The holidays aren’t just for humans, my fuzzy family members deserve to join in on the festive fun, too! Whether you’re filling stockings, wrapping gifts under the tree, or planning adorable pet photos, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to make Christmas magical for your cats and dogs.
From DIY pet toys to homemade treats, this guide will help you celebrate the season with joy, creativity, and love — without spending a fortune. My cats have nearly every toy they could ever want and for some reason all they care about is cardboard boxes and broken hair elastics. I’ll be taking a simple approach to their gifts this year.
Don’t waste your money on the cat water mat, I wrote a cat toy review post to help you understand why.
Cheap or Free Holiday Gifts for Cats
Cats are curious, playful, and easy to please — sometimes the simplest things make them the happiest! You don’t have to spend big on fancy toys to keep your kitty entertained this holiday season.
If you are looking at spending a little bit of money on toys I compiled a list of perfect cat and kitten toys that encourage enrichment, and entertainment for when you aren’t around to love them all day long.
Cheap or Free Cat Toy Ideas
- 🧻 Toilet Paper Rolls: Stuff them with treats, twist the ends, or cut into rings to make puzzle toys.
- 🎀 Ribbon or String: Attach a ribbon to a stick for a quick DIY wand toy (supervised play only!).
- 📦 Cardboard Boxes: Cats love boxes — wrap them up or stack them for a festive cat fort.
- 🧦 Sock Toys: Fill an old sock with catnip or crinkled paper and tie a knot. Instant fun!
- 💌 Paper Balls: Crumple up leftover wrapping paper or tissue paper for endless batting games.
- 🐁 Homemade Catnip Mice: Sew felt scraps and stuff them with catnip for a cozy handmade touch.
- 🍬 Plastic Easter Eggs: Add a few dry treats inside and let your cat chase the rattle around.
- Here is a great article of DIY cat toys you can make right away for any day!
💡 Tip: Rotate your cat’s toys every few days to keep things exciting — even free toys feel new again! I do want to get Oreo this cute bird toy that flaps around and makes noise, she is a great hunter so I feel this toy would make her happy.
Cheap or Free Holiday Gifts for Dogs
Dogs love to chew, fetch, and unwrap gifts — and Christmas morning is the perfect time for them to join the fun! These simple ideas are affordable and sure to make tails wag.
Cheap or Free Dog Toys & Treats
- 🧦 Old Sock Tug Toy: Braid or knot a few old socks into a homemade rope toy.
- 🥤 Plastic Bottle Crunch Toy: Place an empty bottle inside a sock — dogs love the crinkle!
- 🍪 Homemade Dog Treats: Bake simple peanut butter or pumpkin biscuits in festive shapes.
- 🎾 Tennis Ball Treasure Hunt: Hide tennis balls in a wrapped box for an exciting “gift dig.”
- 📦 Box of Surprises: Fill a cardboard box with paper and treats for your dog to unwrap.
- 🪶 Stuffed Toy Refill: Refill old plush toys with crinkly paper or fabric scraps.
- These amazing DIY dog toys are perfect for year round fun!
🎅 Let your dog “unwrap” their presents — the noise and excitement make for adorable Christmas morning photos!
🎁 DIY Pet Advent Calendar Ideas
Countdown to Christmas with your pets using a homemade advent calendar. It’s a wonderful way to create daily memories, festive photos, and joyful anticipation all month long.
Cat Advent Calendar
- Use a muffin tin, paper bags, or tiny boxes labeled 1–24.
- Fill each day with a treat, catnip, or small toy.
- Include fun notes like “Cuddle time under the tree” or “Extra brushing day.”
- Snap a photo of your cat’s reaction each day for a holiday memory reel.
Dog Advent Calendar
- Use a hanging shoe organizer or small gift bags with numbers.
- Fill with treats, chews, or mini toys.
- Add “experience days” like “Car ride,” “New trail walk,” or “Christmas bandana photo day.”
- Capture a daily photo of your pup’s happy face to share on social media or keep as a family tradition.
🐾 Useful Year-Round Gifts for Cats and Dogs
If you want to give something that lasts well beyond the holidays, here are thoughtful and practical items your pets will love all year long.
For Cats:
- Cozy cat bed or heated pad
- Durable scratching post or cat tree
- Water fountain for fresh hydration
- Grooming brush for coat care
- Window perch for sunbathing
- Airtight food storage container
For Dogs:
- Comfortable or orthopedic dog bed
- Quality leash and harness
- Collapsible water bowl for walks
- Grooming kit or deshedding brush
- Waterproof coat or sweater
- Reusable paw wipes or towels
For Both:
- Personalized collars or name tags
- Refillable treat jars
- Pet-safe cleaning supplies
- First aid kit for pets
- Toy storage bin
- Annual vet check-up fund or pet insurance
❤️ The Best Gift of All
No matter how much or how little you spend, the greatest gift you can give your pets is your time and love. Snuggle up together under the tree, take that extra-long walk, or just share a quiet moment — those are the memories that last a lifetime.
Your pets don’t care about the price tag, they care that you’re there. And that’s the true spirit of the season. 🐾🎄
Related Posts You Might Enjoy:
- Managing the Stress of Pet Surgery: Tips for a Smooth Recovery
- Affordable Pet Care Tips for Frugal Families
- How to Create a Cozy and Pet-Friendly Home on a Budget
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