40 Creative Ways to Surprise Your Kids with a Puppy This Holiday Season

Megan McLoughlin
5 days ago
5 min read

(Even if Their Puppy Isn’t Coming Home Just Yet!)

Searching for the best ways to surprise your kids with a puppy? There’s nothing quite like the joy on a child’s face when they realize they’re getting a puppy. Whether your puppy will be ready to come home in time for the holidays, or is still being nurtured by mommy, there are so many magical ways to make the big reveal. From Christmas morning surprises to Hanukkah gift reveals, here are 40 creative ways to make “We’re getting a puppy!” one of the most unforgettable moments of their childhood.

20 Ways to Surprise Your Kids with a Puppy (When They’re Home for the Holidays)

If your Cream Puff is ready to join the family, these surprise ideas make the moment pure holiday magic.

Snowy Paw Print Trail:
Create a path of puppy paw prints in faux snow leading to where your puppy is waiting.
Classic Bow Reveal:
Place your puppy by the tree or the menorah wearing a big festive bow.
Scavenger Hunt Adventure:
End a family treasure hunt with your puppy as the final gift to find.
Santa Delivery:
If you know someone who fits the bill, have Santa personally deliver your puppy
Hanukkah Night Reveal:
On the eighth night, gift a tag or collar, then let the puppy run in.
Family Photo Surprise:
During a “holiday card photo”, have someone bring in the puppy mid-shot.
Stocking Clue Trail:
Hide a note in each stocking that leads to your puppy’s hiding spot.
Giant Gift Box:
Let your Cream Puff pop out gently from a large decorated box.
“Jingle Bell” Trick:
Add a jingle bell to your puppy’s collar and listen for where the jingle is coming from in the house
Santa’s Letter:
Write a note explaining that Santa had help from Cream Puff Labradoodles this year.
Backyard Discovery:
Let your puppy greet them outside in a cozy holiday sweater.
Gift Swap:
Hand your kids a toy or treat wrapped up, see if they can guess who it’s for (this works if you don’t have your puppy yet too).
Matching Pajama Reveal:
Gift matching holiday PJs on Christmas Eve, include one for your puppy.
Snow Globe Message:
Give your kids a custom snow globe featuring a tiny Labradoodle and “Your Cream Puff is here!” inscription.
Slideshow Ending:
End a family photo slideshow with “The next chapter begins now, go to [wherever the puppy is waiting]”
Puppy Sleepover Reveal:
Let your kids wake up to a puppy snuggled at their feet Christmas morning.
Mail Delivery:
Have a friend or family member deliver a package “from the North Pole”.
Christmas Tree Clue:
Hang a small tag with your puppy’s name on an ornament and let your kids find it.
Elf on the Shelf Assist:
Let the Elf hold a note saying, “I’ve been keeping a secret, meet your Cream Puff!”
Paw Print Wrapping Paper:
Wrap gifts in paper printed with paw prints for clues.

20 Ways to Surprise Your Kids with a Puppy (If They Aren’t Coming Home Just Yet)

Waiting for your puppy to be old enough to come home doesn’t mean waiting to celebrate. These ideas make the announcement just as special as the arrival.

Frame the Future:
Gift a framed photo of your puppy or their birth announcement with a tag reading “Coming Home Soon”.
Paw Print Trail:
Use faux snow or flour to create puppy paw prints leading to a photo or “Puppy Coming Soon!” note.
Custom Ornament:
Decorate the tree with an ornament engraved with your puppy’s name and expected arrival date.
Tiny Stocking Surprise:
Hang a mini stocking with your puppy’s name. Let your kids wonder who it belongs to.
“Reserved for [Puppy’s Name]” Box:
Wrap a crate or dog bed with a sign marking it as their new puppy’s spot.
Video from the Breeder:
Have your puppy’s 6 week video ready to play on a tablet with a note saying “Play me”.
Collar & Tag Reveal:
Gift a collar or engraved tag in a small box.
Photo Puzzle:
Create a custom jigsaw puzzle of your puppy. The final image says it all.
Storybook Surprise:
Hide a card inside a children’s book about dogs that says, “Your own puppy story begins soon.”
Dog Toy Discovery:
Leave puppy toys scattered around the house like clues.
Advent Calendar Countdown:
Reveal small puppy-themed trinkets leading up to the final day: your puppy’s photo.
Stuffed Labradoodle Stand-In:
Gift a plush dog with a tag reading “I’m your practice puppy until the real one arrives.”
Digital Slideshow:
Create a family slideshow of everything you’ve done together through the year, have the final slide reveal their puppy.
Custom Fortune Cookies:
Hide the surprise message inside: “Your new best friend is coming home soon!”
Adoption Certificate:
Create a puppy “Certificate of Adoption” with their name (or a blank space for your kids to name them) and the date they are coming home.
Audio Clue:
Play recorded puppy sounds from under the tree for an adorable mystery.
Puppy Poem:
Write a holiday poem hinting about the new arrival and roll it into a scroll tied with a bow.
Movie Trailer-Style Video: Create a dramatic reveal video with the title “Coming This January: Your New BFF”
Magic Letter:
Use invisible ink on paper and let your kids “paint” it to reveal the message.
Gift from Santa (or the Maccabees!):
Leave a note saying your Cream Puff is still training with Santa’s helpers before joining your family.

FAQs: Bringing a Puppy Home During or After the Holidays

Is it okay to bring a puppy home during the holidays?

Of course! The holidays are such a special time to bring home your puppy and create moments your children will remember forever.

Should we bring a puppy home if we are traveling over the holidays?

If you’ll be traveling, it’s better to wait, your puppy needs to adjust to their new home first before you take them to new places. We can coordinate a go-home date that works for your schedule. Learn more about getting a puppy in the new year.

How can we puppy-proof our home for the holidays?

Keep decorations, tinsel, candles, and chocolate out of reach. Provide safe toys and create a cozy corner for your puppy.

Should we wait until after the holidays to bring a puppy home?

This is a completely personal choice. While lots of people want to take their puppy home in time for those big special moments, some people do prefer to wait until routines have gotten back to normal.

What supplies should we have ready before our puppy arrives?

Cream Puff Labradoodles has a Puppy Supply List detailing all of our recommendations.

How can we help our kids adjust to a new puppy?

Encourage gentle handling, short play sessions, and celebrate training milestones together. Plan a calm, quiet space where your Cream Puff can adjust to their new environment, dogs are naturally den animals so we recommend getting a crate.

FAQs About Cream Puff Labradoodles

What makes Cream Puff Labradoodles special?

Each puppy is bred for health, temperament, and allergy-friendly coats. We raise them in a loving, family-centered environment.

Are Cream Puff Labradoodles good with kids?

They are the best! They’re affectionate, intuitive, and gentle, perfect for families with children. Australian Labradoodles make excellent support dogs too.

Where is Cream Puff Labradoodles located?

In Hillsborough, NJ. We are commuting distance from NYC.

What if we can’t bring our puppy home right away?

When you apply to take home a Cream Puff we ask you when you are looking to take them home. This ensures we can match you to your perfect puppy at the perfect time..

How can we reserve a puppy?

Fill out our Puppy Application. Once we receive it we will reach out and begin our puppy matching process with you.