Look down at your floor real quick. See a bunch of dog toys scattered hither and yon?
We get it.
Most pet parents are familiar with the toys-constantly-scattered-around-the-house problem.
Fortunately, there’s an easy fix: Pick up a dog toy basket! These tools can help keep your home looking its best and preserve your pup’s toys for his next playtime session.
We’ll explain what kinds of things to look for in a dog toy basket and identify a few of our favorites below.
Best Dog Toy Baskets: Quick Picks
- #1 Winifred & Lily Storage Bin [Best Overall Dog Toy Basket]: Just looking for the best all around dog toy basket? This collapsible, low-profile model is the ideal pick for most owners (and it features an adorable doggo graphic).
- #2 YOUDENOVA Storage Ottoman [Best Furniture-Quality Dog Toy Basket]: Looking for something a little more elegant than a simple toy basket? This ottoman-style storage box will keep your canine’s toys contained in style.
- #3 Feline Ruff Storage Box [Best Budget Dog Toy Basket]: Need an affordable storage option for your dog’s toys? This budget-friendly basket will get the job done while being gentle on your wallet (it’s also pretty darn cute).
The Benefits of Using Dog Toy Baskets
There’s no denying that dog toys are great — they’re vital to keeping your dog healthy, happy, and stimulated. But you need to keep your terrier’s toys organized and properly stored for safety (and your sanity).
Dog toy baskets obviously help you do this, but they also provide several other benefits, including:
- They preserve your pup’s toys. Toys will hold up better when they’re properly stored when not in use. And for that matter, your pooch will undoubtedly enjoy “rediscovering” forgotten toys near the bottom of the basket from time to time.
- Dog toy baskets can prevent unauthorized access. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your pooch while he’s playing with toys just to make sure he’s staying safe. Toy baskets (at least, those with secure lids) can prevent unauthorized play.
- Dog toy baskets help prevent you from stepping on your dog’s toys. Stepping on a dog toy is often painful and it can even be a safety hazard that sends you stumbling through the house. But a canine cubby will help eliminate this issue (now, if only your kid would stop leaving Legos laying around…)
- Dog toy baskets help cut down on clutter. Some doggos seem to cycle through toys in rapid-fire fashion, ultimately leaving soft plush dog toys and squeaky toys strewn about your house. But toy baskets help keep your house organized and free up valuable floor space.
- Baskets help prevent dog toys from becoming lost. Toys generally aren’t super expensive, but lost toys represent needlessly lost money. But toys are a lot less likely to become lost underneath the couch or anywhere else if they’re kept in a basket most of the time.
- It’s easy to bring toys on the go with a dog toy basket. Heading on an adventure with your pup? You better bring along some toys to keep him occupied. Baskets make it easy to facilitate comfortable canine travel whenever you’re on the road with your furry friend.
But there’s one other super-awesome reason to use a dog toy basket: You can teach your dog to use them!
Besides being absolutely adorable, this trick will help you keep your home clean. Plus, every training opportunity presents another way to bond with your canine companion.
The 6 Best Dog Toy Baskets
Convinced a dog toy basket will help you keep your house free of canine clutter? Here are some of the best toy baskets available for your four-footer.
1. Winifred & Lily Storage Bin
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Winifred & Lily Storage Bin
A simple, easy-access open storage bin with a embroidered dog-themed graphic.
About: This toy basket from Winifred & Lily is an excellent compact storage solution for your canine’s toys. This soft, flexible, and lightweight basket features handles and can be stored on a shelf or the floor. And at only 6-inches high, it’s also easy for pups to access.
Features:
- Soft fabric storage bin
- Open-top design for easy access
- Embroidered with a cute dog-themed graphic
- Small enough to store in tight spaces
- Compact bin features a built-in handle
Options: These storage bins are 16 x 11 x 6 inches. Choose between neutral brown or grey, or opt for a bright blue basket.
Pros
- Low-profile bin design provides easy doggo access
- Fabric material can be quickly cleaned with a damp cloth
- Lightweight design and handles make this great for travel
- The collapsible design makes it easy to store the box
Cons
- It’s unlikely to stand up to destructive chewers
- This box won’t contain a ton of toys
- A couple of pet parents found that the box didn’t hold its shape without toys inside of it
2. YOUDENOVA Storage Ottoman
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YOUDENOVA Storage Ottoman
A chic, stylish, and sturdy ottoman that doubles as a toy storage box for Fido.
