2023 Christmas gift guide for dogs & pet lovers
It’s that time of year again! The Yellow Lab Christmas gift guide is here to help you buy something special for the dog mom in your life or to treat your furbaby to a special gift that’ll be his favourite.
As a pet photographer over the last 7 years in Auckland’s doggy industry, I've met and come in contact with great New Zealand brands who supply dog products who I think you should know about. My list of brands I’ve become friends with started out as a list of 6, has grown into a directory of 81 different small NZ dog businesses with unique dog gifts that you can choose to buy from. It’ll take you a while to work through the gift guide, but you will certainly find something you are looking for, whether it’s for your dog, yourself or a dog lover that’s hard to buy for. You don’t even need to leave the couch to shop from this gift guide. Skip the mall and massive queues and shop local. This list changes each year with businesses being sold or not being pursued and new talent that pop up regularly. One thing they have in common is the love and passion that goes into these businesses wether they’re a side hustle or a full time gig. These items will last longer than something mass produced and sold season in and out on large scale. Gifting from this page, you’re helping put food on the table, pay rent, kids’ swimming lessons or a family’s Christmas holiday etc.
You won’t (or can’t!) buy from everyone of these businesses, but another way you can show support for fellow dog lovers is to like them on your social media channel of choice and engage with their content. We are small NZ businesses & artists, we put our hearts & passion into our work. By commenting and liking, you’re supporting your local neighbours & friends.
There is no specific order in the way they’re listed, but some were hard to group into a specific category, so have a read and let me know what is on your wish list this year! You’ll find matching dog and owner gifts, luxury gifts, personalised dog gifts, toys to stylish accessories and dog lover gifts. I know with this list I’ll be spoilt for choice to get something special in my doggy Ma’s Christmas stocking. If you or your partner (send them here) is stuck for gift ideas, they can scroll and find something special to suit different budgets. :-)
Plus there’s a couple of discount codes to start on your xmas shopping.
Happy shopping!
best christmas gIfts for dogs nz:
Dog treats for Christmas
Thrive dog kitchen whole food supplements (photo) helps you enhance your dog’s diet. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Doggy Treats (photo) are grain-free, free-range, vet approved and handmade in the Wairarapa. They also offer a natural chew range to keep those canine teeth healthy. Use PAWFECT10. Expires 10 pm 15 Dec 23. Does not apply to shipping. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Tydus Dog Treats DM to order - Insta - Facebook
Cronch Co Natural, NZ Made Dog Treats. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Pupcakes for dogs. Spoil your dog with his own cupcakes for Christmas Insta - Facebook
The Barkery Made to order dog treats from Titiirangi. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Scoop Dog NZ icecream, flavoured bubbles, dog beer, goat milk powder, hot choccolate and treats for dogs from Dunedin (photo). Follow on Insta - Facebook
Radical Dog Treats NZ made dog biscuits that are good for your dog. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Alfa Pet Natural NZ dehydrated pet treats. Follow on Insta - Facebook
The Fussy Dog powdered gravy to go on top of your fussy dog’s food. They also have powdered dog toothpaste to help look after your dog’s teeth. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Top Flite Hound raw dog treats for minimal fuss.100% New Zealand-raised meat. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Whinny and Co Natural NZ Made Dog Treats Insta
The Ruff Ruff Company natural healthy dog treats in Upper Hutt. Follow on Insta - Facebook
K9 Max dog treats, enrichment toys, supplements and more. They also offer enriching group walks & professional dog massage in Whitford, Beachlands, Maraetai, New Zealand. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Furry Feast dog treats. Rewards designed for dogs made from either duck or chicken meat with the combination of vege or fruit. The treats are formulated to be appealing to dogs while also providing them with nutritional benefits. Use FFSpecial2023 to receive extra 10% off at the checkout. Insta or email [email protected]
dog christmas presents nz for play & feeding
Chained Dog Rehabilitation & Rehoming pet shop Many people don’t realise CDRRNZ has an online shop because of their rescue work they do for animals in need. They offer dog treats, enrichment, poop bags, grooming kits, skin products, dog beds, branded bandanas, Chained Dog face masks, clothing to share your passion for helping animals. Have a look, they even have a dog trainer’s pouches of different sizes available! Follow on Insta - Facebook
