50 unique gifts for dogs lovers and their canine companions

A mind-blowing book about a dog who 'talks'

"How Stella Learned to Talk by Christina Hunger," available at Amazon and Target, $17.49

In this fascinating book, speech-language pathologist Christina Hunger chronicles her journey teaching her dog Stella to communicate using programmable buttons. This book not only details Stella's education but breaks down Hunger's techniques so that you, too, can teach your dog to "talk."

A cool bed to beat the heat

Arf Pets Dog Self Cooling Mat, available at Petco and Chewy, from $29.99

When the weather warms up, so does your dog's body temperature, especially if you have a flat-nosed pup. Give them some relief on summer days with this tried and true cooling mat. Its interior gel stays chilly for up to three hours and requires no battery, refrigeration, or electricity to recharge.

A bright, bold chair patterned in regal dogs

Kendra Dandy Muse Tamsin Dining Chair, available at Anthropologie, $148

Make a canine statement with designer Kendra Dandy's Muse Tasmin Dining Chair. The front and back of the modern yellow rubberwood seat is covered in more than a dozen gray sighthounds, each doing their own best "sit." The chair is lightweight and its wooden legs are removable.

A pack of doggy chip clips

Kikkerland Doggie Bag Clips, available at World Market and Amazon $5

Reseal your goodie bags with an assortment of canine faces. This posse of chip clips includes a corgi, Boston terrier, bulldog, collie, dalmatian, and shiba inu, each of whom are very good dogs. The clips are made from extra-strong plastic with steel springs.

A handsome dog crate to dress up your decor

Diggs Revol Dog Crate, available at Diggs and Amazon, $245

Down with ugly dog crates that mess up your decor! Diggs Revol isn't just stylishly designed, it folds flat in seconds and has wheels for rolling out of sight. The crate is available in three colors and comes with a puppy divider and removable, easy-to-clean floor.

Fresh pet food to fill their dog's belly

Just Food for Dogs, available at Just Food for Dogs, from $5.95

Just Food for Dogs uses fresh, human-grade meats and veggies to produce nutritious canine meals across six different recipes. The food is flash frozen and delivered right to their door. Read more about the best fresh dog food in our buying guide.

A food puzzle to work the canine brain

Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Twister Dog Puzzle, available at Chewy, Petco and Amazon, from $12.50

For smarty pants dogs that need a job to do, these food puzzles are a great way to both entertain and work the brain. Pop treats or kibble into the compartments and tap into their dog's under-utilized scavenging instincts. 

A book to decode your dog's star sign

"Dog Astrology" by Stella Andromeda, available at Amazon and Urban Outfitters, $14.99

The astrological sun sign under which your dog was born matters, according to this playful book by Stella Andromeda. Find out what an Aries or Leo looks like among the canine set, your dog's luckiest days ,and whether you and your pup are a match written in the stars.

Puppy throw pillows to dress up their decor

Dog Face Pillow, available at Uncommon Goods, $25

Accent their home with the friendly faces of adorable dogs. Hook-sewn by hand in the form of three different breeds — golden retriever, pug and Boston terrier — these 8-by-12-inch wool pillows will never shed, drool, or leave muddy paw prints on their sofa.

A pack of dogs to keep them dry in rainy weather

Reed Evins Art Umbrella, available at AKC.org and Reed Evins Art, $30

Artist Reed Evins hand-cuts paper to create spot on collage portraits of his canine clients. He's selected a couple dozen of his favorites — droopy eared basset hounds, friendly schnauzers, and half-smiling fluffs among them — for his wind-resistant 42-inch umbrella. The water-blocking parasol has a black rubber handle with an automatic opener and comes with a dog-patterned sleeve for storage.

A pair of icy bulldogs to keep their highball cool

Novelty Bulldog Ice Molds, available at Williams Sonoma, $19.95

Bring a little canine class to their next cocktail with Williams Sonoma's bulldog-shaped ice cubes. Made from flexible silicone, just fill the two molds with water, freeze, then run under warm water to release the hounds. The long-lasting cubes will keep their shape sip after sip.

A pet camera that lets them interact with their pup

Furbo Treat-Tossing Dog Camera, available at Chewy, Furbo, and Amazon, $169

For those who can't stand to be away from their dog, it's the Furbo dog camera to the rescue. With the free Furbo app, they can monitor their pet from afar with a 160-degree wide-angle view, speak to them through voice chat, and toss them a treat anytime they want. 

