Quick answer: The best Christmas gift for most dogs is the KONG Classic, a stuffable rubber toy that turns treats into a long-lasting challenge. For heavy chewers, the Benebone Wishbone is a great stocking stuffer, and the Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel and Nina Ottosson Dog Brick are fun picks for curious, food-motivated pups.
Plenty of gift guides focus on the people who own dogs. This one is for the dog. Every pick below is something a dog actually gets to chew, sniff, solve, chase, or sleep on, so it is a good list whether you are shopping for your own pup or for a friend’s.
I have not tested these products myself; my picks are based on manufacturer specifications and verified owner reviews.
Quick Picks
- Best overall: KONG Classic Stuffable Dog Toy
- Best for heavy chewers: Benebone Wishbone
- Best plush toy: Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel
- Best brain game: Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick
- Best cozy gift: Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed
- Best for high-energy dogs: ALL FOR PAWS Automatic Ball Launcher
Top Picks at a Glance
Prime KONG Classic Stuffable Dog Toy
Prime Benebone Wishbone Dog Chew Toy for Aggressive
Prime Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Plush Squeaky Dog
Prime Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Dog Toy
Prime Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Beds Large Sized Dog
Prime ALL FOR PAWS Automatic Dog Ball Launcher
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product details and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
The Best Christmas Gifts for Dogs
1. KONG Classic Stuffable Dog Toy: Best Overall
Prime KONG Classic Stuffable Dog Toy
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product details and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
The red KONG is one of the most familiar dog toys around, and it has more than ninety thousand ratings on Amazon. It is a hollow natural rubber toy that can be stuffed with kibble, peanut butter, or KONG’s own treats, so a simple snack becomes a longer project.
KONG says the classic red rubber is made for average chewers and that the toy is dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup after a sticky filling much easier. The medium size measures about 4 by 3.9 by 3.2 inches, and other sizes cover everything from small dogs to extra-large breeds.
Why it makes a great gift: It is affordable, works for almost any dog, and can be refilled for a new challenge every day.
2. Benebone Wishbone: Best for Heavy Chewers
Prime Benebone Wishbone Dog Chew Toy for Aggressive
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product details and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
The Benebone Wishbone is built for dogs that destroy ordinary toys. It is made in the USA and flavored with real bacon, and its curved shape lets a dog hold it between the paws while chewing. With more than one hundred thousand ratings, it is one of the most reviewed chew toys on Amazon.
Benebone says its chews are tougher than real bones and last for weeks. Chicken and peanut flavors are also available.
Why it makes a great gift: It fits in a stocking, smells exciting to dogs, and gives power chewers something better to work on than the new holiday decorations. As with any chew, supervise and replace it when it gets worn down.
3. Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel: Best Plush Toy
Prime Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Plush Squeaky Dog
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product details and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
This plush tree trunk hides squeaky squirrels inside, and dogs have to dig them out one by one. It combines a soft toy with a simple hide-and-seek puzzle that taps into a dog’s natural urge to hunt and fetch. The XL version holds six squirrels, and smaller sizes are available for small breeds.
Outward Hound sells replacement squirrels, which is useful because some dogs love to shred them. The brand is clear that no toy is indestructible and that plush toys are best for supervised, gentle play.
Why it makes a great gift: It is a lot of fun to watch on Christmas morning, and the squirrels can be hidden again and again.
4. Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick: Best Brain Game
Prime Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Dog Toy
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product details and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
The Dog Brick is a level 2 treat puzzle designed by Nina Ottosson, a well-known name in dog puzzles. Dogs pick up bones, flip lids, and push sliders to find hidden treats, and the difficulty can be adjusted as they get better at it.
It holds about three-quarters of a cup of kibble or treats, so it can also serve as a slow feeder for a regular meal. The board measures roughly 12.75 by 8.75 inches and is meant for indoor use.
Why it makes a great gift: It gives smart, food-motivated dogs a job to do, which is helpful on cold winter days when long walks are harder.
5. Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed: Best Cozy Gift
Prime Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Beds Large Sized Dog
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product details and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
A good bed is a gift a dog uses every single day. This Bedsure bed has an egg-crate foam base and bolsters on four sides for dogs that like to lean or rest their heads. A lowered entrance makes it easier to step in and out, which is nice for older dogs.
