We all know a dog dad, cat lady, or pet parent who always has their furry, scaly, or feathery friend on the brain. And that’s amazing! The world needs more people who love animals and take good care of them.
But how do you show those people you care about them when gift-giving holidays roll around again?
Take it from me, a woman so obsessed with her dog that we wear matching outfits on a far too regular basis: Any gift that makes our pet’s life better makes our life better, too.
So, here are a few of our favorite gifts that give improve the well-being of our most beloved animal companions — and make the pet parents in your life feel special, too.
By the way, some of the products and links in this article are partners and affiliates, which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Everything in this article was independently and honestly written by the Good Good Good team. Thank you!
The Best Gifts for Pets & Their Parents This Holiday Season
Embark Dog DNA Test
If you’ve got a dog lover in your life or, let’s face it, if you are the dog lover in your life, the Embark Breed & Health Test is the best gift you can give this holiday season.
It’s fun, informative… and way more exciting than yet another squeaky dog toy.
Embark answers one of life’s biggest questions for rescue pup parents: “What breed is my dog?” But it’s more than just a breed reveal! You’ll get health and trait insights and even a chance to find your pup’s relatives.
→ Shop: Embark
The Kind Pet Natural Dog Toy Bundle
Good riddance to the polyester and poly-filled plush toys that threaten to clog your pup’s intestines! This natural dog toy bundle is not only healthy for pups and the planet but will have them playing for days to come.
It includes a natural hemp dog bone with zero toxic dyes and a 100% organic cotton rope toy that is perfect for tossing, fetching, and flossing with its all-natural fibers.
(There’s a version for kitties, too.)
→ Shop: The Kind Pet
Explore more sustainable pet products!
Petivity Microbiome Analysis Kit
The trillions of microbes that make up a dog or cat’s gut microbiome influence most aspects of their health and well-being. And understanding their unique gut profile can help their people provide proactive care like never before.
Purina scientists developed the Petivity Microbiome Analysis Kit to check your pet’s gut health and provide personalized food and supplement recommendations.
Whether the pet parent in your life has specific concerns or simply wants to learn more about their pet’s health, this test offers the confidence and peace of mind that they’re giving their pets the best care possible.
→ Shop: Petivity
PetFriendly Calming Diffuser
Whether your gift recipient has a rescue dog or scaredy cat, this calming diffuser is vet-approved for relieving fear, stress, and anxiety. It contains 3% calming pheromones and 97% inert ingredients, covering up to 700 square feet.
You can even sign your friend up for an auto-delivery to replace the diffuser every 30 days, so their pets can stay calm as they curl up in their favorite nap spot.
→ Shop: PetFriendly
Good Thomas Matching Outfits
Whether it’s a festive sweater combo, some comfy jammies, or a trendy streetwear look, Good Thomas has a wide array of matching sets so you can ensure your loved one and their pet will be strutting in style.
We’re big fans of the Alpine Sherpa Vest set for those chilly winter walks.
The best part? Each purchase makes a donation to an animal rescue nonprofit to help shelter animals in need.
→ Shop: Good Thomas
Earth Rated Dog Refresh Mist
Every dog owner knows the most egregious thing they could do to their pup is give them a bath.
But just like us humans have dry shampoo, Earth Rated has made dogs their own version: A sweet-smelling Refresh Mist.
This deodorizing spray hydrates skin, eliminates stinky odors, and tackles tangles in those long-hair breeds. If your friend is always complaining about their smelly pooch, this no-rinse option that smells of white tea and basil will become their new go-to.
It is also free of harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and alcohol!
Conscious Step Socks That Save Dogs & Cats
Conscious Step creates stylish, sustainable, and cause-centered socks that are vegan, GOTS Organic, and Fair Trade-certified. Every pair gives back to a dedicated nonprofit organization.
But, for the pet parents in your life, you’ll probably want to opt for the Socks That Save Dogs or the Socks That Save Cats, both of which support Best Friends Animal Society.
→ Shop: Conscious Step
Explore loads of other socks that give back!
