Great Holiday Gifts for Dogs, Cats, and Pet Owners

Happy Paw-lidays! The season of cheer and gift-giving is upon us, and it’s time to acknowledge those who mean the most to us, which of course includes our pets as well as the animal-loving humans in our lives. If you’re scratching your head wondering how to share the love this season, we’ve got your back. We’re all about pets here at Trupanion, so we did the legwork (paw work?) and compiled a 2024 holiday gift guide to help you ace this year’s gift-giving.

15 of the best pet gifts for dog and cat lovers

From budget-friendly pet toys and DIY recipes to fancy new gadgets, we've got you covered for pet-themed presents in 2024. Scroll down for 15 of the most unique and useful gift ideas for dogs, cats, and the people who love them.

Wondering how well you can trust this list, by the way? We chose all of these items ourselves just because we like them — no external links are the result of any partnerships, and we do not receive compensation for you clicking on them.

1. Festive collar or leash set

Sure, that holiday dog sweater may look cute. But you know what’s cute, functional, and better for pets than forcing them into something they don’t want to wear? A festive collar, harness, or leash!

Check out local pet stores or online retailers to browse through fun designs featuring everything from Christmas trees and snowmen to sparkly Hanukkah menorahs. If safety is on your mind, you may want to consider an LED collar that lights up red and green for walking pets at night.

2. Laptop cat scratching pad

Know a cat owner who is frequently frustrated with their feline friend messing with their computer? Provide them with some relief (and a laugh) this year with a cat scratch pad in the shape of a laptop. We like this one from Uncommon Goods because it even comes with a mouse in the shape of — you guess it — a mouse, but we’ve spotted similar designs through other pet retailers as well. You can even try making your own, if you’re feeling crafty.

3. Pet health insurance

Though it may not be as “fun” as a new toy or gadget, pet health insurance is truly a meaningful gift for any dog or cat. The truth is that nobody can predict when or if an injury or illness will happen to their furry family member, and when they do, veterinary care costs often get in the way. Quality pet insurance coverage enables necessary care to take place by reducing the financial strain on pet parents.

Cost varies depending on the particular pet and their risks, and getting a pet insurance quote can give you a better idea of what to expect. It’s worth noting that, in order to reduce the risk of pre-existing conditions not being covered, the right time to enroll in a pet health insurance plan is always sooner rather than later (so, you might not want to wait until Hanukkah or Christmas to gift your pal with coverage).

If you're currently a Trupanion pet insurance member, you can even earn rewards by referring a friend for sign-up!

4. Snuffle mat

Is that a funny-looking rug? No, it’s an engaging toy for your pet! Snuffle mats are woven with loose, chunky pieces of durable fabric or other material that creates natural hiding places for treats. As your dog (or cat!) “snuffles” through, they’ll be provided with plenty of stimulation and problem-solving time in addition to some tasty snacks.

Also known as “foraging mats,” these make for affordable pet gifts at around $15 to $30. If you want to go truly festive with your pet gifts this holiday season, check out merry designs like this Christmas tree snuffle mat for dogs.

5. Treat dispensing smart pet camera

Looking for a gift for a pet owner whose dog or cat suffers from separation anxiety? Simply want to know what your pal is up to all day while you’re at work? A smart pet camera can be a great solution. While pet “nanny cams” are not a new concept, today’s models are significantly more advanced than those of the past. Features like voice communication, smartphone connectivity, motion sensor, and flexible treat dispensing are becoming standard.

Pricing can get up over $100 for these devices, but you can find more affordable options among many pet retailers and tech brands if you’re willing to go with a simpler range of functionality.

Did you know that the holidays can exacerbate stress in pets, by the way? Learn more about how you can help pets stay at ease throughout the season.

6. Homemade pet treats

There are plenty of holiday “cookies” this time of year for pets, but making your own adds a personal touch that can’t be bought. From frozen peanut butter “pupsicles” to doggie donuts topped decadently with yogurt frosting, these thoughtful snacks offer safe and healthy treat options for pups this season.

Not sure where to start? Take a look at our list of DIY dog treats your pet is sure to love!

7. Puzzle feeder

A pet puzzle feeder makes a practical holiday gift for dogs and cats who tend to eat their meals too quickly. They also help provide important mental stimulation via problem-solving and navigating hard-to-reach spaces for rewards. From maze-like layouts to sliders and buttons your pet has to press for food access, puzzle feeders vary greatly in shape, size, and complexity.

