‘Tis the season for spoiling your dog, your fellow dog moms, and yourself!
The holidays are right around the corner, which means it’s time to start looking for gifts for your family, friends, and furbabies. When thinking about where to shop, consider supporting a local small business. By shopping small, you’re supporting your community, and somebody’s dream. Small businesses are founded out of a passion for a craft and a cause, so you can rest assured that you will be getting good value for your money!
The small businesses below provide high-quality products for dogs and the humans that love them – and many of them are located right here in Minnesota!
So if you’re still looking for doggy gift ideas for your furbaby or a friend, check out my holiday gift guide below!
1. Outdoor Adventures and Classes – Jack and the Pack
The New Year is right around the corner, and if you’re looking for new ways to get active with your pup, take a look at Jack and the Pack! From kick-sledding and fat-tire biking to canicross and skijoring, this small business in St Paul, Minnesota, offers a variety of classes and experiences that will exercise you and your dog while strengthening your bond!
Group classes are available for $60 each. If you have multiple furbabies wanting to hit the trails, or a single dog who is a little bit shy or reactive, individual lessons are available for $150.
No gear? No problem! Their online store offers booties, harnesses, canicross belts, and more. Or go in person to their storefront in St Paul.
Kickstart yours and your dog’s healthy new year with Jack and the Pack, or purchase a gift certificate for the active dog lover in your life!
2. Pet-Safe Plants – Lost in the Forrest
For the dog mom who has other, more leafy children, check out Lost in The Forrest, based right here in Minnesota, in St Louis Park. While some houseplants are toxic and can cause nausea and other nasty symptoms, there are many dog-safe plants you can keep worry-free!
Lost in The Forrest features a collection of pet-safe plants, including hoyas, begonias, and many more! Dogs are pretty smart, but they can’t tell the difference between a safe plant and a dangerous one. Keeping harmless plants will ensure the plant-munching furbaby stays safe.
The shop offers plants for every skill level and price point, ranging from $5 to $105.
3. Boarding and Daycare – Adventure is Barking
Going out of town for the holidays but can’t take your doggo with you? Check out the unique boarding experience offered by Adventure is Barking! Located in Hopkins, Minnesota, Adventure is Barking is committed to creating an environment where dogs can thrive and embrace life’s adventures.
Their “Exploring Tails Camp” offers a state-of-the-art boarding experience that combines a new, Montessori-style daycare with overnight care. During the day, dogs can take part in training sessions tailored to their needs in the facility’s “mock apartment,” which features common spaces like the kitchen and living room. Your dog will also have structured playtime in an enriching environment.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! If your furbaby is staying overnight, they will be treated to a dog-friendly movie night – complete with doggie popcorn! At the end of the day, they get to snuggle up in their own crate, furnished with their favorite blankets and toys from home.
The “Tail-Tessori” boarding and daycare experience is available for $42 per day and $68 per night.
Want to treat your dog to a fun, educational, and stimulating vacation? Check out the Adventure Board and Train! Every board-and-train experience includes exciting outings to places like Lake Minnetonka, as well as dog-friendly stores and patio restaurants. Your dog will also have structured training sessions professionally tailored to their needs and learning style.
You can book a week of this boarding and training experience for $995!
Just need a doggy daycare without overnight stays? No problem! The Social Club Daycare is available for $50 a day (or 4 days for $235, 10 for $450).
Whether your dog goes on an adventure to Lake Minnetonka, runs through the facility’s indoor agility course, or hangs out with some new friends during supervised playtime, your pup is sure to be tuckered out when you pick them up at the end of the day!
Whatever package you choose, Adventure is Barking will provide a unique and enriching environment that goes above and beyond the traditional boarding and daycare experience.
4. The Pupsicle – Woof
It’s no secret that the holidays can be hectic. Between the traveling, cooking, and other festivities, it can be hard to keep your furbaby occupied. If you’re looking for something to keep your doggo busy for more than a few seconds, check out the Pupsicle by Woof! The Pupsicle is a non-toxic, rubberized toy that firmly holds long-lasting, lickable treats. Despite the name, there is no freezing required!
