Christmas presents for puppies UK: gifts for a first Christmas

A puppy's first Christmas is exciting and a little chaotic. There are visitors, wrapping paper, a tree full of dangling things and plenty of new smells. The best gifts for a puppy are ones that help them settle, are safe to chew, and suit a short attention span.

This guide is about gift types, not a ranking. We don't print prices or scores. Check the live price and the maker's age and size guidance before you buy.

What makes a good puppy gift

• Safe for teething. Puppies chew everything. Pick toys made for puppies, or sized up for the adult they'll become, and never small enough to swallow.
• Easy enough to win. A puppy who gets frustrated learns to give up. Start with the easiest version of any game.
• Quick to finish. A few minutes of licking or sniffing is plenty for a young puppy, followed by a nap.
• Supervised. No puppy toy is chew-proof. Watch the first sessions and take the toy away if it starts to break.

Lick mats: something calm to do

A lick mat with a thin layer of their puppy food is a good way to help a puppy settle while the house is busy. A suction-cup mat like the LickiMat Buddy can be stuck to a tile so it doesn't get carried off and chewed. Take it away when it's licked clean. Our lick mat guide covers fillings and cleaning. You can search Amazon UK for puppy lick mats (affiliate link, opens Amazon UK).

Rubber treat toys for puppies

Many rubber treat toys come in a softer puppy version. A KONG Classic in the right size, or a puppy-specific rubber toy, can be stuffed with soaked kibble and frozen, which some teething puppies seem to enjoy. Start with fillings that fall out easily. See how to stuff a rubber treat toy, or search Amazon UK for puppy treat toys (affiliate link, opens Amazon UK).

A first puzzle

Choose a beginner level. Simple lift-and-slide puzzles like the Trixie Poker Box let you start with the lids off, so the puppy wins straight away. Our puzzle feeder levels guide explains what the levels mean and how to step up. Put puzzles away after use, because puppies will happily chew the pieces.

Sniffing games

A snuffle mat with a few pieces of kibble lets a puppy use their nose. Supervise, because some puppies try to chew the fleece. A cardboard box with scrunched paper and a few pieces of food is a free alternative, used under supervision with no tape or staples. Read enrichment for puppies for more first-month games.

A quiet space is a gift too

Puppies need a lot of sleep, and Christmas Day rarely allows it. Set up a quiet spot away from the busiest room, with a bed, a crate if they use one, and a chew. Ask visitors, especially children, to leave the puppy alone when they go there.

Puppy-proofing checklist for Christmas

• The tree. Use a barrier or a puppy pen. Hang glass and small baubles higher up, or skip them this year.
• Tinsel, ribbon and string. These are risky if swallowed. Keep them up high, or leave them out.
• Fairy-light cables. Keep them out of chewing reach, and unplug them when you're not in the room.
• Wrapping paper. Clear it up as gifts are opened. Some puppies eat it.
• Food. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, mince pies, Christmas pudding, onions, cooked bones and anything containing xylitol are all dangerous. Keep plates and selection boxes out of reach.
• Doors. With visitors coming and going, it's easy for a puppy to slip out. Use a baby gate in the hallway.
• Plants. Ask your vet or check a reliable pet-safety source before bringing seasonal plants into a puppy home.

If your puppy eats something they shouldn't, contact your vet straight away.

FAQ

What should I get my puppy for their first Christmas? A teething-friendly rubber toy, a lick mat and a very easy puzzle cover chewing, settling and thinking. Size everything for the adult dog they'll become.

Can puppies have Christmas dinner? It's safest to stick to their usual puppy food. Rich, fatty leftovers can upset a puppy's stomach, and lots of festive foods are dangerous for dogs.

Is it a good idea to give a puppy as a Christmas present? A puppy is a commitment for many years, and Christmas is a busy time to settle one in. If your family is planning a new dog, many people find it easier to bring the puppy home after the festive rush.

Wrapping up

For a first Christmas, think safe chewing, easy wins and plenty of naps. Puppy-proof the tree and the table, supervise every new toy, and keep festive food out of reach. This guide isn't veterinary advice.