Christmas Gifts for Pets 2026: NZ Dog and Cat Gift Guide - Petdirect
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Christmas Gifts for Pets 2026: NZ Dog and Cat Gift Guide

We get that your pet is part of the family, so of course they're on the Christmas list. Whether you're shopping for a toy-mad pup, a cat who rules the house or a friend with a brand new puppy or kitten, finding the right gift is half the fun.

This guide walks through Petdirect's Christmas 2026 range, from festive toys and treat tins to stocking fillers and smart gifts. You'll also find a few simple ways to keep dogs and cats safe, cool and settled through a busy Kiwi summer Christmas. Want to jump straight in? Head to our Christmas Gift Shop to browse everything in one place.

Quick answer

The best Christmas gifts for pets in 2026 are festive toys, treat tins and stocking fillers chosen to suit how your dog or cat likes to play. Petdirect's Christmas collection includes new KONG Holiday and M-PETS Christmas toys, NZ-made treat gift tins and ready-to-fill stockings, and the Christmas Gift Shop groups gifts by dog, cat and budget. Keep Christmas food, ribbon and tinsel out of reach, and give pets shade, water and a quiet space on busy days.


Christmas Gifts for Dogs

Dogs are easy to please at Christmas, but the best gift still matches their play style. Snugglers and gentle chewers love soft plush, while fetch fans and squeak hunters want something they can carry, toss and chase.

The KONG Holiday range is new this year. The KONG Holiday Snuzzles Bow Tie Reindeer Dog Toy has a full-body squeaker and a flat, velvety shape that's easy to pick up, and the KONG Holiday Cozie Reindeer Dog Toy is a deluxe plush bundled up in a holiday cap and scarf, with an extra layer of material for added strength. It's designed for small and medium dogs.

From Petdirect's own M-PETS range, the M-PETS Christmas Prancer the Reindeer Dog Plush Toy is unstuffed, so there's no filling to clean up after an enthusiastic play session. The M-PETS Christmas Santa Claus Dog Plush Toy has a bumpy corduroy body, and the M-PETS Christmas Candy Cane Squeaker Dog Toy and M-PETS Christmas Gingerbread Man Squeaker Dog Toy are squeaky, stocking-sized favourites.

Want more? Browse all the festive picks in the Christmas dog toys edit.


Christmas Gifts for Cats

Cats love a gift that lets them stalk, pounce and kick. Interactive toys are a lovely way to spend time together over the holidays, while solo toys keep them busy when the house is full.

The M-PETS Christmas Joy Interactive Cat Wand has a long, wavy fabric tail that moves like prey, so it's perfect for play sessions together. The KONG Holiday Connects Window Mistletoe Cat Toy attaches to a window or other smooth surface, and the KONG Holiday Kickeroo Characters Cat Toy is a long, feathery toy made for full-body wrestling and hind-paw kicks. For a lightweight crinkly toy with catnip, the KONG Holiday Crackles Santa Kitty Argyle Cat Toy is a great stocking addition.

Two more festive picks: the M-PETS Christmas Frosty Mix Cardboard Cat Scratcher is made from recyclable corrugated cardboard and has a round shape for scratching, lounging or napping. The M-PETS Christmas Ditty Cat Gift Pack Stocking is a stocking packed with 20 assorted cat toys, so it's a gift and a stocking in one.

See the full range in the Christmas cat toys edit.


Stocking Fillers and Christmas Treats

A stocking is the easiest way to give a little bit of everything. The M-PETS Christmas Pawy Pet Stocking has a red and black plaid design with paw and bone accents, a green ribbon for hanging, and room for toys and treats for dogs or cats.

For treats with a festive look, the Gourmate Wild Wapiti Elk Steak Cracker and Gourmate Grass Fed Beef Liver Cracker are single-ingredient, New Zealand made treats for cats and dogs, presented as Christmas crackers. They're not a toy, so take the treats out of the inner bag before you hand them over. For dogs, the Earthz Pet BOOST+ Turkey Air Dried Dog Treats and Earthz Pet BOOST+ Lamb & Mint Air Dried Dog Treats are New Zealand made, air-dried treats in collectible festive tins. Cats who love a lickable snack will enjoy the M-PETS Creamy Chicken Cat Treats, which are easy to share by hand.

Find more small gifts in the pet stocking stuffers collection, or see the Christmas dog treats and Christmas cat treats edits.


Gifts for Every Budget

You don't need to spend big to make your pet's Christmas special. The Christmas Gift Shop has curated edits that make it easy to stick to a budget, whether you're buying for your own pets or a whole street of four-legged friends.

