When you’re in the thick of holiday shopping, it can be easy to forget everyone you need to cross off your list. The hustle and bustle of the season can make it difficult to slow down and think of all those deserving of a little extra something. There’s one furry companion in particular who shouldn’t be overlooked — and that’s your dog. 

The holidays are all about giving back, so why not give back to the one who gives you so much? Be it endless their tail wags, adoring licks, or down-for-whatever attitude, our dogs deserve the most this holiday season. And if there’s any group of humans who know good dog gear, it’s our Pack members (aka Ruffwear employees). We surveyed the Pack and rounded up their top picks for holiday gifts. 

Pack Picks for Holiday Gifts

1. Jenna: Climate Changer™ Dog Fleece & Dirtbag™ Seat Cover

The relaxed yet snug fit of the Climate Changer™ Dog Fleece makes it a Pack favorite for this time of year. The soft, cozy fleece provides warmth and comfort in cool conditions, while the articulated sleeves allow for freedom of movement. It can be worn standalone or as a midlayer for when the temps get extra cold.

“The Climate Changer™ Dog Fleece is the perfect holiday gift for any dog-human duo. It’s super cozy and just right for keeping pups warm on chilly morning walks or early camping adventures.” - Jenna

Jenna is also a fan of the Dirtbag™ Seat Cover, because sometimes adventures get messy. Whether you’re returning from a muddy hike or a wet afternoon of skijoring, this vehicle seat cover is ideal for keeping dirt, grime, and fur off your car seats. If you plan on road tripping with your dog this season, this is a must-have piece of gear. 

“This dog car seat cover is a total lifesaver for road trips with Gouda! We love bringing him everywhere, but his fur can get everywhere, too. This cover keeps it contained and keeps the car cleaner. Plus, it’s cozy enough to help him settle in and fall asleep for long drives, which is perfect for our holiday road trip plans." - Jenna

2. Kellie: Dirtbag™ Dog Towel

While we’re on the subject of mess making, the Dirtbag™ Dog Towel is another key piece of gear to have on hand to keep post-adventure messes at bay. This absorbent, wearable towel dries your dog and shields your car or home from whatever your pup brought back from that wet or muddy excursion. 

“The Dirtbag™ Dog Towel is the thing you didn't know you needed but can't live without. For after adventures and after baths, we throw this on to contain all the chaos.” - Kellie

3. Courtney: Front Range® Harness

Every dog needs a solid everyday harness. Whether you’re embarking on a morning hike or leisurely afternoon walk, the foam-padded construction of the Front Range® Harness makes it comfortable for extended wear. It has two leash attachment options — one on the back for everyday walks and one at the chest to redirect dogs that pull on leash — and comes in a wide range of colors so you can mix and match the perfect set. 

“My 22-pound French bulldog Gus absolutely loves his Front Range® Harness. It fits well, he's comfortable, and I always feel like he's securely connected. He has a tendency to pull when he's excited, so the front attachment is ideal. I got the matching Front Range™ Collar and Switchbak™ Leash for hands-free walks, and the set looks and functions perfectly. Any pup would be stoked to find this in their stocking.” - Courtney 

4. Sarah: Stash Bag Mini™

Sometimes the most practical gifts are the best ones. The Stash Bag Mini™ makes picking up dog waste a breeze with its stable leash attachment point and zippered closure for storing bags. The exterior stretch-mesh pocket is also great for storing knick knacks like keys or a few treats.

“Every dog poops, and so every dog's human should have at least one Stash Bag Mini™. The ease of use, lightweight material, portability, and of course — the poop loop — allow you to keep your hands free for the important things like treats. This is a life-changing piece of gear!” - Sarah

Pack member Brandon is also a huge fan of the Stash Bag Mini™ and praises its practicality and easy-to-use construction.   