Designed with dogs in mind, the Pupsicle’s carefully placed holes keep drool from pooling on the outside of the toy while also preventing it from leaking out of the bottom. And it’s dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. When it’s time to use it again, simply twist open the Pupsicle, pop in one of Woof’s all-natural refill pops, and pass it to your pup! You can also make your own refill pops at home using the diy-treat tray and Woof’s official recipes.
The Pupsicle starts at $19.99 for small and large dogs, and $24.99 for extra-large.
The Pupsicle starter pack includes a Pupsicle, a pack of refills, a treat mold, and a pack of jerky bites for $55. It makes the perfect holiday gift for the dog – or dog parent – in your life!
5. Lick Mat / Frisbee – Project Hive Pet Company
The lick mat by Project Hive Pet Company is a toy and slow-feeder all in one! Made from 100% recycled materials and gentle on dogs’ mouths, the lick mat is soft, flexible, and free from latex, BPA, and phthalates.
Slather a lickable treat (like this peanut butter spread!) on the honeycomb design to keep your pup engaged and occupied, or use it as a frisbee for some outdoor exercise! It can also be used as a shallow water dish when you’re on the go. Clean-up is a breeze; simply pop it into the top rack of your dishwasher.
The lick mat comes in several delicious scents inspired by bees’ favorite plants – like lavender, berry, vanilla, and coconut – and every purchase plants wildflowers to help out local bee populations!
The lick mat is available for $18.99.
6. Calming Bones – Kradle
The holidays can be stressful, especially for our dogs. Between traveling, having family over, and changes to your daily routine, it’s natural to worry about how your furbaby is coping with all of the hustle-and-bustle, but Kradle is here to help!
Kradle’s refillable calming bone is designed to keep your dog occupied all day long. The bone is made of tough nylon, and the chicken-flavored inserts are infused with all-natural, fast-acting CBD that works naturally with your pup’s endocannabinoid system to calm those nerves! It’s perfect for long car rides to grandma’s house or quiet evenings at home when your dog is alone, designed to keep even the most nervous of pups occupied and calm for hours.
What’s more – it’s free from THC and doesn’t cause unwanted side effects, like excessive drowsiness or lethargy.
Get the calming bone and 4 refills for $22.99 or bundle it with a pack of 28 refills for $62.98.
7. Handmade Treats – Murphy’s Bakery
Don’t let Santa be the only one to get cookies this Christmas – treat the special dog in your life to some delicious, all-natural dog treats from Murphy’s Bakery! The treats come in 5 tasty flavors – peanut-butter pumpkin, bacon, sweet potato honey, cheddar apple, and blueberry oatmeal – with some limited-edition, seasonal flavors being released throughout the year.
Made with simple, nutritious ingredients and a lot of love, Murphy’s treats are the perfect gift for your furbaby this holiday season; you are bound to find a flavor that your dog will adore! All treats are tested and approved by Murphy himself – the founders’ treat-loving golden retriever.
You can snag a 6 oz bag of Murphy’s treats for just $12!
8. Custom Artwork and Stamps – Sheila Chen Art
Treat your loved one (or yourself!) to a custom art piece of the goodest boy or girl in the world. From digital drawings and ornaments to latte art and paintings, Sheila Chen will skillfully capture your pet’s vibes – and even draw them in adorable, cartoony poses! You can even purchase a monthly digital stamp subscription and get a cute new design – featuring your pet! – every month.
Once you commission digital artwork from Sheila Chen, you are free to use it however you like (for non-commercial purposes). Make cute, artful Christmas cards of your canine, customize a mug with an adorable portrait of your best friend’s pup, or feature your furbaby on a T-shirt – the possibilities are endless!
Digital art starts at $50, and holiday family portraits start at $60.
For $30 a month, you can get fresh digital stamps delivered straight to your inbox!
For pricing information for additional pets and humans, and other kinds of artwork, visit SheilaChenArt.com.
9. Digital Pet Portraits – Lucy Besch Designs
Another wonderfully talented artist, Lucy Besch creates stunning custom pet portraits. Choose from a variety of backgrounds and props to really make your pet’s personality shine! Give your Frenchie a flower crown, your beagle a bandana, or your terrier a teddy.
