If you’re anything like me, Christmas gifting means two things:

1. getting thoughtful, useful things for your dogs and dog-obsessed friends
2. spending way too much money on toys your dogs will destroy in 20 seconds 🤪

So here’s a cosy, value-packed guide full of gifts that genuinely make life easier, healthier, and happier for both you and your dog. And because the holidays can be chaotic (especially when you live with a pack), I’m also sharing some stress-free seasonal tips to keep everyone’s tail wagging 🐕

Disclaimer: I may earn commissions from some of these affiliate links, but I can assure you that I am 1000% a true fan of the things I recommend!

1. My DOG LONGEVITY book ✨

Yes, we’re starting with the thing I poured my heart and soul into: my e-book 🐶

It’s the perfect gift for every dog parent who wants their dog to live longer, healthier, and happier. Inside, I break down nutrition, natural care, enrichment, safe household products, stress management, and the science behind canine wellbeing – all in simple, approachable language.

It’s the kind of gift that could genuinely add years to a dog’s life. And if you want to sneakily nudge friends or family into feeding their dogs better without sounding preachy… this is the one 😉

👉 Get my e-book on dog longevity here

2. VOITED (pet) blanket & travel gear: the adventure dog (owner) essentials 🏕️

If you follow me on Instagram, you already know I’m obsessed with VOITED. Their stuff is waterproof, warm, foldable, and basically indestructible: ideal for van life, camping, beach trips, muddy hikes, or simply protecting your sofa from a wet Husky princess. They have pet blankets, beautifully designed travel blankets, warm outerwear, cosy footwear, you name it.

It’s one of those gifts that people don’t realise they need… until they get it and suddenly can’t live without it anymore. And yes, I take mine everywhere. Spain, France, Belgium, UK, Italy, Sweden: mountains, beach, road trips, 10 crazy dogs… it has survived it all. 100/10.

👉 You can use our code NAYA15 for 15% off

3. Personalised dog tags that actually suit their aesthetic 😍

There are so many gorgeous dog tags now: engraved wood, brass, resin, even ceramic. They’re perfect stocking fillers, and you can customise them with a name, phone number, and fun quote such as “mom is ugly crying without me” 😄

Bonus points if you choose one that matches the dog’s harness. (Yes, I fully believe in ‘outfit coherence’ for dogs 😂)

👉 Some of my favourites are Bad Tags, Jakoba, and of course you’ll find many on Etsy

4. Dog-safe enrichment toys that don’t break in 2 days 😅

Almost all dogs love toys, but most toys last approximately 0.4 seconds with a determined chewer.

So here are some durable, safe options:

• A lick mat (great for calming overstimulated dogs during the holidays)
• A natural-rubber treat toy such as a Kong
• Dog puzzles, available in most pet shops in various difficulty levels
• Snuffle mats made from non-toxic fleece (you can easily make them yourself!)
• Real beef tendons, turkey necks, or other natural chews instead of plastic toys
• My dogs’ favourite: BetterBone 🦴 25% off with NAYA25

These target the dog’s natural behaviours such as sniffing, chewing, licking which help reduce stress and boredom around the busy festive season.

5. A pet-friendly travel kit for adventurous humans 🌍

If you have friends who love travelling with their dog, put together a cute “travel with dogs” bundle:

• collapsible water bowl
• long line (great for safe freedom)
• tick remover
• first-aid basics
• natural paw balm
• a small bag of treats
• biodegradable poo bags

Perfect for weekend trips, long road journeys, or spontaneous hikes 🐕

6. More dog-themed books 📚

I know Kindle is becoming more and more popular, but sometimes nothing beats the smell and feel of a physical book. If you or your friend are a book lover like me, you’ll love these!

• Dog People by RM Drake – Beautiful poetic book for all dog lovers. And for every person who recently lost a dog, this becomes an incredibly meaningful, healing gift.
• Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley – My all-time-favourite book. Funny and heartbreaking at the same time, a must-read!
• The Genius of Dogs – Brian Hare & Vanessa Woods – Super interesting book about canine intelligence, mind-blowing really!
• Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas – Little book on dog behaviour, something all dog owners should know about.

7. Matching outfits for dogs & humans 🥰

I’m a total sucker for coordinating outfits. Get your dog some Christmas PJ’s and yourself (or a friend) a matching set. 1000% ADORABLE ❤️

🎄 Holiday Tips for Dog Parents

Because let’s be honest: Christmas and dogs are both magical… and also both chaotic AF 🤪

Here are some sanity-saving tips to make the holidays as smooth as possible:

🐶 Stick to routine (as much as possible)

Dogs thrive on structure.During the holidays everything can get a bit messy: late dinners, guests coming and going, unusual smells, travel, noise.

Try to keep:

• meal times stable
• walks at roughly the same time
• a quiet spot available where your dog can retreat

This alone can prevent overstimulation, tummy upsets, and general festive madness.

🐕 Protect their gut (holiday leftovers = disaster waiting to happen)

Between visitors sneaking “just a tiny piece of cheese” and dogs discovering the joy of stealing Christmas cookies, it can be challenging to avoid a vet visit, especially if you have a dog with a sensitive belly.

To help:

• give probiotics or kefir daily
• avoid table scraps (especially fatty foods like ham, turkey skin, gravy)
• make sure they get enough fibre (cooked pumpkin is perfect)
• keep chocolate, grapes, and raisins out of reach!

You’ll thank yourself later, trust me.

🎇 Prepare for fireworks anxiety early

If your dog struggles with fireworks, don’t wait until New Year’s Eve. Start:

• using calming enrichment (lick mats, sniffing games)
• long walks earlier in the day
• closing shutters and putting on white noise
• a safe den (crate, bed, or blanket fort)
• natural calming supplements (based on chamomille, lavender) if your dog needs them

🎁 Teach a “settle” behaviour before the parties begin

If you expect guests, practise a “settle on your bed” cue. Reward calmness, not jumping. You can give your dog an enrichment toy such as a BetterBone or snuffle mat to keep themselves busy.

🎅🏻 Keep your decorations dog-safe

Because dogs see a decorated tree and immediately think: “LOOK AT ALL THOSE BALLS!”

Tips:

• avoid glass ornaments
• secure the tree (especially if you have a dog who thinks he’s a cat)
• keep electrical cables hidden (especially with puppies)
• no edible decorations like chocolate angels
• pine needles can irritate stomachs, so hoover often if you have a real tree

❄️ Prioritise rest

Dogs need downtime to process stimulation, especially during holidays full of noise, smells, and visitors.

After walks or play sessions, encourage naps. Let them hide in a bedroom if they want to. Respect when they’ve had enough. They can also have boundaries.

A well-rested dog = a calm, happy dog.

There’s no one I’d rather be with on Christmas Eve than my dogs, even if they steal half my decorations and try to unwrap everyone’s presents before they do. If you’re reading this, I’m sure you feel the same way.

Whether you’re gifting my book, a cosy blanket or a personalised dog tag, the goal is the same: joy, connection and for the receiver to feel loved 🥰

And if your holidays look a bit messy and chaotic… well, welcome to the pack. That’s how we do it ❤️

Don’t forget to download our free Christmas menu for dogs 😋