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Barnaby gets plenty of pet gifts from us and from people who know us. This has produced a catalog of what actually works for a large, high-energy dog over the last three years — the toys that last, the products that are worth the price, and the things that seemed like good ideas and were not. Here is the useful version of that catalog.
Here on the LA Westside, we aren’t looking for generic squeaky toys. We want gifts that match our aesthetic and actually improve our lives. From smart collars that track sleep to furniture that rivals my own sofa, here is what we’ve actually found worth buying, not just what looks good in a photo.
Part 1: The “Smart Pet” Revolution
The tech that actually gets used after the first week, not just unwrapped.
1. Fi Smart Dog Collar Series 3+
- Price: ~$189 (Plus membership)
- The “Used It” Test: I personally use this. We have the Series 3 for our Goldendoodle, Barnaby. My husband, Brad, has turned the step-tracking feature into a competitive sport. He literally checks the app after walks to see if Barnaby is in the “Top 10% of Goldendoodles” for the day. Beyond the fun data, it offers peace of mind. If Barnaby ever chased a squirrel out of the yard, we’d know his location instantly.
- Why we love it:
- Battery Life: It lasts weeks on a single charge.
- Aesthetic: Sleek, waterproof, and doesn’t look like a bulky ankle monitor.
- Health Alerts: Notifies you if sleep or activity patterns change drastically (an early sign of illness).
2. Tractive GPS Pet Tracker for Dogs
- Price: ~$79 (Device) + $5–$10/mo Subscription
- The Scoop: If you spend your weekends hiking the Santa Monica Mountains or taking trips to Joshua Tree, this is your best bet. Unlike the Fi (which uses AT&T/LTE), Tractive works across multiple carriers and has a “Live” mode that updates every 2-3 seconds.
- Why we love it:
- Live Tracking: Essential for hikers or off-leash adventures.
- Worldwide Coverage: Works in over 175 countries (perfect for that trip to Cabo).
- Durability: 100% waterproof and shockproof.
3. Furbo 360° Dog Camera
Price: ~$69 – $99. This is the “nanny cam” for your dog, and the 360-degree rotation actually solves the real complaint about older models — blind spots. You can pan the whole room to find your dog no matter which corner they’ve wandered into, fling a treat at them from your desk at work, and the alerts are smart enough to tell the difference between barking, howling, and someone actually walking in the door. It’s mostly useful for the days you’re gone longer than you’d like, less so as a daily-use gadget.
4. Petcube Cam 360
- Price: ~$47 – $53
- The Scoop: A budget-friendly alternative that doesn’t skimp on features. The pan-and-tilt actually rotates 350 degrees, so you can find Barnaby no matter which corner of the living room he’s claimed.
- Why we love it:
- Vet Chat: Built-in access to chat with a veterinarian through the app.
- Compact: Small enough to hide on a bookshelf.
- Night Vision: Crystal clear 1080p video even in the dark.
5. PetKit YumShare Smart Feeder
PetKit YumShare Smart Feeder (~$90 – $160)
A few too many holiday treats caught up with Barnaby, and portion control turned out to be the fix that actually worked. You can schedule meals down to the exact gram, which stops him from convincing us he “forgot” breakfast. There’s a built-in camera so you can check that he actually finished, the hopper seals tight enough to keep kibble from going stale, and it has battery backup for power outages. One thing worth knowing: PetKit builds this feeder with cats and smaller dogs in mind, so if you’ve got a bigger eater, check the hopper capacity before you buy.
6. Ceramic Pet Water Fountain
PetSafe Drinkwell Seascape Ceramic Fountain
- Price: ~$95 – $105
- The Scoop: Barnaby drinks more after a hike if the water is moving, and this fountain’s quiet pump keeps his bowl from turning into a stagnant afterthought by 4pm. It looks like a piece of pottery rather than a plastic appliance, which matters if it’s sitting on your kitchen floor all day.
- Why we love it:
- Hygiene: Dishwasher-safe (top rack) with a replaceable carbon filter.
- Design: Gray ceramic that looks intentional, not like a pet-store impulse buy.
- Capacity: 70 ounces, so it’s not a daily refill chore for a bigger dog.
Part 2: Interior Pet Design for the Four-Legged
Furniture that doesn’t ruin your aesthetic.
7. Maxbone Davos Bed
- Price: ~$180
- The Scoop: This is the bed you buy when you’re tired of a plaid dog bed sitting in the middle of your living room. The microvelvet and chenille cover reads more like a piece of furniture than a pet product, and the foam underneath is actually supportive, not just decorative.
