I never need an excuse to get my pets
gifts
, but the holidays are a particularly good one. They’re an opportunity to buy a new toy, bed or treats for my cats and dog, as well as spoil my loved ones’ companions. In fact, the pets in my life are often the easiest to shop for, so I never have a shortage of ideas about what to get them — instead, I tend to have a list so long I don’t know where to start.
If you need some inspiration, I rounded up the best gifts for pets this year. Most of them are approved by the NBC Select staff’s pets, and some are highly rated items our furry friends have on their wishlists. I also included a handful of gifts for pet parents.
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The best gifts for dogs
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The best gifts for cats
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The best gifts for pet parents
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Best dog enrichment toyWoof Pupsicle
$undefined$24.99Amazon
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Best dog bedCasper Dog Bed
$125.52$139.00Amazon
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Best cat toyYeowww! Yellow Banana Catnip Toy
$8.32$8.95Amazon
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Best cat scratcherMade4Pets Cactus Cat Scratching Post
$21.58$29.99Amazon
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The best gifts for pets in 2024
To recommend the best gifts for pets and their parents, I rounded up staff picks,
NBC Select Pet Award
winners and highly rated items. As a pet parent myself, I also considered some of my cats’ and dog’s favorite products, what I find most useful to have at home and what I’d want to receive as a present.The best gifts for dogs
GoDog Bubble Plush Dragons Squeaky Dog Toy
GoDog Bubble Plush Dragons Squeaky Dog Toy
My 100-pound yellow lab sleeps with this squeaky toy every day, and despite his best efforts, he hasn’t been able to chew through it (yet). It’s covered in a soft, plush, textured fabric that the dog in your life will love cuddling up with. But when it’s play time, they can toss it around and tug at it since there’s a durable lining underneath the surface. The
dog toy
, which is an NBC Select Pet Award Winner, also has reinforced seams and comes in a few different colors, like green, pink and blue.
Verloop Pattern Patch Dog Sweater
Verloop Pattern Patch Dog Sweater
Verloop’s stylish sweater is exactly what dogs need to stay cozy during the chilly months ahead. “It not only looks adorable, but the chunky knit material is also super warm for really cold winter days,” says
Mili Godio
, NBC Select updates editor and mom to Bella, a 6-year-old havanese and bichon frise mix. Verloop sent her the sweater to try and she was impressed by its quality. “The designs are absolutely gorgeous, and the fabric is both stretchy and soft,” she says. The machine-washable sweater fits dogs up to 60 pounds and has a keyhole that lets you easily clip a leash to a harness. It’s available in two patterns: Desert (muted colors) and Rainbow (vibrant colors).
Woof Pupsicle
Woof Pupsicle
If your pup needs constant entertainment, look no further than the Woof Pupsicle. The Pet Award-winning interactive toy opens in the middle, revealing a compartment to hide a treat in. My dog spends at least an hour gnawing on and whacking at this rubber toy to try to get the food out — to make it last even longer, I often freeze his treat. You can put any solid treat inside the toy, but Woof makes
Pupsicle Refill Pops
that fit perfectly and sells a
mold tray
if you want to make your own. The toy, which comes in small, large and extra large sizes, is also dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
Approved by Fritz Walk Set
Approved by Fritz Walk Set
A matching leash and collar elevates any walk, whether it’s a quick trip around the block or a leisurely few miles. This set comes recommended by NBC Select associate reporter
Bianca Alvarez
, who uses it with her 8-year-old pitbull, Baylor. She appreciates that it’s made from a water-resistant nylon material, which is more durable and easier to clean compared to fabric options she’s previously tried. The collar is adjustable, so she never worries about it being too tight or loose, and you can hold the leash or wear it across your body to keep your hands free. The collar is available in small, medium and large sizes, while the leash comes in standard or small sizes.
Owala Pet Bowl
Owala Pet Bowl
Yes, Owala makes pet bowls, and yes, they’re as amazing as the brand’s
water bottles
. “I love that it looks so sleek and has a non-slip base so it doesn’t move around on the floor like many other dog bowls do,” says Godio, whose dog eats out of it daily. “Plus, it’s made from stainless steel, so it’s super durable, which is great for anyone like me who’s clumsy and tends to drop things.” The dishwasher-safe bowl is available in two sizes: 24 ounces and 48 ounces.
Hanna Andersson Dog Bandana
Hanna Andersson Dog Bandana
Not all dogs like wearing clothing, but if you want to add a little something to dress them up, this bandana is a great compromise. It’s made from a soft flannel material and comes in festive holiday prints like Navy Plaid, Snowy the Polar Bear and Winter Green. You can even buy yourself or your loved one a matching pair of Hanna Andersson pajamas, which I swear by. The machine-washable bandana is available in two sizes: small/medium and large/extra large.
Casper Dog Bed
Casper Dog Bed
When I brought the
Casper Dog Bed
home, my dog fell so in love with it that he stopped sleeping with me — if you gift it, don’t be surprised if that happens. The bed is made with pressure-relieving memory foam and a soft, textured cover that mimics the sensation dogs experience when they paw at loose earth, according to the brand. It also has raised bolsters that help your dog feel safe and protected. The
dog bed
’s cover is removable and machine-washable, so don’t worry about accidents or muddy paws. You can buy it in small, medium and large sizes.
