Christmas Eve boxes are one of the sweetest holiday traditions for families. Today, many pet parents include their furry friends in the fun, so dogs and cats get a little present to open before Christmas Day as well. These DIY Christmas Eve boxes for pets are easy to make, affordable, and a great way to spread festive cheer.
Whether you have a new puppy, an older dog, a mischievous cat, or any kind of furry friend, and you’re wondering what to put in their Christmas box, we have you covered.
You’ll find ideas for the perfect box, treats, toys, grooming products, cozy blankets, and everything in between to help you put together a surprise they’ll never forget.
The Benefits of DIY Christmas Eve Boxes for Pets
Pets love enrichment, exploration, and new experiences just as much as we do. Including a few holiday pet gifts in their Christmas Eve boxes can provide:
Excitement and playtime: New toys and puzzles help keep your pet occupied and mentally engaged during the holidays.
Comfort and calm: Blankets, soothing sprays, and special treats offer comfort if your pet feels stressed or overwhelmed.
Holiday magic: Pets can sense the festive energy at home. Giving them their own Christmas box helps them feel included.
A chance to try new essentials: If your cat or dog needs a new comb, collar, harness, or sweater, the Christmas Eve box is a perfect place to add it.
Tips for Picking a Christmas Eve Box
The first step is choosing a festive container before filling it with goodies. Keep it simple and use anything safe for your pet:
Wooden crate: Easy to decorate and durable enough to use year after year.
Gift box: Cardboard boxes in holiday colors are inexpensive and great for lightweight items.
Storage basket: Ideal for bigger dogs with large blankets or heavier gifts.
Fabric gift bag: Perfect if you prefer something soft, flexible, and quick to prepare.
Decorate the box with your pet’s name, festive colors, bows, ribbons, or anything that makes it feel special. Always make sure there are no sharp edges or loose pieces your pet could swallow.
DIY Christmas Eve Box Ideas for Pets
Fill a Christmas Eve box with a mix of:
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Holiday treats
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Fun toys
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Comfort items
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Pet-friendly grooming products
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Cozy blankets
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Clothing and accessories
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Personalized gifts
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Practical pet essentials
Treats for the Holidays
Pet treats are usually the first thing dogs and cats sniff out. Choose Christmas treats that are safe for pets.
Ideas for dogs:
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Homemade biscuits made with natural peanut butter, pumpkin, or chicken
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Limited-ingredient commercial treats
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Freeze-dried meats
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Dental chews to help keep teeth clean
Ideas for cats:
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Soft, chewy treats
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Crunchy biscuits with salmon or tuna
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Catnip-flavored treats
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Freeze-dried chicken or turkey bites
If you like baking, you can make homemade holiday treats. Just avoid chocolate, raisins, grapes, xylitol, onion powder, and anything unsafe for pets.
Fun Toys for Pets
No Christmas box is complete without toys. They help release energy, prevent boredom, and add holiday excitement.
Toys for dogs:
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Plush Christmas characters like reindeer, snowmen, or gingerbread figures
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Rope toys in festive colors
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Balls with Christmas patterns
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Squeaky toys shaped like Christmas trees
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Puzzle toys for mental stimulation
Toys for cats:
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Catnip mice in holiday colors
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Feather wands for interactive play
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Crinkle balls
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Kick toys shaped like candy canes
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Tunnel toys for exploration
Choose toys that match your pet’s play style. Gentle senior dogs may prefer soft plush toys, while energetic puppies need sturdier chews.
Cozy Comforts for Pets
The holidays are busy and often cold, so cozy gifts help keep pets relaxed and warm.
Comfort ideas:
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Fluffy blankets
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Dog winter sweaters
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Warm cat beds or cushions
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Calming collars or sprays
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Pet-safe heated pads
These items help pets settle comfortably amid the noise and activity of the holiday season.
Grooming Products for Pets
Grooming is essential year-round, so adding a few grooming items is both thoughtful and practical.
Ideas for dogs:
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Paw balm for protection from dry floors
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Dog-safe shampoo with a mild scent
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New brush or grooming glove
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Gentle wipes for quick cleanups
Ideas for cats:
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Grooming combs or de-shedding brushes
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Cat-safe wipes
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Pet-safe calming mist or light cologne
Choose gentle, fragrance-free, or lightly scented products to avoid irritation.
Clothing and Accessories for Pets
If your pet enjoys wearing sweaters or you live somewhere cold, festive clothing and accessories make the box extra special.
Ideas:
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Holiday bandanas
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Christmas bow ties
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Festive collars
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Lightweight sweaters
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Pet booties (especially for dogs walking on cold pavements)
Ensure clothing fits comfortably and does not restrict movement or breathing.
Personalized Christmas Gifts for Pets
Personalized items add a sentimental touch to the Christmas Eve box.
Gift ideas:
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Name-tag collars
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Customized food bowls
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Engraved pet tags
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Personalized blankets
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Photo ornaments featuring your pet
Decorations for Pets
Pet-friendly Christmas decorations can add a little extra fun.
Ideas:
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Mini bells
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Hanging ornaments designed for pets
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Pet-safe glow sticks or lights
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Pet stockings
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Safe decorative items like faux pine cones or soft ornaments
Always ensure decorations are non-toxic and not small enough to swallow.
DIY Christmas Gifts for Pets
Pets don’t care about price—they care about fun, comfort, and attention. DIY gifts are a meaningful addition to a Christmas Eve box.
Easy DIY ideas:
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Pet-safe candles with calming scents
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Homemade treats using natural ingredients
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Pet-safe sensory play items
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Dried fruits or vegetables (dog-safe options only)
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Homemade toy wrap or reusable fabric bags
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Lightly scented baking soda sachets (placed out of reach)
DIY gifts encourage new scents, textures, and enrichment experiences.
Essentials for Pets
Adding practical items ensures your pet gets something they genuinely need.
Ideas:
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New leash or harness
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Travel water bottle
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Enrichment feeders
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Pet-safe toothpaste
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Scratch pads for cats
These useful gifts help support your pet’s daily comfort and well-being.
DIY Christmas Eve Boxes for Different Pets
Every pet has unique needs. Consider age, energy level, and play style when building their box.
For puppies:
Include teething toys, training treats, a small blanket, and interactive games. Everything should be soft and safe for baby teeth.
For adult dogs:
A mix of chew toys, puzzle feeders, grooming brushes, and healthy treats works well. A cozy blanket is a great addition.
For senior dogs:
Choose soft blankets, gentle snacks, and low-impact toys. Calming sprays or vet-approved supplements are helpful.
For kittens:
Add feather toys, crinkle balls, catnip socks, and soft blankets. Avoid small items that could pose choking risks.
For adult cats:
Include kicking toys, scratchers, catnip treats, grooming tools, and comfy bedding for both play and relaxation.
Tips for Making a Christmas Eve Box for Pets
Keep your pet’s box fun, safe, and enjoyable:
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Choose age-appropriate items.
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Look for non-toxic materials.
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Avoid overstuffing the box—quality over quantity.
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Supervise pets with new toys or treats.
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Make unboxing a special bonding moment.
Final Thoughts
DIY Christmas Eve boxes for pets are a wonderful addition to your family’s holiday traditions. They bring joy, comfort, and excitement to your furry friends while helping you bond in a meaningful way. Whether your box includes cozy blankets, fun toys, healthy treats, personalized accessories, or practical essentials, the most important part is showing your pet how much you care.
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