Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

10 Awesome DIY Christmas Gifts for Dogs and Dog Lovers (with Pictures)

Written by: Patricia Dickson

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Patricia Dickson

10 Awesome DIY Christmas Gifts for Dogs and Dog Lovers (with Pictures)

Christmas is a time of joy, peace, and love. It’s also a time to get people presents that you’ve wanted to get them all year long. If you have a dog lover in your life or even a dog you love, you might be wondering what you can get for Christmas that’s extra special and filled with love.

Instead of buying a gift this year, why not go that extra mile and create one yourself? We’ll give you our top 10 picks for awesome DIY Christmas gifts for dogs and dog lovers in the blog below so that you don’t have to search for plans but can get to building the best dog lover gifts ever.

divider-paw

The 10 Awesome DIY Christmas Gifts for Dogs & Dog Lovers

1. Doggie Advent Calendar

DIY Doggie Advent Calendar
Image Credit: suzyssitcom
Materials: Cork board, mini stockings, red burlap ribbon, wooden ovals, gold ribbon wire, hot glue
Tools: Scissors, thumb tacks
Difficulty: Moderate

What could be more fun than a doggie advent calendar leading up to Christmas? This one is moderately difficult to make but will be worth it when the project is complete. You can fill the mini stockings on the advent calendar with anything you want, from doggie treats to little toys for the dog that owns your heart.

This is a fun way to include your pet in Christmas up to the day itself. We think you and your dog will love it, and don’t forget to make one for your dog-loving friends.


2. DIY Dog Bone Picture Frame

DIY Dog Bone Picture Frame
Image Credit: missmollysays
Materials: Picture frame, red, white, and green paint, dog biscuits
Tools: Hot glue gun, glue
Difficulty: Moderate

Next up on our list at a moderate difficulty level is a DIY Dog Bone Picture Frame. From the adorable photo of your dog to the cute festive dog biscuits glued onto the frame, this will be the perfect gift for a dog lover.

If you’re looking for a gift that will put a smile on a dog lover’s face and their pups, this is the perfect gift to present to someone on Christmas morning.


3. White and Gold Paw Print Ornament

DIY White and Gold Paw Print Ornament
Image Credit: dogvills
Materials: Salt, flour, water, glitter, mod podge, wax paper, twin
Tools: Pan, bowl, cookie cutter
Difficulty: Easy

Most dog lovers would love to have an ornament to put on their Christmas tree that reminds them of their beloved canine pal. That’s where this white and gold paw print ornament comes in. It is easy enough to make that even the least crafty person can do it, especially if you’re handy in the kitchen.

Make sure your friend’s dog is willing to provide a paw for the print, and you’re good to go. This one can be hung on the Christmas tree for many Christmases to come.


4. Tennis Ball Ornament

DIY Tennis Ball Ornament
Image Credit: missmollysays
Materials: Tennis ball, heavy rope or laundry line, ribbon
Tools: Knife
Difficulty: Easy

There isn’t a dog out there that doesn’t go nuts over a well-thrown tennis ball. Also, if you’re making this DIY Christmas gift on a budget, it is affordable to purchase and just as easy to create. The tennis ball ornament is another gift that dogs and dog lovers will cherish for a long time. Make sure to let your dog help you hang this one, but don’t let him play with it, or it won’t look as pretty next year.

What dog or dog lover wouldn’t love a pet-inspired tennis ball ornament hanging on their tree?


5. DIY Pet Silhouette Ornament

DIY Pet Silhouette Ornament
Image Credit: kitchen-concoctions
Materials: Profile pictures of dogs, black felt, red or green fabric, sewing hoops, glue, red or green ribbon
Tools: Glue gun, scissors, sewing pins
Difficulty: Moderate

Next on our list is another ornament for the Christmas tree. The DIY pet silhouette ornament is to die for. Instead of using a photo of the dog lover’s dog, you use the pet’s silhouette. This is a medium-difficulty job that doesn’t require much in the way of tools but needs quite a bit in the way of materials.

However, if you’re looking to impress the dog lover in your life this Christmas, this is the gift to do it.


