Get

In Your Inbox

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.

9 Awesome DIY Christmas Gifts for Dogs & Dog Lovers (With Pictures)

Share

Dog wearing red christmas sweater

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 dog paws 3 oct 2024

The 9 Awesome DIY Christmas Gifts for Dogs & Dog Lovers

1. Doggie Advent Calendar

DIY Doggie Advent Calendar
Image By: 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 By: 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 By: 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. 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.


9. 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 paws 3 oct 2024

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 paws 3 oct 2024

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.

Related reads:


Featured Image Credit: Ryan Seth Nau, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: The Cutest Puppy (April 2, 2026)

Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

The Hidden Risk in Tall Grass That Most Dog Owners Ignore

Finding a tick on your dog can look like a lot of things, depending on when you catch it. Some are engorged and...

America’s Most Popular Dog Breed Is Also One of the Unhealthiest

We’re now 3 for 3 in the category of disappointing canine accolades with the French Bulldog being announced as America’s most popular dog...

Ask Dr. Paola- Help! My Dog Keeps Barking at the TV! (March 30, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

More related

Top 5 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Newport Beach, CA in 2026

California is filled with dog-friendly areas, including the pristine beaches in and around Newport Beach. From family-friendly areas with attractions to wild beaches...

Can You Keep a Jackal as a Pet? Can They Be Domesticated?

Exotic pets such as jackals present dangers to you and the people around you, but whether or not they can be legally owned...

Can Dogs Eat Chives? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

If you love to cook, chances are your kitchen is stocked with many of the basic ingredients you need for your favorite recipes....

Dental Powders for Dogs: A Simple Way to Clean Teeth and Help Freshen Breath

We all love spending precious time with our dogs, but stinky breath and yellowing teeth can be a little off-putting when your pup...

Keep reading

Can You Put Bacon Grease on Dog Food? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

While your dog probably works up a pool of drool every time you start frying some bacon, do not add the grease from the pan to your dog’s food. Bacon grease is rich, fatty, and salty—all things that should be...

bacon grease in hot pan

Can Dogs Eat Peanuts? Vet-Approved Nutrition Guide

Our canine companions love peanut butter. There are even photography books dedicated entirely to pictures of dogs who love eating this tasty and beloved treat! Dog parents love giving their pups peanut butter, too, especially as a means of getting...

Can Dogs Eat Peanuts

Is There Horse Meat in Dog Food? Separating Truth From Fiction

There is a great deal of information floating around about dog food and its ingredients, and it can certainly be difficult to tell facts from fiction. For example, you may have heard that there is horse meat in dog food....

Fresh horse meat on a platter

Dog Feeding Schedule for Puppies, Adults & Senior Dogs (Vet Approved)

In addition to determining how much to feed your dog, establishing a feeding schedule can also be very beneficial. This means feeding your dog at roughly the same time every day, according to how many meals they need and how...

golden retriever dog eating healthy dry food from bowl at home

Can Dogs Eat Lychee? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ

If you like consuming lychees and are a dog parent, you may be wondering if it’s safe for your dog to eat lychee too. So can dogs eat lychee? While dogs should typically stick to regular dog food, giving a...

Can Dogs Eat Lychee

Why Does My Dog Bark at His Food? 10 Vet-Approved Reasons & What to Do

Owners know that dogs do plenty of unusual things, but one of the oddest behaviors is when a dog barks at their food. This can be frustrating because the dog isn’t barking for their food, which would indicate that they...

TLC Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary TLC Dog Food is a Canadian dog food company different from your traditional pet foods. They offer four grain-inclusive recipes: one adult recipe, one puppy recipe, one cat recipe, and one dog biscuit recipe. They certainly lack options,...

Dogster_TLC Dog Food Review

Kindfull Dog Food Review 2026: Pros, Cons & Recalls

Review Summary When choosing the best dog food for your dog, there’s nothing wrong with being a little picky. Several pet owners claim Kindfull dog food is one of a kind and consider it some of the best dog food...

Dogster_Kindfull Dog Food Review

Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Dogster Email Newsletter