After you commission a portrait from Lucy Besch, you have the option to order additional merchandise featuring your best fur friend! Turn the portrait into a sticker, keychain or even a diamond painting! You can also purchase prints, apparel, and tote bags.
Oh – and Lucy paints stylized human portraits, too!
Whether surprising a loved one with a personalized gift or treating yourself to an adorable keepsake, Lucy’s art is sure to make everyone smile this holiday season!
Simple pet portraits start at $10 per pet, while the more detailed portraits start at $30.
Check out LucyBeschDesigns.com for more info on customization options and additional merchandise!
10. Charcuterie Boards For Dogs – Barkuterie Box
Who doesn’t love a good Charcuterie board? The sharp and nutty cheeses, delicately sliced meats, and sweet and tangy fruit pair well with any social gathering. Why not let your dog experience the magic of French snack boards, too?
Barcuterie Box, based right here in Minnesota, makes healthy, all-natural, and delicious dog biscuits inspired by popular Charcuterie board components. They are free of wheat, chicken, preservatives, dyes, salt, and sugar! With dog-friendly flavors like fish leather, peanut butter, beef liver, blueberry, and cheddar cheese, Barcuterie boxes are sure to be a big hit with your pup!
By buying from Barcuterie Box, you also support local Minnesota farms – all of the meat products in their boxes are sourced locally!
The dog charcuterie box starts at $25, but they also offer small gift sets for $15, as well as gift cards.
11. Outdoor Essentials and More – Copilot Dog Outfitters
Is your doggo ready for adventure? Equip them with everything they need to explore the great outdoors with Copilot Dog Outfitters’ great selection of doggy outdoor gear and seasonal wear. The store, located in Minneapolis, also carries treats, toys, and gifts! Stock up on your favorite brands, including Kradle, Thundershirt, Ruffwear, and more!
Copilot dog outfitters, as featured in Midwest Living Magazine, goes beyond your everyday shopping experience. They can recommend the best products for your dog’s specific needs, help you pick out the right size backpack or harness, and even help your furbaby try things on!
From cozy winter jackets to plush beds and tasty snacks, Copilot Dog Outfitters has everything you need to spoil your favorite copilot this holiday season.
12. Holistic and Natural Pet Supplies – Urban Tails Pet Supply
Another locally owned pet store, Urban Tails Pet Supply is your one-stop shop for everything you need to spoil your pup this Christmas! With a special focus on holistic, natural, environmentally friendly local goods, Urban Tails was voted the top pet store in Minneapolis in August of 2021.
In addition to offering a wide selection of toys and treats, and everything from sweaters and snuffle mats to doggy gelato and nutritional supplements, Urban Tails provides local delivery for your convenience.
If you have questions about what food is best for your furbaby, they also offer nutritional counseling! With their incredibly assortment of natural foods, including raw and freeze-dried foods, you are sure to find something that meets all of your doggo’s needs. They even stock delicious dog cookies without preservatives, white flour, salt, or corn.
Urban Tails Pet Supply also carries supplies for cats, small animals, reptiles, and birds, so you can shop for the whole family!
13. Collars and Leashes – Stunt Puppy
Is your dog due for a new collar? Check out Stunt Puppy! Their collars and leashes are made to last, even in the harshest Minnesota weather. Whether you’re looking for a basic collar or something a little more fancy, Stunt Puppy has a wide variety of prints and designs you can choose from to find one that compliments your pet’s coloring the best.
You can even design your own collar! Print your pet’s name on the collar itself, or get one with a built-in ID tag to make sure your baby can always be returned to you if they decide to go on an unauthorized adventure. Stunt Puppy has also partnered with Fi to offer collars outfitted with small GPS units so that you can see where your dog is at any time!
Need a leash? Stunt Puppy has got you covered there, too! They carry basic leashes for casual walks in the neighborhood, as well as hands-free and waterproof leashes for more intense adventuring.
Collars and leashes start at $30 each.
14. Deodorizing Spray – Skout’s Honor
You love your furbaby, but they can get a little stinky between baths! Washing your dog too frequently can dry out their delicate skin and coat – so what do you do in the meantime? If you or someone you know wants to cut down on that doggy smell between washes, check out the deodorizing spray by Skout’s Honor!
