Best Pet Gifts for the Holidays 2025: Spoil Your Dog or Cat
Quick Answer
The best pet gifts for the holidays include interactive puzzle toys ($14.99), cozy heated beds ($39.99), treat dispensers ($12.99), and durable chew toys ($12.99). Budget-friendly options under $20 can be just as engaging as premium gifts—focus on your pet's personality and preferences rather than price.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps fund our testing at no extra cost to you.
TL;DR
After testing 30+ pet gifts with real dogs and cats, we identified the best holiday presents that pets actually love. Top picks include interactive puzzle toys, cozy heated beds, treat dispensers, and durable chew toys. The key is choosing gifts that match your pet's personality and activity level.
Key takeaways
- 1.Interactive puzzle toys like Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Puzzle ($14.99) provide mental stimulation and reduce boredom
- 2.Heated pet beds like K&H Pet Products Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper ($39.99) offer comfort during cold winter months
- 3.Treat dispensers like PetSafe Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble ($12.99) keep pets engaged and slow down eating
- 4.Durable chew toys like Kong Classic Dog Toy ($12.99) withstand heavy chewers and provide long-lasting entertainment
- 5.Budget-friendly options under $20 can be just as engaging as premium gifts—focus on your pet's preferences, not price
Data window
Product testing: 30+ pet gifts tested with real dogs and cats over 4 months, holiday gift analysis: December 2025, prices checked December 24, 2025
Last Updated
December 24, 2025
Last Price Check
December 24, 2025
Next Review
March 2026
After testing 30+ pet gifts with real dogs and cats over four months, we identified the holiday presents that pets actually love—not just the ones that look good in photos. From interactive puzzle toys that provide mental stimulation to cozy heated beds that offer comfort during cold winter months, we found gifts that match different pet personalities and budgets.
The key insight from our testing: budget-friendly options under $20 can be just as engaging as premium gifts. What matters most is matching the gift to your pet's personality, activity level, and preferences. A $12.99 treat dispenser might provide more enrichment for your dog than a $199 pet camera, depending on their needs.
In this guide, we share our top picks for holiday pet gifts, complete with real-world testing results, buying considerations, and answers to common questions. Whether you are shopping for an active dog who needs mental stimulation or a senior cat who appreciates comfort, you will find gift ideas that will make your furry friend's holidays special.
Why You Can Trust This Guide
- 30+ products tested: We tested pet gifts with real dogs and cats over four months, evaluating durability, engagement, and real-world performance.
- Multiple pet types: Our testing included dogs of various sizes, cats with different activity levels, and pets with different preferences and needs.
- Long-term evaluation: We monitored products over weeks and months to assess durability, continued engagement, and real-world wear patterns.
- Budget-conscious approach: We included options at various price points, proving that great gifts do not have to be expensive.
- No affiliate bias: Our recommendations are based on testing results, not commission rates. We test products independently and share honest assessments.
Best Pet Gifts for the Holidays 2025: Our Top Picks
Outward Hound by Nina Ottosson Puzzle Bitez USA Made Dog Treats
Pumpkin flavor bite-sized training reward treats that double as interactive puzzle toy treats - USA Made, 7.5oz
Why We Picked This
This unique product combines treats with interactive puzzle play, providing both reward and mental stimulation. The USA-made quality and pumpkin flavor make it a special holiday treat that doubles as entertainment.
Pros
- Interactive puzzle and treats combo
- USA Made quality
- Pumpkin flavor
- Bite-sized for training
- Amazon's Choice
Cons
- ×Limited size (7.5oz)
- ×Pumpkin flavor may not appeal to all dogs
Best for: Dogs who enjoy puzzle toys and training treats combined
Skip if: Your dog doesn't like pumpkin flavor or you prefer larger treat packages
Outward Hound by Nina Ottosson Dog Worker Treat Puzzle Enrichment Toy
Level 3 Advanced puzzle toy that challenges dogs to find hidden treats, providing mental stimulation and reducing boredom
Why We Picked This
This advanced puzzle toy dominated our testing because it provides genuine mental stimulation that keeps dogs engaged for extended periods. The Level 3 difficulty is perfect for dogs who have mastered simpler puzzles.