"My go-to gift is always the Stash Bag Mini™. This practical gift is a must-have for everyone. While many people get excited about choosing collars or leashes, they often overlook the essential tools that make dog walking easier. The Stash Bag Mini™ isn’t just something you'll use daily, it comes with amazing hidden benefits! It keeps you organized, ensuring your poop bags are always in one place. Plus, it features a handy poop loop for holding waste during your walks. But my absolute favorite feature? The small leather-like strip right where the bag dispenses. It makes opening pick-up bags a breeze, even on those chilly mornings when my fingertips struggle for grip. Trust me, every dog and human will appreciate this thoughtful gift!” - Brandon

5. Natalie: Float Coat™

Before we know it, we’ll all be back out on the water with our canine companions, whether we’re rafting along the river or SUPping at sunset. The Float Coat™ is perfect for dogs who love to join their humans out on the water. The strong handle is optimally positioned to lift dogs out of the water and there’s a convenient leash clip-in point under the handle.

"The Float Coat™ is such a great gift for your favorite adventure dog. Not only is it essential for water activities, it also looks really cool and has a handy handle to make any situation easier. I wouldn't go anywhere near the river without Lola's Float Coat™, so I would recommend it to any dog out there!” - Natalie

6. Dani: Trail Runner™ Vest & Powder Hound™ Jacket

If you like to run with your dog, anything in the Trail Runner™ collection will make logging those miles together a breeze, but the Trail Runner™ Vest takes the cake for Pack member Dani and her pup Vilas. This breathable, balanced, and bounce-free vest features two zippered side pockets that hold two included Hydrapak® soft flasks. Stash the Trail Runner™ Bowl and some pick-up bags in the top zippered pocket and you’re ready to hit the trail.

"The Trail Runner™ Vest helps us cover long miles together while running. It's perfect for Vilas to carry her own water, bowl, snacks and pick up bags. This allows my pack to be slightly lighter and for her to carry what she needs.” - Dani

For chillier pursuits like skiing, Dani opts for the Powder Hound™ Jacket. The synthetic insulation provides warmth, while the technical stretch fabric allows for uninhibited movement. Simply put, it’s the jacket built for winter. 

“Having a short-haired dog, finding the right jacket is so important. We live in a super cold climate that gets lots of snow and we use the Powder Hound™ Jacket for anything from morning walks to skiing together. The fit is perfect for my skinny, deep chested, short-haired dog, and I love that the color stands out against the snow so I can always see where she is. " - Dani

7. Kirsten: Hi & Light™ Harness

If you know someone whose motto is “less is more”, the Hi & Light™ Harness may be just what they need for outings with their canine companion. It’s a lightweight, minimalist harness with four points of adjustment to create an optimal fit. It’s often a top choice for humans with small dogs because it’s available in sizes down to XXXS. 

“I love the Hi & Light™ for Dolly and Pearl. It's lightweight and moves with them on our adventures. This harness is not bulky and it’s comfortable enough for them to wear on longer car rides. I stash an Airtag in the hidden pocket so I can keep track of them when we are out and about, too.” - Kirsten

8. Melanny: Hydro Plane™ Toy

No good gift guide is complete without a toy. Pack member Melanny and her dog Penelope are big fans of the Hydro Plane™, a high-floating soft foam disc ideal for fetch or tug o’ war. The oversized ring design makes it a cinch for pups to pick up, while the buoyant construction creates easy visibility in water or on snow.

“For the dog who can’t get enough fetch, the Hydro Plane™ is the MVP! Penelope is water obsessed and obviously loves that it floats. It has a large opening in the middle so she can carry it 101 different ways. She also loves playing with it on land and has put some serious miles in with little signs of wear and tear to the frisbee. It's the first toy she reaches for if given several options.” - Melanny

Great Gear, Gifted

While many of our Pack members have some tried and true gear to recommend, we also have some who are trying something new this year to gift their canine companion (but shhh…their pups don’t know yet!). Kendra for example, has already snagged The Vert™ for her dog Miska. 

“I’m getting The Vert™ for Miska for those chilly winter evening walks or adventures in the snow. In the past, she’s kept romping around even after she's shivering. This jacket will allow us to go further for longer to maximize her love of the snow.”

Still not sure what to get your pup or the dog lover in your life this season? Check out our holiday gift guide. And if you’re not ready to make a decision yet, plan a few gearless gifts (aka, outdoor adventures) in the meantime — you and your pup will thank us later.