Formulated with all-natural avocado oil and topical probiotics, the deodorizing spray helps to support a healthy microbiome on your dog’s skin, defending against some of the most troublesome skin issues including odor, dryness, hot spots, dandruff, excessive shedding, and itchiness. There is no weird, medication smell either – the deodorizing spray comes in several pleasant scents like honey suckle, coconut, and lavender.
Treat your pup to a spaw day this holiday season with additional products from Skout’s Honor like their probiotic shampoo, ear cleaner, and paw spray! They also offer protection against fleas and ticks, carpet cleaning supplies, and training aids.
You can nab 8 oz of deodorizing spray for $14.98.
15. Custom Stickers – Wet Lab Creative
Do you have a dog in your life who loves to be active, whether it be working as a hunting companion, herding livestock, catching frisbees, or dock-jumping? Surprise their human parent with a custom sticker or artwork featuring their pride and joy! Mikaela at Wet Lab Creative specializes in pet -centric art, and she loves featuring dogs taking part in unique sports.
She also has premade designs of a few breeds playing frisbee, herding, and doing dock-diving retrieval!
For $45, you can get a custom painting of your pet and a sticker. Pre-designed stickers start at $4.50.
16. Multivitamins for Dogs – Dog is Human
Give your little fur-bean the gift of health this holiday season with daily multivitamins from Dog is Human. Their goal is to make pet health “clean and effective.” Their delicious soft chews are vet-formulated and made with human-grade ingredients. Nothing but the best for your angel!
The multivitamins come in two dog-approved flavors, chicken and beef, and help to support joint, heart, digestive, skin and immune health! Made with all-natural ingredients and packed with goodies like Vitamins A, E, and B12; probiotics; and coQ10, these multivitamins are designed to support every aspect of your dog’s physical well-being.
You can get 60 vitamins for $46.
17. Unique Grooming Experience – Sunshine Groomer
Get your dog a stunning new look for the holidays at the Sunshine Pet Spa in Minneapolis! This full-service grooming business specializes in providing creative looks and a unique experience. Whether your pup is due for a basic paw-dicure or wants to try out a daring new color, the Sunshine Groomer has got you covered. Check out the official Instagram of the Sunshine Groomer (aka Liz) for more of her stunning work!
They book up fast, so contact them today for availability and prices.
18. Therapy Dog Classes – Canine-Inspired Change
For the pet parent and fur-child wanting to spread love and give back this holiday season, check out Canine-Inspired Change! Located in St. Paul, CIC recognizes the healing power of dogs. They offer therapy dog training courses for people-loving dogs and their humans.
The 8-week class helps prepare you to become a therapy dog team, and you will learn how to provide social-emotional learning opportunities, employ calming techniques to support both yourselves and your community, take a trauma-informed approach to therapy dog visits, and even brush up on basic skills like sit, stay, and loose-leash walking!
For $250 you can participate in the course, which meets for an hour every week. Check out their website for prerequisites and how to register!
19. Custom Artwork – Lindsay Kivi Art
There are so many talented artists on this list of gift ideas for dogs and the humans that love them, and Lindsay Kivi is no exception! She specializes in animal art, landscapes, and pet portraits that endeavor to capture the beauty of the natural world.
Her fine-art portraits are hand-painted with extraordinary attention to detail, thoughtfulness, and high-quality materials. The portraits are painted on wood and made to last!
When you order a portrait from Lindsay, she will work with you closely to ensure that your custom artwork fully captures your pet’s personality and spirit.
As an avid nature lover, Lindsay uses her art to support local animal rescues, sanctuaries, and conservation organizations.
Custom portraits start at $195.
20. Inflatable Paddle Boards – Paddle North
Are you and your pup ready to take to the seas? Or maybe just Lake Superior? Paddle North, based in New Brighton, is your source for high-quality paddle boards. They have several models of boards, including inflatable ones if you are looking for something that is easier to transport, more affordable, and more stable than the traditional board. Paddle North offers different sizes of boards so you’re sure to find the one for you, whether you’re embarking on a solo adventure or going out with friends!
Even though they are inflatable, Paddle North’s boards are durable and made of high-grade PVC, so you don’t have to worry about obstacles sinking your ship. They can also withstand the powerful claws of your water-loving pup – so they can come, too!
