I’ll never forget the first Christmas I wrapped a present for Duke. It was a squeaky penguin toy, tucked neatly under the tree with a tag that said “To Duke, love from Dad.” When she tore into the wrapping paper, tail wagging so fast it blurred, the look on his face said it all. Pure, unfiltered joy.
That’s the moment I realised dogs absolutely deserve Christmas presents.
Fast forward a few years, and it’s not just me going a bit overboard for my pup. Pet gifting has become a genuine Christmas tradition across the UK. Dogs now have stockings, advent calendars, gift boxes, and even personalised cakes. And honestly, I love it. Because it’s not just about spoiling them — it’s about celebrating the bond we share.
So, why are so many of us buying Christmas gifts for our dogs? And how did this trend grow from a few novelty bones under the tree to a £1-billion-plus festive industry? Let’s unwrap it all.
Pets Are Family – And That’s Changed Everything
Over the last decade, dogs have gone from pets to proper family members. It’s rare now to meet someone who calls their dog “just a dog.” They’re our companions, our emotional support, our reason to get up and go for a walk in the rain.
That shift, treating pets like children, is what drives most of the Christmas gifting boom. We don’t buy them toys out of obligation. We do it because we genuinely want to see them happy.
And the stats back that up. In the UK, pet owners now spend over a billion pounds on Christmas gifts for their animals each year. Nearly two-thirds of dog owners say they’ll be buying their pup at least one present this Christmas, and many admit they spend more on their dog than some human relatives (and honestly, I get it).
There’s a sense of joy in making your dog feel part of the celebration. They might not understand Christmas the way we do, but they definitely understand excitement, love, and the smell of turkey in the air.
What’s Driving the Pet Gifting Trend?
I think there are a few big reasons.
Firstly, there’s the emotional side. Dogs give us unconditional love all year round. Gifting is our way of giving a bit of that joy back. It feels natural — like they’ve earned it, because they have.
Then there’s the social side. We’re all sharing more of our lives online, and our dogs are part of that story. Whether it’s a photo of them wearing reindeer antlers or unwrapping their box on Christmas morning, people love seeing dogs included in festive traditions. It’s wholesome, it’s funny, and it just makes you smile.
Finally, there’s the shift in consumer habits. As more people delay having children or live alone, pets have filled that emotional space — and spending on them reflects that. Dog toys and treats aren’t “extras” anymore. They’re essentials for happiness and wellbeing.
What Dogs Actually Get for Christmas
When I look at what people buy for their dogs at Postman Pooch, four big categories stand out every single year:
1. Dog Advent Calendars
These have exploded in popularity. What started as a simple bone-a-day countdown has turned into beautifully packaged calendars filled with natural treats, meaty bites, or even mini biscuits. I love seeing owners and their dogs start the morning together, both opening their advents.
2. Dog Christmas Gift Boxes
These are by far our most popular festive purchase. Each box is like a little celebration — packed with toys, treats, and surprises. We design ours to cover everything: something to chew, something to play with, and something tasty to finish it off. It’s that mix of joy and discovery that makes dogs lose their minds on Christmas morning.
3. Christmas-Themed Dog Toys
Every year we see new characters: Santa paws, crinkly reindeers, squeaky puddings. Toys are more than just fun — they relieve boredom, reduce anxiety, and bring out that playful energy that makes dogs so loveable.
4. Festive Dog Treats
From turkey-flavoured biscuits to all-natural bundles, festive treats are the easiest way to get tails wagging. I’ve noticed more people choosing healthier, grain-free, UK-made options too. It’s not about giving junk — it’s about quality, even at Christmas.
What I love about these gifts is that they’re not gimmicks. They’re thoughtful, functional, and genuinely make dogs happy.
How the UK Fell in Love with Dog Gifting
It’s funny — ten years ago, gifting for pets was considered a bit eccentric. Now it’s mainstream. You’ll find dog stockings in supermarkets, pet advent calendars in every major store, and whole aisles dedicated to festive pet toys.
Part of it’s down to retailers catching up with what owners already knew: pets are part of the family. But part of it’s also emotional. We live in a fast, often stressful world, and dogs are our constant comfort. Buying them something special feels good — it’s a small way to show gratitude.
It’s also worth noting that the Christmas season can be overwhelming for pets. Loud noises, new guests, routines changing — all of that can unsettle them. Giving them familiar toys, cosy beds, or calming treats isn’t just spoiling them — it’s actually helping them feel safe and included.
Picking the Perfect Christmas Gift for Your Dog
When choosing a Christmas present for your dog, I always recommend thinking about three things:
- Their personality – Are they a chewer, a cuddler, or a foodie? A hyperactive pup will love something durable and squeaky, while a calmer dog might prefer soft toys or tasty treats.
- Quality and safety – Avoid cheap plastic or heavily flavoured imported treats. Look for natural ingredients and trusted brands (UK-sourced if possible).
- Something meaningful – Gifts that encourage bonding — like tug toys or training treats — always go down well.
And remember: wrapping paper is half the fun. Dogs don’t care how much it costs — they care about being part of the moment.
Behind the Trend: What It Means for Pet Brands
From a small business point of view, the rise in pet gifting has changed everything. When we first started doing Christmas boxes at Postman Pooch, we packed a handful of orders from my kitchen. Now we ship thousands all over the UK, each one lovingly packed and wrapped.
It’s not about chasing a trend. It’s about understanding that people want to create memories with their dogs. Every treat, toy, and ribbon matters because it’s part of that shared experience.
For small pet businesses, it’s a golden opportunity to focus on quality, storytelling, and customer connection. People don’t just want to buy a box — they want to feel part of something joyful and personal.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Dog Christmas Gifting
If the last few years are anything to go by, this trend isn’t slowing down. I think we’ll see even more growth in:
- Personalised gifts – with names, photos, or breeds printed on packaging
- Eco-friendly products – recyclable boxes, natural fibres, sustainable toys
- Health-focused dog treats – all-natural, limited ingredients, UK-sourced
- Calming and wellbeing dog gifts – products that help dogs relax during the festive chaos
Dogs might not know it’s Christmas Day — but they definitely know when they’re loved.
Final Thoughts
Giving dogs presents isn’t about being over the top. It’s about recognising them as part of the family. They wait for us at the door, keep us company through good days and bad, and never ask for anything in return. The least we can do is wrap up a little something to say “thank you.”
So, as Christmas 2025 rolls around, grab that toy, that treat box, or that cosy new bed. Make their morning magical — because they deserve it.
And honestly? Watching them tear into wrapping paper might just be the best gift of all.
