Christmas gifts for dogs and dog lovers: an Australian gift guide
Twelve ideas for the dog in your life and the dog lover on your list, chosen for a Christmas that lands in the middle of summer.
The best Christmas gifts for dogs in Australia suit summer and last well past Boxing Day. Look for something that keeps them cool, something that keeps their brain busy, and something with their name on it. Below are 12 ideas, plus the festive foods to keep off their plate.
Quick picks
| Gift | Best for | Why it works in December |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling mat or raised bed | Dogs who sprawl on the tiles | Somewhere cooler to lie on hot nights |
| Lick mat or puzzle feeder | Food-driven dogs | Keeps them busy while guests are over |
| Personalised feeding mat | Every dog, and a keepsake for their person | Catches holiday spills and looks good doing it |
| ID tag with your mobile number | Dogs who slip out when gates are left open | More visitors means more open doors |
| A dog-friendly day out | Dogs who'd rather have you than a toy | Early-morning beach or bush walk before the heat |
The 12 best Christmas gifts for dogs
1. A cooling mat or raised bed
Christmas Day in much of Australia is hot. A cooling mat or a raised mesh bed gives your dog a cooler spot to stretch out, especially on nights when the house holds the heat.
2. A lick mat or puzzle feeder
Spreading a little of their usual food over a lick mat, or hiding kibble in a puzzle feeder, turns a minute of eating into twenty minutes of focus. RSPCA NSW suggests long-lasting chews and a good walk before guests arrive, so your dog is settled rather than begging at the table.
3. A personalised feeding mat
A feeding mat with their name on it is a gift they use every day, and one their person notices every time they walk past the bowl. Our Custom Feeding Mat is highly absorbent and non-slip, measures 55 × 30 cm and comes in beige, blue or pink. You can add their name and choose from 39 dog breeds, and see the design before you order. It arrives in a TOMO gift box, so it's ready to hand over or send straight to them.
4. An ID tag or personalised collar
Holidays mean visitors, open gates and fireworks. A tag with your mobile number is cheap insurance. The RSPCA calls microchipping, a tagged collar and council registration essential, so it's a good moment to check your dog's microchip details are up to date too.
5. A sturdy extra water bowl
Summer is when dogs drink most and tip bowls over most. A heavy, wide bowl for the backyard, plus a second one inside, keeps fresh water within reach. If your dog makes a splash zone of the bowl, our guide on how to stop your dog spilling water has nine fixes.
6. A toy that suits how they play
Tug dogs want rope, chewers want something tough, and fetch dogs want a ball that floats for the beach. Pick the right size for their mouth and swap toys out when they start to break.
7. A car harness for road trips
If Christmas means driving to family, a crash-tested car harness or a secured crate keeps them safe on the way. Never leave a dog in a parked car: the RSPCA warns that precautions like parking in the shade aren't enough to stop a pet overheating.
8. A dog-friendly day out
Some dogs would trade every present for an early swim at the dog beach. Go early or late in the day. The RSPCA's rule of thumb: if you can't hold the back of your hand on the pavement for more than a few seconds, it's too hot for their paws.
9. A grooming session
A wash and brush-out before the family arrives is a gift for everyone on the couch. Ask a groomer what suits their coat in summer, since not every coat should be clipped short.
10. A portrait or photo session
A custom portrait or a short photo session gives their person something to keep for years. It also suits dog lovers who already have every toy.
11. A donation in their name
For the dog who has everything, a donation to a local rescue or the RSPCA in their name helps dogs still waiting for a home.
12. Their own stocking
Fill it with their usual treats, a new toy and a tag. Keep it off the floor until Christmas morning, because most dogs can smell exactly what's inside.
Gifts for the dog lover on your list
The best gifts for dog lovers are really about their dog. A personalised mat with their dog's name and breed is practical and personal, and you can ship it straight to their door. Photo books, a framed portrait, a voucher for a dog-friendly café or a morning of dog-sitting also land well.
If they have a sausage dog, see our dachshund gift ideas. Planning a party instead? Try our dog birthday ideas. Shopping for a cat person? Try our gifts for cat lovers.
Christmas foods to keep away from dogs
The RSPCA NSW list of festive foods to avoid giving pets includes:
- Ham and pork, including the leftover ham bone
- Cooked bones of any kind
- Gravy and marinades
- Chocolate
- Christmas pudding and fruit cake
- Grapes, currants and raisins
- Onion
- Lollies
- Alcohol
Ask guests not to share from their plates, and keep the bin lid shut. If your dog eats something it shouldn't, call your vet straight away rather than waiting for signs.
When should I order personalised gifts?
Order early. Personalised gifts are made to order, and December delivery times stretch across Australia. TOMO mats usually dispatch within 1–2 business days, and checkout shows the delivery options for your address.
Frequently asked questions
What can I get my dog for Christmas?
Choose something that suits summer and how they like to spend their day: a cooling mat, a puzzle feeder, a toy matched to how they play, or a personalised mat they'll use at every meal.
What do you buy a dog lover who has everything?
Something about their dog rather than another toy. Personalised items with their dog's name, a portrait, or a donation to a rescue in their dog's name are all hard to duplicate.
Can dogs eat Christmas ham?
No. RSPCA NSW lists ham, pork and cooked bones among the festive foods to avoid giving pets. Stick to their usual food and treats made for dogs.
