Dog Christmas Gift Basket: 16 Cheap DIY Ideas That Make Your Pup the Star of Christmas Morning

A dog Christmas gift basket is the sweetest way to make sure your four legged family member has something to open on Christmas morning. Our handmade gift basket ideas are some of the most loved projects on this site, and this year we turned the idea around: the basket is for the dog, not the dog lover. Each idea below starts with a cheap container, like a wicker basket, a metal bucket, a painted can or a wooden crate, and fills it with homemade biscuits, cozy fleece and toys. You will find 16 ideas with a supply list and easy steps, so you can make one this weekend for your own pup, a new rescue or a neighbor’s dog. Most cost less than a fancy coffee drink, and every one is safe, simple and fun to put together..

Dog Christmas Gift Basket in a Wicker Basket With a Plaid Liner

Start with the look everyone loves. A wide wicker basket gets a red and green plaid fleece throw as a liner, then fills up with braided rope tug toys, a clear jar of homemade biscuits and a little felt stocking. The idea took off when a 3.6 million view Short showed a woman making a basket just for her rescue pup, Max, and people could not get enough. If you have made our DIY gift baskets for friends, you already know how this works. The fleece doubles as a cozy blanket after the gifts are out..

You will need: A wide wicker basket, a plaid fleece throw, two braided rope tug toys, a clear jar with a lid, homemade dog biscuits, a small felt stocking, red ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Lay the fleece throw into the basket so the corners hang over the sides. 2. Stand the tallest toys at the back and the jar of biscuits in the middle. 3. Tuck the stocking in front and tie a red ribbon bow on the jar lid.

A Jar of Homemade Bone Biscuits for the Treat Lover

Every good dog Christmas gift basket needs something to snack on. Bake a big batch of simple pumpkin and oat biscuits with a bone shaped cutter, let them dry until crisp, then fill a clear jar right to the top. A jar keeps them fresh and becomes a handy treat holder on the kitchen counter all year. Plain pumpkin, oats, flour and an egg are all you need, and you can skip chocolate, raisins and anything sweetened. Our Christmas treat jars have more ways to dress up the lid with fabric and ribbon.

You will need: A large clear jar with a lid, plain canned pumpkin, rolled oats, flour, one egg, a bone shaped cookie cutter, a fabric square, ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Mix pumpkin, oats, flour and the egg into a stiff dough and roll it flat. 2. Cut bone shapes and bake until firm and dry, then cool them fully. 3. Fill the jar, cover the lid with a fabric square and tie it on with ribbon.

Galvanized Bucket Walk Kit With a Leash and a Ball

For the pup who lives for walks, a dog Christmas gift basket in a metal bucket makes a strong holder that can stay by the door after Christmas. Coil a bright new leash inside, add a rubber ball and a small canvas pouch for training treats, then tuck pine sprigs around the edges. A big red bow on the handle makes it look like a present from the store. Buckets like this are easy to find for a dollar or two, just like the containers in our dollar store gift baskets. Hang the leash on a hook by the door when the gifts are out.

You will need: A small galvanized bucket, a new leash, a rubber chew ball, a canvas drawstring pouch, pine sprigs, wide red ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Coil the leash in the bottom of the bucket. 2. Set the ball and the treat pouch on top and fill gaps with pine sprigs. 3. Tie a big red bow around the handle.

A Little Wrapped Box for a Curious Puppy

Puppies love the wrapping as much as the present. Pick one small toy, place it in a little box and wrap it in plain paper with a simple bow, then set it inside the dog Christmas gift basket so your pup can find it on Christmas morning. Watching a puppy nose at the paper and tug the ribbon is the best show of the day. Keep the tape light so the paper tears easily, and take the ribbon away once the toy is out. Our DIY Christmas gift boxes show how to fold a box from cardstock in minutes.

You will need: A small box, one soft toy, plain wrapping paper, a little tape, a short ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Place the toy in the box and close the lid. 2. Wrap it loosely with paper and only two or three pieces of tape. 3. Add a small bow and remove the ribbon after your pup opens it.

Dog Christmas Gift Basket for Naps With a Fleece Tie Blanket

Some dogs would rather nap than play, and this basket is made for them. A no sew fleece tie blanket in red and white gets folded on top of a round woven basket, with a soft plush reindeer resting on it. The basket can turn into a cozy spot by the tree, and the blanket goes straight onto the couch or into the crate. You only need two pieces of fleece and a pair of sharp fabric shears. Follow the steps in our fleece tie blankets post for neat, even fringe.

