33 Budget-Friendly Dog Gifts for Christmas (Yes, Under $25!)
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Before You Shop: Your Small‑Dog Gifts Game Plan
You want Christmas gifts for dogs that are small‑dog sized, wallet‑friendly, and actually useful—not another flimsy squeaker that’s toast by Boxing Day.
Same. Monty (my cheeky Westie) has a PhD in Squeaker Removal™, so IMO the best gifts mix enrichment (calms evenings), walk gear (winter‑proof), and a couple of cute personalized bits for the ‘aww.’
Below are 30+ dog gifts ideas, mostly under $25. I kept it practical, fast to buy, and easy to wrap. Sprinkle in a DIY or two if you’re crafty. 😊
Safety FYI: Size correctly, supervise chewers, bin damaged toys, and avoid ingredients like xylitol, grapes/raisins, macadamias & nutmeg. See: AVMA Holiday Safety + Cornell Vet Holiday Hazards.
Stocking Stuffers (tiny price, big win)
Prices checked October 2025; may vary by size/color.
Earth Rated Poop Bags (120) — everyday essential that doesn’t tear. Typically $9–$14. Size: 120‑count rolls.
- DOG POOP BAGS: Our durable poop bags are a dog-walking essential. They are extremely portable and pair perfectly with th…
- 100% LEAK-PROOF CONSTRUCTION: These dog poop bags are extra long, extra strong, and 100% leak-proof, ensuring that your …
- EASY-TO-USE: To use, pull one of our poop bags away from the roll and tear on the built-in line. With the “3 Bags Left” …
Nite Ize SpotLit (Rechargeable) — clip‑on LED for safer night walks. Typically $10–$15. Size: one‑size clip.
- Versatile Carabiner Light: The rechargeable SpotLit provides reliable on-the-go illumination for all your adventures, wh…
- Reliable Illumination: Easily find items and stay visible with a steady white glow and convenient flash modes
- Durable Key Light: This keychain light is crafted with a weather-resistant body that securely clips to any keychain, pur…
Fruitables Skinny Minis (Pumpkin/Apple) — soft, tiny training treats; low‑cal. Typically $8–$12. Size: small/soft treats.
- Contains a total of three 5-ounce pouches. One pouch each of Pumpkin & Mango, Apple Bacon, Pumpkin & Berry
- TRAINING TREATS FOR DOGS – Discover the balance of taste and health with Skinny Mini Low Calorie Dog Treats; Oven -baked…
- MADE WITH REAL SUPERFOODS – These mini dog snacks pack a nutritional punch with ingredients like pumpkin, blueberries, s…
Bocce’s Bakery Training Bites — short ingredient list; festive flavors. Typically $7–$12. Size: training‑size bites.
- Sit, stay, treat! Our chewy, low-calorie training bites make for the best rewards (… or, simply, extra treating!) – fr…
- Perfectly sized training bites (4 calories each!) to reward all those sitting doggies, those Instagram posting mutts, an…
- Proudly Baked in the USA: We start each recipe with the highest quality (tastiest!) ingredients, sourced in the USA loca…
Chuckit! Ultra Ball (Small, 2″; 2‑pack) — durable mini fetch for toy breeds; choose the correct size. Typically $8–$12. Size: Small/2″.
ZippyPaws Miniz (3‑Pack) — micro squeakers for tiny mouths or burrow toy refills. Typically $8–$12. Size: mini/3‑pack.
- Great By Themselves Or As Toy Replacements – Zippy Miniz are perfect for replacing toys in Zippy Burrows.
- Sturdy Construction – Our high quality plushies are made to last, but best suited for smaller doggie play.
- Exclusive Noisemaker – Made with 1 Round squeaker inside each toy to keep your best friend entertained with every bite.
Mind Games & Mealtime (under $25)
Why this matters for small dogs: short, brainy play tires them out without marathon walks—lick, sniff, solve, then snooze.
LickiMat Soother (Small) — smear with yogurt + peanut butter swirl; freeze for longer.
Buy: Amazon • Try these festive designs: Sparkles & Sunshine
- REDUCES ANXIETY, BOREDOM AND DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR – LickiMat helps calm and soothe your pet by helping release endorphin…
- LICK MAT RECOMMENDED BY VETS AND TRAINERS – redirect all licking habits and perfect aid to reduce crate training time. W…
- DENTAL HEALTH – LickiMat textured surfaces promote pleasurable licking action, which generates saliva helping protect yo…
KONG Classic (Small) — the do‑it‑all stuffable; freeze to extend the fun.
- KONG Classic Toy (Small): Made from all-natural red rubber for light to moderate chewers; designed to satisfy instinctua…
- KONG Peanut Butter Snacks (7 oz): Delicious, crunchy, peanut butter-flavored treats made with natural ingredients—specia…
- Perfect Combo for Small Dogs: Sized just right for dogs up to 20 lbs; ideal for breeds like Dachshunds, Pugs, Boston Ter…
KONG Puppy (Small) — softer rubber for baby teeth; gentler on gums.
