As Christmas quickly approaches, many pet owners are busy making their lists and checking them twice. It is easy to get caught up in the festive spirit and want to spoil our furry family members with elaborate gifts. This year, Americans are projected to spend billions on their pets. While expensive “brrr baskets” for pets have become popular, and designer toys fill store shelves, a heartwarming trend on TikTok is reminding us what our dogs truly value. Influential pups are showing their followers that the best gifts are often the simplest and, in many cases, completely free.
The Joy of Simple Things
A wave of popular dog influencers is pushing back against the commercialization of pet gift giving. They are creating delightful videos that showcase what their dogs actually want for Christmas. The results are both humorous and touching. These videos reveal that a dog’s happiness does not come with a hefty price tag. Instead, it often comes in the form of everyday items that we might consider trash.
Creators like Freddy the Golden are leading the charge. In a popular video, Freddy’s owner places festive Christmas bows on all the things he would love to find under the tree. The wish list includes a full box of tissues ready for shredding, a particularly interesting rock from the yard, and a coveted empty toilet paper roll. Freddy would also be thrilled with a nice stick, a pile of fresh snow, or even just the Christmas bow itself.
@freddy_goldenpup Let me de infuence you before you start Christmas shopping for your dog! 🎄🎄🎄 #goldenretriever #dogs #tiktokdogs #goldenretrievers #dogsoftiktok ♬ Underneath the Tree (Christmas Songs – One day, everything changed. You’re all I need) – Kelly Clarkson
A Universal Wish List
This trend transcends size, with “dogfluencers” from tiny pups to gentle giants, jumping in. The account Maxwell Unleashed shared that Maxwell’s ultimate Christmas would include a torn piece of cardboard, a crinkly empty water bottle, and a well-loved old shoelace. These are items that would typically go straight into the recycling bin, but to this adorable little guy, they are treasures.
@maxwellunleashed I think he likes his gifts 🎁 #dogsoftiktok #smalldog #christmasgifts #cutedog #teddybeardog ♬ Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee
Similarly, the adorable Ollie, who shows up under the handle @olliepopmaltipoo, has a wish list that would make anyone smile. Ollie would be overjoyed to receive a napkin to tear into tiny pieces or a single blueberry, as long as it’s smooshed, please. An old, yucky tennis ball from the dog park also makes the list, as does the ultimate prize, one of Mom’s slippers. These posts are more than just cute content; they are a genuine look into the minds of our canine companions, who find immense joy in the most unexpected places.
@olliepopmaltipooGiving Ollie what he actually wants for Christmas ✨♬ original sound – OlliepopMaltipoo
What does every dog want for Christmas? Endearingly, there was one item that showed up on the wish lists of all three dogs… an old sock. It seems a worn sock is a gift of love that you just can’t go wrong with this holiday season.
The Priceless Gift of Love
It is natural to want to show our pets how much we love them, especially during the holidays. The spending statistics reflect this deep bond we share. However, this viral trend gently reminds us that our dogs’ affection is not something that can be bought.
The joy a dog brings to a family is truly priceless. Their unconditional love, goofy antics, and constant companionship enrich our lives in ways that material items never can. As you plan your holiday shopping, remember that sometimes the best things in life don’t cost a thing. Your dog’s favorite gift might just be waiting behind the laundry basket, or in your recycling bin.
