15 BEST Gift Ideas for Pets & Pet Parents (2 Are Worth the Splurge)

Shop our 2026 gifts for pet owners gift guide!

Our roundup of the best gifts for pet owners is here! From custom photo keepsakes to quirky toys, you won’t want to miss these.

We know it’s months away from Christmas, but our Hip readers love being ahead of the holiday hustle, so we’re kicking off the gifting season early!

Check out our Christmas shopping challenge post to see the other gift guides you’ve missed so far.

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Here is our top gifts for pet owners gift guide:

1. BarkBox Subscription

• Who’s it perfect for: Any pet parent (or pet lover) who wants to treat their furry BFF without breaking the bank.
• Why it made the list: Each month, BarkBox delivers a surprise mix of toys, treats, and tail-wagging fun, because pups deserve perks too.
• The scoop: Score 2 new toys and 2 bags of healthy treats every month + a free dog bed with your first order and free chew toys for a year! Plus, shipping is always free.

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2. Scratch the Belly Nail Files 

• Who’s it perfect for: Anyone who loves pampering themselves or adding a playful touch to their nail care routine.
• Why it made the list: Adorable dog- or cat-themed designs make filing nails way more fun, turning a boring task into a mini self-care moment.
• The scoop: This set of 3 nail files is cute, functional, and totally giftable. Perfect for treating yourself or a pet-loving friend without breaking the bank.

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3. Chom Chom Roller

• Who’s it perfect for: Pet owners who are tired of fur taking over their clothes, furniture, and life.
• Why it made the list: This reusable roller makes picking up pet hair fast, easy, and mess-free, because life’s too short to battle lint.
• The scoop: Loved by many of our Hip Sidekicks, the ChomChom Roller effortlessly rolls away hair in seconds. No batteries, no sticky sheets, just a simple tool to keep your home (and outfits) fur-free.

Or consider this under $20 lookalike if you’re shopping around!

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4. Tennis Ball Launcher

• Who’s it perfect for: Active pups and their humans who love a high-energy game of fetch without the sore arm.
• Why it made the list: This launcher turns fetch into a fun, hands-free experience. Your dog gets exercise, and you get a break from constant tossing.
• The scoop: Comes with 2 tennis balls and is compact enough for backyard or park play and is perfect for keeping tails wagging.

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5. Personalized Dog Collar

Shopping for a cat or a smaller pet? 

• Who’s it perfect for: Pet parents who love giving their furry friend a personal touch without spending a fortune.
• Why it made the list: Custom collars are an easy, stylish way to make your pup stand out and show off their personality on every walk.
• The scoop: You can grab a personalized collar for under $15 on Amazon, or go luxe with a velvet version perfect for smaller pets on Etsy. Affordable, adorable, and totally gift-worthy!

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6. Sticker Mule  

• Who’s it perfect for: Anyone who loves customizing their laptop, water bottle, planner, or just about anything with fun, personalized flair.
• Why it made the list: Sticker Mule makes it easy to turn your designs, pets, or favorite quotes into high-quality stickers that stick around…literally.
• The scoop: You can personalize 10 stickers for just $1 with free shipping, making it a super affordable way to gift, decorate, or show off your adorable fur buddy.

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7. Slow Feeder Bowl

• Who’s it perfect for: Dog owners whose pups inhale meals at lightning speed (and need a little help slowing down).
• Why it made the list: This puzzle-style bowl turns mealtime into a fun challenge, helping prevent gulping, bloating, and boredom.
• The scoop: Easy to clean, durable, and designed to keep tails wagging while slowing down speedy eaters. Perfect for pups who need a smarter, safer way to dine.

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8. Custom Pet Portrait Cookie Cutter

• Who’s it perfect for: Pet parents (and baking fans) who want to celebrate their furry friend in the sweetest way possible.
• Why it made the list: Turn your pet into an edible masterpiece. Cookies shaped like your pup make every treat extra special.
• The scoop: Handcrafted on Etsy, this custom cookie cutter is an affordable, fun, and totally giftable way to personalize your baking for any pet lover.

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9. Laser Pointer

• Who’s it perfect for: Cat parents who want to keep their kitties entertained, active, and endlessly amused.
• Why it made the list: Unlike basic laser toys, this one comes with seven adjustable patterns, from a traditional dot to a mouse, star, and more. Basically, playtime will never get boring.
• The scoop: Compact, safe, and endlessly fun, this laser pointer keeps your cat (or dog) chasing, pouncing, and having a blast while you enjoy a little hands-free entertainment.

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10. Exploding Kittens Party Pack

• Who’s it perfect for: Game night lovers, friends, or families who want a hilarious, fast-paced card game that’s anything but boring.
• Why it made the list: Packed with quirky humor, wild combos, and endless laughs, this party pack keeps everyone on their toes (and sometimes on the edge of their seat!).
• The scoop: Perfect for 2–10 players, easy to learn, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, because sometimes the best gift is a night full of laughter and chaos.

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11. Custom Pet Portrait

• Who’s it perfect for: Pet parents who would love a one-of-a-kind keepsake that celebrates their furry best friend in the cutest way.
• Why it made the list: This custom watercolor-style portrait is painted from your favorite photo, making it a thoughtful gift that feels far more personal than another pet-themed accessory.
• The scoop: With its charming striped background, free shipping, and display-worthy design, it’s a splurge-worthy gift that’s sure to become a forever favorite.

Shopping around? Check out this more minimalist custom pet portrait that also ships free on Etsy, or use AI to create your own digital pet portraits for just a few dollars!

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12. The Farmer’s Dog 

• Who’s it perfect for: Busy pet parents who want to feed their dog fresh, high-quality meals without spending a fortune.
• Why it made the list: New customers can score 60% off their first box, making this premium fresh dog food an easy, budget-friendly gift that any dog owner will love receiving.
• The scoop: With personalized, vet-developed meals delivered right to their door, it’s a practical gift that keeps on giving long after the holidays.

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13. Sticker by Number 

• Who’s it perfect for: Pet lovers, crafty friends, or anyone who needs a relaxing screen-free activity will love these sticker-by-number books.
• Why it made the list: It’s a fun and affordable gift that combines creativity and relaxation, giving pet owners (or animal lovers) a way to unwind.
• The scoop: Brain Games Sticker by Number books feature colorful sticker puzzles that are easy to pick up and enjoy. With plenty of different animal designs available, there’s a perfect pick for every pet lover or crafty animal enthusiast.

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14. Custom Pet Portrait Sweatshirt

• Who’s it perfect for: Pet parents who wear their heart on their sleeve and would absolutely love showing off their favorite furry friend everywhere they go.
• Why it made the list: Your pet’s portrait is custom embroidered from a photo, creating an incredibly thoughtful & chic gift that’s well worth splurging on for someone special.
• The scoop: It’s currently 25% off, includes a proof before embroidery, and is the kind of unforgettable gift that’s worth stretching the budget for.

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15. Free Experience 

Pet owners LIVE for their furry friends, so why not surprise them with a thoughtful (and totally FREE) gift that celebrates their four-legged sidekick?! The best part is, these ideas are just as meaningful as anything you’d buy, because they’re all about creating special moments together.

Consider signing them up for free PetSmart Santa photos (normally held at the beginning of December), organizing a pup playdate at the park, offering to pet-sit so they can enjoy a night out, creating a homemade treat stash from ingredients you already have, or even designing a fun scavenger hunt with hidden toys or tennis balls. The possibilities are endless when you think outside the treat box and give the gift of experiences they’ll both cherish!

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These deals are barkin’ your name! 🐶