Holiday Gift Ideas

Tis the season! Are you looking for stocking stuffers or gifts for a friend’s dog, or wanting to spoil your dog rotten? Look no further. Find the best dog gift ideas under $20 right here! While I’ve listed a few name brands, which are made from non-toxic products in the U.S., continue looking for products following these requirements.

Kong

My favorite dog toy ever! Fill with peanut butter, freeze, and watch your dog enjoy the fun for hours. The classic red Kong is perfect for mild to moderate chewers. If your dog is a power chewer, choose the Kong Extreme. This is the only toy I leave with my dogs when they’re alone. Hint, just like shoes, you can never have too many Kongs. 🙂 Learn more about stuffing a Kong here. Costs vary between $8-$15, depending on size.

Wobbler

My second favorite toy for dogs! This product provides mental and physical stimulation by increasing meals from 3 seconds to 20 minutes, which is exhausting to your dog! Fill a Kong Wobbler with your dog’s daily meals. If your dog is still bored, fill with low-calorie treats, such as Charlie Bear Treats. Learn how to fill a Kong Wobbler here. With two sizes to choose from, there’s always a perfect size for any pooch on your holiday list. 🙂 Click here to watch a video demonstrating how to fill and introduce to your dog. Costs vary between $12-$15, depending on size.

Bully Sticks

Bully sticks are probably the best chew for most dogs, as they’re easily digestible and dogs love them. When in doubt, choose a larger size. Click here for details on choosing the perfect Bully Stick size for gift giving. Costs vary between $4-$10, depending on size of bully stick.

Tug Toys

Dogs love to tug. It’s a great game for rewarding good behavior or rainy day activity. Tug games will not cause aggression. This is a myth so have a blast playing with your dog. Personally, I recommend a cloth tug toy, as he will not harm a dog’s teeth or gums plus it keeps your hand comfy. 🙂 To capture the holiday spirit, try making your own tug toys. This way, you can personalize with favorite collars and size. I’m sure his pet parent will shed a tear at your thoughtfulness. 🙂

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.