When you budget for Christmas gifts for pets, about $30 per gift is a useful reference—not a rule. The American Pet Products Association’s 2025 holiday guide reports average gift spending of $29.80 among dog owners who buy Christmas gifts and $30.70 among cat owners. Choose an amount that feels comfortable after your pet’s everyday needs are covered.
What do pet parents spend on holiday gifts?
APPA’s figures offer a recent benchmark: half of dog owners buy a Christmas gift for their pet, while 41% of cat owners do. The reported averages are per gift, so they are not a suggested total for the whole season. One person may buy a single toy; another may split the same budget across a few smaller presents.
An older survey offers a wider range. Daily Paws reported in 2021 that nearly 71% of 1,036 pet parents surveyed spent between $1 and $50 on holiday gifts, while about 18% spent $51 to $100. Because that survey is older and uses a different sample, it should be read as context rather than a current average. Neither survey says what you personally need to spend.
A practical pet gift budget by price
These are planning bands, not industry averages. Use them to choose a gift that fits your household and your pet.
- Under $20: A favorite treat, a simple toy, or a small stocking stuffer can make a perfectly good present. For a dog who loves to sniff, a low-cost enrichment activity may be more exciting than another plush toy.
- $20–$50: Consider a puzzle feeder, a durable toy suited to your dog’s size and chewing habits, or a useful walking accessory. For cats, a scratcher or interactive toy can offer more lasting play than a novelty item.
- $50–$100: This range can go toward a sturdier bed, a well-made gear upgrade, or a small bundle of items your pet will actually use. Check measurements and return terms before ordering.
- $100 or more: Set this aside only if a larger purchase is already comfortable for your budget. A photo-based portrait or other personalized keepsake belongs in a different category: it is a gift for the pet’s person to display and enjoy, not a toy for the animal.
A lower-cost present is not less thoughtful. A familiar toy, a safe treat, or extra time together may suit your pet better than an expensive item they will ignore.
How to choose a gift your pet will use
Start with the pet, not the price tag. Think about what they do on an ordinary day: carry toys around, nap in sunny spots, chase moving objects, or work for food. A gift that fits an existing habit is more likely to be used than something chosen only because it looks festive.
For dogs who destroy soft toys quickly, look for products intended for their size and chewing style, and supervise play. For cats, avoid gifts with loose strings or small parts that could be swallowed. The ASPCA’s holiday safety guidance is a helpful check before bringing seasonal treats or decorations into the home.
Separate a pet’s gift from a keepsake for their person
Some Christmas gifts are really for the human who loves the animal. A custom portrait made from a favorite photo, for example, is meant to be displayed at home; it is not something for a pet to chew or play with. If you are shopping for a dog or cat parent, a custom colored-pencil pet portrait can turn a familiar expression into a personal keepsake.
If you want a more playful present the animal can interact with, choose a toy, treat, or enrichment item instead. For more inspiration, see our guide to personalized Christmas gifts for dog lovers.
Set a limit you can enjoy
Decide on a total holiday pet budget before browsing. If you have several pets, assign each one a limit first; that helps keep the cart from growing just because every item looks cute. You can also make one practical purchase and add a low-cost surprise, rather than trying to match what another household spends.
Skip or scale back a gift if it would compete with routine care, supplies, or savings for unexpected veterinary needs. Your pet will not measure the holiday by the receipt. A safe present, a familiar routine, and time with you are already a meaningful celebration.
Frequently asked questions
Is $30 enough for a Christmas gift for a pet?
Yes. APPA’s 2025 figures put average spending per Christmas gift at about $30 for dog and cat owners who buy one. That is a benchmark, not a minimum.
Is it okay to spend more than $100?
It can be, if the purchase fits your budget and you have a clear reason for choosing it. There is no required amount, and a higher price does not automatically make a gift a better match.
Can a custom pet portrait be a gift for the pet?
It is best thought of as a gift for the pet’s owner. A portrait is made for display and remembrance, while the pet’s own present should be safe for its size, age, and habits.
So, how much would you spend on your pet? Start with the amount that feels easy to give, then choose something that suits the animal—or a keepsake that celebrates the bond you share.
Sources: APPA’s 2025 holiday gift guide; Daily Paws’ 2021 OneVet survey report; ASPCA holiday safety tips.