Gift ideas for the dog in your life

I am dog obsessed through and through, that’s the only way to explain it. My dog is my buddy, my best friend, my first baby if you will. So, it’s only fitting that he makes my gift list for Christmas.

He’s four years old, and he makes that list every year. But I’ll admit, it’s starting to get tough to buy for my furry friend. I’m not really into buying him repeat gifts. Not because he’ll EVER know the difference, because I actually care.

Riley snoozing after we all opened presents last Christmas, 2011.

I’m obviously not going to buy him clothes, books or a gift card, so I can cross out those ideas.

In the past, I’ve filled his stocking with new treats and bought him toys as gifts. This year I think I might shake things up a little.

Here’s a list of some things I’m considering getting. They’ll either benefit just him or both he and I. Not exactly the meaning of Christmas right there, but let’s be honest, he won’t know the difference either way!

While, I’d love to buy all of this, I’m probably just going to pick one. My husband would have a cow if I went overboard. He thinks I’m a bit over the top with my Riley. (Gasp!)

1. A new leash
We’re actually using the same leash Riley’s had since he was a puppy and it’s starting to look old and raggedy. We also have a hand-me-down retractable leash that has seen better days. So, I’d like to replace one of them.

I’ve had my eye on the Freedom Flexi Grip.

This leash features a retractable design and braking system to give your pet the feeling of freedom while letting you keep your four-legged friend nearby. The nylon cord leash features a chrome hook and a strong plastic case with an ergonomic design for comfort.

Suggested Retail Price: $19.95 to $34.95

2. Dog bed
My dog is a digger, and with that said, it’s his ritual every night before it’s time to sleep, to dig his way through his bed to the floor.

Two years of making his way to China has shredded the lining and made his bed pillow look like a cat used it as a scratching post. I would LOVE to buy him a nice, cushy new one.

My pick is the Plush Designer Orbit Bed by Bowsers Pet Products.

In this latest trend setting one-piece design, the inner cushion is built directly into the bottom of the bed.Great solution for dogs that tend to take out and play with removable cushions from their bed.

Suggested Retail Price: $89.99 to $189.99

3. New toy
Both my two-year-old and dog are having trouble knowing who’s toy belongs to whom. It’s kind of funny actually. They each have their own basket of stuff in my living room and they continue to think both are theirs.

I figure if I buy Riley a new toy maybe my daughter will actually let him have it.

This Ginger Bread Man Holiday toy by West Paw Design is so adorable you might want to give it to your pooch a little early! What I love about it…it’s eco-friendly and made in the USA!

Suggested Retail Price: $7 to $12 each

4. Tasty treats
Since my dog has lost a couple of pounds, (at the request of my vet), I want to reward him with a tasty treat for the holiday. It is a special occasion after all!

This adorable Snickerdoodles gift box by Bubba Rose Biscuit Co. comes wrapped and ready to go!

Box Size: 3.75″ x 3.75″ (contains 18 cookies)

Ingredients: organic oat flour, organic brown rice flour, natural wildflower honey, organic cage-free eggs, cinnamon and pure vanilla extract.
Guaranteed analysis: crude protein (min.) 9%, crude fat (min.) 9%, crude fiber (max.) 6%, moisture (max.) 10%

Suggested Retail Price: $12.50 ea.

5. Soggy Doggy Door Mat
This door mat not only absorbs more water and dirt from your pooch’s paws than a typical doormat, but it dries quickly and remains odor and bacteria free!

Anywhere a soggy dog goes, the Soggy Doggy Doormat can go too. It can also be used for backdoors, crates, back of the car or the couch.

The Soggy Doggy is made from millions of textured, ultra-fine strands woven together, so the surface area of the doormat is much greater than meets the eye!

Suggested Retail Price: $39.99 each

Disclosure: These are all products I’m interested in and have not received any as compensation to write this post.