Chuckit! Pro Dog Ball Launcher
Chuckit! Pro Dog Ball Launcher
The Chuckit facilitates a fun game of fetch for your dog while helping them get their exercise in. “It throws a ball farther than I ever could, and it doesn’t tire out my arm,” says
Rebecca Rodriguez
, NBC Select editorial projects manager, who uses it with her friend’s pitbull mix, Mila. “She has a lot of energy, but this tires her out so she’s always ready for a nap when we get home from the park.” The Chuckit comes with a ball and has a comfortable ergonomic grip.
Maev Human-Grade Freeze Dried Treats
Maev Human-Grade Freeze Dried Treats
These are some of our favorite
dog treats
, which are loved equally by pets and their owners. They’re made from only one ingredient, beef liver, and knowing exactly what’s in them gives me confidence that I’m feeding my dog a healthy snack. Sadhana Daruvuri, NBC commerce social media editor, also says they’re ideal for training. “My dog Bandit is a very picky eater, but he took to these treats instantly,” she says. “He comes running as soon as he hears me open the bag, and I appreciate that they’re already broken up into small bite-sized pieces.”
Benebone 4-Pack Dog Chew Toys
Benebone 4-Pack Dog Chew Toys
Even the most talented chewers won’t be able to gnaw through these toys, which are specifically designed to be more durable than real bones and last for weeks. They come in a pack of four, each of which are shaped to be convenient for pups to grip while they chew. The toys, which have a 4.7-star average rating from 11,278 reviews on Amazon, come in flavors like bacon, fish or wood. You can buy them in four sizes: small, medium, large and puppy.
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The best gifts for cats
Yeowww! Yellow Banana Catnip Toy
Yeowww! Yellow Banana Catnip Toy
I firmly believe that no feline’s life is complete without one of these catnip-filled banana toys, so I always buy them for my loved ones’ pets around the holidays. My cats each have one, which they drag around my apartment, toss in the air, chase after and rub their faces all over. The toy, a NBC Select Pet Award winner, is so beloved in my home that my cats start meowing if they can’t find theirs.
Catstages by Nina Ottosson Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play
Catstages by Nina Ottosson Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play
Engage your cat’s natural foraging instinct with this interactive puzzle, a NBC Select Pet Award winner. You drop treats or pieces of kibble into the little cups and cover them with the red pegs or green leaves. Then, cats have to find their food and figure out how to get it out of each compartment. “I bought the puzzle on a whim earlier this year and it’s still a bonafide hit with my two cats,” says
Nikki Brown
, NBC Select SEO editor. She sets it up once or twice a week to occupy her pets, and recommends buying one for each cat if you have multiple so they don’t fight over it.
Made4Pets Cactus Cat Scratching Post
Made4Pets Cactus Cat Scratching Post
This scratching post is proof that not all of them are eyesores. It’s covered in tightly wrapped sisal rope my pets love sinking their nails into. The cactus-shaped scratching post also has a sturdy base and a dangling ball for extra entertainment. You can purchase the cat tree in small, medium or large sizes.
Petlibro Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain
Petlibro Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain
Cats prefer running water to stagnant water — their instincts tell them that the latter could be contaminated and make them sick, according to my
previous reporting
. That said, your cat will appreciate a water fountain like this one. It has a three-layer filtration system, an adjustable flow pattern and a large 101-ounce water tank. The stainless steel, dishwasher-safe fountain comes with four replacement filters and sponges.
Temptations Classic Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats Feline Favorites Variety Pack
Temptations Classic Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats Feline Favorites Variety Pack
I’ve never met a cat who turns down Temptations’
cat treats
, an NBC Select Pet Award winner. Brown says her cats enjoy snacking on them, and they’re small in size, so she can put them in puzzle toys. This pack comes with six bags of treats. They’re crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, and flavored like chicken, seafood medley, catnip and tuna.
The Cat Ladies Cat Grass Kit
The Cat Ladies Cat Grass Kit
Cat grass is an edible plant your kitty can munch on, and it helps control hairballs, plus adds vitamins, minerals and fiber to their diet. This kit from The Cat Ladies comes with everything you need to start your own indoor cat grass garden at home: soil disks, cat grass seeds, a planter and instructions. After planting the seeds, grass starts sprouting in four to six days, according to the brand.
Friendsheep Rainbow Eco Kitty Cave
Friendsheep Rainbow Eco Kitty Cave
When it’s time for a nap, the cat in your life can snuggle up inside this soft bed, which comes in a drawstring bag so it’s ready to gift. The bed’s cave shape makes pets feel calm, protected and safe. And since it’s made from wool, it’s naturally insulated to keep them warm. My cats also like to play with this bed — one hides inside, while the other stands outside, ready to pounce. You get a tin of catnip with your purchase.
