This holiday season is a busy time for everyone, and while you’re juggling travel plans, gift lists and social gatherings of every kind, you may not have had time to think about the best surprise to spoil your beloved furry family members.

The best part? You can make most of these gifts yourself, so you don’t have to add to your budget when filling a pet wish list. Take a look at these pet-friendly gift ideas.

For your Dog

A home Obstacle Course

Just because the rest of the world is on vacation, it doesn’t mean your dog should miss out on the activity. Setting up a home dog obstacle course is a great way to keep your pet busy, and it doesn’t take much to make. Plus, you might get your own exercise chasing your pup around the course, which can come in handy with all of the extra holiday calories!

A durable teething toy

You choose the gift, but your pet chews the gift, so here’s an idea you can both agree on. There are a variety of chew toys on the market, so make sure you know what factors to keep in mind when packing a dog holiday gift box.

Honorable Mentions:

Dog Toys

Black and white dog chewing on orange dog toy outdoors.
  • Tennis ball thrower. Hopefully your dog is good at bringing the ball back.
  • Chew rings
  • Dental chew toy
  • Treat dispenser toy
  • Flying disc
  • Plush toy: for both chewing and snuggling

Dog Wearables

  • New collar or harness
  • Dog holiday sweater
  • Dog booties for those cold winter walks

Dog Accessories

  • Heated bed
  • New bowl. Think about personalizing it... you know in case your dog learns how to read!

Also, just like you, your dog might just enjoy some new healthy dog treats. Just don't go overboard to avoid packing on those extra holiday pounds.

Finally, the best gift (and most cost effective) you can give your dog this holiday season is the gift of you. Simply spending more time playing, snuggling and bonding is sure to help brighten their spirits, as well as bring plenty of joy to you as well.

For Your Cat

A large Scratching Toy

Cats have claws, and they’re gonna use them! Getting your cat a safe and enjoyable scratching toy lets them sharpen their claws — while leaving your furniture alone!

A Box

Let’s face it — whatever you pull out of the box won’t be as fun as the box itself for your cat. They work as mini caves, a comfy new bed or just a place to get away from it all, so why not cut out the middleman and give your cat the best all-in-one gift of all time?

Honorable Mentions:

Cat Toys

striped cat playing with cat toy ball on a string.

  • Indoor maze. If one box is great, dozens of boxes laid out to make your own DIY cat maze is amazing!
  • Laser pointers, but always finish the game with a cat toy, so they feel like they finished the hunt and caught their prey. (Also, never shine in their eyes.)
  • Interactive wall toy
  • Cat tunnel
  • Feather toy
  • Treat dispenser or puzzle food box toy
  • Fake mouse... because you really don't want to deal with the problems of a real mouse.

Cat Wearables

  • New collar or harness
  • Cat holiday sweater

Cat Accessories

  • Heated bed
  • New bowl. Cats love being pampered.
  • Cat tent

If you're looking to treat your cat like you treat yourself during the holidays, consider offering up a little catnip

Most importantly, give the gift of bonding time. Your cat will appreciate the extra time you spend with them just playing or snuggling. You'll appreciate it too!

Hills Author Hills Author
Staff Author

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