The Best Gifts for Dog Lovers
Everyone has at least one — but more likely, a few — dog lovers in their lives. But when it comes time for their birthdays or other special occasions, finding our favorite canine fanatics the right gift can feel overwhelming. From candles to coffee mugs to T-shirts, there are a million and one dog-themed products out there. But don't worry, we're here to help. Below, we hand-picked a variety of the best gift ideas for dog lovers, so you can find one that delights the dog mom or dad in your life.
What to Look For
The best gifts for dog lovers should be unique, thoughtful, and, of course, dog-themed. With those criteria in mind, our favorite gift idea is the wooden sign from Primitive by Kathy, which is suitable for any home and features a humorous saying that will make any dog person smile. For a more functional gift, we also love the travel mug from Sassy Cups, which comes in multiple sizes and colors so you can find the right one for your friend or family member. To discover more great gift ideas for the dog lover in your life, read on.
Primitives by Kathy Dogs Welcome Sign
Welcome home
If your friend or family member seems to like their dog more than people, they’ll love this humorous sign from Primitives by Kathy. The wooden box is adorned with white letters that read “Dogs Welcome, People Tolerated,” making for a funny and understated piece of decor that will fit any home. The price tag is surprisingly affordable, too, proving that you don’t need to spend a ton of money to give a gift that will make your favorite dog lover smile.
Pros:
- This gift is gender-neutral, so you can give it to anyone who loves dogs.
- This is one of several signs with dog-themed sayings offered by Primitives by Kathy, so you can choose your favorite.
Cons:
- We wish this sign came in a slightly larger size.
SassyCups Funny Dog Tumbler
Canines and coffee
Being a dog parent can be exhausting, making it important to stay hydrated — and caffeinated — throughout the day. That’s why we love this travel mug from SassyCups, which comes in several sizes and is emblazoned with a cute dog-themed saying, so we can quench our thirst and show off our passion for puppies at the same time. What’s more, the tumbler is made of double-walled stainless steel, helping it keep drinks cold or hot depending on what you put in it.
Pros:
- The mug comes with a reusable straw, which is convenient and great for the environment.
- We appreciate that it comes in masculine and feminine colors, so you can pick the right one for your favorite dog parent.
Cons:
- The straw doesn’t seem as durable as the rest of the cup.
Custom Catch Personalized Dog Mat
Puppy pillows
There’s nothing more thoughtful than getting your loved one a personalized present, which is why we recommend this dog pillow from Custom Catch. The mats can be imprinted with the name of your friend or family member’s dog, making it a unique gift. The mat also comes in a few different sizes, so you can choose one that best fits the canine in question.
Pros:
- The various size options also allow you to pick one for different placements, such as in the bottom of a dog crate.
- The material is machine washable, making it easy to clean.
Cons:
- Some dogs may prefer laying on the underside of the mat, which would hide the name.
Got You A Little Something Best Dog Mom Candle
Candles are a tried and true gift idea, particularly for mothers. And this soy candle takes advantage of that by including a label that says “Best Dog Mom,” so you can flatter your favorite pet parent by giving them a present they’re sure to love. That includes the delicate lavender scent, which is pleasantly light and not too strong.
Pros:
- This is a 100 percent natural soy candle, so you won’t have to worry about chemicals or artificial ingredients.
- The jar is reusable, helping to extend the life of the gift.
Cons:
- We wish there were other scent options.
Ann Arbor T-Shirt Co. The Dogfather T-Shirt
An offer they can't refuse
Combining a reference to one of the greatest movies of all time with one of the greatest pets of all time, this clever T-shirt from Ann Arbor T-Shirt Co. is sure to get a laugh out of your favorite dog dad. Imprinted with “The Dogfather,” a pun on “The Godfather,” the shirt is perfect for cinema geeks who love canines and want to put both passions on display for all to see. The shirt is also very comfortable, thanks to its 100 percent cotton construction.
Pros:
- We appreciate that the shirt comes in several sizes, including 3XL.
- In addition to T-shirts, the saying is also available on hoodies and hats.
Cons:
- This shirt may not be suitable for dog moms.
How do I choose a gift for my favorite dog lover?
Choosing the right gift for your favorite dog lover can be tricky, but it isn’t impossible. Think of it in a similar way to picking out a regular gift for a friend or family member. Besides having a dog theme, the present should appeal to the person’s tastes and interests.
How much should I spend on a dog-themed gift?
You should spend as much as you feel comfortable with, given your personal budget. You may also want to consider the occasion, whether it be a birthday or a holiday.
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