How to Make a Christmas Basket for Dog Lovers

At Christmas many people spend quality time with their pets. That special time around the holidays is when dog lovers often spend more indoor and leisure time with their dog. A Christmas basket for a dog lover provides the tools and toys for quality pet time.

Things You'll Need:
Basket or bowl
Holiday theme towel or blanket
Favorite toy
People cookies
Dog treats
Jingle bell toys
Jingle collars
Music CDs

Step 1: Choose a wicker basket, small pet bed or plastic tub big enough to hold the holiday gifts. Line the basket. Use a fluffy holiday towel or fleece blanket big enough for a person to snuggle in or to keep a dog warm. The basket is reusable for dog toys, beds for small dogs or dog supplies after the holidays.

Step 2: Tuck in small boxes or bags of snacks. Put snacks for the person and the dog in separate cellophane bags or stockings. Specialty stores carry jerky, trail mix and biscuits suitable for people and their pets. Check hiking stores or online pet shops for shared snacks if the dog lover and dog go hiking together.

Step 3: Buy a duplicate of the dog's favorite ball or pull toy. Getting the right toy is easy. Just tell the dog lover that you want to get a toy for Fido and ask which toy is getting worn or frayed. A similar toy guarantees a spare if the favorite is lost.

Step 4: Think Christmas. Look for jingle bell doggie anklets or holiday stretchy collars. Pet stores and novelty shops carry lightweight inexpensive pet collars with snowmen, snowflakes and other small designs with a jingle bell at the buckle. These collars are primarily for holiday use but are sturdy enough for year-round wear.

Step 5: Give the gift of music. A relaxing nature sounds CD is often enjoyed by dog lovers and their pets. Special collections of music written just for dogs are available.

Step 6: Add useful gifts like pine-scented poop bags. For dog walkers, include battery-operated lighted snowmen for people and dog safety at night. These lights clip in people jackets and on dog collars. Turn them on for visibility during walks and off at home. Toss in inexpensive holiday washcloths for cleaning muddy paws. Think of gifts you would want for your own dog.

Tips & Warnings

Holiday towels and washcloths are handy all year for dog baths and clean-ups.Do not give snacks or treats if the dog lover or dog has allergies. Do not give small squeaker toys or rawhide chews without the dog lover's knowledge.

Contributor
By Phyllis Benson
eHow Contributing Writer