DIY Dog Enrichment Gifts for Christmas

If Christmas has crept up on you faster than a dog spotting a dropped sausage, worry no more as we’re here to give you some DIY dog gift inspiration.

No shops, no stress, no frantic scrolling. Most homemade enrichment ideas can be made with things you already have at home, whether that’s a towel, a cardboard box or a spare container ready for freezing.

Alternatively, if you’re already prepared for the big man arriving (lucky you), making enrichment toys can be a lovely way to slow down, get festive and do something meaningful. 

Why Enrichment is So Important at Christmas

Christmas is magical. Twinkly lights, delicious smells, and the whole family under one roof. But for your dog all that excitement can feel a little overwhelming.

While we’re clinking glasses and catching up with guests, our dogs are dealing with:

• Lots of unfamiliar faces

• Extra noise and movement

• A change to their normal routine

• Fewer walks, or shorter ones, due to busy schedules

For many dogs, this can lead to boredom, stress or over-excitement. Enrichment gives your dog a positive outlet, something soothing, engaging and reassuring to focus on when the house feels impawsible to relax in.

What is Enrichment?

Enrichment simply means activities that tap into your dog’s natural instincts including: sniffing, licking, chewing and problem-solving. These activities can:

• Calm anxious pups

• Reduce unwanted behaviours

• Boost confidence

• Tire them out mentally (sometimes more than a long walk!)

DIY Dog Enrichment Gift Ideas

Some simple ideas which can be created quickly and easily at home include:

1. Snuffle mat

Grab a sturdy piece of cardboard and use scissors (or a craft knife) to cut a grid of slits across the surface, leaving enough space between each slit for strips of fabric to be threaded through.

Next, gather old fabric, towels, or even strips of an old T-shirt. The more variety in texture and length, the more interesting and engaging the mat will be for your dog.

Weave or tie the fabric strips through the slits, fluffing them up as you go to create a soft, layered surface. This gives your snuffle mat depth and hiding spots for treats. Once it’s ready, scatter small treats or chunks of Butternut Box throughout the folds, tucking some a little deeper to encourage your dog to sniff, paw, and explore.

2. Frozen licky treat

To make your own licky treat, take a dog-safe container and fill it with a mix of textures and flavours:

• A little natural yogurt or mashed vegetables – creamy and easy for your pup to lick.

• A spoonful of your dog’s favourite fresh food – like Butternut Box chunks or small bits of cooked meat.

• Some dog-safe fruit – such as blueberries, apple slices, or soft berries for a touch of festive fun.

Once the container is filled, freeze it overnight. When the house is buzzing with visitors, clinking cutlery, or the doorbell won’t stop ringing, hand your pup their frozen treat. The licking keeps them busy for a while, helping them stay calm and focused.

3. Cardboard box stack

Grab a few empty boxes (remove any tape or staples), pop treats inside, and let your pup figure out how to get to them.

You can nest smaller boxes inside bigger ones for an extra challenge.

4. Toilet roll puzzle

Grab an empty toilet paper or paper towel roll.

Fold one end inwards to create a little pocket, then drop in a few tasty treats. Once the goodies are inside, fold the other end inwards as well so the treats are safely enclosed but still reachable with some clever pawing.

For an extra challenge, put a layer of wrapping paper around the outside of the toilet roll.

A Little Reminder From Us to You

Every dog is different. If your dog is feeling overwhelmed, it’s recommended that you give them a quiet space away from guests, enrichment works best when paired with comfort, routine and lots of reassurance.

And if your pup needs a little extra help unwinding? A calm evening with their favourite activity, a cosy bed and a belly full of nutritious, gently cooked food can make all the difference.