Dog Treats Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas

Last December, instead of rushing through stores for last-minute gifts, I spent an afternoon baking homemade dog treats . I packaged them in little tins with paw-print tags and handed them out to friends and neighbors. The smiles on the dog parents’ faces — and the wagging tails — proved something simple and thoughtful can often be the best gift.

If you’re looking for homemade Christmas gift ideas for dog lovers , these festive recipes and wrapping tips are the perfect way to spread cheer without breaking the bank.

• They’re budget-friendly yet heartfelt.

• You control the ingredients — no fillers, no unsafe additives.

• They double as a gift for both the dog and their owner.

• The presentation (wrapping, tags, shapes) makes them feel extra special.

Homemade treats show love in a way store-bought gifts can’t.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups oat flour

• ½ cup pumpkin purée (unsweetened)

• ¼ cup peanut butter (xylitol-free)

• 1 egg

• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix pumpkin, peanut butter, and egg until smooth.

3. Stir in oat flour and cinnamon.

4. Roll out dough and cut into bone or tree shapes.

5. Bake 15 minutes until firm.

6. Cool completely before wrapping as gifts.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups oat flour

• ½ cup rolled oats

• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce

• ⅓ cup chopped unsweetened cranberries

• 1 tbsp coconut oil (melted)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).

2. Mix applesauce and coconut oil.

3. Stir in flour, oats, and cranberries.

4. Roll out and cut into star or snowflake shapes.

5. Bake 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.

6. Let cool before packaging.

• Mason Jars: Fill with cookies, tie with red twine, and add a paw-print tag.

• Holiday Tins: Perfect for gifting multiple dogs in one family.

• Cellophane Bags: Add festive ribbons and handwritten labels.

• DIY Gift Tags: Write “Made with love for [Dog’s Name]” for a personal touch.

• Mini Gift Baskets: Pair treats with a small toy or bandana.

• Wholesome & Safe: No chocolate, nutmeg, or unsafe ingredients.

• Festive Flavors: Pumpkin, cranberry, oats, and peanut butter.

• Two Textures: Crunchy bones + chewy cranberry cookies.

• Holiday-Ready: Fun shapes make them look like real Christmas cookies.

• Swap pumpkin for mashed sweet potato.

• Use blueberries instead of cranberries.

• Roll dough thinner for crisp treats or thicker for soft chews.

• Add beet powder for a festive red twist.

• Baked Treats (Bones & Cookies):

  • Store in airtight tins at room temperature for 7–10 days.

  • Keep in fridge for up to 2 weeks to extend freshness.

  • Freeze for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

• Gifting:

  • If gifting locally, include a note: “Homemade, dog-safe. Store in fridge or freezer for freshness.”

  • For mailed gifts, stick to baked cookies only (avoid no-bake recipes that require refrigeration).

  • Use vacuum-sealed bags for shipping longer distances.

• Serving Tip:

  • Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories. Offer 1–2 pieces at a time, depending on dog size.

• Too dry? Add 1–2 tbsp applesauce or pumpkin.

• Too sticky? Dust with extra flour before rolling.

• Cookies cracking? Chill dough before baking.

These dog treats homemade Christmas gift ideas are festive, thoughtful, and guaranteed to bring joy to both pups and people. From crunchy pumpkin bones to chewy cranberry cookies, they’re proof that the best gifts aren’t bought — they’re baked with love. Wrap them in a bow, share them with friends, and watch tails wag all holiday season. 🎄🐾