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We’ve updated this guide for 2022 with some new picks, including our favorite dog bed and a tasty Lick Mat.

Dogs can’t simply hand over a list of the gizmos and gadgets they desire. That puts added pressure on us, their human friends, to pick out the best toys and treats for our favorite pooches. Whether you’re looking for a luxe puppy bed, a fun chew toy, or something more unusual for the canine who has everything, we’ve gathered the best Wirecutter-tested and staff-recommended gifts for dogs (and the people who love them!).

SodaPup eMat Enrichment Lick Mat ($15 at the time of publication)

When you just want your pup to chill out, a lick mat covered in tasty treats will give them something nourishing to focus on. These thick rubber placemats have novelty-shaped cutouts (think little ducks or dog bones) that pet owners can smear with peanut butter, yogurt, fruit puree, or whatever their pup desires. Dogs will love licking every nook and cranny clean, but Wirecutter pets writer Kaitlyn Wells said these colorful and cute mats are also a gift to the owners. “Dogs can spend upwards of 30 minutes working on a mat, which gives you plenty of time to finish a quick chore or conference call,” she said. Lick mats can also help quick eaters slow down at mealtime, and they work well if dogs need a distraction during grooming or bath time. And once your pup has licked the mat clean, just toss it in the dishwasher, so it’ll be ready for the next snack session.

Kong Jumbler Ball ($15 at the time of publication)

Some dogs can play with one toy all day and be content, while others need to switch things up. The Kong Jumbler Ball is perfect for the dog that thinks variety is the spice of life. The clear plastic shell has a squeaky tennis ball trapped inside, with exterior handles that make it easy for you to pick up and toss—or for your pup to shake and fling to their heart’s content. My friend has a high-energy pup, Vesta, who acts like she could run a mile in about 30 seconds flat if given the opportunity, and the Jumbler keeps her occupied for hours. Two other Kong puzzle toys come highly recommended by Wirecutter staffers: The plastic Kong Wobbler can be filled with hard treats or kibble, and dogs learn quickly that if they move it, a reward comes out. The Kong Classic provides the same entertainment, only with wet food.

Poppy Angeloff Pups on Cups Complete Teacups & Teapot Porcelain Set ($360 at the time of publication)

It hasn’t been scientifically proven (not yet, at least), but it sure seems like tea tastes better when served in a delightful cup. And what could be more delightful than a whimsical pink Pomeranian or a pug wearing a bow tie? Poppy Angeloff’s porcelain Pups on Cups set includes a teapot and six teacups with matching saucers. Each cup features a different dog wearing their finest accessories, and every item is decorated with hand-painted accents in 24-karat gold and comes in an adorable, glossy presentation box. With a tea set like this, your recipient will never want to drink coffee again.

Aquapaw Slow Treater Silicone Lick Mat (about $11 at the time of publication)

Bathing dogs can be hard: There’s whining, yelping, and a few escape attempts—and that’s just the owner we’re talking about. The Aquapaw Slow Treater Silicone Lick Mat gives dogs a welcome distraction during bath time, making it easier for owners to get the job done. Just spread peanut butter, low-fat cream cheese, or another high-value snack into the grooves of the mat, then suction the gadget to the wall. It’s designed so that dogs can’t eat their treat quickly, giving groomers more time to deliver a thorough washing. That’s a win for everyone.

Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Pet Shampoo ($13 at the time of publication)

Made without soap, parabens, or sulfates, Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Pet Shampoo keeps a dog’s skin moisturized and smelling great. Oatmeal and aloe vera calm dry and irritated skin, and some reviewers say the cruelty-free shampoo alleviated their dog’s skin issues after just one use. Throw in a massage, and you can turn bath time into a full-fledged puppy spa day.

Rosa Floral Navy Waste Bag Dispenser (about $25 at the time of publication)

Picking up dog waste doesn’t have to be a chore. This brightly colored poop-bag dispenser, featuring a fuchsia, coral, and teal flower pattern designed by Rifle Paper Co., looks great hanging from a leash (it attaches easily and securely, thanks to a sturdy gold clip). The dispenser is lightweight and can hold a standard roll of bags, with just enough space left for a treat or two.

FurHaven Snuggery Burrow Bed ($35 at the time of publication)

This cozy resting spot is perfect for pups who love to burrow, said Wirecutter pets writer Kaitlyn Wells, whose dog Sutton enjoyed it for over four years. Lined with insulating sherpa fleece, the FurHaven Snuggery bed features a flexible hood, which stands up to create a cave and collapses down into a blanket to envelop your pup. There are several different colors and sizes available—an older dog (or one with back problems) may appreciate the orthopedic-foam version, and in the summer, the cooling gel-infused model might hit the spot for canines who live in warmer climates.

Eufy Solo IndoorCam C24 (about $40 at the time of publication)

The Eufy Solo IndoorCam C24 makes it easy to keep an eye on your pet, no matter where you are. After extensive testing, we found that this inexpensive, wireless indoor security camera is a great alternative to fancier pet cameras. This Eufy model comes with two-way audio, is quick to set up, and provides sharp images, even at night. You can livestream the footage from a smartphone or receive notifications when motion or sound is detected. Video recordings can be saved locally on a microSD card (sold separately) or to the cloud for 30 days (starting at $3 per month). If your dog has fans, you can even invite a few to watch the pooch-themed reality show via the Eufy app.

Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel (about $11 at the time of publication)

The Hide-A-Squirrel is several stuffed toys in one: Three small, squeaky squirrels are placed inside a tree trunk, and dogs have to work on getting them out of their holes. It’s meant to be a boredom-busting, mentally stimulating activity, prompting pups to stop and think about how to get those critters out of their hiding place. It’s also great for families with multiple dogs—they can work together to nab the squirrels and then chew on their own. My sister’s two dachshunds, Heidi and Henry, adore this toy, and if you’ve never seen a low-to-the-ground sausage dog race around while dragging a stuffed tree trunk behind her, it’s a magnificent sight. Some Wirecutter staff pups also love this toy.

Majestic Pet Suede Bagel Dog Bed (about $40 at the time of publication)

Your dog will have nothing but sweet dreams in this plush, pillowy bed from Majestic Pet, which has been our pick for best overall dog bed since we first published the guide, in 2017. We love that its soft microsuede cover is machine-washable and holds up well against scratching and nibbling. This bed comes in four sizes to fit dogs up to 110 pounds, and the subdued color choices complement most home-decor styles. Unlike other, similarly styled cuddler beds we tried, this one is easy to fill, and it doesn’t lose its shape after washing; Indeed, one tester reported that it’s only now starting to wear out—after five years of use.

Orvis Personalized Reflective Collar (about $40 at the time of publication)

Should your dog ever get loose, the bright and bold Orvis Personalized Reflective Collar—our favorite basic dog collar—will provide peace of mind. With your pet’s name and your phone number embroidered on the front, all of the information to get you reunited is right there, and there’s no need to worry about an ID tag falling off. Made of durable nylon, the collar is reflective and easily spotted in low-light conditions. The Orvis collar’s embroidery won’t fade or peel away, and the heavy-duty side-release buckle makes it easy to put on and take off. Most importantly, this collar is easy to adjust and comfortable for your pet to wear, meaning you (and your pup!) will actually use it.

Alex and Ani “I’m A Dog Mom” Charm Bangle ($40 at the time of publication)

Sure, you could whip out your phone the second you meet someone and proudly show them all 2,405 pictures of your dog, or you could let your jewelry do the talking. This fun Alex and Ani bracelet puts a spin on the iconic Mean Girls quote, “I’m not like a regular mom, I’m a cool mom,” with the phrase, “I’m not a regular mom, I’m a dog mom.” Plus, there are paw prints and hearts for good measure. Alex and Ani works closely with manufacturers in the company’s home state of Rhode Island, and all of its metal jewelry is nickel free.

SwimWays Spring Float Paddle Paws (about $30 at the time of publication)

Pool days are even more fun when the four-legged members of your family are involved. This SwimWays Paddle Paws float is ideal for smaller dogs but can support pups up to 65 pounds. It’s also puncture resistant, so you don’t have to worry about any claws sinking this ship. Inserts on the side of the mesh base allow a little water into the float, keeping your pup cool. If you decide to take the crew on a weekend getaway, the float folds flat for easy transport to another pool.

Embark Breed + Health Kit (about $160 at the time of publication)

Find out for certain whether your dog has a little German shepherd or Chihuahua in them with the Embark Breed + Health Kit, a DNA test that digs deeper to reveal more than just ancestry. It’s our pick for best dog DNA test because of its comprehensive breed database, extensive genetic-disease screening, and great customer service. Using a sample collected from your dog’s cheek, Embark screens the DNA for more than 190 health conditions and traits. The test is a great way to not only satisfy your own curiosity about your dog’s origins but also to learn whether they’re part of a breed that might be susceptible to health issues. We also found that Embark’s customer service was better than most. When our tester’s pup got some worrisome results, a veterinary geneticist reached out and offered to reconfirm the results.

DivvyUp Custom Dog Socks (from about $25 at the time of publication)

You know how cute your dog is, and now the rest of the world can see it too. These customizable DivvyUp socks are sure to show off your pup’s good side, since you get to choose the photo and upload it directly to the company’s site. Each pair can have up to three different faces, which is great if you have more than one dog and don’t want to be accused of playing favorites. Available in a variety of colors and sizes, these socks are soft, and there’s no need to worry about not recognizing your pet: The images print clearly, ensuring the faces don’t stretch out when you’re wearing them.

We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend.

This article was edited by Catherine Kast and Jennifer Hunter.

Catherine Garcia is a Wirecutter contributor. Based in Southern California, she is the night editor at TheWeek.com and has written about everything from women in the music industry for NBC News to the best Nancy Drew book (it's The Ghost of Blackwood Hall) for Entertainment Weekly.

Dorie Chevlen is a staff writer from Youngstown, Ohio, now living in Los Angeles. She has worked as a copy editor, fact checker, and sandwich maker, but this is probably her favorite gig. Her writing has also been published in Science, Slate, and The Wall Street Journal, among others. She has been called—both flatteringly and not—“a lot.”

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