Jingle bells, wagging tails: What Christmas gifts are pet parents giving their dogs?

Key takeaways:

• Treating their pets like part of the family, 74% of pet parents purchase Christmas gifts for their dogs, with toys (87%), treats (40%), and bedding (33%) being the most popular dog Christmas stocking fillers.

• Some 66% of dog owners would sacrifice their own gifts to give their pet something special, while 51% admit they would prioritize buying their pet a gift over shopping for their partners.

• Likewise, 15% admit they spend more on their dogs than they do on family and friends. On average, pet parents spend $10-$30 on their pets, while 24% spend over $50.

The festive season is upon us, and it’s time to start making your gift list and checking it twice. But while fretting over what to get your family and friends, don’t forget about your furry pal! Christmas is a time to show some appreciation for those you love, and our pets are as much a part of the family as anyone else.

Woofz surveyed 2,000 pet parents on how they treat their pets as part of their Christmas celebrations. From gourmet snacks to squeaky toys, the results show that when it comes to pet ownership, no expense is spared in finding the paw-fect gift.

The fur-stive season: Making our pets part of the celebrations

Santa Claus is on his way, and it seems Santa Paws is coming along for the ride. Some 74% of pet parents admit they purchase Christmas gifts for their pampered pups – and why not? All good boys and girls deserve a place on the Nice List.

Our homes are already overrun with chewies and squeakers, but that doesn’t stop us from adding to the overflowing toybox each year. When buying Christmas gifts for dogs, toys are top of the shopping list for 87% of dog owners.

Gourmet treats for dogs are another festive favorite, with 40% of owners opting for fancy snacks – likely to keep their pups occupied while they tuck into the turkey, stuffing, and all of the trimmings.

Rounding out the doggy wishlist are cozy new bedding (33%), stylish wearables (30%), and personalized dog gifts such as nametags and bowls (29%).

They will enjoy the toys and treats, but for our pets, the real joy of Christmas is ripping off the wrapping paper and tearing it to shreds. While 60% of dog owners skip the wrapping to dodge the mess, 40% go all out, wrapping gifts for their four-legged companions just like any other family member.

But beware – once they get a taste for opening gifts, they won't stop on their own.

Paws before people: Are pets top of the holiday gift list?

The perfect Christmas gifts for dog lovers? No, it’s not personalized dog Christmas ornaments or a festive jumper featuring their furry friend. Rather, dog parents want nothing more than to see their pets having a happy holiday.

In fact, 66% would sacrifice their own Christmas gifts to get their pet something special, while another 11% would consider doing the same.

The festive season is no competition, but if it was, many partners would find themselves with an empty stocking come Christmas morning. A surprising 51% of dog owners admit that, if they had to pick, they would buy their pet a present rather than treat their partner to something special.

The cost of canine cheer: How much do pet owners spend on gifts?

‘Tis the season to pamper your pooches – the question isn’t whether pet parents will spoil their dogs, but how much. Typically, pet owners spend between $10 and $30 on dog Christmas presents for their canine companions. However, 24% spend over $50 on gifts for their pets. That’s a lot of treats.

Some 8% really don’t hold back, spending over $100, while 2% spend over $500 – sparing no expense in splashing out on luxury gifts for dogs.

But when budgets are tight, who do pet parents prioritize? While 60% say they spend more money on their family and friends, 15% admit they splash out on their furry friend during the festive season. It’s a price worth paying for excited barks on Christmas morning.

Our dogs are no longer just pets; they’re part of the family and deserve a present or two under the tree. A box of tasty treats and a chewy toy should get their tails wagging, but let’s be honest – it’s the wrapping paper to rip and empty boxes to play in that will likely give them the most joy.

Methodology: The data in this report derives from a survey conducted by woofz.com. The survey was launched in November 2024. In total, 2,000 pet owners were surveyed, and all respondents took the full survey. All genders, ethnicities, and age groups over 18 years old were included in the study.