Kumapets pet supplies (photo) has cute soft enrichment toys for spoilt doggies. They also have a huge range specifically for cats. Follow on Insta
Enriched Canines specialist dog enrichment store (photo). Make sure you’re on their email list to join in on the yearly secrest santa among instagram dogs of New Zealand. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Best Buddies K9 boxes A dog gift box full of treats and toys (photo). Follow on Insta - Facebook
Wags And Wiggles pet gift boxes (photo). Luxury pet giftboxes Monthly subscription boxes and once off puppy box, treat or birthday box. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Fun Diggity Dog eco soft toys for dog made from leather, fur, wool, flax & hemp. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Pupperino Play interactive feeders and toys. Helping you enrich your dog’s life. Follow on Insta
Thorncombe Pet Supplies Stockist of durable chew toys, treat dispensing puzzle toys, enrichment and more. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Daisys Discount Dog Supplies NZ’s cheapest for major pet brands like WestPaw, Kong, Nutrience, Royal Canin and more. (photo) Follow on Insta - Facebook
Tandem premium pet nutrition. Pet Fetti (photo). Make every meal a special occasion with a burst of flavour your pet will love. Crafted from New Zealand's finest fruit and vegetables and available in five tantalising flavours. Use YELLOWLAB23 for a 10% discount. Expires 31 Dec 2023. Follow on Insta - Facebook
pet gifts: Bandanas for dogs
A dog bandana is the easiest and fun way to dress up your dog. If your doggy is in need of a cute accessory for Christmas day or just for every day :-D, these are my favs.
Rocco and Co bandanas (photo) also customisable and I LOVE the over the collar design. They offer visual aids for reactive, deaf or working dogs. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Jewel Designs bandanas and bows. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Spicy Pet helps you personalise your bandanas, dog treat jars and more (photo). Stickers that you iron on to your dog bandanas, or a sticker you can put on your dog’s bowl or your car. They also offer really cute glitter in resin dog tags and have expanded their range to mugs, harnesses and leashes. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Penny's Puppy Wear NZ quality handmade pet accessories of bandanas and bows made in Hamilton (photo). Get a matching bow scrunchie for yourself while you’re there. Website - Insta
Paws and Claws Fashion for pets. Paws and Claws Fashion has been providing high quality and affordable handmade pet products around the world for over 5 years. Stock up this Christmas with our promo code ‘LoveChristmas’ before 6 Dec 2023. Insta - Facebook
xmas gift guide for dogs
Fashionable dog harnesses, dog collars & dog leashes
Travelling Tails Handmade custom dog accessories (photo) make collars leashes etc from biothane. She also hand stamp pet tags in loads of shapes and styles. Follow Insta - Facebook
Wandering Wolf handmake dog bandanas, sherpa blankets, biothane leads, collars, longlines & more (photo). They also make paracord clip/ slip leads and make special swarovski & preciosa crystal collars from biothane. Insta - Facebook
Barkley Dog Accessories Cute accessories for dogs & dog owners. Collars, harnesses, leads, cute tags, mugs and dog drink bottles. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Billiegoat Ruff Dog Apparel & Accessories Fashionable Dog Collars, Harnesses & Accessories. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Pooch and me colourful dog accessories (photo). Your pup's next wardrobe must have accessories designed in NZ. Sprinkle some magic with the pet essentials range or spoil your pup with the cutest toys and blanket. Use XMAS2023 for 15% off. Ends Dec 15 2023. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Seven Foxes Pet Apparel Cute & comfy collar, harness and leashes for stylish dogs. Their cross body walk bag & treat pouch look like a handy dog walk/ training staple. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Wolves of Wellington is another fav. Have a browse. Doggos look so flash when they’re sporting the matching sets, collar, harness, leash and poopbag. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Wagging Tails Apparel dog collars, bandanas & leashes in muted natural colours (photo). Elevate your furry friend's style with luxurious velvet collars, leashes, and adorable bandanas. Tail-wagging fashion! Use PAWFECT10. Expires 10 pm 15 Dec 2023. Does not apply to shipping. Follow on Insta
Paws and Claws Fashion handmade pet products (photo). Follow on Insta - Facebook
Raisin Berry new accessories shop Insta
Poppy and Moun has unique bandanas and bows. They have different rope leashes and macrame leash and collar sets (photo). Handmade goods for your pet that are earth friendly. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Kim’s K9 Accessories is a dog trainer and adventure pack walker. When she’s not out, she hand makes colourful woven leads and collars. She also sells long lines. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Mt Albert Houndsware Dog collars, leads, harnesses & accessories designed and handmade to order in Mt Albert. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Wild Dog Hand made, adventure proof, easy to clean dog collars and leads. One of the few places you can get a long line. Follow on Insta - Facebook
