5 DIY Christmas gifts for pets and their owners

Are you on the hunt for fun and easy-to-make Christmas gift ideas for pets or their owners? From cute DIY pet stocking fillers to more personalised presents, get crafty this Christmas with our round up of gifts.

Doughnut toy

If you’re looking for something cute, colourful, crafty, and personal for your dog or cat, these doughnuts are super quick to make and are the perfect DIY gift for your pet!

What you’ll need

To make four doughnut toys you’ll need:

• 2 pairs of thick socks
• 2 pairs of thin socks (you can find all sorts of different patterned or themed socks at different shops)
• Scissors
• Needle and thread (if you want to use them)
• Gift tags
• Ribbon

Optional:

• Catnip for any cat sock toys

How to make your sock toys

1. Cut the tip off all of your socks so that they have an opening on each end.
2. Begin by rolling the thick socks inward to form a sock bun.
3. Once you have one doughnut, place it in the opening of the patterned socks and roll until it’s completely covered. (If you’re using catnip, sprinkle it inside before you completely roll up the sock.)
4. To keep the socks together, take your needle and thread and quickly stitch around the hem of the sock.
5. Once you’re done, all you need to do is tie them together with a ribbon and add some gift tags!

Jar of treats

This one’s for any pet parents you might have forgotten in the Christmas rush. They’re super quick to make but are extra special to put a smile on your friend’s face without spending too much money.

Here’s a no-fuss DIY for the pet owners and animal lovers in your life.

What you’ll need

• A washed, empty jar
• PVA glue
• A paintbrush
• Glitter
• Ribbon
• Gift tag
• Dog or cat treats

How to make your jar of treats

1. Remove the lid from your jar and use the brush to spread an even coat of PVA glue along the top and its sides.
2. Simply sprinkle the glitter onto the lid until it’s completely covered.
3. Let it dry. This usually takes around 10 minutes.
4. Gently shake and tap the lid over scrap paper to help remove any loose glitter.
5. Then just fill the jar with treats, tie a bow beneath the lid and add a gift tag!

Pawprint wall art

A perfect keepsake for families whose pet rules the roost or maybe you have a friend who simply adores your cat or dog. Whoever it’s for, this is a quick and easy project to help you tick another name off your Christmas list.

What you’ll need

• Paper of your choice (The thicker, the better)
• Paintbrush
• Non-toxic washable paint
  • Or you could make your own with: cornflour, salt, water and food colouring.
• Fine tip ink pen
• A frame
• A towel
• A treat
• Wrapping paper
• Gift tag

How to make your print

1. Take the paintbrush and paint your pet’s paw pad. If your cat or dog is ticklish, you might need some help with this!
2. Gently press the painted paw onto your paper, press and hold for a couple of seconds and try to lift the paw straight up to try and avoid any smudging.
3. Let the paw print dry for about 10 minutes.
4. While the print is drying make sure to wash your pet’s paw in soapy water and then towel dry.
5. Give your pet a treat for being so good.
6. Once the paint has dried, you can use your pen to write your pet’s name beneath their paw print.
7. Once you’re finished all you need to do is frame and wrap it ready to be opened on Christmas.

Octopus dog toy

A homemade dog toy would make a great gift for a playful pooch who likes to chase or play tug.

What you’ll need

• Old tennis ball
• A pair of scissors
• An old T-shirt
• Gift bag
• Gift tag

How to make your octopus dog toy

1. You’ll want to start by cutting off the hem of your T-shirt.
2. Cut this hem into two equal strips and keep these for later on.
3. Then, cut a large rectangle about 25 cm by 35 cm from your T-shirt.
4. Pop your tennis ball in the middle of the edge closest to you and roll it up tightly.
5. Use one of the strips that you cut earlier to secure your ball with some tight knots. Repeat on the other side.
6. Cut off any excess strips of material once you’re happy that the ball is secured.
7. Once you’re done with that, cut the material at either end of the tennis ball into 6 strips so that you can create a plait at either end.
8. Tie your plaits, making sure to leave yourself enough material to tie them up at the end and do this on both ends of the toy.
9. Then simply check your octopus for any loose material.
10. Pop in a gift bag and it’s ready for the big day!

DIY lick painting

You don’t need to be artistic to have a go at a DIY lick painting, a perfect addition to any pet lover’s home!

What you’ll need

• A small canvas
• Acrylic paints (around 3 or 4)
• Masking tape
• Grip seal bag
• All-natural peanut butter
• Wrapping paper
• Gift tag

How to make your work of art

1. Tape around all the edges of your canvas to help give your painting a nice, finished gallery look once you’re done.
2. Squeeze some paint onto the canvas. You don’t need too much and can apply the paint however you like!
3. Once you’re done with the canvas, spread your peanut butter on your grip seal bag. Remember: Do this when the bag is empty otherwise you’ll smear the paint!
4. Carefully place your canvas into the bag and seal it. (Make sure there are no holes in your bag!)
5. Pop the bagged canvas on the floor and let your pet (your cat might not be interested at all) lick all the peanut butter! Make sure: to supervise your pet and make sure they don’t bite through the bag and lick up any paint.
6. Once your pet has licked up all the peanut butter, take the bag away and carefully open it up and remove the canvas.
7. Let your painting dry for a few hours and then remove the tape!
8. If you’re happy with it, you can wrap the pawfect painting and get it ready to gift at Christmas.

If you have a go at any of these crafty Christmas gifts, let us know on our Facebook or Twitter page to inspire other pet owners.