Rubber boots to wear when it's raining cats and dogs

Joules Raining Cats and Dogs Rain Boot, available at Zappos and Joules, from $29.95

Puddles are no match for these rubber wellies by Joules. Covered in hand-drawn pups, umbrellas, and a couple water-loving cats, the mid-calf rain boots have an adjustable side buckle, a dog bone-patterned interior, and thick grippy soles for traversing slippery sidewalks.

A pair of Bernie's viral mittens to squeak and tug

Bernie's Paw Warmers, available at Bark Shop, $10

Bernie Sanders' mittens, one of the standout stars of the 2021 presidential inauguration, are now available in doggy form. Even if they have no upcoming political events to attend, playtime with these wooly squeakers on a rope will warm up your pup with practical, no-nonsense Vermont style. All proceeds go to the state's PAWsitive Pantry, which provides families in need with food for their beloved pets.

A way to finally remember if the dog actually got fed

The Original "Did You Feed The Dog?" available at Chewy and Amazon, $9.95

Did you feed the dog? Can't quite remember, can you? But this simple little device, it knows. Just move the button at feeding time and they'll never get taken by their pup's second-dinner-desiring hungry eyes again.

Sweet long johns for a winter full of pajama parties

Toy Story "To Infinity and Beyond" Dog & Cat Jersey PJs, available at Chewy, from $15.76

Dress up their pup for the world's cutest pajama party in these "Toy Story" themed PJ's from Chewy's Disney collection. The outfit comes in six sizes so that even the big boys can let their snuggle flag fly.

A homemade dog treat maker

Dash Express Dog Treat Maker, available at Amazon and Target, $27.99

Treat your favorite chef to a pup-approved kitchen addition. Fill the waffle iron-like Dash with one of the recipes from the included cookbook (think: peanut butter pumpkin or cheddar bacon) for fresh bone-shaped treats hot out of the oven. 

A squeezable dog water bottle for instant hydration

Dog Bowl Water Bottle, available at Chewy, $14.99

Offer the dog a drink single-handedly with this unique dog water bottle. Just squeeze the leak-proof canister to fill the attached dish with water. When they've had their fill, the leftover liquid drains back into the bottle for the next time they're thirsty.

A hoodie with a kangaroo pouch to keep their pup close

Roodie Pet Pouch Hoodie, available at Amazon, $99

Cuddly pups and the humans who love them never have to be apart with this soft cotton-polyester hoodie. The zip-up 14-inch by 9-inch by 4-inch pocket supports pets up to 15 pounds and comes in six colors.

A ball launcher for supercharged games of fetch

Chuckit! Launcher, available at Chewy and Amazon, $7.02

It's almost impossible to tire out a fetch-loving high-energy dog before tiring out your throwing arm, that is, unless you have the Chuckit! With just a flick of the wrist, this simple plastic launcher sends the ball farther than puny human muscles alone and is guaranteed not to quit halfway through the game.

A matching bandana and face mask for twinning with their dog

Goodboy x Sock Fancy Bandana & Mask, available at Goodboy, $24

Social distance in style with this dog bandana and face mask duo. The pair comes in four machine-washable custom cotton prints and the triple-layer mask has adjustable ear loops and a 3D chin design.

A pair of fur-sonalized silver cufflinks

Custom Pet Portrait Cufflinks, available at Uncommon Goods, $260

They'll wear their heart on their sleeve with these pet portrait cufflinks by designer Erin Harris. The engraved sterling silver accessories arrive with a bonus gift, too: a rubber stamp of their dog to use on anything that needs a bit of puppy love.

A collar for tracking their dog's location and activity

Fi Series 2 GPS Tracker Smart Dog Collar, available at Chewy, $149

Like a FitBit for the canine set, this smart collar will not only help them keep tabs on their dog's daily activity (and compare it to other pups in the neighborhood) but on their location, too. Using GPS tracking technology, this little device sends alerts anytime a door-dashing escape artist is on the move.

Their dog in sock form

Tribe Socks Personalized Pet Face Socks, available at Tribe Socks, $24

Wrap their barking dogs in puppy love with a pair of customizable socks. Chewy will pattern a pair with the face of their furry friend using just a photo. Choose from four styles: holiday, tie-dye, mosaic, and dog paw.

The one toy every dog needs

Kong Classic, available at Chewy, from $7.49

Whether they've got a puppy who's learning the ropes, an adult dog who loves a good game, or a slow-moving senior, the Kong Classic is a must for busting boredom and tapping into a dog's scavenging instincts. Just pack the heavy-duty rubber cone with treats, kibble, or peanut butter (among other things) and that big, slobbery tongue will do the rest.

