Unusual Gifts For Dog Lovers: Unique UK Ideas They Won't Already Have

September 21, 2026

Dog owners are the easiest people to buy for and the hardest to surprise - the drawer is already full of leads, balls and slogan mugs.

We design and print cards, pin badges, prints and party decorations in the UK. We don't paint pet portraits ourselves, so where we recommend a commissioned portrait it is a recommendation rather than our own product.

Everything below is either made for their dog specifically or something they'd never buy themselves.

One-of-a-kind art

These custom creations suit devoted owners who treat their pet as a true family member, making them perfect for milestone birthdays or housewarming gifts. When planning this surprise, a helpful tip is to sneakily borrow a clear, well-lit photo from their social media profile so you do not have to ask them directly and spoil the secret.

A commissioned portrait of their dog - the least replaceable gift on this list, and the one that ends up above the fireplace.
A Renaissance or Tudor-style portrait, which is funny for about a week and then just looks good.
A line drawing taken from a photo, printed small for a desk.
A custom illustration of the dog with the whole household in it.
A sculpture or 3D-printed model from photos, for people who've run out of wall.

Quirky keepsakes

Ideal for proud owners who love to show off their pet's unique personality during daily walks, these charming mementos make wonderful stocking fillers or casual birthday surprises. Before you order, double-check the spelling of the pet's name on their collar, as unusual spellings are very common and easily missed.

A paw print cast in clay, or an ink print framed alongside the dog's name.
A blanket or cushion printed with the dog's face, which is silly and gets used nightly.
An enamel pin badge of their breed for the coat they walk in.
A bespoke enamel collar tag rather than the engraved-in-a-machine kind.
A custom bandana printed with the dog's own catchphrase.

Experiences rather than objects

Perfect for active owners and high-energy dogs who prefer making memories together to cluttering the house, these experiences are great for retirement gifts or weekend celebrations. A practical tip is to check both the owner's calendar and the dog's general fitness level before booking to ensure the chosen activity is safe and enjoyable.

A professional photo shoot with the dog, outdoors, in the place they walk.
A dog-friendly hotel night, or a canal boat day.
A scentwork or agility taster class, which suits high-energy dogs and bored owners.
A hydrotherapy session for an older dog, which is a gift to both of them.
A day at a secure field hire so the recall-free dog can finally run.

For the owner, not the dog

Designed for practical dog walkers who regularly brave the unpredictable British weather, these thoughtful gifts are excellent for autumn birthdays or Christmas presents. To make your choice even better, try to find out their favourite outdoor clothing brand beforehand, ensuring the style and fit perfectly match what they already love to wear.

A really good dog-walking coat, the sort they'd never spend that much on.
A boot-of-the-car kit: towel, water bottle, tick remover, torch, all in one bag.
A subscription to the treats their dog is unreasonable about.
A donation to a rescue in the dog's name, with the certificate framed.
A book about their specific breed, which is a niche gift and always a hit.

Key things to remember

Send the artist a photo at the dog's eye level in daylight.
Check the breed spelling before ordering anything engraved.
Bespoke work needs three to eight weeks - order well ahead of Christmas.

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Custom Pet Portraits

These custom pet portraits capture the unique character and charm of a beloved companion in a truly personal artwork. It is the ultimate heartwarming gift for devoted pet owners who want to celebrate their animal friends with a lasting keepsake.

Frequently asked questions

What is an unusual gift for a dog lover?

A commissioned portrait of their own dog, a cast paw print, a bespoke collar tag, a photo shoot with the dog, or a secure field hire day - all things they won't already own.

What do you buy someone who has everything for their dog?

Buy for the dog specifically rather than for dogs generally: bespoke art, a printed blanket of their face, or an experience like scentwork or a dog-friendly night away.

How much does a custom dog portrait cost in the UK?

Printed illustrations usually start around GBP 25 to GBP 60, while hand-painted commissions typically run from GBP 100 upwards depending on size and detail.

Do you paint pet portraits yourselves?

No. We design and print cards, pin badges, prints and party decorations in the UK. A commissioned portrait mentioned here is an outside recommendation, not something we make.