Looking for gifts for new puppy owners this season, or bringing a puppy home yourself? As a Fear Free Certified, force-free puppy trainer in Monroe, WA, I put together my favorite picks. Each one supports humane, science-based training and makes those first weeks home a little easier. I’d happily use every item with my own clients.

Affiliate disclosure: Some links in this guide are affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I use or would recommend to clients.

Michelle’s Top 10 Picks at a Glance

Short on time? These are the gifts I recommend most to new puppy families. You can also visit my Amazon Storefront for a curated selection of gifts!

The Best Gift for a New Puppy Owner: Training Support

A Ready, Pup, Go! training gift certificate gives a new family real support, starting on day one. Puppies learn the most about the world in their first three months. For local Snohomish County Families, I also offer Socialization Field Trips!

To give a gift certificate, email help@readypupgo.biz, or call (425) 749-3645.

Puppy Enrichment Toys and Chews, Sized for a Growing Mouth

Enrichment toys give puppies a healthy job for their nose and mouth. That means less chewing on your shoes and more calm time in your home.

Puppy stocking stuffers under $25

• West Paw Toppl: The easiest stuffable toy for people new to enrichment. The wide opening holds a whole meal, it’s dishwasher safe, and it’s made in the USA.
• Toppl Stopper: A small stand that holds the Toppl upright while you fill and freeze it. A game changer for busy mornings.
• KONG Puppy and KONG Puppy Teething Stick: Made with KONG’s softest rubber for growing teeth and gums. Stuff and freeze one for a longer challenge and relief for sore gums. The Teething Stick is harder to find this year, so the classic KONG Puppy makes a great backup.
• Outward Hound Level 1 food puzzle: Gets your puppy nosing and nudging for treats without the frustration of a harder puzzle.
• Lick mat: Spread a little wet food or plain yogurt on it. Licking is naturally calming, and it’s great during nail trims, baths, and crate time.
• Soft fleece tug toy: Tug with simple rules (“take it” and “drop it”) gives puppies a healthy outlet for all that mouthing.

Mid-range enrichment gifts ($25 to $75)

• Enrichment starter bundle: A Toppl, a Stopper, and a lick mat together make a great first gift.
• Snuffle mat: Hide kibble in the fabric and let your puppy sniff out breakfast. It’s perfect for rainy PNW days when walks are short.
• Woof Pupsicle Starter Pack: Includes the Pupsicle, a silicone freezing mold, and chicken Pops.

Safe chew rule of thumb: Press your thumbnail into a chew. If it won’t dent, it’s too hard for puppy teeth. Always supervise chewing, and toss toys once they start breaking apart.

Crate Training Gifts for the First Weeks Home

A cozy, comfortable crate setup helps puppies learn that their crate is a safe place to rest. These picks make those first nights easier for everyone.

Crate stocking stuffers under $25

• ThunderEase diffuser: Releases a copy of the calming pheromone a mother dog produces. It may help some puppies settle and is low risk. Think of it as a helpful add-on to a good routine, not a fix on its own.
• Crate cover: Turns the crate into a cozy, den-like space and cuts down on visual distractions. Choose breathable fabric and leave one side open for airflow.
• Snuggle Puppy replacement heat packs (12 count): Extra warmth for those first few weeks of nights.

Mid-range crate gifts ($25 to $75)

• SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy: Mimics the warmth and heartbeat of sleeping next to littermates, which eases a lot of first-night crying. It isn’t a chew toy, so take out the heat pack if your puppy starts chewing the pouch.
• MidWest Ultima Pro crate: A sturdy, budget-friendly wire crate with a divider panel. Buy one crate sized for your adult dog and adjust the space as your puppy grows.
• Exercise pen with a gate: Often more useful than a second crate. It gives your puppy a safe play zone while you cook, work, or wrap presents.
• Chew-resistant crate pad: Skip plush beds until your puppy is past the shredding stage.

Splurge crate gifts ($75 and up)

• Diggs Revol crate: Known for its fold-down side door and top hatch, which make it easy to drop in rewards for calm behavior. It starts around $599, so check current price and availability early.
• Dog crate furniture: A stylish way to make the crate part of your living room.

Puppy Training Gear That Supports the Training, Not Fights It

The right gear makes force-free training easier. The wrong gear can make walks and training sessions harder for both of you.