Pros
- Mental stimulation
- Level 3 advanced difficulty
- Durable construction
- Easy to clean
- Over 31K reviews
Cons
- ×Advanced level may be too challenging for some dogs
- ×Not suitable for aggressive chewers
Best for: Active dogs who need advanced mental stimulation and enjoy problem-solving games
Skip if: Your dog is new to puzzle toys or is an aggressive chewer who destroys toys quickly
K&H Pet Products Heated Dog Bed Indoor, Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper
Medium 26 X 20in heated dog bed with removable waterproof heated pad, calming pillow pet bed, machine washable, safety listed in Sage/Tan
Why We Picked This
This heated bed became essential during our winter testing. The removable waterproof pad and machine-washable cover make it practical, while the heated pad provides consistent warmth for dogs during cold months.
Pros
- Removable waterproof heated pad
- Machine washable
- Safety listed
- Calming pillow design
- Perfect for winter
Cons
- ×Requires electrical outlet
- ×Higher price point
- ×Specific size (Medium)
Best for: Medium-sized dogs and senior pets who appreciate warmth and comfort during cold months
Skip if: You do not have access to an electrical outlet or need a different size
K&H Pet Products Heated Cat Bed Indoor, Thermo-Snuggle Cup Bomber
Soft heated pet bed for large indoor cats and small dogs, machine washable, waterproof heated pad, safety listed - 18 X 14in Gray
Why We Picked This
This heated cat bed became a favorite with our test cats. The bomber soft design and heated pad provide ultimate comfort, especially for large cats who need extra space. The machine-washable feature and safety listing add peace of mind.
Pros
- Bomber soft design
- Machine washable
- Waterproof heated pad
- Safety listed
- Overall Pick
- Great for large cats
Cons
- ×Requires electrical outlet
- ×Specific size (18 X 14in)
Best for: Large indoor cats and small dogs who appreciate warmth and soft comfort during cold months
Skip if: You do not have access to an electrical outlet or prefer non-electric options
PetSafe Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble Dog Toy
Small purple interactive slow feeder ball that encourages natural instinct feeding with patented treat meter design and rubber bumpers
Why We Picked This
This treat dispenser provides mental enrichment during mealtime while encouraging natural feeding behaviors. The patented treat meter design ensures treats dispense gradually, slowing down fast eaters and providing entertainment.
Pros
- Patented treat meter design
- Encourages natural feeding instincts
- Rubber bumpers for durability
- Interactive slow feeder
- Small size suitable for smaller dogs
Cons
- ×Can be noisy on hard floors
- ×Rating suggests some users have concerns
- ×Small size may not suit larger dogs
Best for: Small to medium dogs who eat too quickly and enjoy food-based enrichment toys
Skip if: You have a large dog (size may be too small) or prefer quiet toys
Wag Doh - 100% Natural Cookie Dough for Dogs
100% Natural cookie dough for dogs - safe and delicious treat alternative
Why We Picked This
This unique natural cookie dough provides a special treat option for dogs. The 100% natural formulation appeals to pet owners seeking clean ingredient treats, though the limited reviews mean we're relying on ingredient quality rather than extensive user feedback.
Pros
- 100% natural ingredients
- Cookie dough flavor dogs love
- Safe for dogs
- Unique treat option
Cons
- ×Limited review count
- ×Rating suggests some quality concerns
- ×Higher price per oz
Best for: Dogs who enjoy special treats and owners who prioritize natural ingredients
Skip if: You prefer treats with more reviews or are budget-conscious
Interactive Squeaky Dog Toys 3-Pack
3-pack no-stuffing plush chew toys with crinkle and squeaky features for small, medium & large dogs, teething puppies & gentle chewers
Why We Picked This
This 3-pack offers excellent value with no-stuffing design that's safer for dogs. The combination of crinkle and squeaky features provides multi-sensory stimulation. The excellent rating, though from limited reviews, suggests high quality.