The Golden Tails Dog Items They have beautiful coloured sets of matching collar, lead and harness. They also have a poop bag carrier and dog drink bottle. I really like their dog car restraints. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Pup and Running Dog apparel and accessories for dogs and dog pawrents. Unique tv show & movie prints you don’t see else where. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Summer Hound pet supplies to help keep your dog cool. Poop bag handler too ;-) Follow on Insta
Baark dog accessories offer accessories & travel gear prioritizing safety, style, & functionality for unforgettable moments with your furry companions, while supporting animal rescues with 10% of sales. Use BAARKXMAS for 15% discount off all full priced products. Discount does not include shipping cost. Code expires 12:00am 25th Dec 2023.
PS If you love to go to cafes with your dog, see the dog friendly cafes and eateries list in Auckland.
matching dog and owner gifts
unique dog bows, dog accessories for fashion forward pups
Clothes By Portia dog clothing and accessories (photo). Stylish dog clothes made in Lincoln. She has a new sustainable, preloved collection. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Furry Tales NZ accessories for fashionable pets (photo). Her Winnie the pooh inspired bows are too cute! This is a creative one to watch😃. Follow on Insta
Misty and Me handmade pet apparel (photo). Bows, shirts, dog coats, sunglasses and berets. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Snood Dogs Handcrafted snoods for dogs from Canterbury. I love the ones with little teddy bear ears! DM to order. Follow on Insta
Greytstuff specialises in dog gear for greyhounds in New Zealand (photo). They are run by Greyhounds As Pets (GAP) which means 100% of the profits from Greyt Stuff sales go back to helping find more homes for retired Greyhounds. Expect to find snoods, raincoats, coats, martingale collars, dog harness, toys and more on their Follow on Insta - Facebook
creative dog name Tags
The Barking Tagsmith makes the cutest name tags for dogs. They’re like a little artwork with their phone number and name. They add personailty & fun to an absolute essential. She can even make a matching silver pendant & earrings to match your dog’s name tag. Follow on Insta - Facebook
HanStamped Dog Tags Hand Stamped Aluminium Dog Tags from Queenstown. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Lil Bean Creates Resin craft for dog name tags, keychains and more. DM to order. Insta
dog beauty products & dog shampoo to PAMPER
Wolfies Walkies natural pet care range (photo) is also a professional dog pack walker. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Fur Love no Nasties, cruelty free beauty products made in NZ for dogs (photo). Follow on Insta - Facebook
Natural Common Scents make chemical free products naturally. Their range for dogs include sunblock, paw balm and Dashing Hound shampoos with different scents of lavender, frankincense, rosemary and a neem flea & tick bath. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Natural Paws NZ (photo) Wrinkle balm, snout soother, paw & skin soother, shampoos for sensitive skin or itchy dogs. Natural Paws NZ brings you the Natural Dog Company’s natural, organic and vet approved dog skincare products covering from snout to tail. Trusted by over a million ‘pawrents’ from around the world. Use PAWS10 for 10% off sitewide. 5% of the sale goes to Paws Restart. Follow on Facebook
Ethique Shampoo bars (photo) make a range of soap-free pet products I love while being ethical, plastic-free, palm oil free, CF & vegan. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Eezapet Petcare is your effective solution to the itch (photo). Soothing, moisturising and gentle your dog will love you for it. Breaking the itch/scratch cycle is important for the itchy dog and that is exactly what we do. Try Eezapet our fast acting balm for your dog today. Use code ‘fiver’ at checkout to receive $5.00 off. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Sustainable pet products
Eco friendly dog NZ
These ones in the market jumped out at me for having more sustainable gifts for dogs. Then again, perhaps the most sustainable thing would be to let your dog play with sticks and balls found on the beach ;-)
Goodest Boy Buy and sell your preloved pet supplies. Really easy to have your things sold, receive payments and to buy other listings. Prices so low the courier almost cost more than the item ;-) Remember them for your new year clutter clear out (photo) Insta
For eco warriors, did you know you can compost dog poop (photo)? Ensopet Waste Composting Kit
Feed My Furbaby (photo) is a dog subscription service so you never run out of food. You can add treats and home compostable poop bags to your normal dog food delivery. They occasionally have toys and Christmas boxes.