PetSafe Busy Buddy Twist ’n Treat (Small) — dial the difficulty; great first dispenser.
- Durable Training Toy: The PetSafe Busy Buddy Twist’n Treat is a non-toxic, BPA-free, tough rubber toy built for hard che…
- Adjustable Food Dispenser: Twist both halves together or apart for a quick treat or long-lasting playtime; slows eating …
- Easy to Clean: This no-mess refillable treat toy is]dishwasher safe and stackable for easy washing and storage; non-toxi…
Nina Ottosson “Dog Smart” (Level 1) — beginner puzzle; confidence builder.
Buy: Amazon • Info: Brand page
- Level 1 Beginner dog puzzle – perfect for pets with no puzzle experience, this interactive treat game is a great way to …
- Provides mental stimulation to help bust boredom – 15 minutes of mental stimulation is equal to 30 minutes of physical a…
- Helps reduce dog anxiety and redirect unwanted behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, and digging in a fun and excit…
Nina Ottosson Topsy Treat Ball — wobble‑and‑roll snack ball; small‑dog friendly.
- Level 1 Beginner dog puzzle ball and treat dispenser – perfect for puppies with no puzzle experience, this interactive t…
- Provides mental stimulation to help bust boredom – 15 minutes of mental stimulation is equal to 30 minutes of physical a…
- Dogs roll the toy to dispense treats and release the small treat ball trapped inside – multiple ways to play and make th…
Outward Hound “Hide‑A‑Squirrel” (Small) — iconic plush burrow; rotate squirrels to keep it ‘new.’
Buy: Chewy
Monty note: When he’s on a zoomies rampage, a frozen KONG + 10 min snuffle usually flips the chill switch. 🙃
Puzzle & Slow Feed (mealtime magic)
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl (Mini/Tiny) — slows gobblers; reduces air gulping.
- Small slow feeder dog bowl – helps slow down eating up to 10X; this SLOW level feeder is designed for extra small to sma…
- Holds 3/4 cups of dry or wet dog food – this shallow dog bowl has a simple puzzle feeder maze design and can fit a full …
- Helps reduce obesity and bloat – supports proper digestion and helps prevent over-eating and common issues that arise in…
LickiMat Wobble (Small) — lick + wobble = extra mental work; try goat’s milk + kibble dust.
- REDUCES ANXIETY, BOREDOM AND DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR – LickiMat helps calm and soothe your pet by helping release endorphin…
- LICK MAT EXTRA FUN AND ENRICHMENT Wobble is all about extra fun for your dog. The wobbling action adds an extra dimensio…
- DENTAL HEALTH – LickiMat textured surfaces promote pleasurable licking action, which generates saliva helping protect yo…
DIY Option (free/low‑cost)
No‑Sew Snuffle Mat — fleece strips through a sink mat; 20–30 min.
How‑to: Animal Humane Society • Spoonflower
Winter Walk Kit (under $25, small‑dog sized)
PawZ Rubber Boots (XS–S) — salt/snow protection without bulk; starter boot.
- All-Weather Protection: Keep your furry friend’s paws safe all year long with our rubber dog shoes for hot pavement, rai…
- Perfect Fit for Small Paws: These dog shoes for small dogs are suitable for paws from 2″-2.5″, ensuring a comfortable an…
- Great Grip and Traction: Our anti-slip booties for dogs paws are made from natural rubber, providing excellent traction …
Musher’s Secret Paw Balm (2.1 oz) — slush, ice, dry pads; rub in before/after walks.
- SAFE AND ALL-NATURAL – Made from food-safe oils and waxes, our paw balm is a must-have for dog beach essentials. Our nos…
- ALL SEASON PROTECTION – Musher’s Secret creates invisible dog boots & paw protectors so your furry friend’s paws have pr…
- SAFE FOR OTHER ANIMALS – Musher’s Secret is a must in your summer dog essentials. It was originally formulated as dog pr…
Gooby Fleece Vest (XS–S) — warm without weight; easy on/off.
- Zip Up Fleece Wash vs. Zip Up Fleece Vest- Our Zip Up Fleece Wash comes with washed-out colors and two additional sizes….
- Designed to Step-In, Zip Up and Go – Imagine this – Outside it’s snowing and freezing and your dog HAS to go. Our Dog Fl…
- Bottom Opening Design – This isn’t your typical zip on dog sweater or small dog jacket. Choose from over 8 different col…
Dexas MudBuster (Small) — quick paw wash at the door = cleaner floors.
- Available in 3 Sizes: The Dexas MudBuster ensures a perfect fit for any dog with three size options: Small (4.3″ tall, 3…
- Easy to Use: Simply add water, insert the muddy paw, twist, dab dry, and repeat for all four paws.
