By the Nini's Choice Team · Updated November 2026
A puppy's first Christmas is easy to overdo: new toys, new people, a glittering tree, and a long gap in the usual nap schedule. The better plan is smaller gifts, more supervision, and a calm routine. Here's how to choose puppy's first Christmas gifts and keep the week safer.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. If you're unsure whether a toy or food is appropriate for your puppy's age and size, ask your veterinarian.
Start with safety, then wrap the gifts
The AKC tips for a safer, calmer holiday suggests "puppy-proofing" the house again for the season, the same way you did when the puppy first came home. In practice that means:
- Decorations. Tinsel, ribbon, ornament hooks, small ornaments and food decorations (popcorn or candy strings) can be chewed or swallowed. The AKC guidance on dog-friendly holiday decorating recommends placing breakables higher on the tree, securing sentimental ornaments, avoiding food decorations, checking the floor for fallen hooks, and keeping heavy stocking holders where a tugging puppy can't pull them down.
- The tree. AKC also flags tree-reservoir water, chewed light wires and a tree that can topple if a puppy barrels into it. Consider a smaller tree on a table, or use a barrier around the tree when you can't watch.
- Food. Keep chocolate, raisins, xylitol sweets, cooked bones, fatty leftovers and alcohol out of reach, including in the trash. The ASPCA's list of people foods to avoid is a clear reference list.
- Quiet time. Puppies need naps. Give them a crate or a quiet room away from the noisier parts of the day, and don't pass a tired puppy around a room of guests.
Gifts that make sense for a first Christmas
Choose toys that are too big to swallow, introduce them one at a time, and stay in the room for the first sessions. If the puppy starts chewing off pieces, take the toy away.
- Snuffle Ball for Dogs — $18.90. A snuffle ball lets you tuck kibble or tiny treats into fabric folds for a sniffing game. Start with treats on the outside so the puppy gets the idea, and put the ball away when the food is gone. Puppies love to chew, so this is a supervised activity, not a free-for-all. The same caution applies to a Snuffle Mat for Dogs; our step-by-step is in Snuffle Mats for Dogs: What They Are and How to Use Them Safely. VCA Animal Hospitals describes snuffle mats as a beginner-friendly foraging option for dogs (and cats) when the toy is size-appropriate and used with supervision.
- Christmas Dog Rope Toy Set — $15.90, in the Holiday Sale. A cotton holiday rope set can work for short, gentle tug games if you hold one end and teach "drop it." Don't let a puppy swallow frayed strands, and skip vigorous tug if your veterinarian has asked you to be careful with a puppy's mouth or joints.
- Stuffing-Free Squeaky Dog Toy — $11.90. A stuffing-free squeaky toy, so there's no stuffing to pull out. Still supervise, and retire it if the squeaker comes loose.
- Dog Clicker for Training and Dog Treat Pouch — $8.90 and $15.90, both in the Holiday Sale. Five calm minutes of "name," "sit" or "come" with tiny treats is a better gift than another overstimulating toy. Keep sessions short and end on a success. See Train & Calm.
- Pet Dental Finger Brush — $9.90, in the Holiday Sale. A soft finger brush can start getting a puppy used to mouth handling, with a pet-safe toothpaste and a lot of patience. Stop if the puppy gets upset, and ask your veterinarian how to begin.
- Pet Christmas Stocking — $13.90 (not in the sale). It ships empty. Fill it with the puppy's usual treats and one small, size-appropriate toy, not people food. Hang it where the puppy can't pull it down and eat the contents early.
For a wider list of small gifts, see Dog Stocking Stuffers Ideas. For more indoor games as the puppy grows, see Dog Enrichment Ideas at Home and Enrich & Play.
Outfits and photos
A first Christmas photo is lovely. A long costume session is not. If you try a bandana, hat or antlers, put them on for a few seconds, take the picture, and take them off. If the puppy freezes, struggles or tries to chew the accessory, skip it and photograph them as they are. The AKC tips for taking photos of your dog and AKC advice on dressing dogs up both emphasize short, positive sessions and stopping at the first signs of stress. More practical tips are in How to Take Christmas Photos of Your Dog.
A calm holiday day plan
- Keep meals, naps and potty trips as close to the usual schedule as you can.
- Walk or play before guests arrive, then offer a quiet space.
- Let the puppy approach people; don't force hugs or passed-around holds.
- Offer one new toy at a time, and put it away when play is over.
- After gifts are opened, pick up ribbon, string, plastic and wrapping immediately.
When to order
Our products ship from overseas fulfillment partners, so delivery usually takes longer than domestic shipping, and items in one order may arrive separately. We don't promise specific delivery dates. If a gift needs to arrive by a certain date, email us at hello@ninischoice.com before you order and we'll tell you honestly what we know. Shipping options and costs are shown at checkout; see our FAQ.
FAQ: puppy's first Christmas gifts
What's a good first Christmas gift for a puppy who already has toys?
A supervised sniffing game (a snuffle ball used with part of their regular food), a short clicker session, or an empty stocking filled with familiar treats. New experiences, in small doses, often matter more than another toy.
Are snuffle mats safe for puppies?
They can be a gentle first foraging game, with supervision, because puppies chew. Start easy, use the puppy's regular dry food or tiny treats, and put the mat or ball away when the food is gone. If chewing continues, it's not the right toy yet. See Snuffle Mats for Dogs: What They Are and How to Use Them Safely.
Can I put chocolate or a cooked turkey bone in the stocking "just this once"?
No. Chocolate, cooked bones, raisins, xylitol sweets and fatty leftovers are unsafe. Stick to the puppy's usual food and treats.
What if a gift arrives damaged?
Contact us within 30 days of delivery for a refund or a replacement, with no return needed. See the FAQ.
This article is for general information and isn't veterinary advice. If you think your pet has eaten something harmful, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline right away. Questions about an order? Email us at hello@ninischoice.com or see our FAQ.