To many, furry friends are part of the family, and we certainly treat them as such, especially during the festive season. Research revealed that 7 in 10 people in the UK buy their pooch Christmas gifts every year and over a quarter even prioritise presents for their pets over family and friends!
According to search data, ‘dog Christmas presents’ gains around 2,900 monthly searches, and in the past three months, on the run-up to Christmas, this query has seen a 650% increase in searches.
To bring more joy into this festive period, we wanted to find out more about how people spoil their dogs at Christmas and which areas in the UK have the most spoiled pets! Read on to find how spoiled your pup is compared to those in other areas, as well as some ways you can make your dog feel extra loved this Christmas.
How Much Money Do We Spend on Dogs at Christmas?
In 2023, Denzel’s revealed that dog owners planned to spend an average of £55.72 on their pup’s Christmas gifts — equivalent to over £3 billion across the UK. Reports also found that in 2024, sales of Christmas pet lines were up 964% compared to the year prior at Waitrose online.
Where in the UK spoils their dog the most?
To find out which UK area has the most spoiled furry friends, we explored where residents had searched for ‘dog Christmas presents’ the most. We found that the North West region overindulged their dog the most at Christmas time, with 390 monthly searches. London and the South East were also partial to spoiling their dog with 320 monthly searches each.
Dog Christmas Gift Ideas
Festive Toys
Our furry friends ALWAYS appreciate a new toy, and Christmas time is no different! You could opt for a newer version of their favourite toy, whether that is a plush, squeaky, or chew toy. Or, get them something new and different! Puzzle toys are a great way to keep your dog mentally stimulated and reduce anxiety, which they may feel during the busy period.
For an extra festive twist, why not buy them some seasonally themed toys? You could put any festive-themed toys away and only bring them out during the festive period — this will help keep them interested in them and last. Around this time of year, a wide range of Christmas toys are available, from squeaky Christmas puddings to plushy Santas!
Indulgent Treats
If there is anything a dog loves more than toys, it’s treats! Although dog treats might feel too ordinary for a present, as pups enjoy them often, there are ways to make treats a more special gift.
For example, splashing out on a more luxurious treat from a doggy bakery could be the perfect Christmas indulgence. Alternatively, many dog food brands bring out festive-themed treats during this period with Christmas flavourings like turkey and stuffing or cranberry. There is also a wide range of dog treat stockings and advent calendars that can bring some Christmas spirit and excitement.
Cosy Beds and Blankets
Who doesn’t love some cosiness at Christmas?! Unfortunately, your dog probably won’t enjoy a fluffy pair of socks as much as we do, but the next best thing could be a new cosy bed or blanket! You could go for a bed that suits your home interior or has a festive theme, especially for the season. If your dog doesn’t use a bed, a cosy blanket may be more suitable for keeping them nice and warm during the colder months.
Trendy Clothes and Accessories
What’s cuter than dogs? Dogs in Christmas jumpers! If you like your furry friends to look the part, get them a cute new item of clothing like a jumper or a new coat for winter. If clothing isn’t for them, you could treat them to a stylish new collar or bandana for them to wear, either year-round or for the festivities.
As well as coats, jumpers and collars, you can find a wide variety of dog fashion accessories from elf costumes to leg warmers, scarves and hats, the possibilities are endless to make your dog a fur-shionista!
Personalised Gifts
We know dogs might not necessarily appreciate a personalised gift quite like we do, but the thought still counts! A wide range of personalised dog gifts are available, like a customised jumper, collar, and even treats. Personalisation options could include their name or even an image of them. Some other go-to personalised gifts for dogs include bowls, treat jars, collar tags, and more.
Pampered Pooch
Not all dogs like being groomed, but just like us humans, having a good pamper can make us feel much better! Grooming your dog often can bring a range of health benefits such as supporting their skin and coat health, reducing stress, and overall improving cleanliness.
If your dog doesn’t mind going to the groomers, treat them to a full pamper — a haircut, nail trim, deep clean, the works! If your dog isn’t a huge fan, set up an at-home doggy spa — grooming your pet can help with bonding, and doing this at home might make them feel more comfortable. As well as a simple bath and clean, a range of products can help give your furry friend the true relaxing ‘spa’ experience including bath milk, a deep conditioning treatment, and even some doggy cologne!
A Pup-cation
Similarly to being groomed, not all dogs like being away from their owners. But if you have a sociable pup who enjoys being around other dogs and doesn’t get the opportunity to do so often, they might love a day or night away at a doggy daycare or hotel!
This gift offers a fun, enriching experience for your pooch and provides mental and physical stimulation in a safe space. When choosing a doggy hotel, be sure to check the reviews, tour the facility, and check that it matches your dog’s personality!
If your dog wouldn’t want a weekend without you (or you wouldn’t) why not go on a weekend away together? There are so many dog-friendly weekend away options to choose from. Why not opt for something in the countryside with lots of picturesque dog walks and dog-friendly pub options? A trip would be a treat for you and your pet, and provide some excellent bonding time.
A Festive Feast
Who doesn’t love Christmas dinner? It’s arguably the best part of Christmas! It’s a shame our dogs can’t sit and join us, but we can try to make them feel involved by dishing out their own portion.
Whether you’d rather save them your leftovers (providing the food included is all safe), or go the extra mile to prepare a separate dog-friendly dinner they can eat alongside the family, we’re sure any pooch would be more than happy! However, it’s important to triple-check what foods are dog-safe, as some Christmas food can be extremely dangerous.
Below is a list of festive foods dogs can’t eat:
To make a safe Christmas dinner for your dog, you could include:
- Skinless, seasonless, and boneless turkey or chicken.
- Plain mashed potatoes.
- Steamed veg such as carrots, green beans, or peas with no seasoning.
- A dog-friendly gravy made with a small amount of low-sodium chicken or beef broth thickened with a bit of cornflour (ensure it’s onion- and garlic-free).
Another option could be Christmas dinner dog food tins, which are available from a range of brands.
Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of year, and our furry friends make it all the more special! Pets are cherished family members, as shown by how much time, effort, and money people dedicate to treating them at Christmas. From festive food to personalised Christmas jumpers, there are countless ways to spoil your dog this festive period!