About: If you’re looking for the perfect balance between fashion and function, this ottoman-style dog toy basket with suitable storage space is an excellent addition to your living room.
This compact bin comes in neutral tones to fit any setting and features a removable cover, which can support up to 300 pounds while closed, according to the manufacturer. With a faux leather exterior, this neat bin will look great in your home while containing your canine’s toys. Plus, it’s large enough to hold bigger play items like treat-dispensing balls and dog rope toys.
Features:
- Padded, removable cover reveals hidden storage
- Collapsible bin can be folded when not in use
- Weighs 5 pounds
- Doubles as a functional ottoman
- Weighted cover keeps toys contained
Options: This storage box is 15 x 15 x 15 inches and comes in beige, grey, black, or brown. You can also get this toy basket with a fabric (rather than faux leather) exterior.
Pros
- Pet parents loved that this ottoman blends right in with the furniture
- The weighted top cover helps restrict unauthorized access
- Collapsible design makes storage and transport easy
Cons
- This is one of the few dog toy baskets without any handles
- Some buyers reported that the box didn’t support as much weight as advertised
3. Feline Ruff Storage Box
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Feline Ruff Storage Box
A cute little collapsible storage bin that will get the job done without breaking the bank.
About: If you’re looking for a storage box that will keep your pup’s toys contained without costing an arm and a leg, this storage box by Feline Ruff is a great choice. This adorable paw print box is fully collapsible and comes with a lid that can be stored inside the box when not in use.
This lightweight fabric box is equipped with a handle so that you can easily move it from one room to the next. The lid fastens to keep toys secure and out of sight when not in use.
Features:
- Collapsible fabric bin
- Features a carrying handle
- Lightweight for maximum portability
- The connected lid can be stowed inside the bin
- Equipped with a Velcro lid fastener
Options: The tan toy bin is decorated with black paw prints and runs 16 x 12 x 12 inches.
Pros
- Pet parents loved that this bin collapses for easy storage
- The Velcro fastener helps keep pets out of the bin when not in use
- It just gets the job done for a very reasonable cost
Cons
- This isn’t the most durable toy basket on the market
- Some pet parents reported that the box lost its shape over time
4. Spectrum Diversified Steel Storage Bin
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Spectrum Diversified Steel Storage Bin
Sturdy metal toy basket that’ll stand up to routine wear and tear and your dog’s teeth!
About: This sturdy steel storage bin is perfect for pet parents searching for an open organizer that’s built to last. Made from metal, this basket is less likely to invite curious chewers, while also being super easy to clean.
This bin also features a cute name plate so you can add a label with your furry friend’s name, and it’s small enough to fit on a shelf.
Features:
- Sturdy steel construction
- Comes with a built-in nameplate
- Stamped steel paw or bone-shaped design
- Open wire design to easily spot toys
- Compact and lightweight enough for travel
Options: This bin can be decorated with paws or bones and is 12.75 x 9.5 x 8 inches. Choose between white or grey metal.
Pros
- Pet parents loved the sturdiness of this basket
- The metal design may help discourage curious chewers
- Most owners liked the stamped paw prints
Cons
- The bin’s holes may allow toys to poke out (which may confuse dogs trying to access toys)
- The metal basket could scratch the floor if pushed around on hardwood
5. Bone Dry Toy Basket
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Bone Dry Toy Basket
A neutral-colored, wicker-style dog toy basket, featuring a super-cute bone shape.
About: If you’re looking for an open toy basket that still matches your home décor, this neutral-colored toy container from Bone Dry might be perfect for your needs. The woven basket comes in your choice of several earth tones and features an adorable bone shape.
This basket is easy to clean with a damp cloth, and comes in multiple sizes to support just about any doggie toy collection.
Features:
- Lightweight basket can hold up to 5 pounds of toys
- Cute little bone-shaped design
- Provides your dog with easy access to toys
- Can be cleaned with a damp cloth
Options: This toy basket comes in small, medium, and large sizes, and you can choose between 4 neutral shades of brown.
Pros
- We just think this basket is adorable
- Pet parents loved the basket’s capacity
- The woven basket is lightweight and easy to carry
Cons
- Woven design isn’t a good pick for pups who may try to chew the basket
- This is one of the pricier basket options on the list
6. OurPets Bone Bin
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OurPets Bone Bin
A generously sized, bone-shaped dog toy basket with a matching top.
