Shopping for someone whose dog is basically their whole personality? Same. Every dog lover has a drawer full of "World's Best Dog Mom" mugs, so this year we put together a guide to the best gifts for dog lovers: things they'll actually use, made or designed right here in Vermont. Most of it is handmade in small batches, and all of it has a little more funk than the stuff at the big-box pet store.
1. A Handmade Elevated Dog Bowl Built From a Real Skateboard Deck
Our best seller, and the gift people tell us they get the most compliments on. Each elevated dog bowl is built on a real skateboard deck with hand-drawn art, so it raises your pup's food and water to a more comfortable height and looks like a piece of art on the kitchen floor instead of a plastic dish.
- Price: $85
- Best for: small to medium dogs, dog owners who care about how their home looks
- Tip: not sure what height to get? Our guide on how to measure your dog for the perfect elevated bowl height takes about two minutes.
2. A Scratch & Dent Bowl (Same Bowl, Better Price)
Want the handmade bowl for less? Our Scratch & Dent elevated dog and cat bowls have small cosmetic blemishes from the build process, like a tiny scuff or uneven finish, but work exactly the same. At $55 instead of $85, they're a great stocking-stuffer upgrade or a "just because" gift. Quantities are limited, and once one is gone, it's gone.
3. The Executive Feeding Station for the Minimalist
For the dog lover with a clean, modern home, the Handmade Elevated Dog Feeding Station in Baltic birch with rose gold bowls ($135) is our most polished piece. No graphics, just beautiful wood and a raised feeding height. Browse the full Executive collection for one-of-one designs.
4. A Pet Bed With Actual Personality
Dogs spend half their lives napping, so give them somewhere good to do it. Our pet beds come in bold designs like Frenchie Love, Dream Catcher and Phunky Donuts, and they look great in the living room instead of hiding in a corner.
- Price: $65 to $120 depending on size
- Best for: the pup who steals the couch
5. A Feeding Mat to Catch the Mess
Every dog is a messy eater sometimes. A Phunky Donuts feeding mat ($30 to $40) keeps kibble and water off the floor and pairs perfectly with an elevated bowl. Bundle the two for a gift that looks like you put real thought into it (because you did).
6. A Dog Bandana for Holiday Photos
Under $20 and guaranteed to end up on Instagram. Our all-over print dog bandanas ($18 to $20) are an easy add-on to any gift, or a fun stocking stuffer on their own.
7. Something for the Human, Too
Dog people run on coffee. Early walks, late walks, middle-of-the-night "I need to go out" walks. A bag of small-batch Mad Flyentist coffee, roasted and packed for Funky Flies here in Vermont, makes a great companion gift. Try a single origin like Brazil or Guatemala, or our Funky Fungi mushroom coffee.
8. Can't Decide? Go With a Gift Card
A Funky Flies gift card lets them pick their own favorite design, which is especially handy since every bowl has different art.
Why Shop Small for Your Dog Lover Gifts This Holiday Season
Funky Flies is a small Vermont maker, not a warehouse. When you buy from us, you're supporting handmade work and a business that gives back. In 2021, we donated 100 complete skateboards to The Uganda Skateboard Society. Orders ship within 24 hours, and if you're local, free pickup is available in Rutland and Richmond, VT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are good gifts for dog lovers?
Something their dog uses every day, like an elevated dog bowl, a comfortable pet bed or a feeding mat. Gifts that are useful and look good in the home tend to get used for years, while novelty items end up in a drawer.
Are elevated dog bowls a good gift?
Yes, for most small and medium dogs. A raised bowl brings food closer to your dog's natural eating height. If the dog is a large or giant, deep-chested breed, check with their vet first. We explain why in our post on whether elevated dog bowls are safe.
Do you have gifts for cat lovers too?
Absolutely. Check out our elevated cat bowls and raised cat feeding stations and our post on unique gifts for cat lovers.