Trendy Gifts for Pets and Pet Lovers

Whether you’re searching for the perfect present for your own pet or want to buy a little something for that special pet owner in your life, one thing is certain: You want it to be a hit. We don’t know whether your dog prefers toys that squeak over ones that crackle, or what your best friend’s favorite color is, but we do know what’s trending in the pet world. From fashionable finds to tech toys, we’ve found the perfect pet gifts.

Pet Products by Fashion Designers

There’s no disputing that our pets are an enormously important part of the family, with many pet owners thinking of their dogs and cats more like children than animals, so it’s not surprising that some savvy fashion designers have taken note and are providing high-style pet products.

Nicole Miller has a line you can find (at a bargain!) at PetSmart. The Stud dog collar and leash ($19.99) are certainly cute, although we’re particularly taken by the houndstooth treat jar ($19.99).

Willing to spend a little more to get your doggie a designer gift? Tory Burch has a wool bow tie collar ($65), and Gucci comes through with an adjustable collar ($335) and matching leash ($530), both of which feature the company’s signature web.

And if you’re thinking more of the pet owner than the pet, Kate Spade’s Dear Pet Sitter notepad ($10) is a sweet little stocking stuffer.

Toys That Do More

You can’t turn a corner in a store selling pet products these days without finding a toy designed to stimulate Fido or Fluffy’s mind — and we couldn’t be happier about it. You know how we feel about puzzle toys!

The Toppl from West Paw Designs ($14.95 for the small size and $19.95 for the large) traps treats within its walls with ridges and tips. It’s recyclable, BPA and phthalate free, and you can interlock the two sizes to create a puzzle that will give even super wily dogs a challenge.

And, cat lovers, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered, too! The Catch by Company of Animals ($24.90 at Prime Pet Supply) slows down speedy eaters and gets your cat’s mind involved in mealtime, encouraging her to use some of her natural instincts to catch her food with her paws. (We advise putting only some of your cat’s food in the Catch to avoid malnutrition or food aversion.)

Tech for Pets

From our smartphones and tablets to activity trackers and GPS watches, many of us are seriously tech savvy. Shouldn’t we take advantage of pet tech as well?

The Stride Original ($20) from 26 Bars & a Band provides two of the more important things you need on a walk (a bag dispenser and hand sanitizer) along with something you’ll love — a pedometer! No reason your pup shouldn’t benefit from your fitness goals, right?

We were excited about the iCPooch treat dispenser ($139.99) when it debuted at Global Pet Expo, and we’re thrilled to see it on the market for the holidays. This cool contraption allows a pet owner to video chat with his pet while away and even delivers a treat when it’s paired with the free companion app.

Speaking of monitoring a pet from afar, there’s the Motorola Scout1 Wi-Fi video pet monitor ($219.99 at PetSmart), which not only lets you keep an eye on what’s going on at home from your mobile device, but also lets you record video or take snapshots when your pet is being especially cute (or especially naughty) for the camera. 

GoPro is huge right now, and the company’s Fetch dog harness ($59.99) is already making a big splash. With two mounting locations and a widely adjustable fit, this harness is padded, washable and, at least as far as one of our editors is concerned, the perfect gift, especially for an adventurous pup.

With technology comes comfort for dogs of all sizes. Sealy now offers its Max Sealy dog bed ($99.99-$199.99) in an extra-large size, which is perfect for giant breeds or homes with multiple dogs who like to snuggle. The Quad Layer Technology includes a cooling gel that keeps dogs comfortable; PetRest memory foam, which conforms to your pet’s body shape and increases circulation; Bio Green orthopedic foam to provide freshness; and a charcoal base to absorb odor. That might just make these dog beds nicer than your bed.

Tagg GPS Plus (on sale for $79.95) is the first major redesign for the pet tracker company since 2012, and those looking for a GPS locator for their pet might find some of the features pretty cool. The new version still offers activity monitoring and location tracking with notification if your pet strays from a specified area, but now it also includes an ambient temperature sensor to help alert owners to potentially dangerous temperature situations.

Breed-Specific Gifts

Breed pride appears to be at an all-time high, with everything from home decor to accessories to clothing and more. If you’re buying for a Boxer buff, you can’t go wrong with this Christmas-y iLove My Boxer Christmas pillow from iLeesh ($29.99) — and, yes, it comes in other breeds.

If you like that, then you should also take a look at a Halogen cashmere crewneck sweater ($98 at Nordstrom), which showcases a truly fashionable Frenchie. And though undies might be a bit of a, ahem, cheeky gift, we think any Labrador lover will be thrilled with Dogs With Antlers boxers from J.Crew ($18.50).

Whimsical and Stylish Pet Products

For too many years, we opted for pet products — bowls, collars, toys, etc. — that were functional but far from reflective of our own personal style. But not anymore!

Complement the decor of a coastal home with the Capri dog bowl collection from Unleashed Life ($30-$47). And we can’t write about whimsical style without bringing up Gwen Gear. The company specializes in dog and cat collars guaranteed to make you smile, such as the new Marin Blue owl dog collar ($33).

Made in the USA and Eco-Friendly

What more is there to say? We all love supporting American companies, so why not do so when holiday shopping for your pets? The Can Toy from Wag More Bark Less ($10.99-$19.99) is a cute, durable treat toy that’s sustainable, nontoxic and made in the USA.

Sticking with the eco-friendly theme, we’ve got P.L.A.Y.’s Santa’s Little Squeakers ($37.90 for a five-piece gift set). They’re covered in fun patterns like snowflakes, fir trees and ugly holiday sweaters, and are stuffed with the company’s eco-friendly PlanetFill polyfiber. Though P.L.A.Y. products aren’t necessarily made entirely in the United States, all designs are created by artists in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York.

Internet-Famous Pets

We all have our favorite Internet-famous pets, and this seems like the right time of year to celebrate them in a big way. Kids ages 5 to 95 will love Gund’s Pusheen plush toy ($23.99), and this list wouldn’t be complete without something fun — er, terrible — from Grumpy Cat, like a set of four coasters ($8.95). 

Find more of Vetstreet’s Gift Guides here.