2025 Finalists - Dog & Bond
At Dog & Bond, they believe that life is better with dogs - and ice cream! That’s why they created the Doggy Ice-Cream Kit, a fun and innovative way for pet parents to share a special treat with their four-legged companions. Their passion for crafting high-quality, natural pet products has earned them a coveted spot as a finalist in Gift of the Year's Pet Gift category. We caught up with Dog & Bond's Founder, Avi, to find out more about their journey, the inspiration behind their delicious dog-friendly dessert and what this recognition means for the brand.
Company Name: Dog & Bond
Product in the Finalist: Doggy Ice-Cream Kit
Congratulations on being a finalist! How does it feel to be recognised in this year’s Gift of the Year awards?
We’re absolutely thrilled! As an independent brand, being recognised by the Giftware Association is a huge honour. We created the Doggy Ice-Cream Kit to bring joy to both pets and their people.
Can you tell us a little about your brand and the inspiration behind your successful product?
Dog & Bond is all about celebrating the special connection between pets and their people. We make it easy and fun to make healthy treats for and with your dog.
Like many of our products, the inspiration comes from my childhood. I grew up in California, surrounded by German Shepherds and spending a lot of time outside with them. On really hot days, when my brothers and I needed to cool down, we’d whip up shakes—and I remember our dog looking up at me, hoping for a taste. My mom started making her own version freezing them in ice trays.
Nothing as cute as the fun paw-print trays we offer now, but the idea stuck with me. The Doggy Ice-Cream Kit brings that same joy to today’s pet parents—letting them share a treat with their dog while creating a fun, memorable moment together. Because let’s be honest—life is better with dogs and ice cream!
What makes your product special, and why do you think it stood out to the judges?
We offer more than just a treat—it’s a shared experience. Unlike most dog ice creams, our mix is made with 100% natural, human-grade ingredients—so you can actually enjoy it too. The peanut butter flavour is one that both dogs and people love. And instead of single-use packaging, we include a reusable, silicone mould, so you can keep making treats in the future.
We think the judges saw how this kit taps into the growing trend of pet-parent bonding while also being sustainable, giftable, and easy to use.
Who is your product designed for, and what kind of reaction have you had from customers so far?
The Doggy Ice-Cream Kit is designed for people who see their pets as family and want to share fun experiences with them or as a gift for dog lovers. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon treat, a birthday surprise, or just a way to cool down after a long walk, this kit makes it easy to create special moments together.
The response has been amazing! Customers love how simple it is to make, and really appreciate how clear the transparent the ingredient list is. Many have told us their dogs now recognise the mould and get excited whenever it comes out of the freezer!
What trends or themes do you think are shaping the gifting industry right now?
Personalisation, sustainability, and experience-led gifting are all shaping the industry right now. People don’t just want to give things—they want to share moments.
How has being shortlisted, and now being a finalist impacted your brand so far, and what do you hope to achieve from the awards?
Being shortlisted—and now a finalist—has already given us fantastic recognition. While exhibiting at Spring Fair, we had buyers coming up to us saying, ‘Oh, I saw you’re up for Gift of the Year!’ It really helped start conversations and gave our brand that extra credibility.
The exposure from the awards has been invaluable, introducing us to new stockists and helping us reach more pet lovers who are looking for fun, high-quality gifts for their dogs.
What exciting plans do you have for the future?
We have lots of fun ideas that we're working on including additional flavours for our treat mixes.
We’re also expanding our presence in shops and garden centres, so more pet parents can discover Dog & Bond in person. The response from stockists has been amazing, and we’re excited to bring our products to even more shelves.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received (or given), and why?
One of the best gifts I’ve ever received was a complete surprise from my wife. She showed up at my work one day and told me I had to finish early—because we were heading straight to the airport! She whisked me away for a spontaneous weekend in Europe, and it was incredible… though we almost missed the flight.
Dog & Bond’s journey to the Gift of the Year finals highlights the creativity and passion behind truly special gifts. As the awards celebrate the best in gifting, this recognition showcases the brands making a real impact. Stay tuned for more incredible stories from finalists and discover the best gifts of the year.
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