- Mess-Free Cleaning: Gentle silicone bristles help remove dirt and mud from your dog’s paws, keeping the mess in the MudB…
Chew Crew (choose by chew style; supervise)
Benebone Tiny 2‑Pack — long‑lasting nylon chews for petite pups; discard when worn.
- DURABLE, LONG-LASTING – Pint-sized super chewer? Bring it on. Benebones are tougher than real bones and last for weeks.
- REAL BACON! – We use only 100% REAL BACON for flavor. Trust us, dogs can tell the difference.
- EASY TO PICK UP AND CHEW – Our Wishbone and Dental Chew are curved for a paw-friendly grip so your pup can quickly grab …
Nylabone Power Chew Petite — budget‑friendly tough option for toy breeds.
- FUN & OCCUPYING – Multi textured chew toy keeps dogs busy while satisfying their natural urge to chew
- MADE OF DURABLE NYLON – Long lasting dog chew toy challenges even the most aggressive chewers and discourages destructiv…
- SUPPORTS DOG DENTAL HEALTH – Helps clean teeth and freshen breath as dogs chew
GREENIES Teenie Dental Treats — vet‑favored daily chew; also a Senior version.
- The unique texture of Greenies Dog Chews cleans down to the gumline to fight plaque and tartar and freshen breath
- Greenies Treats for Dogs are veterinarian recommended and accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) for at-h…
- Treat your dog deliciously with the great taste of Greenies Original Dental Treats
Skip rawhide, watch calories on treats, and pick the right size to avoid choking hazards.
Personalized & Practical (aww + safety)
GoTags Stainless Steel ID Tag — name + phone; simple, durable, under $15.
- Ultimate Durability: Our stainless steel dog tag withstands even the most active pet adventures, ensuring it outshines a…
- Crystal Clear Engraving: Laser engraved on a mirror-finish surface, offering high readability and ensuring your pet’s vi…
- Click Customize Now: Unleash your pet’s inner superstar and get creative with up to 8 lines of text- up to 4 lines on th…
Frisco Personalized Nylon Collar (Small) — embroidery right on the collar.
Buy: Chewy
Festive Extras (often <$25 on promo)
Pet & Dog Advent Calendars — treats or toys; check ingredients and serving sizes.
Browse ideas: Country Living’s roundup
ZippyPaws Donutz (Small) — squeaky “donuts” in holiday colors for the obligatory cute photo.
- DELICIOUS DONUT DESIGN: This funny dog toy transforms snack time into playtime that your pup will love. Each Donutz toy …
- STUFFING FREE DOG TOYS: No stuffing, less mess – this colorful donut is stuffless to give furry friends hours of interac…
- EXCLUSIVE NOISEMAKERS: Each donut toy for small and medium dogs has two patented crescent squeakers to keep them enterta…
DIY Corner (fast, cheap, genuinely fun)
No‑Sew Snuffle Mat — see tutorials above; use fleece scraps.
Christmas Lick‑Mat Designs — tree or snowman pattern with dog‑safe foods.
How‑to: Sparkles & Sunshine
Gift-Wrap This: Quick Wins
- Mix enrichment + walk gear + one cute personalized piece = smart, balanced gift bundle.
- Keep it under $25 by choosing the Small/Mini sizes and watching holiday promos.
- DIY one thing (snuffle or lick‑mat) and call it your “from‑the‑heart” gift.
Need more ideas? Dive into the Dog Christmas Ideas hub → or browse Dog Christmas Gifts & Stocking Stuffers on Pinterest for inspo.
FAQ’s About Dog Gifts Ideas
1. Best under-$25 gifts for heavy chewers?
A frozen KONG Classic (Small) plus a supervised Benebone Tiny or Nylabone Power Chew Petite is a solid combo. Always supervise, size up if unsure, and toss chews when they get small or rough.
2. Are lick mats safe to use daily—and what toppings are okay?
Yes in moderation for most dogs. Go with plain yogurt, xylitol‑free peanut butter, pumpkin purée, banana mash, or soaked kibble; avoid onions/garlic, nutmeg, raisins/grapes, and anything with xylitol. Freeze to slow things down.
3. When should I order to get gifts by Christmas?
Most major retailers post shipping cutoffs around Dec 15–20 for standard and Dec 20–22 for expedited (varies by carrier/region). Add 1–2 extra days for personalized items. Keep boxes until you’ve tested fit, and check each store’s return window.
4. Are Christmas treats safe for small dogs?
Mostly—if you stick to dog‑safe ingredients and serving sizes. Skip rich leftovers and any foods with xylitol, grapes/raisins, macadamias, onions/garlic, or nutmeg. When in doubt, use a lick‑mat recipe instead.
5. How do I pick the right size?
Follow each brand’s weight/size chart. For balls, err larger so nothing can lodge in the throat; supervise all chews and inspect toys regularly.
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