Are you struggling to find gifts for dog dads in your life this year? It feels like purchasing gifts for my husband is getting harder and harder. Unlike when we were teenagers or in college, we typically buy whatever we want when we need it. This can make holidays a bit tricky, especially since tech is typically off the table for him, and the last thing I want to do is spend money on clutter he isn’t going to enjoy. That said, he is always happy when he can get something for the dogs, or show off his love for our dog-ters while at work. With so much of our family just being furry parents, it has been my new go-to for holidays, knowing how much we view our dogs, rabbits, and cats as children.
Gifts for Dog Dads: What to Consider
Before buying any gifts for a dog dad in your life, consider their lifestyle and the things they enjoy. If they live in a small apartment or are minimalists, be careful when buying a lot of clutter. Also, ensure they don’t already own what you are considering before purchasing. The last thing you want to do is spend money on something custom-made only to find it will go in a drawer or be asked to be returned (something many shops don’t do anymore for custom items). Before you worry too much, though, know that most dog parents are ecstatic that you even considered them or bought them something special for Father’s Day, their Birthday, or Christmas.
Popular Gifts for Dog Dads: Mugs, Water Bottles, Shot Glasses
Let’s be real, every dog dad loves to show off their dogs at work. Be it their phone, a picture frame, or maybe even a cute coffee mug. This is one of the reasons why coffee mugs and water bottles are some of the best gifts for dog dads. They are the gift that keeps giving and brings a smile throughout the day. Not only are they unique and personal, but relatively inexpensive, making them great gifts for just about any budget.
Don’t forget about shot glasses if you want to be a bit fancier. You can find some of the cutest shot glasses and barware. One of my favorite gifts for dog dads this year has to be an etched photo whiskey glass. I recently saw this at a friend’s house and fell in love with the idea. Best of all, it can be done with your favorite picture of your dog, which looks lifelike!
Leash Holders
If your dog household is anything like ours, you have leashes everywhere. I couldn’t imagine how much of a lifesaver having a leash holder would be. It is decorative and functional and keeps the leash exactly where you need it, especially during emergencies. The last thing you want to do when a tornado siren is going off is look for a leash, especially with two large, very excited dogs. You can find leash holders that are very minimalist, up to custom-made leash holders with the name and breed of the dog. These are my favorite and are fantastic focal points that dog parents love when decorating (and showing off to guests). It is one of the most practical and useful gifts for dog dads.
Artwork
Even though many people don’t consider it, artwork is one of the most thoughtful, sweet gifts you can give to any dog parent. While we may not want to think about it right now, these are the gifts that we will look at years from now that will make us smile. One of our favorite gifts is actually a personalized blanket with pictures of Reya. While she is gone, it is a beautiful memory. These can also be small, cute things that make any guy smile. My favorite must be a custom brick figure set, turning dad and his dog into a cute LEGO set! I mean, what dog dad wouldn’t love having a brick version of himself and his favorite pup!
Of course, don’t forget the more traditional types of artwork, including custom dog drawings of your favorite guy’s dog. Many artists on Etsy love drawing dogs, especially if they have a photo reference.
Sports Items
For those who are more sports-oriented, I also love that some creators have combined the love of sports with owning dogs. One of the most unique gifts for dog dads I have seen this year has to be custom dog golf balls and dog baseballs. These are, without a doubt, some of the cutest gifts out there, with a picture of your dog and its name. It is perfect for displaying on a desk or having unique balls you can use during practice, making your dad smile!
Gifts for Dog Dads: Where to Purchase
While I find that everyone has their thoughts when it comes to purchasing gifts, I personally love to buy my gifts from mom-and-pop stores. Craft shows are some of the best places to buy gifts, especially if you are looking for something unique on a budget, but if you want something personal, this can be very tricky. This is one of the reasons I have moved more to buying unique gifts from Etsy. I love getting a personalized gift for my husband and knowing I support a small business. Best of all, it is something he is proud to show off.
Still not certain if you have found the right gift this year? Make sure to check out the Etsy Father’s Day Gift Guide here!
If you are looking for a special gift for a dog mom in your life, make sure to check out our gifts for dog moms here.
About Susan Bewley
Susan Bewley is a professional writer who has been writing content online & in print format for over 10 years. As well, she is an alumni of the University of Louisville with a Masters Degree in Special Education. When not working as an online business consultant or ghost writing, she can be found writing on Budget Earth, on her own novel, or working with various entities in the pet industry.