Under $10

Small toys and treats that are perfect for stockings and Secret Santa. Browse gifts under $10.

Under $20

Favourite toys, chews and treats from well-loved brands. Browse gifts under $20.

Under $50

Room for a bigger toy, a cosy extra or a bundle of goodies. Browse gifts under $50.


Smart Gifts for the Pet Lover

If you're shopping for someone who has everything, a tech gift can be a real treat. The Cheerble Wicked Ball Rolly Smart Dog Toy from Cheerble has three interactive play modes and a wobbling rope attachment that encourages dogs to catch and tug. For cats and dogs who like fresh, flowing water, the PETKIT EverSweet Solo SE Cat and Dog Water Fountain from PETKIT has a wireless pump and a detachable design that makes cleaning easy.

Explore more in dog tech and cat tech.


Gifts for New Puppy and Kitten Owners

A first Christmas with a new puppy or kitten is extra special. Practical, age-appropriate gifts are always welcome. The KONG Puppy Dog Toy is designed for teething puppies and can be stuffed with treats for longer play, and the M-PETS Creamy Kitten Tuna & Chicken Cat Treats are a gentle, creamy recipe made for kittens.

For the new owner, our free Puppy Guide and Kitten Guide are handy downloads to share alongside your gift.


Keeping Pets Safe and Comfortable Over the Holidays

A Kiwi Christmas means sunshine, barbecues, visitors and plenty of food on the table. A little planning keeps the day relaxed for everyone, including your pets.

Keep Christmas food for people

Chocolate, Christmas pudding, fruit mince, cooked bones and rich leftovers aren't for pets. Ask guests not to share from their plates and keep bins secured.

Decorate with pets in mind

Tinsel, ribbon, baubles and light cords are tempting to chew and bat. Keep them up high and tidy wrapping away once gifts are opened.

Give them a quiet space

Visitors and noise can be a lot. Set up a calm room with their bed, water and a favourite toy where they can retreat.

Beat the summer heat

Offer shade and plenty of fresh water, walk dogs in the cooler parts of the day, and never leave a pet in a parked car.

Plan travel and boarding early

Holiday spots book out fast. Arrange boarding or a pet sitter early, and pack their food and bowls if they're coming with you.

Stock up before the break

Make sure you have enough food, treats and litter to see you through the holidays, so you're not caught short.

If your pet eats something they shouldn't

Call your vet straight away, even if your pet seems fine.

For hot-weather extras that help keep pets cool, comfy and hydrated, see our summer pet essentials.


Frequently Asked Questions

What are good Christmas gifts for dogs in 2026?

Festive plush and squeaky toys are the easiest win. This year's range includes the KONG Holiday Snuzzles Bow Tie Reindeer Dog Toy, the M-PETS Christmas Santa Claus Dog Plush Toy and the M-PETS Christmas Candy Cane Squeaker Dog Toy. Pair a toy with a gift tin like Earthz Pet BOOST+ Turkey Air Dried Dog Treats and you have a present that covers play time and treat time.

What can I get my cat for Christmas?

Cats love toys that let them hunt, kick and scratch. The M-PETS Christmas Joy Interactive Cat Wand and KONG Holiday Connects Window Mistletoe Cat Toy are great for play together, while the M-PETS Christmas Frosty Mix Cardboard Cat Scratcher gives them somewhere festive to scratch and lounge.

Are there Christmas stocking fillers for pets?

Yes. The M-PETS Christmas Pawy Pet Stocking is made for filling, and the pet stocking stuffers collection is full of small toys and treats. For cats, the M-PETS Christmas Ditty Cat Gift Pack Stocking arrives already packed with toys.

Can I find pet gifts on a budget?

Definitely. The Christmas Gift Shop has gift edits for every budget, including gifts under $10, gifts under $20 and gifts under $50.

When should I order pet Christmas gifts?

Earlier is easier, especially if you want a particular size or design. For Christmas delivery dates, check the Shipping & Delivery section of our Help Centre before you order.

Is free shipping available on Christmas orders?

Orders over $79 ship free to most NZ addresses, and orders under the $79 mark have a standard $5.90 fee. A rural surcharge may apply, calculated at checkout.


Find the perfect gift this Christmas

Shop festive toys, treat tins, stockings and gifts for every budget in our Christmas Gift Shop. Orders over $79 ship free to most NZ addresses. And while you're stocking up, save on the food and treats you reorder with Autodeliver: up to 20% off your first and every repeat Autodeliver order on eligible products.

SHOP THE CHRISTMAS GIFT SHOP

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