You will need: Two pieces of fleece in red and white, sharp fabric shears, a ruler, a round woven basket, a plush toy.

How to make it: 1. Stack the two fleece pieces and cut a square out of each corner. 2. Cut fringe about four inches long all the way around. 3. Knot each top piece of fringe to the one below it, then fold the blanket over the basket and add the toy.

A Small Basket Sized Just Right for a Tiny Dog

Tiny dogs deserve a dog Christmas gift basket that fits them. A small woven basket with a soft cushion becomes both the gift and the bed, and a big knotted chew bone tucked inside looks extra special next to a little pup. Many small dogs love to curl up in the basket once the paper is gone. Line the bottom with a folded towel or an old pillowcase so it stays comfy. Our basket Christmas decor ideas have more ways to dress up a plain basket with greenery and ribbon for the season.

You will need: A small solid woven basket, a folded towel or small cushion, a chew bone sized for your dog, ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Check the basket for loose ends and trim any sharp bits. 2. Fold the towel into the bottom as a soft liner. 3. Lay the chew bone inside and tie a ribbon bow on the handle.

Upcycled Tin Can Toy Pail With a Plaid Bow

A large coffee can or formula can turns into a cheerful toy pail with a little paint. Pull off the label, sand any sharp rim, then paint bold red and white bands like a candy cane. Fill it with colorful rope toys and one plush friend, and tie a wide plaid ribbon around the middle. After Christmas, it keeps toys off the floor. Our tin can crafts post has more ideas for painting and finishing cans so they look store bought.

You will need: A large empty can, sandpaper, white and red acrylic paint, painter’s tape, a foam brush, wide plaid ribbon, rope toys.

How to make it: 1. Remove the label, wash the can and sand the rim smooth. 2. Paint the can white, let it dry, then tape off bands and paint them red. 3. Remove the tape, fill the can with toys and tie on the plaid ribbon.

A Holiday Outfit Basket With a Little Santa Suit

If your pup does not mind dressing up, tuck a soft holiday outfit into the basket for Christmas photos. A little red suit with white trim, a simple bandana or a knit sweater all work, as long as it fits loosely and is easy to take off. Keep it on only for photos and a short visit, then let your dog relax in normal fur. Pair the outfit with a treat so it feels like a happy moment. Our DIY dog sweaters show how to make a cozy sweater from an old one.

You will need: A soft holiday outfit or sweater in the right size, a few treats, tissue paper, a small basket or box.

How to make it: 1. Measure your dog’s chest and neck so the outfit fits loosely. 2. Fold the outfit in tissue paper and set it in the basket with a treat. 3. Try it on for a quick photo and take it off right after.

Dog Christmas Gift Basket in a Rustic Crate of Kraft Wrapped Toys

Kraft paper and jute cord give this crate a farmhouse feel that matches any tree. Wrap each toy in plain brown paper, tie it with jute cord and tuck in a tiny pine sprig, then line them up in a small wooden crate with a few biscuits in the gaps. Your dog gets several little packages to open, which stretches the fun out on Christmas morning. The crate becomes a toy box afterward. See our wooden crate Christmas decor for ways to stain or paint a craft store crate.

You will need: A small wooden crate, brown kraft paper, jute cord, pine sprigs, four or five toys, a few homemade biscuits.

How to make it: 1. Wrap each toy in kraft paper with only a little tape. 2. Tie each one with jute cord and slip a pine sprig under the knot. 3. Stand the packages in the crate and tuck biscuits in the gaps.

A First Christmas Basket for a New Puppy

A new puppy’s first Christmas is worth celebrating. Fill a small dog Christmas gift basket with a soft blanket, a teething toy made for puppies and a keepsake ornament with the puppy’s name and the year. Add a collar tag or a little photo so you remember how tiny they were. Puppies tire out fast, so keep the basket simple and let them nap right after. A name ornament from our personalized Christmas ornaments ideas will come out of the box every year after.

You will need: A small basket, a soft puppy blanket, a puppy teething toy, a wooden or clay ornament, a paint pen, ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Write the puppy’s name and the year on the ornament with a paint pen and let it dry. 2. Fold the blanket into the basket and add the teething toy. 3. Tie the ornament to the handle with ribbon.

