Personalised Dog Christmas Decorations: A Guide to Their Place on the Tree
Every family has decorations that come out of the box each December with a little "oh, I love this one". A personalised dog Christmas decoration is one of those. It gives the dog their own place on the tree, year after year, and it's one of the most popular small gifts for dog lovers. Here's what to look for, how the different types compare, and how to keep your dog safe around the tree.
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.
Why personalised dog decorations make such good gifts
- They come back every year. Most gifts are used for a season. A decoration is unwrapped again every December.
- They mark milestones. A puppy's first Christmas, a rescue dog's first Christmas home, or a gentle way to remember a dog who has died.
- They're easy to post and easy to give. Flat, light and the right size for a stocking or a Secret Santa.
Types of personalised dog Christmas decorations
Printed wooden decorations
Full-colour printing on wood gives you the dog's coat colour and the name in one design, with a natural, warm finish. Wood is light, and it doesn't shatter if a tail sweeps it off a branch. This is what we make: our wooden dog Christmas decoration is printed in full colour on natural Hinoki wood, in a heart, oval or bell shape, with a ribbon to hang it (£17.99, free UK delivery).
Engraved wooden decorations
Laser engraving gives a rustic, single-colour look, usually a breed silhouette and a name burned into the wood. Lovely and subtle, but you lose the coat colour, which matters if the dog is a chocolate Lab rather than a yellow one.
Ceramic and porcelain
Ceramic decorations take a crisp print and feel weighty and heirloom-like. They can break if dropped, so hang them high if there's a waggy tail around.
Glass baubles
Glass catches the fairy lights beautifully, but it's the most fragile choice. The Royal Kennel Club warns that glass or thin plastic decorations can be dangerous if chewed or swallowed, so keep them well out of reach.
Photo decorations and custom portraits
Some makers print a photo or paint a portrait from your picture. These are the most like the individual dog but usually cost more and take longer to make. Ours are breed illustrations rather than photo portraits, which keeps them clean, consistent and quicker to make.
What to look for when buying
- The right breed and coat. Check that the coat colour options match the dog. Our decorations come in all our breeds and coats: Cockapoo, Labrador, French Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel and Dachshund, with more breeds on the way.
- Name length. Long names need space. Ours take up to 14 characters, sized to fit.
- A proof. For a keepsake, it's worth seeing the design before it's made. We offer free proofs on request.
- Delivery timing. Personalised items are made to order, so check Christmas cut-off dates. Ours are on our Delivery & Christmas Dates page.
- Durability. Wood and ceramic survive a house with dogs and children better than glass.
Ideas for using a personalised dog decoration
Puppy's first Christmas
The classic. Add the puppy's name and you've got a keepsake to compare against next year's very much bigger dog. For more ideas, read puppy's first Christmas ideas.
One for every dog in the family
Two dogs, two decorations. Some families add one for each dog they've had, so the tree tells the story of every dog who's been part of the family.
A gift tag that is also a gift
Tie a decoration to the ribbon of a bigger present, such as a mug or print with the same dog, for a matching set.
A gentle memorial
For someone whose dog has died this year, a decoration with the dog's name can be a quiet way of saying "we remember too". Read our careful guide to dog memorial gift ideas first.
Thank-you gifts
For dog walkers, groomers, sitters and vet nurses, a decoration with the name of the dog they look after is small, personal and posts easily. Ordering several? See bulk and corporate gifts.
Keeping your dog safe around the tree
A tree full of lights, shiny things and dangling ribbons can look a lot like a toy shop to a dog. The Royal Kennel Club's advice includes:
- Use a strong stand, or tether the tree to the wall, so it can't be knocked over.
- Put the tree up for a few days before decorating it, so your dog gets used to it.
- Keep the bottom branches bare, with lights, tinsel and baubles high up.
- Tape down electric cables so they can't be chewed.
- Avoid chocolate, sweets, popcorn or salt-dough decorations on the tree. Salt dough can be toxic to dogs.
- Cover the tree's water, and consider a pet gate or tree guard.
Our wooden decorations are decorations, not chews. Printful's wooden ornaments also have a magnetic back, so please hang them out of reach of pets and small children. If you think your dog has swallowed something, contact your vet straight away.
How to store your decoration
Wipe with a soft, dry cloth, keep it away from water and store it flat in a dry box between Christmases. Natural wood can show small knots and traces of resin, which is part of its charm. See our Care Guide for more.
Ready to give your dog their place on the tree? Browse the Christmas collection.
Frequently asked questions
What shapes do your dog Christmas decorations come in?
Heart, oval or bell. Each is printed in full colour with your chosen breed, coat colour and your dog's name, and comes with a ribbon to hang it.
Is the decoration engraved or printed?
Printed in full colour on natural Hinoki wood, so the coat colour shows, rather than a single-colour engraving.
Is a wooden Christmas decoration safe for dogs?
It's a decoration, not a toy, and it has a magnetic back, so hang it high on the tree, out of reach of pets and small children. If you think your dog has swallowed any decoration, call your vet.
When should I order a personalised decoration for Christmas?
As early as you can, and before the order-by date on our Delivery & Christmas Dates page. Allow 2-5 working days for printing and 2-5 for delivery, plus time for a proof if you ask for one.
Can I order decorations for several dogs?
Yes. Order one decoration per dog. For lots of decorations, for example for a daycare or grooming salon, email hello@waggleandink.co.uk for help.