Christmas 2023 Pet Gifts: Top Picks and DIY Ideas for Your Furry Friends on Any Budget

Christmas isn’t just about the lights, the carols, or even the eggnog. It’s also about showing love to everyone in our lives – and that includes our pets. They might not understand what Christmas is, but they sure can feel the love and joy we share during this season. Here is a perfect way to treat your pets this Christmas, whether you’re looking to buy the coolest toy on the market or you’re planning to put your DIY skills to the test. We’ve got a mix of top-rated store finds and easy-to-make home projects that won’t break the bank. Because let’s face it, while your furry friends might not get the concept of Christmas, they definitely get the concept of playtime and cuddles. And the best part? They’re going to love you just the same, whether you’re gifting them a fancy new gadget or a homemade toy. So let’s dive in and find some ways to make this Christmas extra special for those four-legged members of our family!

Top Dog Picks: The Must-Have Gifts for Your Canine Companions

Frisco Volcano & Dinosaurs Hide & Seek Puzzle Plush Squeaky Dog Toy, Medium/Large

  • This interactive plush toy is perfect for hide-and-seek play, stimulating your dog’s natural hunting instincts
  • Rating: 4.61/5 
  • Price: $10.05
  • Buy here

Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Squeaky Puzzle Plush Dog Toy, Ginormous

  • This ginormous plush toy offers a fun challenge for dogs as they try to remove the squeaky squirrels from their hideaway
  • Rating: 4.31/5
  • Price: $32.97
  • Buy here

Chuckit! Max Glow Ball Dog Toy, Medium, 2 count

  • Ideal for evening play, these glow-in-the-dark balls are designed for high visibility and durability
  • Rating: 4.66/5
  • Price: $10.95
  • Buy it

ZippyPaws Burrow Squeaky Hide & Seek Plush Dog Toy, Hedgehog Den, Puzzle Set

  • A fun and engaging toy that encourages your dog to seek out hidden squeaky hedgehogs
  • Rating: 4.51/5
  • Price: $11.99
  • Buy it

Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy, Medium, 2 pack

  • These durable rubber balls are designed for high bounce and high durability, perfect for fetching games
  • Rating:  4.81/5
  • Price: $5.30
  • Buy it

Purr-fect Presents: The Most Desired Gifts for Your Feline Friends

SnugglyCat Ripple Rug Cat Activity Play Mat

  • A versatile play mat that offers endless opportunities for play, hiding, and scratching
  • Rating:  4.31/5
  • Price: $46.00
  • Buy it

Frisco Fabric Teaser Wand Cat Toy, Neon Bubbles

  • This teaser wand with neon bubbles entices cats to leap and pounce, providing great exercise and fun
  • Rating:  4.57/5
  • Price: $6.99
  • Buy it

Pet Zone Play-N-Squeak MouseHunter Cat Toy with Catnip Teaser Wand Cat Toy, Neon Bubbles

  • A realistic mouse toy that satisfies your cat’s hunting instincts and is infused with catnip for added excitement
  • Rating:  4.43/5
  • Price: $5.99
  • Buy it

Frisco Mice Plush Cat Toy with Catnip, 5 count

  • This pack of plush mice laced with catnip is perfect for batting, biting, and carrying around
  • Rating:  4.75/5
  • Price: $4.93
  • Buy it

Scratch Lounge The Original Scratch Lounge Cat Toy with Catnip

  • This pack of plush mice laced with catnip is perfect for batting, biting, and carrying around
  • Rating:  4.82/5
  • Price:  $37.96
  • Buy it

Crafty Canine & Feline Creations: DIY Gift Ideas Your Pets Will Adore

Homemade Dog Treats: Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or substitute with oat or rice flour for dogs with wheat allergies)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

  • Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
  • Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until well combined. If the dough is too dry, add a small amount of water. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour.
  • Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thick.
  • Cut Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes or simply cut into squares with a knife.
  • Bake: Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 40 minutes or until hard.
  • Cool Down: Let the biscuits cool completely before serving them to your dog.

Homemade Cat Treats: Tuna Catnip Treats

Ingredients:

  • 1 can tuna in water, drained
  • 1 cup oat flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 heaping tablespoon dried catnip

Instructions:

  • Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
  • Blend Tuna: In a food processor, blend the tuna until it’s finely chopped.
  • Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the chopped tuna, oat flour, egg, olive oil, and catnip. Mix until it forms a dough.
  • Shape Treats: Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them into balls or shape as desired. Place on a lined baking sheet.
  • Bake: Bake the treats for about 10-12 minutes or until they are slightly golden.
  • Cool Down: Allow the treats to cool completely before giving them to your cat.

These homemade treats are not only fun to make but also a healthy snack for your pets. Always make sure that the ingredients you use are safe for your pets and avoid any known allergens. Enjoy baking for your furry friends!

Upcycled T-Shirt Rope Toy for Dogs

Materials:

  • 2 to 4 old t-shirts (depending on the size you want the toy to be)
  • Scissors

Instructions:

  • Cut Strips: Lay your t-shirts flat and cut horizontal strips about 1 inch wide from the bottom of the shirt. You can use the body of the shirt up to the armpits. The longer the strips, the longer your rope toy will be.
  • Stretch the Strips: Pull each strip so it stretches out and curls into a cord-like shape.
  • Group the Strips: Collect all your strips and divide them into three equal groups. If you have different colors, try to distribute them evenly for a fun, multicolored effect.
  • Tie a Knot: Tie one end of the grouped strips together in a tight knot. This will be the base of your rope toy.
  • Braid the Strips: Braid the three groups of strips together tightly. To braid, alternately cross the right and left groups of strips over the middle one.
  • Secure the End: Once you’ve braided to the end, tie another tight knot to secure the braid. Make sure both knots are very tight so that the toy doesn’t come apart during play.
  • Trim Ends (Optional): If there are any loose ends sticking out of the knots, you can trim them for a neater appearance.