Pup Spa Basket in a Plastic Wash Tub

Give your pup a spa day in a tub. A plastic wash tub holds rolled towels, a soft bristle brush, a fresh bandana and a rubber duck toy for bath time. It is a practical dog Christmas gift basket that gets used every week, and the tub is perfect for washing a small dog or storing grooming tools. Tie a few eucalyptus sprigs on the outside for looks only and keep them away from your dog. Our spa gift baskets for people use the same rolled towel trick.

You will need: A plastic wash tub, two or three towels, a soft pet brush, a cotton bandana, a rubber bath toy, ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Roll the towels tightly and stand them at the back of the tub. 2. Add the brush, the folded bandana and the bath toy in front. 3. Tie a ribbon around the tub handle.

Dog Christmas Gift Basket for Two Pups Who Share Everything

If you have two dogs, make one big dog Christmas gift basket they can open together. Choose a wide basket so both can reach in, and add two of everything: two toys, two bandanas and a double batch of biscuits. Sharing a basket makes a sweet photo, and nobody feels left out. If one dog tends to guard toys, set the gifts out on the floor instead and let each pup choose. You will find more fun projects for every pet in the house in our pet Christmas DIY roundup.

You will need: A wide wicker basket, a soft blanket, two matching toys, two bandanas, homemade biscuits in a bag.

How to make it: 1. Line the basket with a soft blanket. 2. Set the matching toys and bandanas side by side. 3. Add the biscuits and let both pups explore together.

Snow Day Gift Tray on a Vintage Wooden Sled

For dogs who love the snow, a dog Christmas gift basket on a small wooden sled makes a charming gift tray. Lay a folded fleece coat across the slats, add a rope toy for outdoor play and a small tin of biscuits for after the walk. Pine branches on the runners finish the look. Set it on the porch or by the back door so your pup finds it before the first winter walk. Our vintage sled decor post shows where to find old sleds and how to clean them up.

You will need: A small wooden sled, a fleece dog coat, a rope toy, a small tin with a lid, homemade biscuits, pine branches.

How to make it: 1. Wipe the sled clean and lay pine branches along the runners. 2. Fold the coat across the slats and set the rope toy on top. 3. Fill the tin with biscuits and place it at the front.

Dog Christmas Gift Basket With a Giant Biscuit Centerpiece

One giant biscuit makes the basket feel like a celebration. Shape a big bone from the same simple dough, poke a few vents with a straw so it bakes evenly, then let it dry until hard. Wrap it in clear cellophane with a bow and lay it across the top of the basket. Break it into pieces over a few days instead of handing it all over at once. Bake a few extra for the dogs next door, and pair them with our neighbor Christmas gifts.

You will need: Biscuit dough from slide two, a baking sheet, a straw, clear cellophane, ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Roll the dough thick and cut a large bone shape by hand. 2. Poke a few vents with a straw and bake low and slow until dry. 3. Cool it fully, wrap it in cellophane and tie it with ribbon.

Keepsake Basket With a Photo Frame Ornament and a Paw Print

This basket is really for the family, but it is all about the dog. Press your pup’s paw into a round of air dry clay, let it dry and add a ribbon loop, then slip this year’s favorite photo into a little wooden frame ornament. Nestle both in paper shred in a small basket. It is a memory you will hang on the tree for years. Our picture frame crafts have more ways to decorate a plain frame.

You will need: Air dry clay, a rolling pin, a round cutter, a straw, a small wooden frame ornament, a printed photo, paper shred, red ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Roll the clay, cut a round and gently press your dog’s paw into it. 2. Push the straw through near the top and let it dry for two days. 3. Add the photo to the frame and set both in the basket on paper shred.

Dog Christmas Gift Basket Made for Christmas Morning Unwrapping

The last idea is all about the big moment. Wrap a few toys loosely in plain paper so your dog can grab, shake and tear them open, and let them carry their present away like a prize. Stay close, pick up the paper as it comes off and save the ribbon for later. A happy pup with a gift in its mouth is the best photo of the morning. For the dog lovers in your life, see our dog lover Christmas gifts too.

You will need: Three or four small toys, plain wrapping paper, a little tape, a basket to hold them.

How to make it: 1. Wrap each toy loosely with very little tape. 2. Pile them in the basket on Christmas morning. 3. Let your dog unwrap them while you collect the paper.