2025 Holiday Gift Guide
The holidays are just around the corner, which means it’s officially shopping season for your favorite dogs (and humans) in your life.
This guide is for Bay Area dog lovers who brunch, hike, and road-trip with their pups in tow. From the foodie pup sneaking bites of your Tartine toast to the trail-loving adventurer dragging you out to Marin every weekend, we’ve curated unique and thoughtful gift ideas for every kind of dog and dog parent.
Grab a coffee, leash up your pup, and let’s get shopping!
💡 A Quick Note
We are not affiliated with or sponsored by any of the brands below. No commissions, no links, just our honest picks based on what’s trending, what we’ve heard great things about, and what we’d personally buy for our own pups.
As we start dipping our paws into the product world, we’re learning, testing, and sharing what stands out - and we’d love your feedback along the way!
🍳 The Foodie Pup
For the dog who’s always first to claim the sunny spot at a café patio. These picks are for the brunch crowd, the dogs who nap under the café table while you order your second cappuccino, or who subtly supervise your avocado toast like a pro taste-tester.
Dog Charcuterie Box: Spoil your dog’s inner bougie bruncher with their very own all-natural tasting menu of meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and veggies - no refrigeration needed!
For local Bay Area pups, you can also visit Woofboard in Campbell to build your own charcuterie board personalized to your dog!
Wufers Singing Advent Calendar: Keep the fun alive all December long with the ultimate advent calendar from Wufers with 24 surprise treats and festive sing-alongs
Dash Dog Treat Maker: If you’re more the DIY type and love baking, this countertop bone-shaped cooker is the perfect accessory for your kitchen
Pupwell Rainbow Lick Mat: The aesthetic and vibes of this lick mat can’t be beat, especially with the foggy and rainy days ahead. Bring some lightness and fun to your next dog’s meal with this find!
Wanderwag Convertible Tote Bag: Pack up your brunch essentials and give your pup a comfy spot to rest under the table? Say less!
🥾 The Hiker & Adventurer
Nothing beats that post-trail nap after a morning at Fort Funston or a weekend exploring Big Sur. These gifts are built for the dogs who never say no to a road trip or a new trailhead.
Playfield Bailey Kit: Upgrade your go-to walking pouch with this stylish, modular design that features a zippered water bottle pouch, hidden poop bag dispenser, so much interior storage, and more
Edamame Leash: Designed for every dog owner who’s tired of having poop bags hanging off the leash. An innovative solution that ensures you’re never caught without one again
Dog Backpacks (for small dogs and large dogs): New solutions to share the load on long hikes with an ergonomic design to carry the little ones, and help offloading some of the supplies onto your larger four-legged companions
Dog Rain Suit: Even if we don’t get real seasons in the bay, we still get wet. Here’s to helping make sure your dog stays dry and clean even on the dew-iest of hikes
Waterproof Walking Shoes: Because it’s just as important for you (and your feet) to stay dry as it is for the pups
🎾 The Fetch Enthusiast
Whether your pup loves tearing across Dolores Park or making laps around your backyard, this section is for the dogs who never seem to tire of one more throw. These picks are all about keeping the game going, whether it’s rain, fog, or sunshine, because a happy pup is an active pup, and a little extra play can go a long way.
Chuckit Fetch & Fold Launcher: Everyone’s got a Chuckit, but do they have a foldable one?! Great for on-the-go convenience and for sneaking into stockings this year
Nerf Tennis Ball Blaster: If you need a kick the gear into a whole different level this year to really tire the pups out
Cocopup Tennis Ball Holder: Because no one wants to be the one single-handedly holding the muddy, slobbery, unrecognizable mess of a dog ball back home
Cheerble Interactive Dog Ball: Keep your dog entertained with this hands-free automatic ball that rolls, bounces, and shakes all by itself. It’s also waterproof and great for days you can't get outside
CollieBall Herding Ball: If you have a collie, consider tapping into their natural herding instincts with this ball to exhaust their endless energy
💻 The Tech Dog Parent
For the humans who live in startup mode, love a good gadget, and wish their dogs could keep up with their calendar, these picks help make life a little easier (and more fun) for both you and your pup.
Fi Smart Dog Collar: They launched new Series 3+ and Mini models this year with behavioral AI detection and advanced GPS tracking worth checking out!
Smart Pet Camera: With ultra-wide views, night vision, and remote treat dispensing, this is the ultimate gadget to stay connected when you’re apart
Smart Pet Feeder & Fountain: Simplify mealtime wherever you are, and proactively track their eating and drinking habits and overall health
Shark Pet Pro Vacuum: Packing a punch in a lightweight compact design to keep up with the furriest corners of your home
🛋️ The Cozy Homebody
For the pups who prefer the couch over the car seat, and who love rainy-day snuggles and weekend movie marathons, these finds are curated to bring comfort and calm to both you and your dog this holiday season.
Perkie Prints Custom Ceramic Ornament: Because your dog deserves to be the star atop the tree (if they're not already)
Good Thomas Matching Human & Pet PJs: Lounge in style with these adorably festive and comfy sets, available in 3 patterns
Lola Blankets: Make cuddling even cozier with these ultra-soft, machine-washable plush blankets designed specifically for pet households
Laylo Dog Bed: Level up the form and function of your dog’s bed with these designer and swappable covers
Aera Home Fragrance Diffuser: Complete the holiday ambiance with these pet-safe nature-inspired and festive scents, without worrying about open flames around your pets
🎁 Stocking Stuffers & Small Joys
Sometimes it’s the small, unexpected things that bring the biggest smiles. This last roundup is for the playful, unique, or and fun little touches that make a holiday gift feel thoughtful, whimsical, and dog-approved (of course).
Hermes Dog Brush: For your fashionista friend who's impossible to shop for
Foggy Dog Holiday Collar Charms: Add a subtle festive touch to your dog’s outfit with these adorably cute charms
Sur La Table Wiener Dog Wine Charms: A charming idea for the holiday entertainer to keep track of drinks at their next get-together
Pearhead Dog Butt Magnets: A hilariously cute decorative touch perfect for any pet household
Puppy Party Trick Training Set: Entertain family & friends by teaching (or at least attempting to teach) your dog new tricks with this fun, playful deck - and includes a treat pouch!
At the end of the day, the best gift is time spent with your dog — whether that’s chasing waves at Ocean Beach, sharing fries on a patio, or curling up at home with a good blanket and a tired pup. If you pick up any of these gifts or have more ideas of your own, tag us @approvedbydog to share them with us! Here’s to a cozy, joyful, dog-filled holiday season ahead 🐾✨
🐶 Happy gifting from the Approved By Dog team (and all our pups)