An elevated bed to keep their dog cool in the heat

K&H Products Elevated Dog Bed, available at Chewy, from $35.99

Make the dog days of summer a little more bearable for their pooch with this elevated cot. Made from waterproof nylon with a mesh center, the raised design promotes airflow that helps keep dogs from overheating when the mercury rises.

A sleepy puppy hamper to snuggle their dirty clothes

Fankang Dog Hamper, available at Amazon, $10.99

Add a dose of cute to laundry day with this dog hamper. The folding, pop-up basket made of waterproof-coated cotton fabric with handles for ears also makes a great storage bin for toys, whether they belong to a dog or to a dog-loving kid.

A dog sticker that's (almost) as cute as the real thing

Premier Pups Custom Dog Stickers, available at Etsy, $15

Give the gift of sticky immortality with these customizable pet stickers. Just send in a photo of their dog and they will create a spot-on illustrated version made from premium waterproof paper they can affix to anything that needs a puppy pick-me-up.

A dog DNA test

Embark Breed Identification Dog DNA Kit, available at Chewy and Embark, $129

Embark Breed and Health Dog DNA Kit, available at Chewy and Embark, $149

The Embark Dog DNA test is for any rescue parent who's ever struggled to answer the question "What kind of dog is that?" From a simple cheek swab, this kit designed in partnership with Cornell University scientists can identify a dog's breed heritage and even locate their living relatives. The breed and health kit also provides information about genetic health conditions and traits. 

A bucket list activity journal for dog lovers and their canine compatriots

"Chew This Journal" by Sassafras Lowrey, available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, from $13.99

Drawing from 20 years of experience, certified trick dog trainer and doggy writer extraordinaire Sassafras Lowrey's "Chew This Journal" is jam-packed with fun activities for both dog and human. From urban agility and tips on setting training goals to dog-friendly crafts like DIY treat puzzles and tug-toy-making, this book will encourage them to never stop seeking out new adventures.

A bag of delicious treats with a minimal carbon paw print

Jiminy's Chewy Cricket Treats, available at Chewy and Amazon, from $9.75

Maybe dog treats can't save the world, but Jiminy's cricket treats are doing their part to help our pups live more sustainably. These tasty morsels are hypoallergenic, probiotic, and produce 740% fewer greenhouse gasses than those made with beef. Choose from two chewy flavors, sweet potato and peas or pumpkin and carrot, or crunchy peanut butter and blueberry cookies.

A people-approved mattress made just for dogs

Dog Mattress, available at Casper, from $116

Mattress company Casper takes dog bed comfort next level with a memory foam model that rivals those they make for humans. The result of 110 prototypes and 460 hours of lab testing, with this dog bed they'll rest assured their best friend will be getting a good night's sleep. 

A dog-splattered dish towel that really sees them

Dogs Tea Towel, available at Blue Q, $12.99

Anyone who's ever loved a dog knows the best people are the fluffy, four-legged kind. And this canine-covered tea towel, it's not afraid to speak the truth. Short-haired, curly-haired, little-legged, and big, they'll be ready to go anytime a dish needs drying. 

A custom cookie cutter for making edible puppy portraits

Custom Pet Portrait Cookie Cutter, available at Etsy, from $30

If they think their dog couldn't get any sweeter, Bakers Street Cutters begs to differ. Send in a photo and they'll 3D print a custom cookie cutter that makes a perfect impression of their pup every time.

A blueprint of their favorite breed's best qualities

Dog Blueprints, available at Etsy, $29.99

These vintage-inspired blueprints by canine architects Wet Nose Wiggly Butts break down the characteristics that make different dog breeds unique. Each 16-by-20-inch print features picture-perfect representations of 54 of the most popular pups, from chihuahuas to Newfoundlands. Choose to add their dog's name to the drawing for a personalized touch.

A yoga mat covered in stretching Frenchies

Huebucket Frenchie Yoga Mat, available at Society6, $33

Flexible Frenchies show off their yoga skills on this adorable yoga mat. Their favorite pose? Downward-facing dog, of course.

An honest mug that works as hard as they do

"I work hard so my dog can have a better life" mug, available at Etsy, from $17

For anyone with lingering doubts about where a dog parent's disposable income goes, this fully customizable mug spells it out in plain English. No one needs to know that dogs work hard to keep us happy, too. Sloppy kisses and dog hair may not pay the bills but they're worth their weight in gold.