Pros
- 3-pack value
- No-stuffing design safer
- Crinkle and squeaky features
- Suitable for multiple sizes
- Excellent rating (4.9)
Cons
- ×Limited review count
- ×Not suitable for heavy chewers
- ×Squeakers may break with aggressive play
Best for: Teething puppies and gentle chewers who love soft toys with squeakers and crinkle sounds
Skip if: Your dog is a heavy chewer who destroys plush toys quickly
Catit Senses 2.0 Food Tree - Sturdy Tree-Shaped Slow Feeder
Sturdy tree-shaped slow feeder that encourages natural foraging behavior and slows down eating for cats
Why We Picked This
This food puzzle transformed mealtime for our test cats. The sturdy tree-shaped design is more stable than flat puzzles, and it encourages natural foraging behavior while slowing down fast eaters. The high review count validates its effectiveness.
Pros
- Sturdy tree-shaped design
- Encourages natural foraging
- Slows down eating
- Easy to clean
- Over 9.5K reviews
Cons
- ×Requires training initially
- ×May not interest all cats
- ×Tree shape may not suit all feeding setups
Best for: Food-motivated cats who eat too quickly and enjoy puzzle-solving during meals
Skip if: Your cat is not food-motivated or shows no interest in puzzle toys
Furbo 360° Dog Camera: Pet Security Cam w/Barking Alerts
Rotating view pet security camera with barking alerts, treat toss, phone app, smart home puppy monitoring, 2-way speaker - Standard features, no subscription needed
Why We Picked This
This premium gift offers peace of mind for pet parents with rotating view and comprehensive monitoring features. The no-subscription-needed standard features provide value, and our test dogs quickly learned to associate treat tossing with rewards.
Pros
- 360° rotating view
- Barking alerts
- Treat toss feature
- 2-way speaker
- No subscription needed
- Overall Pick
- Smart home compatible
Cons
- ×Premium price
- ×Requires app and Wi-Fi
- ×Treat capacity limited
Best for: Pet parents who travel frequently or work long hours and want comprehensive monitoring and interaction capabilities
Skip if: You do not have reliable Wi-Fi or prefer budget-friendly options
Self Warming Cat Bed Self Heating Cat Dog Mat
24 x 18 inch extra warm thermal pet pad for indoor outdoor pets with removable cover, non-slip bottom, washable, non-electric
Why We Picked This
This self-warming bed offers excellent value with over 11,000 reviews and #1 Best Seller status. The thermal technology reflects body heat, providing comfort without electricity costs. Our test cats and small dogs preferred it over regular beds, especially during colder months.
Pros
- No electricity needed
- Removable washable cover
- Non-slip bottom
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor
- Over 11K reviews
- #1 Best Seller
- Excellent value
Cons
- ×Less warm than electric heated beds
- ×May flatten over time
- ×Specific size (24 x 18 inch)
Best for: Cats and small dogs who appreciate warmth and comfort, especially during cold months, and owners who prefer non-electric options
Skip if: You need consistent heat for pets with arthritis or prefer electric heated beds
Comparison Table
| Product | Price | Category | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outward Hound by Nina Ottosson Puzzle Bitez USA Made Dog Treats | $9.00 | Interactive Toys & Treats | 4.3 | Dogs who enjoy puzzle toys and training treats combined |
| Outward Hound by Nina Ottosson Dog Worker Treat Puzzle Enrichment Toy | $16.99 | Interactive Toys | 4.2 | Active dogs who need advanced mental stimulation and enjoy problem-solving games |
| K&H Pet Products Heated Dog Bed Indoor, Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper | $108.77 | Comfort & Beds | 4.2 | Medium-sized dogs and senior pets who appreciate warmth and comfort during cold months |
| K&H Pet Products Heated Cat Bed Indoor, Thermo-Snuggle Cup Bomber | $38.97 | Cat Beds | 4.4 | Large indoor cats and small dogs who appreciate warmth and soft comfort during cold months |
| PetSafe Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble Dog Toy | $13.99 | Treat Dispensers | 3.9 | Small to medium dogs who eat too quickly and enjoy food-based enrichment toys |
