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Happy multiethnic family with dog on Christmas day, little kids siblings of different races spend winter holidays at grandma house. Loving senior grandmother receiving New Year gift from grandchildren

BBB Tip: A pet owner’s guide to buying gifts for your cat or dog

With thousands of gift options available, BBB recommends the following tips to choose the right one for your pet.

Back to BBB's holiday shopping tips page

Even with inflation and tariff worries this holiday season, most pet owners still plan on spoiling their fur babies with holiday gifts.

According to a 2024 USA Today poll, 81% of pet owners include their pets on their holiday shopping list, and another study shows that giving to pets makes people happy.

         

What you'll learn:

  • How to choose fun, safe, and practical holiday gifts your pet will love.

  • What to look for in pet toys, treats, and subscription services to keep your furry friend healthy and happy.

  • Tips for shopping smart, avoiding scams, and buying from reputable sellers this holiday season.

However, with thousands of pet gifts to choose from, ranging from toys and treats to doggie spa days and advent calendars, how can you choose a good gift for your pet? BBB recommends the following tips to help you find the perfect gift: one that is safe, within your budget, and one your pet will adore.

Choosing the perfect pet gift

Woman opening Christmas gift and cute ginger cat lying on rug indoors, closeup
  • Stay within budget. If you are making multiple gift purchases this holiday season, it’s especially important to plan your holiday budget and then stick to it. Be sure to include your pets in the budget and then shop for gifts that are within your means.

  • Pick a gift that matches your pet’s personality. Just like people, every pet is different. Some are more active than others, some are food-motivated, some love to chew, and some love to run. Take your pet’s personality into consideration to choose a gift they will really enjoy. The Humane Society has ideas for toys based on your pets’ personalities and needs.

  • Choose a gift that is safe. Most importantly, choose a gift that is safe. Avoid toys that are small enough to be ingested. Make sure toys don’t have any ribbons, string, rubber bands, etc., that a pet could swallow. You should also be able to clean toys, whether that means machine washing them or wiping them down occasionally. 

 
 
  • Consider practical gifts. Think about useful items like grooming tools, stylish leashes, or new feeding bowls that can improve your pet's (and your!) daily routine.
  • Know what’s inside your toys. For many dogs – and some cats – destroying a toy is much of the fun. Keep this in mind when shopping. Read labels and make sure what’s inside the toy is also safe. For example, many toy stuffings aren’t digestible and could pose a danger.

  • Check the ingredients in edible gifts. Stick to treats and foods that are made specifically for dogs or cats. The FDA warns that many human treats contain ingredients that are hazardous to pets, such as xylitol. If you’re looking for treats that contribute to dental health, check the Veterinary Oral Health Council website for a list of acceptable chew treats for both dogs and cats. In addition to quality, keep an eye on quantity. If your dog or cat has a stocking full of pet treats, don’t let them gobble them up too fast, as this could lead to choking or digestive issues.

  • Weigh the pros and cons of subscription services. Subscription services can be a fun way to give your pet gifts all year round, but you’ll want to do plenty of research before signing up. Get to know the company, investigate free trials, and make sure you know how to stop a subscription before you choose a service.

  • Check out pet advent calendars. Pet advent calendars have become incredibly popular in recent years. These can make good gifts too, but they aren’t always a bargain. You’ll need to compare calendars to get the best deal. In addition, keep an eye out for advent calendar scams, which have become especially common through social media ads.

  • Purchase gifts from reputable vendors, especially if you are making a purchase online. Read consumer reviews before doing business with a company, and keep an eye out for fake websites while you shop. If you ever need to return an item that was purchased online, see our tips for hassle-free returns.

For more information

BBB's holiday HQ

The ultimate guide to stress-free holiday shopping and planning is here with BBB’s expert tips.

See BBB's holiday HQ
Visit the BBB pet HQ

BBB has tips to help you care for your pets.

Find tips for your furry friends
Avoid pet scams

Review the BBB pet scams page to avoid falling for a pet scam.

BBB pet scams page