Our pupper pals improve our lives in so many ways. They entertain us, they comfort us, they keep us active, and they always keep us on our toes. So, whether you’re celebrating your doggo’s birthday or their “gotcha day”, what better time is there to show them how much you appreciate their cheeky antics and unconditional love? Of course, no birthday paw-ty is complete without a thoughtful dog gift, right? Well, to help you and your furry friend celebrate in style, here’s everything you need to create the perfect puppy birthday box!
What to include in your puppy birthday box
The best thing about putting together a puppy birthday box is that you can include as little or as much as you want. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
#1: Their favourite treats
What would a pup’s birthday be without some of their favourite treats? Not only are they delicious, but they make ideal dog training tools, which can benefit both you and your pooch. You could always throw a few store-bought treat packets into their birthday box, but if you want to make it extra special, why not make your own? Check out our picks for the best Healthy Dog Treat Recipes for some inspiration. Not only are these homemade treats delicious, but they’re made by your pup’s favourite person in the world – you! What’s not to love?
#2: Some new toys
If you ask us (and probably if you ask your pup, too), a dog can never have too many toys. Whether they’re partial to tennis balls or squeaky stuffed toys, there’s always room for one (or five!) more. Toys aren’t just fun, but they make for an easy way to keep your four-legged friend physically and mentally active. Kong toys and other interactive dog toys will keep them stimulated, and, if they can get to the treats inside, well-fed!
#3: New bowls
Okay, so it could be argued that this is more of a present for their human, but we’re including it anyway. Back in the day, you had one choice for a dog bowl, and it was the plain stainless steel one. Trusty, yes, but not necessarily the most aesthetically pleasing. Nowadays, bowls are something of a fashion statement, available in tons of cute patterns and funky colours to match your home decor. You can even personalise them with your doggo’s name!
#4: A new harness, collar, or lead
We humans have so many outfits to choose from, all of which reflect our personal style. But what about our pups? Give their paw-drobe an update with a stylish new harness, collar, or lead. If it’s their first birthday, chances are they’ve already grown out of their puppy gear and need something bigger anyway. Fit is the most important thing to look out for when shopping for a new harness or collar, so be sure to take your dog’s measurements before buying.
#5: Grooming supplies
Ah, dog grooming. Dogs either love it, or they hate it. Either way, you can always improve their at-home spa day experience with a new shampoo, brush, or towel. You can even kick it up a notch and make bath time downright enjoyable with the help of some peanut butter. Yep, some clever Dog Owners invented the Bath Buddy, a lick pad that suctions to the side of your bathtub (or bathroom wall). Simply spread some peanut butter on there and your doggo will be nicely distracted while you do the hard work.
#6: A comfy new dog bed
Depending on the size of your furry friend, this one might not fit in your puppy birthday box, but it’s worth including anyway! We humans are told to replace our pillows every one or two years, so we reckon it’s only fair the same applies to dog beds. After all, they’re always big and fluffy at first, but they don’t stay that way for long. And as your pooch ages, their bed needs will change, too. Older dogs often require more support, so you might want to treat them to a new orthopedic or elevated dog bed. After all, it’s hard to beat the gift of comfort!
#7: Travel gear
If you and your pooch have a serious case of wanderlust, why not get them some new gear for your adventures? A staple like a doggie seatbelt, carrier, seat cover, or travel bowl will never go astray. That said, if you’ve got a particularly large car (or an older doggo), a ramp could be the perfect gift. They usually fold up for easy transport and can prevent injury and pain in pooches with arthritis and joint problems. Even if they’re a young gun, we’re sure they’ll thank you for it after using up all their energy at the beach!
Want someone else to make the perfect puppy birthday box for your furry friend?
Putting a puppy birthday box together can be fun, but it can also be a lot of work – not to mention expensive. If you’d rather leave the job to someone else, Waggly Club can put together the perfect birthday box for you. It’ll save you time, money, and your dog will feel just as spoiled. You can sign up for a monthly subscription from $45 per month, or enjoy a one-off box for just $52. Each box comes jam-packed with toys and treats, customisable to suit your dog’s size, chewing needs, and allergies. Birthday sorted!