Training stocking stuffers under $25

• Clicker or clicker and target stick combo: The simplest training tool out there, and one of the most useful.
• Adjustable flat collar with an ID tag: Puppies grow fast, so adjustable is the way to go. I use these collars for my own dogs.
• Clip-on LED light or high-visibility reflective vest: It’s dark by 4:30 in December. Help drivers see your pup on evening walks.
• Enzymatic cleaner (Rocco & Roxy or Nature’s Miracle): Accidents happen. Enzyme cleaners break down the odor so your puppy doesn’t return to the same spot.
• Poop bag holder and leash clip

Mid-range training gifts ($25 to $75)

• Wilderdog treat pouch: A magnetic closure means one-handed access to treats.
• Wilderdog Utility Pack: Separate pockets let you sort high-value treats from everyday ones. It also has a water-resistant lining and a built-in poop bag dispenser.
• BioThane long line (15 to 30 feet) from High Tail Hikes: BioThane holds up much better than nylon in PNW rain and mud. For a first puppy, 15 feet is a great starting length. Custom orders take a week or two, so order early.
• Y-front harness: Look for a harness shaped like a “Y” across the chest so your puppy’s shoulders can move freely. The Blue-9 Balance Harness and Ruffwear Front Range are both good options. Puppies outgrow harnesses quickly, so a gift card lets the family get the right fit.

Splurge training gift ($75 and up)

• Rainy-day walking kit: A harness, BioThane leash, long line, treat pack, and reflective gear bundled together. Perfect as a group gift from family.

The Best Training Treats and Chews for Puppies

Good treats make training faster and more fun. Look for small, soft, smelly treats your puppy can eat in a second.

• Small, soft training treats like Real Meat Company: Pea-sized and quick to eat. Crunchy biscuits slow training down.
• Freeze-dried, single-ingredient treats like Vital Essentials Salmon Bites or Pupford Beef Liver: Great high-value rewards for tough moments.
• Lickable puppy paste like Buddy Butter or Rigby: Perfect for stuffing a KONG or Toppl. Always check peanut butter labels for xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
• Bully sticks with a holder like the Woof Bully Safe, West Paw Qwizl, or Chewise: A holder keeps your puppy from swallowing the last small piece. Take it away once it’s down to a couple of inches.

Before buying treats, check the FDA and AVMA recall lists.

Puppy Grooming Gifts That Make Handling Easier

Starting gentle grooming early helps your puppy feel comfortable being handled for life. Pair every brush stroke and nail touch with a treat or a lick mat.

• Brushes: Pet Teezer Puppy Detangle Brush, Hertzko slicker brush, Warren London comb, and Sleekeze deshedding tool.
• Shampoo and conditioner: Burt’s Bees or Earthbath, both gentle options for first baths.
• Grooming wipes: Earthbath or Earth Rated for quick cleanups after muddy walks.
• Nail care: LuckyTail nail grinder, Safari by Coastal Pet clippers, Safari Deluxe clippers, and the Ferrochef scratch board, which lets your puppy help file their own nails.
• Gift sets: Warren London Puppy Gift Box, a complete puppy care set, and the Warren London Pawdicure Gift Box.

Gifts for the New Puppy Parent

• Puppy-proofing kit: Cord covers, cabinet locks (option 1 or option 2), a lidded trash can, a baby gate (half door, full door, or extra wide), and a printed list of toxic foods and plants.
• First vet visit or pet insurance contribution: Signing up while a puppy is young means fewer pre-existing conditions. Pawlicy makes it easy to compare plans.
• Professional puppy photo session: They’re only this small for a few weeks! Local favorites include Holly Cook Photography and Beast Friends Photography.

Best Puppy Training Books for New Owners

• The Puppy Primer by Patricia McConnell: A short, approachable, science-grounded classic.
• Perfect Puppy in 7 Days by Dr. Sophia Yin: A step-by-step plan for the first week home, full of helpful photos.
• Doggie Language by Lili Chin: An illustrated guide to reading your puppy’s body language.
• Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy by Steve Mann: Fun, friendly, and easy to follow for first-time puppy parents.
• Puppy Start Right by Kenneth and Debbie Martin: A strong foundation for raising a companion dog.

Should You Give a Puppy as a Holiday Gift?

A puppy can be a wonderful gift, but only for someone who has already said they want one and is ready for the commitment. Instead of a surprise puppy under the tree, try gifting the promise of a puppy. Wrap a box with a Toppl, a Snuggle Puppy, a treat pouch, a book, and a training gift certificate, plus a card that says “Let’s pick out your puppy together.” Your future pup gets to come home when things are calm, routines are set, and the whole family is ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready for Real Puppy Support?

Gifts make the first weeks easier, but the right support makes them calmer. If you’re looking for support as you navigate puppyhood, I offer both in-person and remote training. Book a discovery call for a free 15-minute consultation.