- Why we love it:
- The Look: A clean, modern shape that doesn’t scream “dog bed” from across the room.
- Comfort: A dual-layer foam cushion with real orthopedic support, not just fluff.
- Washable: The cover zips off and goes straight into the machine.
8. Orvis Memory Foam Bolster Dog Bed
Price: ~$309 – $389. Orvis is the gold standard for a reason — as dogs age, they need real orthopedic support, not just fluff, and this bed supports their joints and holds its shape for years instead of flattening out after a few months. The memory foam is actually calibrated to a dog’s weight rather than generic foam, it comes in tweeds and bouclés that don’t clash with the rest of the room, and the cover zips off for the washing machine when it inevitably needs it.
9. Bowsers Artisan Diner
- Price: ~$40 – $90 (depending on wood and size)
- The Scoop: A raised wood feeder that solves the actual problem of a plastic bowl sliding across the kitchen floor while a big dog eats. It’s handcrafted from walnut or bamboo, so it looks like a piece of furniture that happens to hold two stainless bowls.
- Why we love it:
- Posture: The raised height is easier on a larger dog’s neck and joints.
- Materials: Solid wood construction with removable stainless steel bowls.
- Style: Reads as a side table, not a feeding station.
10. MiaCara Arco Dog Feeder
- Price: ~$275
- The Scoop: If you want to go all-in on the feeder above, this is the splurge version. It’s a wall-mounted bent-plywood unit that holds stainless bowls on a sliding track, so it lifts off the wall for washing and disappears when Barnaby’s done eating.
- Why we love it:
- Space Saving: Zero footprint on the floor.
- Design: A genuinely architectural piece, not just a bowl holder.
- Practical: The bowls slide out for dishwasher cleaning.
11. Fable Signature Crate
Price: ~$749. This is the crate for anyone tired of a wire cage taking over the living room. It has a bentwood frame and an acrylic or metal gate, so it doubles as a nightstand or side table rather than looking like something built for a shelter. The gate slides up and disappears into the unit instead of swinging open, and the clear panel keeps it feeling airy rather than closed-in — worth it if the crate is going to live in your bedroom or living room long-term, less so if it’s just for crate training in a spare room.
Part 3: Enrichment Toys for a Happy Pet
Gifts for a brilliant mind (and a tired owner).
12. Nina Ottosson Puzzles
Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Puzzle
- Price: ~$15 – $25
- The Scoop: A bored dog is a destructive dog. These puzzles require your pup to slide, lift, and nudge compartments to find treats. It’s a mental workout that tires them out faster than a walk.
- Why we love it:
- Levels: Available in Level 1 (Easy) to Level 4 (Expert).
- Engagement: Keeps them occupied for 15-20 minutes.
- Slow Feeder: Great for dogs who inhale their food too fast.
13. The Snuffle Mat
AWOOF Pet Snuffle Mat
- Price: ~$15 – $20
- The “Used It” Test: I personally use this. This is Barnaby’s “breakfast puzzle.” Instead of a bowl, I dump his kibble into this shaggy fabric mat. He has to sniff and hunt for every single piece. It takes him 15 minutes, he loves the foraging work, and he usually naps immediately after.
- Why we love it:
- Natural Instinct: Mimics foraging in grass.
- Calming: Sniffing lowers a dog’s heart rate and reduces anxiety.
- Washable: Throws right in the washing machine.
14. Wild One “Twist Toss” Toy
Wild One Twist Toss — ~$12. Simple and durable, and it doesn’t look like a dollar-store toy sitting on the floor. It’s natural rubber with a geometric shape that makes it bounce unpredictably during fetch, it’s BPA-free, and it comes in colors that don’t clash with everything else (we have it in Lilac). Stuff it with peanut butter and it doubles as a chew toy on rainy days.
15. West Paw Zogoflex Tux
Price: ~$20. This is the one for the “Super Chewer” — if your dog destroys plush toys in seconds, skip the stuffed animals entirely and get this instead. It’s virtually indestructible, made in the USA, recyclable, non-toxic, and goes straight in the dishwasher after a slobbery chew session. West Paw also replaces it if your dog somehow does manage to wreck it.
Read More: Your LA Pet Lifestyle Guide
Loved this gift guide? Keep exploring the best ways to integrate your pet into your Los Angeles life with our other popular articles:
- The Ultimate Guide to Blissful Dining With Your Dog in LA: Once you’ve got the gifts, take them out on the town. Here’s where to dine in style with your pup.
- How to Take Your Dog on a Cruise: For the truly adventurous pet owner, discover the ins and outs of setting sail with your furry companion.
