Discover 9 Top Gifts for Dogs and People Who Love Them

Dogs can’t simply hand over a list of the gizmos and gadgets they desire. That puts added pressure on us, their human friends, to pick out the best toys and treats for our favorite pooches.

Whether you’re looking for toys that won’t get destroyed in a single day, treat puzzles to keep them occupied, or just a tribute in their likeness, we’ve gathered the best Wirecutter-tested and staff-recommended gifts for dogs (and the people who love them).

For even more dog gear, check out our expert-tested picks, including the best collars and pet carriers, for dogs. And if you’re adopting a new dog altogether, we have a complete checklist so you’re ready on Day 1.

Cartoon caricature

Fans of the 1955 classic Lady and the Tramp or any Disney movie will love the Happy Tooned Pet Disneyfication. Simply upload a clear, front-facing photo of your pet and provide a few drawing notes. You can choose a white background or, for an extra $30, a custom design. Proofs are ready for approval within 8 to 10 days, with revisions available if needed.

When writer Evan Dent and his wife submitted a photo of their dog Winnie with the request for an “enchanted forest” theme, the result was so magical they responded with just two words: “No notes.”

Happy Tooned offers two options: a high-resolution digital file for printing yourself or, for an additional fee, a 16 by 12 inch matte poster, with or without a frame. It’s the perfect way to bring a touch of Disney magic to your pet’s portrait.

Doggo distraction

Any dog owner with an energetic pup knows that dogs need a purpose or they might create their own (like chewing through furniture). The Woof Pupsicle is a simple, effective solution to keep them entertained. Just unscrew the rubber ball, add a treat, and let your dog enjoy the challenge. You can buy premade food balls or freeze your own combinations, like broth, peanut butter, or pumpkin, in a treat mold. Once your dog’s done, simply separate the two pieces and toss them in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. According to Wirecutter’s dog expert Mel Plaut, it keeps their dog occupied for about 30 minutes.

Sleek slicker

Dogs who shirk walks in the rain or humans who don’t love them shaking it off indoors might appreciate our pick for best dog raincoats, the durable and lightweight Ruffwear Sun Shower Dog Raincoat. Best suited for milder weather (not snowstorms), the uninsulated slicker will keep your canine pal mostly dry. Available in three colors and six sizes, it attaches via two buckles on each side of the dog’s torso and holds up in washing machines.

Making fetch happen

The Chuckit Dog Ball Launcher could be a game-changer for owners of high-energy dogs, especially puppies. Featuring an ergonomic handle, this flexible launcher allows you to toss balls long distances repeatedly without straining your arm. When Fido brings the ball back, you can easily pick it up using the click in head, keeping your hands clean from slobber or mud. It’s perfect for dogs who love to fetch though it might not be the best fit for those less enthusiastic retrievers, like some huskies.

Handsome slow feeder

For dogs who scarf down their bowls in a few gulps or just need a little activity, a couple of Wirecutter staffers are big fans of the Fable The Puffin Slow Feeder. The screw-together puzzle toy, which holds up to 1.5 cups of dry food, provides mental stimulation by making dogs work for their meal—they have to knock around the wobbly toy so that it releases a few pieces of kibble. (The bottom is padded with silicone for quieter knocking around.) While it’s not all that different in performance from the cheaper OurPets IQ Treat Ball, the sleekly designed toy comes in six attractive two-tone colors, including blush, purple, and teal.

Goof off

This neon bright, cross-eyed squeaker is a favorite of several staffers—and over 10,000 Amazon reviewers. Software engineer Jasmine Kasheboon Khoury said that every dog she’s given the GoDog Furballz which she dubbed “Mr. Fluff” has been “obsessed with him.” One of the recipients was senior product designer Olivia Sheldon’s sweet-but-destructive German Shepherd mix. And the Furballz’s double stitched seams, liner, and large, round shape fared much better than flatter plushies. Longevity aside, dogs just love the cuddly little guy. “He carries it around the house, which is really cute,” Olivia said.

Pet stamp

Anyone who’s obsessed with a fur baby would appreciate this Custom Pet Portrait Stamp. Just upload a photo of their beloved pet’s face, type in the name, and then choose from one of five colors for the stamp box. Be sure to choose a well-lit photo with a clear, tight shot of the pup’s full head from the front (blurry, dark photos taken at a distance won’t look as great on a stamp). The self inking, black and white stamp will arrive in a few weeks. Some reviewers noted that it took longer than expected to receive their purchase, but most were overjoyed to be stamping away.

The best pet-hair remover

The ChomChom Pet Hair Remover is staff writer Samantha Schoech’s go-to gift for new pet parents. It’s the only thing she’s found that can keep up with the fur shed by her two long-haired cats, and it works great for dog hair, too. She keeps one on each floor of her house and uses them daily. When this simple plastic device is rolled back and forth over fur-covered fabric, it creates an electrostatic charge that picks up hair and then collects it in an easy-to-empty chamber.

A pillow pet

True dog lovers will appreciate a playful pet-shaped pillow. Just send in a high-res photo, choose from six sizes, and review the digital mock-up. In about a week, the pet lover in your life will receive a photo-realistic pillow in the shape of their beloved doggo. The pillow’s polyester velvet is less cuddly than actual dog fur, but it’ll do in a pinch. Though beware: These pillows are so realistic-looking that they can be mistaken for the real thing!