There are so many potential dog lover gift ideas out there that it can seem a little overwhelming. Toys, customized bowls and so many other options mean that shopping for the dog lover in your life might seem like an impossible task. This handy guide is here to help!

What to get a dog lover?

Searching for a present for a dog lover doesn't need to be a struggle and take hours; there are lots of amazing options out there. You could keep it practical with gifts that will help them with meeting their fur baby's needs, or go for something fun, funky, and a little frivolous that any dog-obsessed pet parent will love.

So, what do you get a dog lover?

Let's break down your choices before you hit the shop:

Personalized Gifts

Personalized gifts are another popular choice for dog owners, but let's face it, collars and name tags have been overdone. For a custom gift they'll be thrilled to receive, we're going to have to get a little creative.

How about commissioning a portrait of their beloved pup? There are companies that specialize in crafting custom digital paintings that really highlight the dog in question's personality, and any dog lover will adore. Plus, it's a gift that lasts far longer than just a week.

For example, the funny yet regal portraits from Pixels Photo Art can show your dog in historical attire that truly reflects their personality. They're bound to raise a smile from any dog lover with a sense of humor. Depicting a dog in a historical costume can be humorous or serve as a heartfelt tribute to a pup who has passed on.

For bonus points, make the painting even more impressive with a personalized message or note. Spend a little time thinking about what’s most appropriate, like a colorful quote to spark some laughter when they unwrap the gift.

Dog Bed and Furniture Options

The first option we'll look at for dog-themed gifts is one for the dog themself: some practical (but cute) doggy furniture. Not only will a new bed, crate, or even a specialist doggy sofa offer comfort to the dog lover's precious pet, but they can look really pretty great in the home too.

Dog beds come in a baffling range of styles, and many have extra features that set them apart: memory foam mattresses, eco-friendly materials, and, perhaps most importantly, machine-washable covers.

Spend a little bit of time thinking about what would suit the recipient's home and their pet's needs. Older dogs might appreciate an orthopedic bed, designed to offer some relief to aching joints, while smaller dogs might like something a little cozier.

You could even have your gift customized with the pet's name or a fun design to make it extra special.

Interactive Toys and Games

Play has to be one of the biggest joys of sharing your life with pups and older dogs alike. Everything from the classics, like throwing a ball to play fetch, to more modern games like interactive puzzle toys all serve to keep our canine companions entertained and stimulated. Play is also the best way for dogs and their humans to bond, so gifts that facilitate this are always welcome.

There are almost limitless options when it comes to finding a toy to gift to a dog lover: balls, squeaky toys, treat-dispensing games, burrowing toys, and more will all give hours of fun. Games like fetch, tug-of-war, and hide and seek all help keep our dogs happy and healthy and delight pet parents and fur babies alike.

It's worth thinking about the dog in question before making a purchase; not all toys are safe and suitable for all dogs. Younger pups might really enjoy chewing on a teething toy, whereas larger dogs might get more out of a puzzle game.

Of course, you can never go wrong with a cute soft toy to chew!

Pet Care and Hygiene

Keeping our canine friends clean, healthy, and looking their best can be a full-time job (especially with certain breeds who might need a bath every week), so any gifts that make bath time easier are always going to go down well. Every dog lover wants to pamper their pup from time to time, after all.

There are hygiene gifts out there for every need. Shampoos and conditioners are always popular, especially with owners of dogs with thicker or longer coats. These not only leave your dog smelling great, they promote a healthy coat and skin and help stop itching. You might also consider gifting microfiber dog towels or dryers designed to dry them off after bath time without hurting their sensitive skin.

Another great option is something to help with dental care. There is a range of doggy toothpastes (meat-flavored!) and different types of brushes that can help keep their breath fresh. Of course, dental treats are always popular too and can help Fido maintain healthy chompers for life.

For something a little more luxurious, there's a selection of products purely for pampering, made with natural and organic ingredients to leave your precious pooch gloriously glossy and smelling fantastic.

Outdoor and Adventure Gifts

If the dog lover you're searching for a gift for is also obsessed with adventure, why not find them something that makes bringing their dog with them even more fun?

Doggy hiking gear includes things like backpacks (letting them carry their own food), travel beds, and other useful accessories that help open up the great outdoors, making a simple walk more of an adventure. There are even specialist items like lifejackets and rain ponchos for those who love to splash around with their furry friends.

For the more town-based adventurer, dog harnesses, leashes, and carriers (all available in sizes to suit all breeds) all make getting around a little easier and a lot more stylish when they're out and about with their pet parents.

Fun and Unique Dog Themed Gifts

While there's a lot to be said in favor of a practical gift, sometimes dog-themed gifts that are a little silly are the right choice for that special someone.

Dog-themed mugs, posters, and t-shirts (which are bound to get covered in dog hair) are all great options that won't break the bank. Alternatively, dog-themed jewelry (pawprint earrings!), keychains, and other human accessories can make great presents.

You could even have a soft and snuggly personalized photo blanket created, offering both the dog lover and their furry friend a little warmth and comfort.

Gifts for Dog Lovers Under $20

Presents for dog lovers don't have to be expensive; there's a whole host of great gifts out there that will set you back less than $20, and it's always the thought that really counts when it comes to finding something that they'll love.

Toys like chewy balls, bags of special treats, or even a special meal in the form of some fancy raw food all make great gifts that will win the approval of any dog. You could even make your own bag of treats!

If you want to give the humans something that won't break the bank, dog-themed magnets, stickers, and pins are always popular choices.

Pet Lover Community

For even more great dog lover gift ideas, or just to talk about your love for our canine companions, why not join our community and share your passion for pups?

We love to share stories, photos, and experiences of life with dogs, and there's a wealth of expertise for dealing with fur baby problems. We also share information about dog-related events, workshops, and webinars/

Dog Health and Wellness

Keeping your canine friend in top form takes a lot, so enlisting support from the experts is always a good idea. Resources about nutrition, exercise, and your dog's mental health all make great presents for any concerned dog lover.

Holistic supplements, vitamins, and over-the-counter medications that can help your pup live its best life for years to come are all practical and thoughtful options too.

Dog Training and Behavior

Learning about dog training and behavior is a vital part of dog ownership (and class gift vouchers are another great gift), so we offer a range of services and products to support you and your dog's development together.

From positive reinforcement to agility training, our experts can help you and your fur baby build skills that will last you a lifetime.

Subscription Services

You could even give a gift that keeps on giving. Subscription services, including things like treat boxes, monthly toy drops, and pet care packages, make great gifts for any dog lover.

Not only would you be giving something that's useful, you'd be giving a little surprise filled with dog-themed goodies every month.

Experience Gifts

Experiential gifts have become increasingly popular in recent years; think race days, wing walking, and other such adventurous activities. Well, they make great gifts for dogs, too!

Everything from a training session, grooming package, or even a dog-friendly holiday is sure to create memories that any dog lover will cherish.

Gifts for Multiple Dog Owners

If the dog-loving family in your life has more than one precious pup, some gifts will do double (or even triple or quadruple) duty and delight them and all their furry companions.

Toys, treats, and accessories are suitable for as many dogs as they may have (just be sure to buy enough!), but having a portrait painted featuring all their dogs is bound to raise a smile from any owner.

Final Words

There's a whole world of dog lover gift ideas out there, from lines of jewelry to portraits, balls to action-ready hiking gear. Whatever you choose, make sure to give it some thought and ensure it's something both the fur baby and pet parents will really love.