Nov 25, 20223 min read

Gift Ideas for Dogs and their Humans

Black Friday is here, which means the countdown is on for finding our loved ones the perfect gift! If you have a dog lover on your list, here are a few recommendations for gift ideas!

The essentials are always a safe bet. Rather than the traditional sweater or pair of socks, opt for a fun, dog-related shirt! There are so many creative and funny designs out there that are sure to be a hit. I’d recommend going beyond the standard “dog mom” apparel and find something more personal. Etsy has unlimited options, but I particularly like the funny and unique designs. Things Dog Handlers Say is a dog sport company with designs for all sorts of dog-related hobbies! For someone who likes to show their dog, the “Please just judge the dogs” design is my personal favorite.

Most dog people have an irrational number of collars, but there really is no limit. A unique custom collar makes a fantastic gift that is sure to be used! I always opt for biothane collars which last forever and are easy to keep clean. Check out the options from Sure Pup. These cute, custom collars would definitely be a hit with any dog owner! I really love my camp collars from Pointer Traditions, but they have lots of great colors.
I am a big fan of personalized gifts! Dog owners love to see their own pup’s sweet face, making personalized gifts super special. One of my favorites is a custom watercolor portrait from Wet Lab Creative. These portraits are adorable and affordable! (Wet Lab Creative also has awesome stickers, notebooks and greeting cards if you’re looking for some stocking stuffers!) If you really want to go big for a special human and their special dog, you can’t be a custom pet portrait from On Point Design. My portrait of Blitz is hands down the best gift I have been given!
If there’s a dog with an unknown breed on your list, an Embark Breed Kit would be the coolest gift! Defining the breeds in a mixed-breed pup is not only interesting, but can offer valuable information in regards to breed related traits and health concerns! There's also an option for a Breed + Health kit, which covers genetic health screening and interesting trait information, too! A bonus of the Embark breed kit is that it also notifies you of any relatives your pup has!
Everyone loves snacks! When gifting dog treats, make sure you are choosing quality brands with quality ingredients. I hope everyone knows by now, but stay far, far away from anything rawhide, any bones that have been cooked or dehydrated, Milk Bones, Begging Strips, and in general, most supermarket treats. Here are a few of my (and my dogs'!) favorite treats: natural treats from Raw Feeding Miami, Best Bully Sticks (bully sticks, collagen sticks, all natural cow and pig ears), Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw, and Sojos Freeze Dried Raw.

If you're looking for an extra special gift for your SO (husbands and boyfriends, this is for you!), consider gifting a photography session for your SO and her pups! This is definitely gift goals for dog moms! Nothing is quite as special as having professional photos of you and your pups that will last a lifetime. There are excellent pet photographers around the globe that will do an incredible job bringing out the best in the pups! If you're local to me, I would highly recommend Cassidy Brooke Photography for dog and horse photos! Last year I gifted myself a photo session with Oh Goodness Fine Portraits and I am so glad I did!
If the dog person on your list is a reader, there are endless great books out there! A few of my favorites are: The Forever Dog (is anyone is interested in dog health, seriously, get them this book!), Dog Sport Skills, and How Stella Learned to Talk. For gundog books, the list is extensive: Training with Mo, A Sand County Almanac, For A Handful of Feathers, Snakefoot: The Making of Champion, The Labrador Shooting Dog , Richard Wolters Books, and Finished Dog.