Christmas Dog Gift Ideas 2014: Under $50
Games and soothing music as gifts? You betcha! Find the best Christmas dog gift ideas for 2014, tested and approved by me, and all are under $50!
Jolly Ball
If you’re looking for a large durable ball which floats, the Jolly Ball is a perfect gift for small and large dogs alike. The original Jolly Ball has a handle to easy pick up for you and your dog. Choose from many colors, and some are scented too, the pink Jolly Ball smells like bubblegum 🙂 While the Jolly Ball is durable, always supervise with a strong chewer, as my dogs have chewed chunks off the handle. If this happens often, try the Push and Play Jolly Ball, same great features minus the handle.
Costs between $20-35 depending on size
Flirt Pole
What’s a flirt pole? It’s a long stick or pole with a line attached to one end, and a soft toy attached to the other end of the line. The purpose it to fling the toy end around widely, while a dog chases, stalks and tugs the toy. For larger or feisty dogs, I recommend a stronger version, especially if your dog has destroyed a cheaper version. You can make your own flirt pole or purchase a Flirt Pole V2, which is pretty sturdy, even for the strongest tuggers.
Cost between $29-50 depending on construction.
Puzzle Toys
2014 is the year of doggie puzzle toys! With so many choices, it depends on your budget. Kong toy and Wobblers are great puzzle toys, but if your dog already has these, try Nina Ottosson’s products. I’ve tested many of her puzzles and the Dog Treat Maze, Dog Treat Brick and Dog Pyramid vary in difficultly, especially for novice puzzle solving dogs. After solving a puzzles, your dog will solve them faster, then move up to Level 3 games (view toys by difficulty). Some toys are made of wood, however I like the plastic versions, they are easier to clean.
Costs vary between $15-45 depending on toy size.
Through a Dog’s Ear:
This is a GREAT gift for new puppy parents or any pet parent really! Through a Dog’s Ear is classical music which is proven to calm and soothe anxious dogs and puppies. Studies have shown classical music, with minimal instruments, is incredibility soothing, event for people 🙂 Choose from Puppy to Senior CDs or downloads, and they even a Driver’s Edition too for dogs stressed during car rides. I highly recommend leaving Through a Dog’s Ear music playing when leaving your dog’s alone, if they’re afraid of loud noises, thunderstorms or when traveling to a new place. Personally, the Driver’s Edition calms me when trapped in 5 0’clock traffic!
Cost: $20-40 depending on amount downloaded.