The cover is machine washable and has a waterproof layer underneath the soft flannel. The foam is CertiPUR-US certified, the bed is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, and a non-skid bottom helps keep it in place on smooth floors.
Why it makes a great gift: It is a practical upgrade that feels like a treat, especially for senior dogs or pups that love to curl up. Check the size chart before buying, because the listing’s spec table shows a 30-pound weight recommendation for this size.
6. ALL FOR PAWS Automatic Ball Launcher: Best for High-Energy Dogs
Prime ALL FOR PAWS Automatic Dog Ball Launcher
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product details and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
For dogs that never get tired of fetch, this launcher throws 2-inch balls at three distance settings, so it works in a hallway or a yard. It is designed for small to medium dogs and comes with three balls.
Depending on the version, it runs on an AC adapter or C batteries, and ALL FOR PAWS notes that some buyers may receive a newer USB-powered model. It is not water resistant and works only with the brand’s own small balls. I cover more options in my best automatic ball launchers for dogs guide.
Why it makes a great gift: It is the “big box” gift on this list and gives energetic dogs an extra way to play when their people need a break.
Gift Comparison at a Glance
| Gift | Type | Best for | Sizes | Indoor/outdoor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KONG Classic | Stuffable rubber toy | Average chewers, treat lovers | Small to XL | Both |
| Benebone Wishbone | Chew toy | Heavy chewers | Tiny to large | Both |
| Hide-A-Squirrel | Plush puzzle toy | Gentle players | Small to XL | Indoor |
| Nina Ottosson Dog Brick | Treat puzzle | Smart, food-motivated dogs | One size | Indoor |
| Bedsure Orthopedic Bed | Dog bed | Seniors and nappers | Several sizes | Indoor |
| ALL FOR PAWS Launcher | Ball launcher | Small to medium fetch fans | One size | Both (not water resistant) |
How to Choose a Christmas Gift for a Dog
Match the gift to the play style
Chewers need durable toys like the KONG or Benebone. Dogs that love to sniff and dig will enjoy the Hide-A-Squirrel, while problem solvers do well with the Dog Brick. Fetch fanatics are the best fit for a ball launcher. For more ideas, browse my interactive pet toys category.
Pick the right size
Most toys here come in several sizes. A toy that is too small can be a choking risk for a big dog, and one that is too big is frustrating for a small dog. When in doubt, size up for toys and check the weight chart for beds.
Think about safety
No toy is truly indestructible. Supervise new toys at first, put plush toys away when your dog starts tearing them, and replace chews when they get worn. Keep wrapping paper, ribbons, and holiday food out of reach while gifts are being opened.
Consider the person, too
If you are shopping for a friend’s dog, pick something that will not create extra work. A KONG or Benebone is easy for anyone, while a launcher or bed is better if you know the dog well. If you would rather spoil the owner, see my best gifts for dog lovers and best gifts for new dog owners guides.
Final Thoughts
The KONG Classic is my top pick because it suits almost any dog and stays useful long after the holidays. Heavy chewers will be happiest with the Benebone Wishbone, and curious pups will love the Hide-A-Squirrel or the Nina Ottosson Dog Brick. For a bigger gift, the Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed and the ALL FOR PAWS launcher are both thoughtful choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good Christmas gift for a dog?
Toys that keep a dog busy are the most popular choices: stuffable toys like the KONG, durable chews, and puzzle toys. A comfortable bed is a great option if you want something more practical.
What can I put inside a KONG for Christmas?
KONG suggests kibble, peanut butter, or its own snacks and fillings. Use dog-safe foods only and avoid holiday leftovers that can upset a dog’s stomach.
Are puzzle toys good for dogs?
Puzzle toys give dogs mental exercise and can make meals last longer.
What is a good stocking stuffer for a dog?
Small items like the Benebone Wishbone or a KONG Classic fit well in a stocking. Choose the right size for the dog and skip anything small enough to swallow.
Is it safe to leave a dog alone with new toys?
It is best to watch your dog with any new toy first. Manufacturers like Outward Hound note that no toy is indestructible, so remove toys that are damaged.