Paddle North understands how hard it can be to heave your sopping-wet doggo out of the lake; that’s why they’ve designed “Up-Dog!”
What’s up dog? (I’m sorry…)
That’s the name of Paddle North’s inflatable doggy stairs that let dogs climb up out of the water easily and all on their own! Its surface is specially engineered to prevent slipping, and it’s sturdy enough to support dogs of all sizes.
For the dog mom that views outdoor activity as a part of life and not just a passing trend, Paddle North’s boards and accessories make the perfect holiday gift!
The inflatable paddle boards start at $599.99, and the doggy stairs are priced $179.99.
21. Clay Earrings for Humans – Courage & Clay
If you’re on the hunt for some unique, handmade jewelry, check out Courage and Clay, based in Minneapolis! The business’s owner, Brittany Wisner, makes stunning and adorable earrings out of clay, letting their wearer achieve what she calls “minimalist elegance” in their everyday ensembles.
Brittany crafts a wide variety of colors, shapes, and styles – from delicate hearts and Christmas trees to classic hoops, there is something for everyone! Her aim is to help you find the perfect accessory, and every piece is made with tender, loving attention.
Follow her on Instagram to see featured styles and upcoming events!
22. Earrings and More – Northern Lights Design
Northern Lights Design also offers a wide assortment of unique, handcrafted earrings, featuring lots of cute and trendy styles to pair with any look. Pinecones and leaves are perfect for the nature-lover, while geometric shapes will give any outfit a modern flair. They even have a pawprint design for pet parents – the perfect gift idea for a dog mom!
In addition to earrings, Northern Lights Design sells specialty dog tags, artsy cutting boards, specialty picture frames, ceramics, and more!
Inquire on their website for availability and prices of specific items.
23. Bandanas and Pet Attire – Riverrun Acreage
Does your furbaby need a new outfit for holiday photos this year? Check out Riverrun Acreage’s adorable handmade bandanas and bowties featuring all sorts of fun, exciting designs that showcase your pet’s own, unique style!
Their bandanas are reversable (so 2-in-1!), and machine-washable for easy cleaning.
They also have collars, leashes, harnesses, and more, including doggy dresses and tuxedos for a big night out! If your dog isn’t the only fashionista in the family, shop Riverrun Acreage’s feline and human collections, too!
Bandanas start at $14, and 10% off all sales goes to Mission Animal Hospital.
24. All-Natural Dog Treats – Finley’s
Support a good cause and spoil your dog in the process with Finley’s treats! Finley’s offers a variety of treats, including crunchy, oven-baked biscuits, soft and chewy training bites, and “benefit bars” packed with vitamins that support healthy skin, nails, and coat! All of Finley’s treats are made with all-natural ingredients and are hypoallergenic.
They are made with real, antibiotic-free protein like salmon, lamb, and turkey. Treats are made with limited ingredients, so you can feel comfortable in knowing exactly what you’re feeding your beloved furbaby.
Finley’s was founded by two former special education teachers, and every bag purchased supports people with disabilities. Finley’s promises to deliver products that are great for pets and benefit humans, too!
Bags of treats start at $5.99 for 6 oz.
25. Paint your own pet – Gray Duck Art
Gray Duck Art offers a unique way to celebrate your beloved pets through custom paint-by-numbers kits, they re also local to Minnesota. Each kit is thoughtfully designed using a photo of your pet, turning it into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece you can paint yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, this creative activity is a fun and meaningful way to honor your furry friends. Perfect for personal enjoyment or as a heartfelt gift, Gray Duck Art transforms memories into art.
Kits are $89
Shop Small and Shop local!
I hope you enjoyed this list of gift ideas for dog moms and their furbabies. Shop small this holiday season and support your local businesses! Small businesses give you an individualized, personal shopping experience that you can’t get anywhere else.
By supporting small businesses like those listed above, you support the causes they champion, like saving the bees or providing opportunities to our friends and neighbors with disabilities. This holiday season, use your money to support creators who provide you with exceptional value, and who share your values, too.
Also plenty of gift ideas from K Schulz Photography this season. Gift yourself or your friend a photography session!