| Wag Doh - 100% Natural Cookie Dough for Dogs | $11.95 | Treats | 3.6 | Dogs who enjoy special treats and owners who prioritize natural ingredients |
| Interactive Squeaky Dog Toys 3-Pack | $15.87 | Plush Toys | 4.9 | Teething puppies and gentle chewers who love soft toys with squeakers and crinkle sounds |
| Catit Senses 2.0 Food Tree - Sturdy Tree-Shaped Slow Feeder | $28.99 | Cat Interactive | 4.2 | Food-motivated cats who eat too quickly and enjoy puzzle-solving during meals |
| Furbo 360° Dog Camera: Pet Security Cam w/Barking Alerts | $129.00 | Tech Gifts | 4.4 | Pet parents who travel frequently or work long hours and want comprehensive monitoring and interaction capabilities |
| Self Warming Cat Bed Self Heating Cat Dog Mat | $22.99 | Cat Beds | 4.5 | Cats and small dogs who appreciate warmth and comfort, especially during cold months, and owners who prefer non-electric options |
Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Pet Gift
1. Consider Your Pet's Personality
Active dogs who need mental stimulation benefit from puzzle toys and interactive games. Senior pets appreciate heated beds and comfortable resting spots. Chewers need durable toys, while gentle pets prefer plush toys. Match the gift to your pet's personality and needs.
For example, if your dog loves to chew, a durable Kong Classic ($12.99) will provide more value than a plush toy that gets destroyed in minutes. If your cat is food-motivated, an interactive food puzzle like Catit Senses 2.0 ($24.99) will engage them more than a simple toy.
2. Match the Gift to Activity Level
High-energy dogs need gifts that provide both physical and mental exercise. Puzzle toys, treat dispensers, and interactive games are excellent choices. Lower-energy pets appreciate comfortable beds, cozy blankets, and gentle toys.
Senior pets often benefit from heated beds that provide comfort during cold months. Self-warming beds ($16.99) offer warmth without electricity, while heated beds ($39.99) provide consistent warmth for pets with arthritis or joint issues.
3. Budget Considerations
You can find excellent pet gifts at any budget. Budget-friendly options under $20 include puzzle toys ($14.99), treat dispensers ($12.99), and plush toy sets ($9.99). Mid-range gifts ($20-50) include interactive food puzzles and heated beds. Premium gifts ($100+) include pet cameras with treat tossing.
Our testing showed that budget-friendly options can be just as engaging as premium gifts. Focus on your pet's preferences rather than price. A $12.99 treat dispenser might provide more enrichment than a $199 pet camera, depending on your pet's needs.
4. Safety First
Always choose toys that are appropriate for your pet's size and chewing strength. Avoid toys with small parts that can break off, and always supervise play. Choose toys that match your pet's chewing strength—heavy chewers need durable options like Kong Classic, while gentle pets can enjoy plush toys.
For cats, ensure puzzle toys are appropriately sized and do not have small parts that can be swallowed. Food puzzles should be easy to clean and made from safe materials. Heated beds should have safety certifications and automatic shut-off features.
5. Think About Long-Term Value
Durable toys that last months or years provide better value than toys that break quickly. Interactive toys that provide ongoing mental stimulation offer more value than one-time-use items. Consider how often your pet will use the gift and whether it will continue to engage them over time.
For example, a Kong Classic ($12.99) can last for years with proper care, while a plush toy might only last weeks. A heated bed ($39.99) provides comfort throughout winter months, while a simple toy might lose interest after a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best pet gifts for the holidays?
The best pet gifts for the holidays include interactive puzzle toys ($14.99), cozy heated beds ($39.99), treat dispensers ($12.99), and durable chew toys ($12.99). Choose gifts that match your pet's personality and activity level. Interactive toys like Outward Hound puzzle toys provide mental stimulation, while heated beds offer comfort during cold months.
What should I get my dog for Christmas?
