Gifts for New Puppy Owners: Thoughtful Ideas for the First Few Months
Someone you love has just brought home a puppy. Congratulations to them, and good luck to their skirting boards. The first few months with a puppy are exhausting, funny and over in a flash, so the best gifts do one of two things: make daily life a little easier, or help them remember how small their puppy once was.
A quick note on honesty: Waggle & Ink sells some of the gifts in this guide, and we've linked to them. Everything else is a general idea. Nobody has paid us to mention it. Our products show original breed illustrations with your dog's name, not portraits drawn from a photo. Prices were correct in October 2026.
Before you buy: check what they already have
New owners are often given three dog beds and no poo bags. A quick message ("Is there anything you still need for the puppy?") avoids duplicates. Dogs Trust's puppy checklist is a good reminder of the basics, and of which gifts are genuinely useful.
Practical gifts for the first weeks
1. A personalised ID tag
Under UK law, dogs must wear a collar and tag with the owner's name and address when they're in a public place, according to GOV.UK. All dogs must also be microchipped and registered by the time they're 8 weeks old. An engraved tag is a small, useful first gift. Check the address before you order.
2. Puppy-safe chews in a few textures
Teething puppies chew everything. A few puppy-appropriate chews and rubber toys give them a legal alternative to table legs. Choose toys sized for the puppy's adult size, and supervise with anything new.
3. A cosy crate or bed blanket
A soft, washable blanket or a crate cover helps create a calm den. Buy two, because one will always be in the wash.
4. Enzyme cleaner and kitchen roll
Not romantic, but every new puppy owner will thank you. An enzyme-based cleaner is designed to break down the smells that tempt puppies back to the same spot.
5. A puppy training class voucher
Early, positive training and socialisation make a huge difference. A voucher for a local puppy class run by a reward-based trainer may be the most valuable gift on this list. Dogs Trust has helpful advice on puppy socialisation and first weeks.
6. A lick mat or puzzle feeder
Licking and sniffing can be calming, and a puzzle feeder slows down speedy eaters. Puppy-sized versions are easier for little mouths.
7. A treat pouch
Training a puppy means rewards, little and often. A clip-on treat pouch keeps them handy on walks.
8. A comfortable first harness or lead
Puppies grow quickly, so an adjustable harness, or a voucher so they can get one fitted, is better than guessing the size.
Gifts for the humans
9. Sleep-deprivation supplies
Good coffee, a big mug and something easy for dinner. The first nights can be long. A home-cooked meal dropped round might be the kindest gift of all.
10. An hour of puppy-sitting
Offer to sit with the puppy so the owner can have a shower, go to the shops or have a nap. Puppies shouldn't be left alone for long at first, so this is genuinely helpful.
11. A waterproof coat or boots
Toilet training means going outside a lot, whatever the weather. The owner will spend more time in the garden at 2am than they ever imagined.
Keepsake gifts: remember how tiny they were
Puppies change week by week. A keepsake with the puppy's name is something the owner will treasure long after the chewing phase has passed.
12. A personalised puppy print
A personalised dog portrait print with the puppy's breed, coat colour and new name is a lovely "welcome home". A4 or A3 fits a standard frame, or choose the ready-to-hang framed portrait or a canvas.
13. A mug with the puppy's name
For all those 6am garden trips. Our personalised dog mug puts the puppy on the owner's morning tea. Is there an older dog in the house? Use the Two-Dog Mug so nobody's nose is put out of joint.
14. A first-Christmas decoration
If the puppy arrives in autumn or winter, a wooden Christmas decoration with their name marks their first Christmas, and every one after it. See our puppy's first Christmas ideas.
15. A dog mum or dog dad hoodie
New owners spend a lot of time outside. A personalised dog parent hoodie with the puppy's portrait and name keeps them warm and proud.
Gifts to avoid
- Human food or festive treats. Many are unsafe for dogs. Dogs Trust lists chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, xylitol and cooked bones among the foods to avoid.
- Small or easily shredded toys that could be swallowed.
- Rawhide or very hard chews without checking with the owner, as some vets advise against certain chews for young teeth.
- A surprise puppy. Never give a puppy as a surprise gift. A dog is a long commitment, and the decision should always be the owner's.
New puppy gifts by budget
| Budget | Ideas |
|---|---|
| Under £20 | ID tag, chews, lick mat, treat pouch, enzyme cleaner, personalised mug, first-Christmas decoration |
| £20-£40 | Puppy print, two-dog mug, crate cover, hoodie |
| Something special | Puppy class course, framed portrait, a few hours of puppy-sitting |
Which breed and coat should I choose?
We currently illustrate the Cockapoo, Labrador, French Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel and Dachshund, with twelve more breeds coming soon. Our portraits show an adult dog of the breed, which many owners like, as it's a picture of who the puppy is growing into. See the Breed Guide for coat help.
Frequently asked questions
What do new puppy owners need most?
Usually practical help: puppy-safe chews, washable bedding, an ID tag, cleaning supplies and a training class. A few hours of puppy-sitting is often the most appreciated gift of all.
Is it a legal requirement for a puppy to have an ID tag?
GOV.UK says dogs must wear a collar and tag with the owner's name and address when in a public place, and must be microchipped and registered by 8 weeks old.
Can I order a personalised gift before the puppy has a name?
You'll need the name to personalise it. If the owner hasn't decided yet, ask for a free proof and wait to approve it, or choose our non-personalised breed print.
Do your portraits show a puppy or an adult dog?
Our illustrations show the breed as an adult dog, so they stay true as the puppy grows up.
How long does delivery take?
Items are printed to order in 2-5 working days, then delivered in 2-5 working days. Standard UK delivery is free.