Tips:

  • Choose t-shirts without any printing on them, as the ink might not be safe for dogs if ingested.
  • The thickness and length of your rope toy will depend on the number of t-shirts and the length of the strips you use. For larger dogs, use more shirts to create a thicker, sturdier toy.
  • Always supervise your pet during play, especially with homemade toys, to ensure they don’t ingest any material.

This DIY upcycled t-shirt rope toy is not only easy and inexpensive to make but also provides a great chewing and tug-of-war toy for your dog. Plus, it’s a fun way to repurpose old t-shirts!

Customized Pet Blanket

Materials:

  • Fleece fabric (Choose a soft, warm fleece in a color or pattern that you like. The amount will depend on the size of the blanket you want to make.)
  • Scissors
  • Ruler or measuring tape
  • Fabric marker (optional, for personalization)
  • Fabric glue or a sewing kit (if you plan to add any decorations)

Instructions:

  • Measure and Cut the Fabric: Decide on the size of the blanket based on your pet’s size and where they like to sleep. A good starting point is about 30 inches by 40 inches for small to medium pets. Cut two equal-sized pieces of fleece fabric.
  • Create a Fringe (Optional): If you want to add a decorative fringe, cut 2-3 inches into the fabric every 1 inch around all edges of both pieces.
  • Tie the Fringe (If Added): Place the two pieces on top of each other, aligning the edges. Tie each fringe pair into a double knot, attaching the top piece to the bottom. This also eliminates the need for sewing.
  • Personalize (Optional): Use a fabric marker to add your pet’s name, a fun design, or any other personal touches you’d like. You can also use fabric glue to add decorations like patches or appliques.
  • Finish the Edges (No Fringe): If you didn’t add a fringe, you can simply sew the two pieces of fleece together around the edges, leaving a small gap. Turn the blanket right side out through the gap, then sew the gap closed.

Why It’s Perfect for Winter:

  • Warmth and Comfort: Fleece is an excellent fabric choice for a pet blanket as it’s soft, warm, and comforting, providing a cozy retreat for your pet during the cold winter months.
  • Safety: Unlike electric blankets, a fleece blanket provides warmth without the risk of overheating or electrical hazards.
  • Personal Touch: A handmade blanket, especially one that’s personalized, can make your pet feel more secure and loved.
  • Versatility: These blankets can be used in your pet’s bed, on the couch, or even in the car to keep your pet warm wherever they go.

Creating a customized pet blanket is not only an act of love but also ensures that your furry friend stays warm and comfortable during the chilly winter season. Plus, it’s a fun project that allows you to add a personal touch to your pet’s accessories!

DIY Agility Course in the Backyard

Materials:

  • Hula hoops
  • PVC pipes and joints (for jumps and weave poles)
  • Cones or similar objects (for weaving)
  • A sturdy board for a seesaw or ramp
  • Old tires (optional, for a tire jump)

Instructions:

  • Weave Poles: Plant a row of PVC pipes or cones in the ground, spaced about 18-24 inches apart. Teach your pet to weave through them.
  • Jumps: Create jumps using PVC pipes. Set up two vertical poles and lay a horizontal pole across them. Adjust the height according to your pet’s size and ability.
  • Tunnel: Use a child’s play tunnel or a large cardboard box with ends opened. Encourage your pet to run through it.
  • Seesaw/Ramp: Use a sturdy board and a fulcrum for a seesaw, or simply elevate one end to create a ramp.
  • Tire Jump: If you have an old tire, suspend it slightly above the ground for your pet to jump through.

DIY Agility Course in the Living Room

Materials:

  • Chairs
  • Broomsticks or similar poles
  • Blankets
  • Pillows or cushions
  • Hula hoops

Instructions:

  • Weave Poles: Line up chairs or pillows and teach your pet to weave through them.
  • Jumps: Place broomsticks between chairs or on stacks of books to create small jumps.
  • Tunnel: Arrange chairs in a line and drape a blanket over them to create a tunnel.
  • Hoop Jump: Hold a hula hoop up for your pet to jump through.
  • Balance Beam: Use a sturdy board or a row of pillows for your pet to walk on and practice balance.

Safety Tips:

  • Ensure all structures are stable and safe.
  • Adjust the difficulty to match your pet’s size, age, and physical ability.
  • Start with lower heights and simpler obstacles, gradually increasing the difficulty.
  • Always supervise your pet during agility activities.
  • Use treats and positive reinforcement to encourage and reward.

Why It’s Great for Winter:

  • Indoor Exercise: During cold weather, an indoor agility course keeps your pet active and engaged.
  • Mental Stimulation: Navigating an agility course challenges your pet’s mind, which is especially beneficial during days when outdoor activities are limited.
  • Bonding Time: Working through an agility course together strengthens the bond between you and your pet.

An agility course, whether set up in your backyard or living room, offers a fun and dynamic way to interact with your pet. It’s a creative approach to keeping them physically active and mentally sharp, particularly during the winter months when outdoor activities might be restricted.

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