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Getting a new dog is an exciting part of someone’s life. A new dog can provide years of entertainment and companionship. New dogs are something to be celebrated. If you know someone who is getting a dog for the first time, it is fun and friendly to give them a gift that lets them know you are thinking about them. New dog owners need a ton of stuff to make their pooch feel safe and welcome. This list contains 25 amazing and unique gift ideas that new dog owners are sure to love.
The 25 Thoughtful Gifts For New Dog Owners
1. Mobile Dog Gear Week Away Tote Pet Travel Bag
Learning to travel with a dog can be tricky, especially for new dog owners. You can help ease someone into that process by getting them an excellent doggy tote bag. This travel bag allows anyone to easily travel with their dog, giving them ample room for treats, leashes, food bowls, and more. A travel bag can also encourage a new dog owner to look outside of their neighborhood for exciting new opportunities to explore with their new furry friend.
2. Wisdom Panel Essential Breed Identification DNA Test for Dogs
One thing that every new dog owner gets asked is what kind of dog it is. For inexperienced dog owners or people with mixed breeds, answering that question can be difficult. A Wisdom Panel DNA test can be a great way to let someone learn exactly what kind of dog they have. Learning about a dog’s DNA is always fun, and Wisdom Panel is one of the most accurate DNA testing kits on the market. Many people are surprised to learn what kind of information Wisdom Panel churns out about their dogs.
3. Whistle FIT Fitness Tracker
Whistle FIT is a small and effective activity and fitness tracker that allows dog owners to see how many steps their dog is taking on a regular basis. This can help new dog owners ensure that their dogs are getting enough exercise to keep them healthy and fit. Whistle FIT does require a subscription, so make sure to let your friend know about the obligations. They can also get 24/7 monitoring, and they even get access to telemedicine visits for their dog.
4. A Doggy Gift Card
Gift cards are a great way to give new dog owners some spending money that allows them to get whatever they feel they need the most. You can get a gift card from Chewy, one of the largest online retailers for dog supplies. A Chewy gift card can give someone access to thousands of excellent dog products. You can also give them a PetSmart gift card that will allow them to go into a physical store and browse for items that resonate with them and their dog.
5. Dog Treats
Dog treats are simple gifts that are always useful. Dogs love treats, and they can be used for a variety of purposes. Treats can help new dogs become acquainted with strangers. Treats are also imperative for dog training. Most dog treats do not have a shelf life, so you can never have too many. Dog treats can also help endear you to your friend’s new dog, which is a big plus. There are dozens of different dog treat options available, but you can’t go wrong with a hefty jug of Milk-Bone treats.
6. A BarkBox Subscription
BarkBox is a company that provides unique boxes full of treats and toys that dogs love. You can give the gift of a single box, a gift card, or a subscription. This will set up a new dog owner with a bundle of goodies that can come periodically. In many ways, BarkBox is the gift that keeps on giving. With multiple options to choose from, there is an option that can appeal to almost any gift giver.
7. A Banfield Wellness Plan
Banfield is a veterinary hospital that offers wellness plans. Wellness plans give dogs access to a slew of treatments and examinations over the course of a year. Wellness plans can include blood work, dental care, examinations, spays and neuters, and more. Getting a puppy plan for a new dog owner will ensure that their dog starts off their new life on the best foot. Veterinary care is critically important for dogs and ensuring that a new dog owner gets plugged in with a local vet can pay dividends for years to come.
8. RUFFIN’ IT Woodlands Squirrel Plush Dog Toy
Sometimes, a simple or classic toy is the best. Some toys are classics for a reason. One such toy is a classic squirrel toy. Dogs love squirrels, and much has been said about the contentious relationship between dogs and the friendly neighborhood rodents. A squirrel plush toy will give a dog something they can immediately play with and instantly fall in love with.
9. Earth Rated Dog Poop Bag Holder with Dog Poop Bags
Dogs need to go on walks and when they do, their owners need to pick up after them. Help a new owner stock up on important doggy waste bags by getting them a large supply. They are sure to appreciate the gesture. These bags are easy to use and are made from biodegradable material that takes recycled plastics and gives them a new life. This pack contains 900 bags, and you can choose scented or unscented for the new dog owner in your life.
10. Chai’s Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure Padded 3M Polyester Reflective Dog Leash
One thing many new dog owners overlook is the value of a reflective dog leash. Reflective dog leashes make it safer to walk a dog in low light. They also make your dog more visible if they manage to take off and rip the leash out of someone’s hand. Durable reflective dog leashes make a great gift and there are few better options than the Chai’s Choice Premium Reflective Dog Leash.
11. Chai’s Choice Premium Adventure Reflective Harness
Another great gift (perhaps to go along with a reflective dog leash) is a reflective dog vest. Dog vests make walks, especially long walks, a breeze. The reflective vest will help keep your dog visible when it is dark out and improves safety during night and early morning walks. The Chai’s Choice Premium Adventure Reflective Harness comes in nine different colors and five different sizes, allowing you to choose the perfect harness for any new dog owner.
12. Pet Union Professional Dog Grooming Kit
For new dog owners who get a long-haired dog, grooming can be a daunting challenge. Grooming is a key part of a dog’s overall health and wellbeing. You can help a dog look and feel their best by getting a new dog owner a professional dog grooming kit. This 12-piece kit gives someone everything they need to keep a dog trimmed and groomed. This would make the perfect gift for any long-haired dog owner.
13. Pedigree Dentastix Original
Dental health is another thing that can easily be overlooked by new dog owners. Dogs need to keep their teeth clean, the same as people do. In fact, annual dental cleanings are a key part of their healthcare routine. You can help your friend keep their dog’s mouth looking and smelling its best by giving them a box of Dentastix. Dentastix are tasty treats that also clean a dog’s mouth while they are being consumed.
