This post was updated on December 9, 2024. While Washingtonian may earn a commission if you buy something through these links, we make unbiased, independent decisions about what to recommend.
Our pets may love us unconditionally and ask for nothing in return, but we know you’ve got them on your holiday shopping list—they are family, after all. If you’re in need of gift ideas for pets, we did the legwork for you and found 11 presents perfect for your four-legged friend.
- A really cute sweater. This one comes in several colors and styles, but if the rest of your crew is getting ski-themed gifts, we think your pups would appreciate matching après-ski sweaters. Starting at $49 at MarkandGraham.com.
2. A fancy new Yeti dog bowl for the pooch (and maybe a new Yeti cooler for the pet parent). According to the reviews, these things are durable, and they’re designed for use at home or on-the-go. $50 at Yeti.com.
3. A designer dog bed. They don’t get much fancier than a posh Hermès bed, with sheepskin on one side for winter and a breathable fabric for the summer on the other. It comes in three colors, but we’re partial to the classic Hermès orange. $750 at Hermes.com.
4. A DC-themed bandana. Let your pooch show off their DC pride (surely they feel it—there are a lot of dog bars around here) with a DC-inspired bandana. $25 at ShopMadeInDC.com.
5. A Berber coat. Shinola, the Detroit-born watch-and-leather-goods store with a spot on 14th Street, just launched a new pet line, and this little cape-slash-coat is too cute to miss. It’s made of thick shearling Berber and cotton, and is reversible. Starting at $75 at Shinola.com.
6. A portrait. Okay, is this for you? Or is this for your dog? It’s hard to say, but any pup would likely be pleased with the idea of their pet parent commissioning a portrait of their cute face. Starting a $150 for a five-by-seven portrait by Cris Clapp Logan.
7. Gourmet treats. Doyle & Co., the coffee shop next to (and owned by) The Pembroke in the The Dupont Circle hotel in Dupont, recently added artisanal dog treats to its menu. Offerings include everything from dog-friendly cannolis and tiramisu to seasonal cookies and donuts. $1.50 to $3.50 at Doyle & Co.
8. White House Presidential Bowl – The White House Historical Association wants to elevate your dog’s mealtime with this white ceramic bowl. It features illustrations of famous presidential pets, such as President George W. Bush’s Scottish terrier and Caroline Kennedy’s pony Macaroni. The bowl has a capacity of 16 ounces. Keep in mind that it is not microwave or dishwasher-safe, though. To shop: $30; whitehousehistory.org
9. Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl – This Amazon best-seller has over 100,000 reviews and an almost perfect five-star rating. If your dog tends to devour every meal without chewing it, then consider this bowl. Its maze-like design makes them slow down while eating, preventing them from getting sick. The bottom has anti-slip cups, and the whole thing is dishwasher-safe. To shop: $15; amazon.com
10. Dog Squeaky Toys – Squeaky toys have multiple benefits for a dog’s mental and physical health. This set features 12 food-inspired chew toys of different shapes and sizes ranging from 2.3 to 5.5 inches in width. They are made from soft, fragrance-free cotton and have a pretty sturdy construction. Small- to medium-sized dogs will have the most fun with them. To shop: $20; amazon.com
11. PetDroid Interactive Dog Ball Toys – Cats and dogs will love chasing after this motion-activated ball with built-in multi-color flashlights. The ball bounces and rotates to attract their attention and keep them engaged; the battery lasts up to four hours per charge. Just keep in mind that while the outer shell is made from soft rubber, the ball is not a good fit for active chewers. To shop: $25; amazon.com
Amy leads Washingtonian Weddings and writes Style Setters for Washingtonian. Prior to joining Washingtonian in March 2016, she was the editor of Capitol File magazine in DC and before that, editor of What’s Up? Weddings in Annapolis.