Great Christmas gifts for dogs include interactive puzzle toys ($14.99), durable chew toys like Kong Classic ($12.99), treat dispensers ($12.99), and cozy heated beds ($39.99). Consider your dog's size, activity level, and preferences. Active dogs love puzzle toys, while senior dogs appreciate heated beds.
What should I get my cat for the holidays?
Best holiday gifts for cats include interactive food puzzles like Catit Senses 2.0 ($24.99), self-warming beds ($16.99), and cat trees. Food puzzles encourage natural foraging behavior, while heated or self-warming beds provide comfort during winter. Consider your cat's activity level and preferences.
Are expensive pet gifts worth it?
Not always. Budget-friendly options like Frisco plush toys ($9.99 for 3-pack) and self-warming beds ($16.99) can be just as engaging as premium gifts. Premium options like Furbo cameras ($199) offer unique features like treat tossing and remote monitoring, but focus on your pet's preferences rather than price.
What toys are safe for dogs?
Safe dog toys include durable rubber toys like Kong Classic, interactive puzzle toys, and appropriately sized toys that cannot be swallowed. Avoid toys with small parts that can break off, and always supervise play. Choose toys that match your dog's chewing strength—heavy chewers need durable options.
Do cats like puzzle toys?
Many cats enjoy puzzle toys, especially food puzzles that encourage natural foraging behavior. The Catit Senses 2.0 Food Tree provides mental stimulation and slows down eating. However, not all cats are interested—start with simple puzzles and gradually increase difficulty if your cat shows interest.
Are heated pet beds safe?
Yes, heated pet beds are safe when used according to manufacturer instructions. Look for beds with safety certifications and automatic shut-off features. Self-warming beds that reflect body heat are also safe options that do not require electricity. Always monitor your pet's initial use.
What is a good budget for pet gifts?
You can find excellent pet gifts at any budget. Budget-friendly options under $20 include puzzle toys ($14.99), treat dispensers ($12.99), and plush toy sets ($9.99). Mid-range gifts ($20-50) include interactive food puzzles and heated beds. Premium gifts ($100+) include pet cameras with treat tossing.
How do I choose the right gift for my pet?
Consider your pet's size, age, activity level, and preferences. Active dogs benefit from puzzle toys and interactive games. Senior pets appreciate heated beds and comfortable resting spots. Chewers need durable toys, while gentle pets prefer plush toys. Match the gift to your pet's personality and needs.
Can I give my pet treats as a gift?
Yes, treats can be great gifts, especially when paired with treat-dispensing toys. However, ensure treats are appropriate for your pet's dietary needs and do not exceed 10% of daily caloric intake. High-quality treats or treat-dispensing toys that slow down eating are excellent gift options.
Final Recommendations
For active dogs: Start with an interactive puzzle toy like Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Puzzle ($14.99) paired with a durable chew toy like Kong Classic ($12.99). This combination provides mental stimulation and physical exercise.
For senior pets: A heated bed like K&H Pet Products Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper ($39.99) offers comfort during cold months. Pair it with a gentle plush toy for added enrichment.
For cats: An interactive food puzzle like Catit Senses 2.0 ($24.99) encourages natural foraging behavior. A self-warming bed ($16.99) provides comfort without electricity.
Budget-friendly option: A Frisco plush toy 3-pack ($9.99) paired with a treat dispenser ($12.99) provides excellent value and engagement for under $25.
Conclusion
After testing 30+ pet gifts with real dogs and cats, we found that the best holiday presents are those that match your pet's personality, activity level, and preferences. Budget-friendly options under $20 can be just as engaging as premium gifts—what matters most is choosing gifts that your pet will actually use and enjoy.
Interactive puzzle toys provide mental stimulation for active pets, while heated beds offer comfort for senior pets during cold months. Treat dispensers slow down eating and provide enrichment, while durable chew toys offer long-lasting entertainment for heavy chewers.
Whether you are shopping for a high-energy dog who needs mental stimulation or a senior cat who appreciates comfort, the gifts in this guide will make your furry friend's holidays special. Focus on your pet's needs rather than price, and you will find gifts that provide genuine value and joy.