The best gifts for someone with a new puppy are the practical bits they'll use from the very first walk: a small, adjustable harness, a lightweight lead, a collar to carry an ID tag, something to hold poo bags and a laundry bag for all the muddy kit that follows. Puppies grow fast, so adjustable pieces make the safest presents, and if you can find out the puppy's neck and chest measurements first, even better.
Here's a simple first-weeks kit list, with a few tips so your gift fits the puppy and gets used.
Before you buy: a quick sizing tip
Harness and collar sizes depend on the puppy, not the breed. If you can, ask the new dog parent to measure around the base of the puppy's neck, where a collar would sit, and around the widest part of the chest, just behind the front legs. Then check those numbers against the size guide on the product you like.
Not every colourway stocks every size, so open the product and check that the size you need is listed and in stock before you order. If measuring isn't possible without spoiling the surprise, a lead, a poo bag holder or a laundry bag are safe choices that don't need a size.
The first-weeks kit at a glance
| Gift | Why it helps | Size to check |
|---|---|---|
| A small, adjustable harness | Somewhere to clip the lead that isn't the neck | Neck and chest |
| A lightweight lead | Light enough for a small puppy to carry | None |
| A collar for the ID tag | Holds the tag your puppy needs out in public | Neck |
| A poo bag holder | Keeps bags to hand on every walk | None |
| A laundry bag | Makes washing muddy kit easier | None |
1. A first harness that adjusts as they grow
A harness gives a puppy somewhere comfortable to clip the lead while they learn to walk nicely. Two of our harness styles work well as a first harness:
- Our lightweight Adjustable Neck harnesses come in XXS, XS and S and have their own size guide on the product page (XXS fits a 19-25cm neck and a 28-40cm chest). They have a back metal D-ring for the lead, a breathable, quick-dry mesh lining and a lockable safety clip. The Forest Tweed Adjustable Neck harness is one example.
- Our Trail & Glow harnesses start at XXS too (neck 20-29cm, chest 22-41cm on our harness size chart). They open at the neck with a lockable clasp, so there's no need to pull anything over the puppy's head, and they have front and back D-rings, a back handle, three buckles and reflective strips along the front and back. The Khaki One runs from XXS to XL.
Our puppy harness guide explains how to size a growing puppy.
Shop Lightweight Adjustable Harnesses
2. A lightweight lead
A heavy clip can feel a lot to a very small puppy. Our Lightweight Mini lead in Heritage Plaid is made for small dogs: it's 5ft long and 1.5cm wide, with a lightweight black clip, a padded neoprene handle and an extra D-ring for clipping on a poo bag holder.
If you'd like the harness and lead together, the Mayfair Tweed Adjustable Harness & Mini Lead Set pairs an Adjustable Neck harness (XXS to S) with a matching 5ft mini lead. For tips on those first outings, see our first lead guide.
3. A collar for the ID tag
Even when a puppy walks on a harness, they still need ID. In the UK, a dog in a public place must wear a collar with your name and address on it, or on a tag attached to it. A light collar is the easiest way to carry that tag.
Our Oxford Tweed Adjustable Collar starts at XS, which fits an 18-28cm neck and is 1.5cm wide. Our guide to dog tags for puppies explains what to put on the tag, and our puppy collar guide covers fit.
4. Somewhere to keep the poo bags
Every walk needs poo bags, and a holder on the lead means they're always there. Our Oxford Tweed poo bag holder clips to the D-ring on a lead or a walking bag and fits one roll of standard poo bags. The Poop Pocket does a different job: it holds a used, knotted bag on its carabiner clip, so nobody has to carry it in their hand to the next bin.
There are lots more designs in our poo bag holder collection, and a dog walking bag is a lovely extra for the new dog parent's treats, keys and phone.
5. A laundry bag for muddy kit
Puppies and puddles go together. Our laundry bag measures 30cm x 40cm and is made for harnesses, leads, collars and walking bags. Our care advice is simple: wash on a cool wash, ideally inside the laundry bag.
A bigger present: a matching set
For a special Christmas gift, a set saves choosing piece by piece. The Trail & Glow Oxford Tweed Bundle Set includes a harness, an adjustable collar, a 5ft lead, a bow tie and a poo bag holder, with harness sizes from XXS to XL. As with any harness, check the puppy's measurements against the size guide first.
Gifting tips for a new puppy
- Buy for the puppy they are now. A puppy may move through a couple of sizes before they're fully grown, so pick adjustable pieces and expect to size up later.
- Think about the first walks. Their vet will advise when it's safe for the puppy to go out, so a lead and harness may get a few weeks of practice at home first.
- Keep it practical. Kit that gets used on every walk will be remembered long after the wrapping paper has gone.
Looking for something for the dog parent too? Our gifts for dog lovers guide has more ideas.
Quick questions
What's a good gift for someone who's just got a puppy?
Practical walking kit: an adjustable harness, a lightweight lead, a collar for the ID tag, a poo bag holder and a laundry bag. Items without a size, like the lead or the poo bag holder, are the easiest to buy as a surprise.
What size harness should I buy for a puppy?
Measure the neck and chest and check them against the size guide on the product. Our Trail & Glow and Adjustable Neck harnesses both start at XXS, but each has its own measurements.
Does a puppy need a collar if it wears a harness?
Yes. A harness is for walking, but in the UK a dog in a public place must wear a collar with your name and address on it or on an attached tag.
