DIY Dog Treat Kits

I got a DIY Dog Treat Kit for last Xmas and honestly, this one was really fun! Baking these treats for your dog feels so rewarding, and it’s a gift that doubles as a fun activity with your partner, kids, or friends. I got this one from Amazon, and with it it was super simple to make healthy, tasty snacks, even my kind of picky eater approved. Thumbs up from me! These kits typically cost about $20–$30.

7. A Dog Bed They’ll Actually Love

For example:

• Memory foam beds for older dogs or big breeds (starting around $80–$150).
• Raised cots for dogs who get hot easily (around $50–$70).
• Stylish beds that blend with home décor (so they don’t stick out like a Great Dane in a Poodle pack).

I personally can recommend the Casper Dog Bed. It’s easy to clean and holds up well, even with dogs who like to dig or scratch before lying down. This thing has never let me down and Max is a big fan (he did not even want to touch the dog bed we had before, let alone sleep in it). Prices start at $139.

8. Personalized Items

For example:

• A durable dog bowl with the dog’s name on it (check out Etsy for tons of cute options or our own store Dog Lover Clothing, typically $30–$60).
  
• Engraved dog tags with a fun design ($10–$20).
  
• A custom leash hanger for their entryway ($20–$40).

Personalized gifts show you went the extra mile, and they’re always appreciated. At least I do.

9. A Smart Camera for Peace of Mind

If your dog lover friend is the type to worry about their dog while they’re away, a smart pet camera like the Furbo Dog Camera is an amazing gift. You can check on your dog, toss them treats, and even talk to them through the app. It’s basically the next best thing to being home. I don't have a camera at home, but a good friend of mine does and she swears on this exact camera—that's why I will recommend it too (and based on the other 4.300 positive reviews on Amazon). It costs around $169–$199.

10. Gift Cards for Practical Services (the easy solution)

For example:

• Grooming sessions for a fresh, clean pup (local groomers usually charge $40–$80 per session).
  
• Training classes for puppies or adult dogs who need a little extra guidance. Usually $100–$200 for a series of classes. (But be careful that this gift will not be perceived as lecturing.)
  
• A gift card to a local pet store so they can pick out exactly what they need. (Choose the amount.)

Sometimes the most appreciated gifts are the ones that help with the day-to-day. And of course, they are easy solutions if you're out of options.

11. Dog GPS Trackers

If you have a dog who loves adventure a little too much, a GPS tracker might be a game-changer. My friend has the Fi Smart Collar for her pup, and it’s been such a relief for her. She can track her dog’s location in real time, so if they ever sneak out of the yard, she knows exactly where they are. Plus, it monitors activity levels, which is super helpful for making sure your dog gets enough exercise. These collars start at $189 (plus a subscription fee for GPS services). Not cheap, but great for peace of mind.

12. DNA Test Kits for Mixed Dogs

Some dog owners might wonder what kind of mix their dog really is. These DNA test kits answer that exact question—and much more. The Embark Dog DNA Test is one of the most detailed ones out there. It doesn’t just tell you about the breeds; it also flags any potential health risks based on your dog’s genetics. My neighbor did this for her rescue pup, and it turns out her “mystery mutt” is part Australian Shepherd, part Beagle, and a little bit Boxer! It’s such a great gift, but also comes with a hefty price tag: Usually between $140 and $200.

13. Dog-Friendly Backpacks and Carriers

If you know someone who’s always out and about with their dog, a stylish carrier might be just the perfect gift. I’ve been in love with the Maxbone Carrier Bags because they’re the perfect mix of chic and functional. They look like designer handbags but are comfy for the dog and easy to carry around. These are especially great for small dogs who might get tired on longer walks or need a safe spot in crowded spaces. Prices range from $90 to $325, so they’re definitely a splurge, but if you’re looking to impress, this is it.

"Eco Packable Sling Carrier" by https://www.maxbone.com/.

Why These Gifts Work

These ideas are thoughtful, practical, and show that you really care. They’re not just things—they’re ways to make life a little easier or a little more fun for both the dog and their owner. Every gift here has a personal touch that dog owners will appreciate.

For even more dog-themed fashion ideas, check out our Dog Lover Clothing store. We’ve got unique pieces for everyone who wants to celebrate that special bond between dogs and their people with premium clothes.