Upcycled by CBP If you have a piece of clothing that you love, but never wear repurpose it into a one of a kind item for your dog or cat. (photo)
dog lover gifts:
Custom gift for dog lovers
Yellow Lab Dog & Family Photography (that’s me!)
Give the gift of memories. If she’s in Auckland, gift a dog & family photoshoot. Yellow Lab specialises in photographing dogs and people WITH their furbaby best friends so they can remember their bond and love forever. Gift vouchers are available at different price points. Hair and makeup is also available before she joins her pooch in the spotlight. It’s an experience my clients LOVE.
Buy a dog photoshoot voucher in Auckland here. AfterPay and credit cards accepted.
My pricing is going up soon, so it’s the last time to buy at 2023 pricing.
Use YELLOWXMAS10 at checkout to save 10% off your booking fee. Valid till 31 Dec 2023.
Email [email protected] and a digital voucher will be sent to you that you can print.
dog & family portraits for christmas
These are the kind of dog & family portraits we can make together. Partners and children welcome too.
Gift a professional dog photoshoot to dog lover in Auckland. Gift voucher available. Purchase the booking fee or entire photoshoot package depending on your budget.
Perfect Pet Pictures help you elevate your dog photography game! Written by seasoned dog photographer. Get this for yourself or gift the dog lover ebook.
Pro photographer share 7 tips to always look good in photos. Download for free.
personalised gifts for dog lovers
Gift personalised dog gift: art
Gift custom art by different pet artists in New Zealand. Different styles and budgets to suit everyone. Digital art, photography, physical oil painting, drawings, pet paw prints and more.
custom gifts for dog owners
Pickle’s Pawtraits make cute digital portraits of your dog/ you and your dog (photo). You can also have your dog’s photo printed on to a mug. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Little Rover Paper illustrated paper goods + gifts (photo). I like her custom line drawings of pets that she puts onto clothing. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Wordsofheartnz custom keepsake word blocks is a true inspiration with feel good reminders you can display in your home (photo). I’m a big fan of the personalised doggy silhouette made up of different words. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Minblobs custom digital drawing of your pet (photo). Have you ever wanted your pet to be drawn as a Pokemon or anime character? or as a MACARON? Gift your loved ones a custom 2000x2000px digital portrait of your pet drawn by professional concept artist, Minnie. Also great for profile pictures, and for use on your social media feed! Use YELLOW10 for 10% off before 31 Dec 2023. Follow on Insta
dog gifts for human dog moms
CBear Knit (photo) Personalised handmade crochet teddies (photo) made after the likeness of your dog DM to order Insta - Facebook
Petomise custom pet art (photo) take photos of your pet and add it to cushions, silver engraved jewellery, pet paw prints keepsake photo frame and more! Follow on Insta - Facebook
Fingerprints jewellery make adorable personalised jewels, of your furbaby’s paw prints, your loved ones fingerprints, initials in sterling silver (photo). It’ll be pretty special to get a petpaw print on a silver disc and onto a bracelet. Perhaps even add my kids’ and hubby’s fingerprints to their own silver discs. Follow on Insta - Facebook
best gifts for dogs: Luxury
Mipuchi luxury pet grooming product have shampoo, conditioner and perfume for dogs (photo). I have my eye on the Lavender and Chamomile scent for Max (photo). Follow on Insta - Facebook
Pet.kiwi pet supplies has a fantastic selection of things you’ll need for your dog. Everything from collars, dog jerseys, food, supplements, dog toothbrushes etc. What caught my eye for Christmas was a dog water fountain (photo). There’s a cute sunflower one for cats too. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Odorable has innovative pet products from all over the world. Matching rain jackets for dogs & humans, puffer jackets for dogs, dog life jackets, leads, collars etc. What I’m loving the look of is the K9 sport sack (photo). Follow on Insta - Facebook