14. INVENHO Dog Bed
A dog bed is a thoughtful and useful gift that any new dog owner will love. Many dog beds are super expensive, but they don’t have to be. You can give a thoughtful and affordable gift with the INVENHO Dog Bed. This dog bed is large, comfortable, and affordable. Your friend’s new dog will love this bed, and the owners will love being able to provide their furry friend with a safe and comfortable place to sleep and relax.
15. YETI Designer Dog Bowl
Most new dog owners will pick up a cheap set of dog bowls to get them started. You can immediately upgrade their set-up by giving them a designer dog bowl that is a cut above the rest. One of the best and most versatile dog bowls on the market is the YETI dog bowl. This dog bowl is insulated, easy to clean, and nearly indestructible. They can be put in the house, or they can be taken out on the road for adventures at places like the beach.
16. Real Dog Chewing Bones
There are a number of synthetic dog bones on the market, but there is nothing quite like seeing a dog chew on a real bone. Real bones are more natural, and they can even contain some health benefits locked away in the marrow. Many new dog owners don’t think about getting real bones for their dog, so a real bone can be a great gift. They also help to recycle animal parts and keep plastic and other unnatural materials out of local landfills.
17. A Dog Toy Basket
One way to instantly upgrade someone’s new dog experience is to give them a dog toy basket. Many new dog owners get a mountain of toys but nothing to put them in. Dog toys that are not contained can easily end up all over the house. Getting a dog toy basket can immediately ensure that your friend’s house stays neat and tidy as they build up their dog toy collection.
18. HIPPIH Dog Puzzle Toy
Experts agree that puzzle toys are a great way to add enrichment and mental engagement to a dog’s daily life. You can give the gift of mental stimulation with an effective puzzle toy. These toys let dogs explore and discover kibble and treats. It can keep them occupied, keep them out of trouble, and give them something to do when others are busy or out of the house. Puzzle toys are affordable and provide a number of benefits for dogs, making them a great gift.
19. GoTags Personalized Dog Collar
Most new dog owners will get a generic collar or be provided one (if they are adopting). However, a personalized collar comes with a number of benefits. You can order one with the dog’s name on it or with the owner’s information, such as their phone number and address. This can give new dog owners peace of mind and lets them know that you are thinking about them specifically.
20. Stylish Bandanas
Bandanas can be a fun way for dogs and their owners to show off and show out. Bandanas can make any dog even more adorable (or handsome) with very little effort. Getting a bandana for a new dog owner is a great way to start their collection. You can give them a bandana that fits their personality or style or get them a bandana that reminds them of you. This is an affordable gift that anyone will appreciate.
21. Chewy Collapsible Travel Bowl
Collapsible travel bowls are a necessity for anyone who wants to bring their dog out into public. This Frisco collapsible dog bowl by Chewy is super affordable and effective. It is made from easy-to-clean silicone, and it comes with a handy carabiner that allows it to be attached to a belt, bag, or leash with ease. This way, the new dog owner in your life can easily pop a bowl out to give their dog much needed food or water when they are away from home.
22. Kong Flier
Nothing screams dog like a classic flying disc. Flying discs are excellent dog toys. They are durable, simple, and affordable. The Kong Flier is a great way to help get your friend’s new dog up and moving. It is a great way to get outside and play, and it is a great way to teach games like fetch or to practice jumping and leaping. Discs are a part of many different dog sports, and no one will say no to a Kong Flier as a gift.
23. A Pet Portrait
A pet portrait is a phenomenal gift for new dog owners. Not only are these portraits personal and adorable, but they can also make a great statement piece or conversation starter. You can get a variety of different portraits, from silly Renaissance paintings to more serious and detailed canvases. Just grab a photo of your friend’s dog or take one that they sent out to everyone and get a personalized portrait that they are sure to love.
24. Kong Classic Chew Toy
All dogs need chew toys, and there are few better than Kong Classic. This is a durable chew toy that is also versatile. It can bounce and roll. It can also hold up to intensive chewing. It is hollow, which allows owners to fill it with treats or peanut butter to keep their dog engaged. Kong chew toys are a great value and make the perfect gift for new dog owners.
25. Dog Mom Keychain
A simple and fun gift for new dog owners is a keychain. You can get a variety of different dog mom or dog dad keychains. This simple and thoughtful gift will allow someone to proudly display that they are a new dog mom or dad. This is a great gift for someone who wants to show their friends support but might not have a ton of money for an elaborate gift. It is the thought that counts, and this gift is super thoughtful and simple.
Tailor Your Gifts to the Person or Dog
Skilled gift givers know how to tailor their gifts specifically to the person or occasion. If you want to elevate your gift giving game, you should consider tailoring your gift to your particular friend, family member, or their dog. Giving a personalized gift or a gift that matches their personality or lifestyle will elevate it. Giving a thoughtful or tailored gift does not need to cost a ton of money; it just needs to have a little bit of thought behind it.
Get Something You Can Use With Your Friend
Another great idea is to get a gift that you can use with your friend. Whether that is a toy that your dog and their dog can share or a harness that will allow you to both go hiking or exploring, getting a gift that you can use with your friend will help deepen your bond and open up opportunities for future endeavors together. This way, the new dog owner in your life will be able to join with you in the fun and adventure of having a pup of their own.
Conclusion
This list provides a fantastic overview of gifts that any new dog owner is sure to love. From bowls and leashes and collars to portraits and DNA kits, there is a gift for everyone here. Whether you have deep pockets or are looking for an affordable way to show your love to a new dog owner, there is something here that will appeal to you. All you have to do is pick the gift that fits the new dog owner in your life the best.
Featured Image Credit: Olena Yakobchuk, Shutterstock
