What to Gift Alongside That New Puppy for Christmas

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In the world of gifting, bequeathing a puppy to your family has to be, hands down, the happiest tail ever told. Oh, the joy on their faces as that lively little bundle of love bounds onto the scene, wriggling her way right into everyone's hearts. And since your new fuzzy buddy requires an arsenal of gear for daily living, why not round out the presents waiting under the tree with all the swag she'll need? Here, the essentials your fur baby—and family—require to settle into puppyhood with ease.

Secure Harness

Once those little legs are ready to hit the ground running, it can be hard to contain all that energy, exploration, and desire to eat everything in sight. That's where a harness comes in. It can help curb the excitement and the hoovering of inedible objects in a comfy way—so she won't feel a tug around her neck but instead just be gently reined in. It goes over the head, features soft fabric under the belly, and is adjustable, so even the squirmiest puppy will stay put.

Mobile Home

Though it's so tempting to let your pup cuddle up in bed, every dog parent (and expert) will tell you they first need to learn some boundaries (i.e., the bed is not a place for wetting). Keeping them crated at night and for periods of time during the day not only helps with potty training, but the less territory they have to roam, the safer they'll be. The handy fold-up design of this crate makes for easy transport, and the divider can be adjusted as your pupper grows to expand the available space.

Tasty Treats

During training, treats are the currency of champions; you'll quickly see there's pretty much nothing they won't do for a yummy morsel. Zuke's Mini Naturals are chock-full of peanut butter and lower in calories than many other dog snacks—a major bonus, since you'll be dishing them out on repeat. And their small size delivers big flavor that's quickly consumed, so pets won't choke or have to halt in the middle of learning a new skill in order to chew.

Doggie Bag

A dog carrier for your new pooch is a great idea. Let us count the modes of travel on which you might use it: for public transportation with your pup in tow, car travel, flights, or simply when you're trying to get from point A to point B (some vets may not want those precious paws touching the ground until your new dog finishes her shots). This model has handy top and side entries, mesh panels for ventilation, and a window to the world. Bonus: It's airline-approved.

Snug Snoozer

Though she may be sleeping in a crate overnight (for now), she'll still need a spot to curl up in during the day (pups sleep a lot). She'll love this plush perch for its cocooning shape and comfy construction. In fact, it's so cozy, you might be tempted to take a snooze there yourself.

Soothing Chewer

Having tough toys on hand designed for gnawing can be a game-changer for a puppy (a.k.a. super-chewer). Instead of turning toward your arm, furniture legs, or pillows as viable chomping options, she'll find a go-to in a pacifier like this one, which provides teething relief and squeaking for sensory stimulation. It's a simple equation: the more distractions, the less destruction.

Mess-Minimizing Bowls

When it's feeding time, your tiny chowhound will go to town—without any awareness of etiquette. Which is why a feeder with an attached mat is exactly what you need to catch spills, splashes, and overflows before they hit the floor. The non-slip bottom and dual holders keep bowls firmly in place while your puppy inhales eats her food.

Slow Feeder

Speaking of chowhounds, if yours consumes kibble before it even has a chance to hit the bowl, you might consider a puzzle feeder to slow their roll. Instead the usual all-access pass to the entire food bowl, a puzzle toy requires your pooch to use her brain, nose, and paws to find kibble beneath puzzle pieces—making mealtime a leisurely experience. It can also be used anytime to bust boredom; just sub kibble for treats for a tasty snack challenge.

Clean Sweep

Welcoming a new puppy means—along with all the kisses and cuddles—paw prints, hair, and drool. Let's just say the struggle to keep your house clean from here on out will be real. But this is where a wet-dry vac can save the day (and your floors). This one dry-vacuums and washes floors in a single bound, tackles multiple surfaces on contact, and busts pet hair like it was never there. Dealing with dirty work has never been so easy.

Anxiety Soother

While your family will be happier than ever, your new puppy may be feeling all the feels—including some angst. If you think about it from their perspective, your home is a big, brand-new world that might be scary, especially when they're alone. Help them ease into it all with a little extra comfort in the form of a Snuggle Puppy. The battery-operated plushy simulates a heartbeat and has a built-in heat pack for warm cuddles—like an instant crate mate.

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