About: Does your mutt have a mountain of toys? If so, you might want to consider this extra-roomy toy basket from Our Pets. The bone-shaped toy bin has a removable top that keeps toys out of sight when not in use.
The versatile plastic bin can also be used for outdoor storage and is sure to turn heads with its adorable design. This bin doesn’t have handles, but it only weighs about 3 pounds, so it’s not too tricky to move from one area to the next.
Features:
- Adorable bone-shaped toy box
- Made out of BPA-free plastic
- Comes with a removable lid
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
- Thick, weighted design helps keep it in place
Options: This white storage bin is 23.75 x 10.5 x 13 inches.
Pros
- This sturdy plastic bin is pretty durable and built to last
- It’s easy to clean
- It’s one of the most spacious toy box options available
Cons
- The top doesn’t appear pup-proof
- This basket doesn’t collapse or feature handles
Things to Look for in a Dog Toy Basket
In order to pick out the perfect toy basket, you’ll want to consider some key canine cubby criteria. Here’s what you should look for in a quality dog toy basket:
- Capacity: Consider how large you want your dog’s toy basket to be. This means not only considering the number of toys your dog has but their size too. And don’t forget, bigger best buddies will naturally have larger toys and will hence require a larger basket.
- Lid or No Lid: Some pooch parents may prefer baskets without lids for increased accessibility. Others might lean towards a lid to have more control over pooch playtime or keep toys out of plain sight.
- Materials: You’ll need to determine whether you’re looking for a flexible basket or a toy box with a more rigid structure. Both styles present different benefits and drawbacks.
- Portability: Baskets with handles are a lot easier to move around the house. And if you plan on taking your toy basket on the go, a collapsible or lightweight option is an excellent pick.
- Price: You probably already spend quite a bit of money caring for your pooch, so you don’t want to spend more money than you have to on a simple dog toy box. Nevertheless, you’ll want to avoid bargain-basement models that won’t hold up either.
- Aesthetics: Dog toy baskets can conceal your dog’s endless toys all while fitting in with your home’s aesthetic – you just have to take a second to pick one that matches your home’s style. Fortunately, the market is full of different styles and options.
- Doggo Access: You may or may not want your dog to have access to the toy bin – it just depends on your approach to dog care. Either way, your basket of choice should accommodate your needs.
- Intended Use: It’s important to note that you can use some dog toy baskets indoors or outdoors. An outdoor play basket will have completely different considerations than an indoor one. Be sure to consider where you envision using your dog’s basket.
How Can I Train My Dog to Use a Toy Box?
Teaching your dog to use a toy box is an absolutely adorable trick that can help keep your space clean. In order to learn this trick, it’s essential that your furry friend already understands the “drop it” cue. You’ll also want to have a couple of tasty training treats on hand to help motivate your mutt throughout this process.
- Familiarize your pooch with the toy box. To start, allow your pooch to explore the bin on his own terms. Reward your pup with treats and praise for sniffing and coming close to the box.
- Lure your dog to stand over the box with a toy. Once your pooch is familiar with the bin, lure him to stand over the box with a high-value toy.
- Ask your dog to “drop it” and praise him accordingly. Now that your pooch is standing over the toy box with the toy, ask him to “drop it”. When he does, reward with praise and treats accordingly.
- After a couple of successful rounds, introduce a new command. Continue to repeat the process of luring and asking your dog to drop the toy into the toy bin. Once your pooch gets the hang of it, replace the “drop it” command with something like “clean up” or even “basket”. Continue reintroducing toys and having your pooch drop the toy in the bin with the new command word.
- Increase distance between toys and the box. Once your dog understands the new command, start gradually increasing his starting distance between him and the toy box. Start just a couple of inches apart and repeat until he’s comfortable. Once your pooch has demonstrated his knowledge, start building up the distance between him and the box while asking him to “clean up”.
- Rinse and repeat! Like any other trick, mastering “clean up” can take time. The best way to teach your pooch is to keep training sessions, light, fun, and positive. Your pooch will understand in time if you’re willing to put consistent effort.
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Using a dog toy box can be an amazing way to keep your home organized as a pet parent. On top of that, you’ll help preserve your pup’s precious toys for longer. Hopefully, this list leads you to the coveted canine cubby of your dreams!
Does your dog have a toy basket? What’s his favorite toy? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
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