6. DIY Leash Hook and Dog Treat Jar

DIY Leash Hook and Dog Treat Jar
Image Credit: likehoneyblog
Materials: Wooden plaque, metal hook, pint size mason jar, paint, picture hanging kit
Tools: Foam brush, clamp
Difficulty: Moderate

This DIY leash hook and dog treat jar are as adorable as they can be and the perfect gift for dog lovers and dogs everywhere. The project has a moderate level of difficulty, so if you’re crafty, it shouldn’t be too hard for you to complete. This is an excellent way for dog lovers to keep their dog’s leashes and treat jar neatly stored, easy to find, and fun to look at.

Just don’t forget to keep the leashes on the hooks and the treat jar filled for the best results.


7. DIY Dog Bone Christmas Stocking

Materials: Fabric, ribbons, notions
Tools: Pins, sewing machine
Difficulty: Hard

When you’re hanging the stockings for your family on Christmas Eve, you don’t want to forget to hang one for your dog. That’s where this DIY dog bone Christmas stocking comes in handy. If you’re not skilled at sewing on a sewing machine, this one might be a little difficult. However, if you love to sew, it’s not as hard as it looks.

This classic dog bone Christmas stocking can easily hold all the treats and toys Santa will shower your pet with on Christmas morning. Your pet will be overjoyed with the festive stocking.


8. DIY Christmas Tree Sweater for Dogs

DIY Christmas Tree Sweater for Dogs
Image Credit: thebrokedog
Materials: Gold ribbon, a patch, pom poms in different colors, one dog sweater
Tools: Needle, thread
Difficulty: Moderate

Christmas is usually cold and snowy, depending on your region. Either way, this DIY Christmas tree sweater for dogs is adorable, simple to make, and is sure to put a dog lover in the Christmas spirit.

If you can make yourself and your family Christmas tree sweaters to match your dog, your Christmas cards to family and friends should be super special next year. If you have more than one dog lover in your life, they will love one of the sweaters for their canine buddies.


9. Dog Christmas Wreath Tug Rope

DIY Dog Christmas Wreath Tug Rope
Image Credit: kitchencounterchronicle
Materials: Pink fleece, green fleece
Tools: Scissors, rotary cutter
Difficulty: Easy

When it comes to toys for dogs for Christmas, this dog Christmas wreath tug rope makes the perfect gift. It’ll fit easily in your dog lover’s stocking and will give the pup hours of enjoyment. The toy is made in the shape of a wreath and carries the holiday spirit with it.

What’s even better is that your dog lover can play tug of war with their canine friend every day for the new year, and this one should still be good to go next Christmas. This is also an easy difficulty level, so anyone should be able to make it.


10. DIY Busy Box for Dogs

Materials: Cardboard box, egg carton, tennis ball, knotted fleece toys, plush toys, loose treats, rope toys, old clothes, dish towel, blanket, muffin tin
Tools: Tape
Difficulty: Easy

Last on our list is a DIY busy box for dogs. This one is super simple, and while it looks like it needs many materials, that depends on what you decide to put inside the box. From knotted fleece toys to tasty treats and old clothes, your dog will have a ball digging into the box and keeping busy while you’re cooking dinner on Christmas Day.

It is crucial to keep an eye on your pet while digging into his busy box to ensure he doesn’t choke on any of the paper or other items you’ve included.

divider-dog

 

Tips for Choosing a Christmas Gift

When choosing the best Christmas gift for the dog lover or dog in your life, you want to consider a few factors.

First, it’s essential to consider the pup’s age regarding toys, as senior dogs don’t play with the same ones puppies do. When choosing a gift for the dog lover in your life, any items on this list will probably make them happy. Also, avoid including dog treats in your gifts that may cause abdominal distress in a pup with a sensitive stomach.

divider-dog paw

Wrapping It Up

These are just a few gifts we feel would be perfect for a dog lover or the dog you love. When choosing a gift for your dog, read the warnings on any labels of the materials you’re using to construct the toy, stockings, sweaters, or other gifts.

Making a gift DIY style shows that you care about the dog lover in your life. You want something that speaks from the heart, and the gifts on our list does just that.


Featured Image Credit: Ryan Seth Nau, Shutterstock

Get Dogster in your inbox!

Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.
Dogster Editors Choice Badge
Shopping Cart

Pangolia

© Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.