Catenary Bloom Scratchers
Catenary Bloom Scratchers
At first glance, you might think these are pieces of art, but they’re actually beautiful cardboard cat scratchers. They come in a pack of three, and you can lay them flat on the ground or prop them up against furniture and walls. Catenary sent my cats these scratchers to try, which they adore. I’ve noticed that they now opt to claw at the scratchers more often than my carpet, which is a huge win. I also love the way they look in my home, so I welcome the addition.
Tuft+Paw Cloud Nine Window Hammock
Tuft+Paw Cloud Nine Window Hammock
Tuft+Paw’s window hammock is the ideal place for your cat to sunbathe and birdwatch. It sticks to windows via three strong suction cups, and has sturdy steel tubes supporting its felt base. I set it up over a year ago and it’s never shifted or sagged, even when both of my cats sit on it together, which they do daily since it’s their favorite spot in my home. The hammock’s arch-shaped frame gives it some visual interest, and it takes 10 minutes or less to put together.
Petco Leaps & Bounds Connectable S Tunnel Cat Toy
Petco Leaps & Bounds Connectable S Tunnel Cat Toy
Cats can hide, play and sleep inside this S-shaped tunnel, which folds up and ties closed when it’s not in use. The tunnel has a built-in, catnip-infused plush toy and a few different openings for your pet to peak out of. My cats zoom through this tunnel when they chase each other, and they love when I throw little balls inside for them to fetch.
Catit Groovy Fish Toy
Catit Groovy Fish Toy
There’s a motion sensor inside this rechargeable toy, which starts flopping around when your cat passes it. It goes through three different movement patterns that engage your cat’s natural hunting instincts, and has a pack of a catnip-silvervine blend under its soft, padded exterior to further entice them. The toy comes with a charging cable.
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The best gifts for pet parents
Wild One Treat Pouch
Wild One Treat Pouch
Wild One
’s Treat Pouch is my favorite dog walking accessory because it’s functional and fashionable. It looks like a standard crossbody bag, but has features specifically designed to aid pet parents. The bag’s main compartment is spacious enough to fit my phone, keys and headphones, plus there’s a dedicated section for treats. The bag also has a built-in poop bag dispenser. You can adjust its strap, letting you wear it as a crossbody bag or fanny pack.
Furbo 360 Dog Camera
Furbo 360 Dog Camera
Furbo’s dog and
cat cameras
help pet parents keep an eye on their furry friends from wherever they are. “I turn the Furbo on every time I leave my dog home alone to keep tabs on her and make sure she’s safe and comfortable,” says Godio. It pairs with a companion app, which displays livestream video footage, and the
pet camera
rotates 360 degrees, so you can see all angles of a room. The Furbo is also equipped with two-way audio, letting you hear and speak to your pet. There’s a compartment inside the camera that you fill with treats — you can toss them to your cat or dog through the app.
Basepaws Breed + Health Dog DNA Test
Basepaws Breed + Health Dog DNA Test
Basepaw’s
dog
and
cat DNA tests
give you insights into your pet’s health, physical traits and breed mix. They come with everything you need to collect a saliva sample and send it to the brand’s lab. A few weeks later, you’ll get their results via email. You can explore the data online and come back to it whenever you want since it’s saved in your account.
West & Willow Custom Pet Portrait
West & Willow Custom Pet Portrait
A custom pet portrait is a sentimental gift any cat or dog parent will treasure. You upload pictures of the pets you want in the picture to West & Willow’s website, add their names and customize details like the size, background color and frame. The brand can feature up to four pets in each portrait, all of which are hand-illustrated by digital artists. West & Willow, one of our favorite LGBTQ-owned brands, also offers custom embroidered clothing, pillows, jewelry, phone cases and mugs that center around your furry friends.
“Dogs” by Gray Malin
“Dogs” by Gray Malin
Your dog-obsessed loved one will want to prominently display this coffee table book in their home. It’s filled with Gray Malin’s photographs of glamorous dogs living in cities like Beverly HIlls, London, New York City and Paris, and comes recommended by Lindsay Schnieder, NBC Select commerce editor (the publisher sent her a copy). The hardcover book is a solid size, so you can really see the details in all the photos.
‘47 Corgi Butt Clean Up Cap
‘47 Corgi Butt Clean Up Cap
Regardless of whether your giftee is a corgi owner, they’re sure to find this hat amusing. The black snapback has an embroidered image of a corgi butt on the front, and it’s made from a cotton twill material. ‘47 makes hats with images of various dog breeds, like a
golden retriever
,
french bulldog
and
dachshund
.
“Cats of the World” by Hannah Shaw and Andrew Marttila
“Cats of the World” by Hannah Shaw and Andrew Marttila
I’ve followed Hannah Shaw and Andrew Marttila’s work for years as she’s rescued and rehabilitated kittens, and he’s photographed cats. Their new book documents their journey across the world to explore cat welfare and culture in 30 countries. It’s filled with stories and pictures by the authors, which highlight felines and the people who love them.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m an
associate updates editor
at NBC Select, where I cover pet products like
cat carriers
,
kitten food
and cat toys, as well as topics like
how to keep your pet cool
and
how to get rid of fleas
. To recommend the best gifts for pets and their parents, I rounded up NBC Select staff picks, Pet Award winners and highly rated items.
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