Gift Ideas for Dog Dads
With father’s day approaching, many people are planning gifts for their parents and grandparents. But what about dog dads? While they might not have human children to take care of, they’re dedicated to their furry friends, which deserves to be recognised in its own unique way. About one in three people consider themselves their pet’s parents, so dog dad gifts are becoming more popular than ever.
If you have a dog dad in your life, get them something that speaks from the heart while also catering to their passion for canines. Since gift giving can be tricky, below are a few ideas to help you find the perfect present.
Apparel
Apparel is a great place to start for dog lovers because there are lots of wearable products that showcase a love for dogs.
“Dog Dad” Attire
If you’re not sure what the person’s style is, keep it simple. There are lots of hats and shirts that say “dog dad” on them, allowing the wearer to show the world how much they love their canine companion. Look for a colour that you know the person loves and will wear.
Matching Outfits
Dog dads who spend every second with their dogs aren’t ashamed to go all out. Consider getting matching clothing for the person to wear with their dog, such as sweatshirts and pyjamas. If the dog isn’t a fan of wearing clothes, there are human shirts that match dog bandanas.
Personalised Clothing
A one-of-a-kind gift is the perfect way to make someone feel special. Some clothing can be customised with a dog’s name or even a photo of the dog. This includes Hawaiian shirts with a dog’s face among the flowers and socks patterned with a dog’s photo. These options are perfect for dog dads who enjoy being silly and showing off their dog to everyone.
Dog-Themed Decor
Gifting clothes only works if you know the person’s size (and dog’s size if you’re getting matching items). If you don’t want to worry about those details, buying items to decorate a home can be a great alternative.
Artwork
Have you noticed empty walls in a dog dad’s home? Dog-themed artwork is the perfect way to fill up that space. Whether they like adorable dog paintings or cute sayings like “dogs welcome: people tolerated,” there are lots of items to choose from. If you want to get creative, buy custom art pieces that feature the person’s dog. Or if you’re artistic, you can try painting a portrait of the dog yourself, which can make the gift even more special.
Practical Items
Wall art isn’t the only way to display a love for dogs in a home. If the dog dad you’re shopping for is a practical person, they may want gifts that they’ll use in their everyday life. So, look for cute dog items that are also practical, such as hand towels, cookie jars, and salt/pepper shakers.
Dog-Themed Activities
Consider the person’s hobbies when choosing a gift. Nearly every item imaginable comes with dog-themed versions, such as the following.
Puzzles
Puzzles are a fun, relaxing way to pass the time. Since there’s no shortage of adorable dog puzzles, consider getting one for a dog dad if you know they’ll use it.
Notebooks and Pens
For dog dads who love to write and draw, notebooks, pens, and other art supplies are often a hit. Even if the person already has lots of paper and writing utensils around the house, most creative individuals are excited to receive more, especially charming dog-themed ones.
Walking Gear
It might seem boring to give everyday pet supplies as a gift, but many dog owners prefer it. Sometimes, it’s hard to justify spending money on new walking gear when you already have enough, but getting a better quality leash as a gift can make a dog dad’s day.
Leashes and Collars
While the person probably already has a leash and collar (or several), they could be old and worn. Getting them a brand new leash, collar, or harness, especially one with a stylish pattern, can be both a fun and practical gift. If you know the person is working on training, consider giving them a martingale collar or slip lead to help.
Treat Pouches
Treat pouches are a game-changer for both everyday walks and training sessions. If the person you’re shopping for doesn’t already have one, it can be a fun and exciting tool to gift. Treat pouches hold training treats, making it easy to reward your dog without getting your pockets dirty. Find one with a colour pattern that fits the person’s preferences.
Dog Water Bottles
Dog water bottles are another accessory that can elevate walks because they make offering water to your dog easy. They can hold water like a human water bottle, but they usually have an attached bowl so your dog can drink out of it. If the person loves hiking or traveling with their dog, they’ll definitely appreciate a product like this.
Other Dog Essentials
If the person you’re shopping for doesn’t have the most active dog, walking gear might not make sense. Luckily, there are plenty of other fun pet supplies you can surprise them with.
Toys
Toys are always a great gift because a person and dog can enjoy them together by playing games of fetch and tug-of-war. Keep the dog’s preferences in mind when choosing a toy. Some dogs prefer plush squeaky toys while others find chew toys or balls more enjoyable.
Treats
Treats can help form a bond between a person and their dog. These snacks are commonly used for training dogs and rewarding them, so most dog dads always need more. See if you can find out if the dog has any allergies or sensitivities before choosing a treat bag.
This is just a small variety of gift ideas to get you started. Every dog dad is different, so take the individual person’s preferences into account when selecting the best gift. Yet, as long as it has something to do with dogs, there’s a good chance they’ll adore it.