You can usually find a variety of options that suit your budget, from small $5 treat puzzles to larger setups at $20 or more. You can even make your own DIY puzzle feeder using a few simple materials.

8. Cozy pet bed

Every pet needs a cozy spot to curl up in this winter, so the holidays are a great time to give them a new dog or cat bed. While you have a lot to choose from here, it’s important to pay attention to the material inside. Memory foam pet beds will not only help keep dogs and cats comfortable and snoozing soundly, but they can also help ease pain associated with veterinary issues like hip dysplasia, arthritis, and more.

Pricing for dog and cat beds varies wildly depending on brand, material, and size. While you’re shopping around, be sure to follow measurement guides and breed recommendations. For the longest-lasting beds, look for durable covers that can be removed and easily cleaned as needed.

9. Personalized pet feeding station

Most pets have designated food and water bowls, but wouldn’t it be nice if they had their own personalized stand (like this one)? Now dogs and cats can dine in style, and nobody will question whose food is whose.

You can custom order a personalized pet feeding station for between $80 and $100 at many pet retailers, depending on the size and materials. If you’re crafty and have nice handwriting, you may also want to consider buying a plain feeder stand and decorating it yourself (just be sure to use pet-safe paint).

10. Other customized pet swag

It’s not just dogs and cats who enjoy gifts that are designed just for them. For your fellow pet lovers, there are a variety of options to create customized presents with their favorite animal’s name or image.

Check out Etsy for things like pet portraits, monogrammed dog collars, cat ornaments, and of course personalized pet mugs. Pricing varies depending on the item and retailer.

11. Dog and cat-shaped planters

Is the pet person on your gift list also a plant lover? You can give a unique holiday gift they’ll treasure by combining their interests in a pet planter, like this adorable set of puppy pots. Depending on where you live, you may have a nursery or garden supply store nearby that has these, and you may also want to check out local art stores. That said, both Etsy and Amazon usually have pet plant pot gift sets.

If you’d like to add an actual plant to complete your gift, make sure it’s not toxic to pets (particularly cats, since they like to climb). A good pet-safe plant can help make the season a little brighter for all.

12. Machine-washable rug

As many dog lovers and cat aficionados can attest, vacuuming often isn’t enough when it comes to cleaning up after pets. From tracking around dirt to occasional hairballs and other unwelcome surprises on the floor, pets can quickly cause lasting damage. Fortunately, this can be mitigated with a machine-washable rug.

The concept of washable rugs is nothing new, but the rise of pet ownership in more recent years has correlated with an increased amount of options here. No longer do pet owners have to sacrifice visual appeal for durability and easy cleaning. Modern machine-washable rugs are sturdy and come in a wide range of designs to suit all kinds of home décor. Consider giving the pet lover in your life a gift card to a retailer like Ruggable, or offer to buy them the pet-friendly rug of their dreams this year.

13. Pet-safe cleaning supplies

We just talked about how challenging it can be to keep rugs clean in a pet household. But let’s face it — having pets requires extra cleaning in the home in general. That said, many of the usual go-to household cleaners tend to contain toxic ingredients to pets and people alike. While it might not seem like the most exciting gift, some quality pet-safe cleaning supplies make for a highly useful present for any pet owner.

14. Pet DNA test kit

Want a really unique and thoughtful present for the pet owner in your life? DNA test kits have become more advanced in recent years for dogs and cats, letting pet owners discover their pal's unique genetic ancestry. More importantly, these tests can also offer insights into our pets' medical condition predispositions, enabling us to act more proactively when it comes to their health. Beyond their practical value, these test kits create a fun, memorable experience, deepening the bond between pet and owner during the holiday season.

15. Winter dog gear

The holiday season coincides with the official start of winter for those of in the Northern Hemisphere. Since many dogs enjoy romping around in the snow, why not embrace the cold with the gift of winter dog gear?

Dog jackets and vests are reliable choices, but paw protection is also a good idea. A nice pair of winter dog booties may be among the most useful gift ideas for the pet owners and pups in your life. Check out brands like Ruffwear and Wilderdog for durable outdoor pup gear that’ll last for years to come.

*Trupanion does not receive compensation for any third-party products mentioned in this article. Linked companies and items are for informative purposes only.