Show Your Pets Some Love This Holiday Season: DIY Gift Ideas for Christmas

1. Homemade Dog Treats

Treat your pup to a batch of delicious homemade goodies that are as healthy as they are tasty.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 cups of whole wheat flour (or oat flour for grain-free dogs)

• 1/2 cup of peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free)

• 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree

How to Make It:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until they form a dough.

3. Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to create festive shapes like bones, stars, or trees.

4. Place the treats on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until firm.

5. Let them cool completely before serving.

Package these treats in a cute holiday tin for an extra festive touch!

2. Catnip-Filled Toys

For the feline in your life, nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a catnip toy.

What You’ll Need:

• Fabric scraps (felt or cotton work well)

• Needle and thread or fabric glue

• Catnip

• Polyester stuffing or cotton balls

How to Make It:

1. Cut the fabric into your desired shape (a fish, star, or heart are great options).

2. Sew or glue the edges together, leaving a small opening.

3. Fill the toy with catnip and a bit of stuffing.

4. Sew or glue the opening shut.

Your cat will love batting, pouncing, and cuddling with their new toy.

3. DIY Small Animal Foraging Mat

Keep your rabbits, guinea pigs, or other small animals entertained with a homemade foraging mat.

What You’ll Need:

• A rubber sink mat with holes

• Strips of fleece fabric

How to Make It:

1. Cut the fleece into strips about 1 inch wide and 6-8 inches long.

2. Tie the strips through the holes of the mat, knotting them securely.

3. Once the mat is full of fleece strips, hide small treats or pieces of hay within the folds.

Your small pets will love rooting through the mat to find their hidden treasures.

4. Customized Pet Stocking

Create a personalized stocking for your pet to hang alongside the family’s.

What You’ll Need:

• A plain stocking (available at craft stores)

• Fabric paint, glitter, and other decorations

• A hot glue gun

How to Make It:

1. Decorate the stocking with your pet’s name and festive designs.

2. Fill it with their favorite treats, toys, and accessories.

Hang it by the fireplace or wherever your stockings are displayed for a picture-perfect holiday scene.

5. DIY Bird Toys

For feathered friends, create engaging toys to keep them entertained.

What You’ll Need:

• Wooden beads (non-toxic)

• Natural rope or sisal

• Small bells or mirrors

How to Make It:

1. Thread beads, bells, and other safe items onto the rope, tying knots between each piece to secure them.

2. Create loops at both ends for easy hanging in the cage.

Your bird will love pecking, pulling, and playing with their new toy.

6. Pet-Safe Holiday Treat Garland

Decorate your home with a garland your pet can safely enjoy.

What You’ll Need:

• String or twine

• Pet-safe treats (like dried apple slices, carrot pieces, or unsweetened popcorn for dogs and small animals)

How to Make It:

1. Thread the treats onto the string, alternating types for variety.

2. Hang the garland in a spot your pet can reach and enjoy.

Bonus Tip: Prioritize Safety

While celebrating with your pets, always keep their safety in mind:

• Avoid decorations or materials that could be harmful if ingested, such as tinsel, ribbon, or sharp objects.

• Double-check that all ingredients in DIY treats are safe for your specific pet.

• Supervise your pets with new toys to ensure they’re being used safely.