Looking for the ultimate dog Christmas presents in 2025? Look no further. We’ve researched and collated the most wag-worthy Christmas gifts for dogs that are available in NZ. Take our quiz or scroll through our guide below. Either way, we’re pretty sure you’ll find something here your dog (and you) will love.
In this article
- Do you buy your dog Christmas presents?
- What present to give my dog for Christmas?
- #1 Slow eating puzzle toy
- #2 Pet cooling mat
- #3 Dog life jacket
- #4 Portable dog water bottle
- #5 Dog summer booties
- #6 Dog getaway time
- #7 Dog sunblock
- #8 Go slow lick meal mat
- #9 The Doggy Bag by Marc Jacobs
- #10 The ultimate dog Christmas present: Insurance
Do you buy your dog Christmas presents?
Do you? Should you? It’s completely up to you but as pet lovers we believe buying a dog Christmas present or three is worthwhile because it gives you a chance to include them in the festive fun. They may not fully understand, but they’ll know they’re opening presents just like the rest of the family – which comes with a sense of belonging.
Not just that, but you can also double up your shopping achievements by getting them essentials you’ve been needing to buy while choosing slightly fancier or better quality options.
Take a look at what we mean about gifts that provide summer safety and fun for dogs in NZ…🎄
What present to give my dog for Christmas?
For us Kiwis, Christmas falls in summer so there’s lots of time to spend at beaches, lakes, streams, rivers, pools, forests, mountains and more! That’s why we’ve selected good Christmas gifts for dogs that help them stay cool, hydrated, stimulated and even stop them from gaining added kilos.
Choose from these eight savvy dog Christmas gifts:
#1 Slow eating puzzle toy
We all love dogs, many of us love rugby, and dogs love food. What do you get when you combine these three concepts as a single dog Christmas present? A rugby-shaped kibble dispenser for dogs from Pet.kiwi.
Your dog needs to use their brawn and their brains to access kibble, helping slow down the eating process and fulfill their foraging instinct.
That’s a big point for responsible pet parenting, especially with fat and obese dog health issues being a top canine concern. The little rubber points on this dog puzzle toy may help clean their teeth too (read about pet dental insurance).
Though remember: as fun as puzzle toys are, we always recommend supervision.
#2 Pet cooling mat
A pet cooling mat is the perfect solution for December heat and hot dogs needing cool relief (read: Is a Pet Cooling Mat Worth the Investment?). You can have it in your dog’s favourite spot at home and pack it up and bring it along for outings. It’s super useful in car rides, too.
We like this popsicle-shaped one on Bunnings, for obvious reasons.
#3 Dog life jacket
On the list of good Christmas gifts for dogs in NZ that love the water is a life jacket. We’re not talking standard orange here; it’s the festive season, so we’re pulling out all the bells and whistles and opting for a designed dog jacket from Stylish Hound.
One of these too cute and stylish dog Christmas present offers your pup safety and fashion in one go. It boasts a padded neoprene handle, buoyancy foam and adjustable straps to keep your dog afloat while making a splash in style. Because of its quick-drying material it’s also easy to pack away after.
What’s better for hitting dog friendly beaches in NZ or taking a dip in the pool? Speaking of poolside time, be sure to read our guide to dog pool safety this summer for our top tips.
#4 Portable dog water bottle
In theme with keeping pets cool on hot summer days, we think a portable dog water bottle is an essential. This sleek option by ThirstyDog comes with a lid that slides open so dogs can drink from the bottle as though it were a bowl.
It comes in white, black or peach and a built-in lock to prevent spillage in your bag. This is a dog Christmas present that says, “Stay hydrated, my friend,” in the most simple and useful way possible.
#5 Dog summer booties
Dog summer booties aren’t just good dog Christmas presents, they’re essential items for walking on hot tar, sand or concrete. It’s easy to forget how hot the ground can become in summer when you’ve got shoes on. Dogs usually walk barefoot but if their paw pads burn they can become blistered, swollen and infected.
We like the Ruffwear dog boots that come in different sizes. Be sure to take these booties off as soon as you’re off the hot surface so your pet’s paws can breathe and sweat. And you should always avoid the midday heat whenever possible – dog shoes on or off.
#6 Dog getaway time
It’s been a long year with lots happening and a little holiday getaway might just be in order for us and our dogs. Dogs in NZ that love rustic settings might go barking mad for these pet friendly Airbnb getaways. And if you’re after luxury getaways, check out our luxury pet vacation spots to soak up sun, get spa treatments and more.
#7 Dog sunblock
Dog sunburn is super serious (yes, dogs can get sunburn)! The Life of Riley Sun Balm is one of those savvy dog Christmas presents that doubles as an essential. For those not keen on using a balm, try out Vetpro Pet Sunblock Powder.
Keep in mind that human sunscreen simply isn’t safe for dogs and overexposure to sun is a risk factor with cancer in dogs. Stick to dog safe sunscreen and plan outdoor trips for early morning and late afternoon.
#8 Go slow lick meal mat
Among the great 2025 gifts for dogs in NZ are dinner lick mats, like the LickiMat from Pet.kiwi. These innovative textured mats turn mealtime into a fun challenge for your pup and slows down their eating – which helps their digestion. You can spread delectable treats like dairy-free yoghurt, peanut butter or other wet dog food over the grooves. (Just beware of xylitol toxicity in dogs and avoid peanut butters that contain it.)
Your dog gets to lap it all up, gradually.
The mat fastens to surfaces with 77 suction cups so you can stick it to a floor or wall surface. This nifty device is a game-changer for bath time too because it keeps your dog occupied, making washing them a breeze. It’s made from food-grade silicone.
#9 The Doggy Bag by Marc Jacobs
You’ll need to order this one from the UK and it comes in at a cool £325 ($750), but if your eye is on being highly fashionable – then this is it. The Marc Jacobs Doggy Bag comes in Raspberry Pink or Black and is made from sturdy canvas with a coated, wipe-clean interior. It apparently comfortably fits pups up to 7kg and includes a removable cushioned base, an internal leash clip for safety, and a detachable “THE POOP BAG” charm — because even the essentials deserve good design.
#10 The ultimate dog Christmas present: Insurance
While we’ve ticked off most of the best dog Christmas presents, here’s one not to be missed … pet insurance to help pay for non-routine vet bills.
Whether Bella has swallowed a Christmas tree decoration or gotten food poisoning from Christmas mince pies, you never know when they might need emergency treatment. Of course, even though accidental ingestion is a top claim for pets, there are many others that range from illness to dental issues.
Take a couple of minutes to grab a quick no-obligation quote for our hassle-free pet insurance. PLUS, you can get one 1 MONTH FREE when you sign up.