Are you looking for a fun, unique gift for the pet who has everything? You’d be surprised at what you can make for your dog or cat using supplies you already have at home. Try these easy DIY projects and crafts to make any holiday special.

5 Easy DIY Gifts for Dogs and Cats

1. Make a snuffle mat.
A snuffle mat is a flat surface covered in long strips of cloth that you can use to hide food or treats. Dogs and cats alike love snuffling through to forage for food, and this is a great mentally enriching activity that you can use any time of year. You can use a dollar store rubber sink mat and some 3-5” strips of fabric from old tee shirts. Just weave each strip through the holes in the mat, tying the ends together on one side to secure them in place. Then, just sprinkle food and treats and let your pet start hunting.

2. Set up a catio.
A “catio” or cat patio is an enclosed outdoor space that allows your cat to safely enjoy bird-watching in the fresh air. You may have seen complex builds or expensive setups that make a catio seem out of reach. But you don’t need advanced carpentry skills or tons of supplies to create an outdoor enclosure that your cat will love. It can be as simple as placing a tiered cage on your patio, or setting up a portable cat enclosure with mesh sides. These options are both quick to set up and easy to take down, making them perfect for apartment dwellers who can’t make permanent modifications to their outdoor living space.

3. Make a flirt pole toy.
A “flirt pole” is like a cat wand for dogs. Using a flirt pole is a great way to tire out high energy dogs and work on skills like impulse control. All you’ll need is a PVC pipe, a rope or paracord, and some of your dog’s favorite toys. Feed the rope through the pipe and tie the loose end to any toy, then knot the other end of the rope to keep it securely anchored inside the pipe. As with any DIY toy, only allow your dog to play with the flirt pole under supervision.

4. Craft a sweater.
It can be tough to find sweaters for cats and dogs that fit well and match your personal style. You can use thrifted or unwanted clothes and fashion them into new garments for your dog or cat. For small pets, it can be as easy as cutting off a sleeve to create the body of the sweater, then carefully cutting out two arm holes. It’s helpful to use an existing dog sweater as a reference for where the arm holes should be cut, and how large they should be. It’s surprisingly easy to make other types of garments, too, for any size of pet using just about any type of fabric using another sweater to make a pattern. No sewing skills necessary - try using fabric glue or cut-and-tie techniques to prevent raw, cut edges from fraying.

5. Make a bark-cuterie board.
Treat your pet to a fancy meal with a creative charcuterie - or BARKcuterie - board. Skip ingredients that are harmful to pets - no chocolate, raisins, grapes, or cured meats. Instead, decorate it with your pet’s favorite treats, which can be store bought, or homemade for extra points. You can also add pet-friendly foods like plain unsweetened Greek yogurt, cubed chicken breast, boiled eggs, strawberries, blueberries, carrots, apples, mushrooms, and low fat mozzarella or cottage cheese. Take care not to let your pet overindulge, though, as even pet-safe foods can cause stomach upset. Leftovers can be refrigerated and sprinkled over meals over the next few days.