Pets of Ponsonby is a unique online pet store providing kiwis with the world’s best pet brands. I really like the Rio dog carrier bag (photo). Insta - Facebook
Clothes & accessories for dog owners
Canine & Country have raw treats, hands free leashes and their specialty product is their 3in1 dog water bottles (photo). Our Canine & Country water bottle is the perfect solution for adventures with your furry friend! No more needing to pack a separate bottle for yourself and your dog. The easy to use 3 N 1 bottle has a separate leak proof compartment to store dog treats and a flexible water bowl to keep your dog hydrated on the go! Use xmas10. Follow on Insta
Scribbler rain coats and dog rain coats in colourful patterns (photo). It works perfectly for school runs and have multiple pockets for use during dog training. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Karen Walker mini dog studs will be perfect gift for the dog mom (or a cat gift set of ring, studs and necklace) who loves to wear her love for animals (photo). Follow on Insta - Facebook
Oh My Fluffy Dog apparel for adventure seeking dog-mums & dads. It is one of the most recognizabe dog brands in NZ with the wolf dog silhouette on their apparel. Perfect gear to go on adventures with your dog. They also have caps, keep cups and stickers. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Little Rover Paper illustrated dog products is another New Zealand small business inspired by a pure love of our pets. Jodeanne’s minimaistic drawing style makes cute products to wear your love for your dog on your sleeve. You can have your pet’s art made into a physical art print, stickers and hoodies, crew tops or a mini tee for children. You can put your dog’s custom paw print on one of the sleeves of a hoodie. In fact you can make your dog’s paw print into a stamp or stickers. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Sweet As Pup one stop dog shop for leads, leashes, toys (photo). They also have cute mugs and t-shirts for people to wear their love for dogs on their sleeve. Think cute things you don’t find anywhere else. They also have a bridal collection for when you want to dress up your dog’s leash, collar set for special occasions. Follow on Insta - Facebook
more gifts for pet lovers
The Forever Dog By Rodney Habib & Karen Shaw Becker, A New Science Blueprint for Raising Healthy and Happy Canine Companions #ad is an absolute must read for pet parents who want their dog(s) to live their healthiest happiest life. I’m currently reading it & learning so much and see a bunch of things to easily change in Max’s lifestyle.
Pedal pals bicycle seat for dogs sell & distribute the Buddy rider from Tauranga. It’s a doggy seat on your bicycle between your arms, which is perfect for dogs up to 13 kg. Follow on Facebook
Because dogs get sick and will sometimes mess in the house. A spot clean vacuum (I have the orange Bissell one) has changed my life! If you’re thinking about it, this will make a big difference in a household with pets and or kids.
Vacuum robot. Imagine while you’re getting ready for work, the vacuum starts by itself, vacuums your main living areas of dust and fur, then gets itself back to its charging station. You just have to remember to empty it ; -)
Marlo boots for dog training sessions or walking in the rain. Follow on Insta - Facebook
Apple Air tag for escape artists. However Apple doesn’t recommend using them for pets cause they don’t want to be held liable for losing someone’s furbaby.
Animo Dog Activity & Behaviour Monitor, not a tracker but fun to see how far your dog walked or how often they barked.
Dog trackers for peace of mind. Last year an instagram buddy went missing and spent 12 nights in a massive park. If you’re scared of losing your dog, one of these could be a good fit for your pet. Petrek 3G GPS pet tracker and Tractive LTE GPS Tracker for dogs come highly recommended.
Read fenced and not fenced off leash dog walks in Auckland.
Happy Christmas shopping friends!
Have I missed something? Tell me what’s on your Christmas wish list!