Every year there are SO MANY dog items to choose from! In this post I have listed the top ten categories I think are a MUST HAVE for most dogs. I have chosen items that I feel are a reasonable price and of a reputable brand. I wouldn’t spend $50 on any one given dog toy, so I wouldn’t expect you to, either. Most of the items listed are under $20 and I included some examples in each of the 10 categories. They all look like they would be fun for your dog!

First up would be anything from the Kong brand. These items are usually designed to be stuffed with treats or peanut butter and they will entertain your dog for hours. They come in different colors that you can usually specify and are often shaped as the original original domes or as a bone. There is also a version Jump’N Jack that looks very entertaining for a dog.

Most dogs love to chase balls! They go crazy for squeaky fetch balls or simple dog tennis balls. If you have a larger sized dog, consider a soccer ball human soccer ball — they are usually tough enough to last at least a season of your pooches pushes and other rough play, or consider the doggie version, very cute!

Some dogs like to play tug of war with rope toys — but don’t play too roughly with tug as it can damage young teeth but gentle pulling is always fun. When you are away some dogs will use rope toys to gnaw on. These will eventually fray or break so a pack with back-ups is a good idea.

These variety packs caught my eye. They offer a mixture of soft, rope, and chewy/squeaky toys. Many dogs can unstuff a fluff toy quickly, so consider stuff-free soft toys for your pup.

Dogs love to chew, from puppyhood on. These items looked like good items for the chewing dogs out there. I try to recommend only brands I would personally give to my dogs to prevent them from ingesting anything questionable, so I tend to stick with Nylabone and Hartz.

Many dogs like to have snuggle pals and soft toys. The ones I suggest can take a good while to break so they last a while. I also like the unstuffed variety as well. The unstuffed lasted my dog for years! Here is a pack with both stuffed and unstuffed.

For many dogs, sounds are what get them excited. From squeaky balls to crinkly textured toys, there are good ideas available. Almost every toy will have a sound to please your dog. There are even toys that grunt or honk when pressed!

Dogs in wintery weather may appreciate a new warm bed. There are many beds available but the prices vary greatly depending on size — measure the area you plan to use so you have the right size when you order. Don’t be like me with the GIANT mat I don’t have room to put down!

Another gift idea for any dog or puppy would be new towels and soft blankets. I lean towards ones that are affordable so a basic towel is fine but this hooded dog towel is adorable. These small blankets would be great for a puppy/small fluff. Dogs like to curl up in colder months.

Most dogs would agree that TREATS are the most fun gift for them. The top special occasion favorites are deer or elk antlers and bully sticks, but if you have more than one dog those treats may cause squabbling as they are very high value for dogs. For homes with multiple canine companions I would recommend buying instead pig ears or dog cookies — either choice is fantastic fun for your friend.

Whichever items you get, your dog will appreciate something new to play with and have fun even when you are not around. Be sure to get your dog some end of year Holiday fun because they are family, too!

Happy Dogging!