Lambwolf Collective Baguette Dog Toy
Enough with the plastic squeaky toys and poly-filled plushies! This Baguette Dog Toy is the cutest, most enriching toy to add to any pup’s collection.
It includes squeakers (because those are a must), as well as snuffle pockets to fill with a dog’s favorite treats. It’s the perfect activity for any canine’s brain, plus the toy itself will look aesthetically pleasing in any home.
Lambwolf Collective also uses non-toxic materials, is owned by women, and donates a portion of all of its sales.
→ Shop: Lambwolf Collective
Laptop Cat Scratcher
Calling all work-from-home cats! This is the perfect gift for anyone whose feline friend can never seem to leave them alone during the workday.
A laptop-shaped scratching pad will provide hours of enrichment for kitties and is made out of cardboard to be fully recycled when they’re all done.
Plus, it makes an iconic gift.
→ Shop: Uncommon Goods | Amazon
Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co. Three Blend Starter Pack
Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co. boasts that “every cup helps a pup.” In fact, 20% of all profits from the brand’s organic and eco-friendly coffee blends, merch, and hot cocoa go directly to rescue organizations that save shelter dogs.
Since its inception, Grounds & Hounds has helped provide 4.2 million meals, 24,000 toys, and 22,250 vaccines to shelter dogs in need.
Help pups and give the delicious gift of a cuppa joe all at once.
→ Shop: Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co. | Amazon
Explore more gifts for animal lovers that give back!
Mila Cares Air Purifier With Critter Cuddler Filter
Between shedding and allergens, it’s hard to avoid all the excess dander that comes from our beloved furry friends. An air purifier is a must!
Mila Cares has a smart, sleek system that connects to a mobile app to help measure air quality in a given room, adjust speeds and functions, and also includes a life-saving carbon monoxide detector.
The best part? There are various filters to choose from to meet your needs — with the Critter Cuddler option clocking in as the best pick for pet parents. No more sneezing!
→ Shop: Mila Cares
Wild One Walk Kit
When it comes to comfort and style, Wild One’s walking sets definitely take the cake (or… the biscuit).
Made with durable and easy-to-wash materials, these leashes and harnesses are built to last — and look good.
Better yet, with each purchase, Wild One sponsors the rescue of a pet. Partnering with 12 rescues across the country, they hope to save a dog a day.
Who Gives A Crap Recycled Dog Poo Bags
Who Gives A Crap might be known for their eco-friendly toilet paper, but now, they have an option to make doo-doo time more sustainable, too.
Their new recycled dog poo bags are made from 100% recycled plastic and are leak and tear-resistant. A pack comes with 200 bags in a cardboard dispenser that is also fully recyclable.
Plus, Who Gives A Crap donates 50% of profits to clean water and sanitation initiatives around the globe. Imagine that — your dog’s business making a difference for people who need access to vital services!
→ Shop: Who Gives A Crap
Explore more recycled poop bag options!
Poop Loops
Now, using recycled poop bags is fine and dandy, but it’s also vital that we properly dispose of that waste when outdoors. Poop Loops are a great — and stylish — way to make poo pickup even easier.
They simply attach to your dog’s leash, your bag, or any other accessory you already have on hand. After you scoop your dog’s waste, you just attach the bag to the loop until you find a trash can. This one makes a perfect stocking stuffer.
Custom ‘Badly Drawn’ Pet Portrait
Everyone deserves a piece of art that honors their most precious relationship: The one they have with their dog or cat.
These custom pet portraits are colorful, playful, and perfect for showing off the unique personalities of our goofy animal friends.
→ Shop: Etsy (Dog Portraits) (Cat Portraits)
Uncommon Goods Pawcasso Art Kit for Pets
What if they want to make a work of art all their very own? Well, there’s a gift for that too.
This Pawcasso Art Kit helps dogs or cats embrace their inner vision, a la “Furida Kahlo.” It comes with enough materials for two paintings, including canvases, paints, and plastic bags that will keep pets nice and tidy as they express their creative vision.
→ Shop: Uncommon Goods
Header images courtesy of Lambwolf Collective, Embark,and Conscious Step