A lickable mat for anxiety-reducing enrichment

Hyper Pet IQ Treat Mat 2-pack, available at Chewy and Amazon, $14.95

Licking a flavor-filled surface doesn't just release calming endorphins in a dog's brain, it gives them something to focus on when their stress levels become elevated. Spread these dishwasher-safe rubber mats with a soft-and-creamy favorite like yogurt, pumpkin, or peanut butter for a snack that will last and last. Read our full review of the Hyper Pet IQ Treat Mats.

A flirt pole for tough tugging thrills

Outward Hound Tail Teaser, available at Chewy and Amazon, $16.99

Release the hounds — or their energy, at least — with a doggy flirt pole. Like a beefed-up cat wand, this canine version features a squeaking, rattling faux-fur tail strung with durable nylon cord to a long, flexible pole that can be swung around for a high-speed game of chase, jump, and tug. 

A collar from a company that supports and empowers Kenyan artisans

Triangle Dog Collar in lavender, pink, or cobalt blue, available at Ubuntu Life, $59

Yes, this fashion-forward collar produced by Maasai women in Kenya's Ngong Hills looks good, but it does good, too. Ubuntu Life is a public benefit corporation that provides sustainable employment, education, and healthcare to its workers and artisans, as well as pediatric health and special needs education throughout the region. The carefully crafted, highly resilient collar is made from leather and glass beads and comes in three sizes and four colors.

A playful seat cover to brighten up the car

Molly Mutt Multi-Use Seat Cover, available at Chewy and Amazon, $59

Protect their car from doggy dirt and slobber with a fun toile-like dog patterned seat cover. The versatile cotton canvas can be draped over the back seat (the design features seatbelt slots, nonskid backing and adjustable headrest straps), converted into a car hammock or layered over the cargo hold.

A 2-in-1 tool to make bath time less stressful

Aquapaw Pet Bathing Tool, available at Amazon, $24.95

Speed up bath time with this flexible water sprayer and massaging scrubber. The tool slips over the palm, leaving their fingers free to reassure their pup or toggle the built-in on-and-off switch.

A smiling bouncy ball that doubles as a puzzle toy

Rogz Grinz Treat Ball, available at Amazon, from $10.95

This durable ball will put a maniacal grin on their pup's face. Bounce it on the ground, float it in the water, or fill it with treats or kibble for extended play. It comes in four bright, impossible to lose colors and three sizes.

A vet play set to inspire young animal lovers

Melissa & Doug Pet Vet Play Set, available at Amazon, $24.97

Encourage the little animal lover in your life with a play set that lets them practice pet care and the empathy and compassion that comes along with it. This kit comes packed with all they'll need to make a house call, including a stethoscope, syringe, bandages, and a cone of shame, as well as two plush pets to practice on.

A gallery-worthy portrait of their beloved pet

Custom Pet Portrait, available at West & Willow, from $60

Immortalize their fur baby with a custom portrait they'll cherish for years to come. Choose from a handful of backgrounds and hardwood frames. Each gallery-quality image can include up to three pets.

A cashmere turtleneck for cold weather walks

Fido Turtleneck, available at The Barkers, $89

The beatnik vibes are on point with this cable-knit turtleneck from The Barkers. Made from 100% cashmere, this luxurious dog sweater will have them wishing for a human-sized version all their own.

A pack of dogs who love a relaxing bath

Dog Shower Curtain, available at Society 6, $51.99

Add a touch of canine couture to their bathroom with a dog print shower curtain patterned in artistically arranged pups. The polyester 71-by-74-inch curtain comes with 12 buttonholes for easy hanging.

A combination backpack and airline approved carrier for versatile adventures

Sherpa 2-in-1 Travel Backpack, available at Petco, $52.99

Up in the air or on the trail, their dog can go anywhere they do with Sherpa's 2-in-1 travel backpack. The cozy, well-ventilated go bag has removable straps that convert it from a backpack to a traditional airline approved pet carrier that fits under the seat in the cabin.

A boho bed cover to rest their weary head

Amani Sea Dog Bed, available at The Foggy Dog, from $65

Upgrade their naps with a mud-cloth inspired, upholstery-grade cotton bed cover. The durable, zip-up doggy duvet can be fitted over an old bed, pillow, or pile of blankets, or you can purchase a new memory foam or "Sustainafill" insert for maximum comfort. It's machine washable and sold in three colors.

A book for youngsters about a dog's most valuable superpower

"What the Dog Knows Young Readers Edition" by Cat Warren, available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, $7.99

In the young readers edition of the New York Times bestseller "What the Dog Knows," Cat Warren uncovers the science behind the amazing canine nose. If you know a kiddo with a love of dogs, this book full of photos and illustrations is sure to intrigue, surprise, and delight.