How to create Christmas stockings for pets

It’s nearly Christmas and it’s not just humans who can enjoy the magic of the season – our pets can too. Including them in the festivities can be a wonderful way to strengthen your bond and bring them some extra joy.

A thoughtful Christmas stocking for pets is a safe and fun way to celebrate, whether you’re filling it with tasty treats, interactive toys or practical goodies they’ll use all year round. If you’re keen to give it a go, here’s how to create your own at home.

Including your pet in seasonal traditions can be a lovely way to make them feel part of the family. Whether it’s a Christmas stocking for dogs, cats or even rabbits, it’s an opportunity to add enrichment and excitement to their day – and it can be a fun ritual for the whole family to get involved in.

While pets don’t understand Christmas, they do understand routine, play, and positive attention. A festive stocking can provide stimulation with new toys or chews, support their wellbeing with healthy, pet-friendly treats, and encourage bonding through interactive play. It can also help your pet feel included in the holiday buzz.

When planning a Christmas stocking for dogs, think practical, safe and fun.

• Healthy dog treats: look for natural, low-fat options without added sugar, salt or additives.
• Chew toys: perfect for dental health and keeping your dog busy during family celebrations.
• Squeaky or plush toys: festive shapes like reindeer or snowmen can add seasonal cheer to the house.
• Practical extras: a new collar, lead, or a cosy blanket make thoughtful additions –especially in winter when pets feel the cold more.

Make sure to avoid chocolate, cooked bones and anything with raisins, grapes or alcohol, as these are all toxic for dogs.

A Christmas stocking for cats is all about play and enrichment. Cats thrive on stimulation, so stocking fillers can make a real difference.

• Catnip toys: great for encouraging active play.
• Treat puzzles: think small feeders or balls that release kibble.
• Scratching accessories: mini scratch pads or festive scratching posts can be comforting to cats.
• Tasty cat treats: opt for healthy, vet-approved snacks with low-fat ingredients.

Avoid tinsel, ribbon or string-based toys that might be swallowed, as these can cause choking or digestive blockages. Sturdy, pet-safe toys should allow your cat to pounce, chase, and play without risk.

A Christmas stocking for a pet rabbit might not be as obvious to pack as other domestic animals. But rabbits love to chew, dig and forage, so focus on items that encourage their natural behaviours.

• Hay-based treats: think compressed hay cubes or timothy hay balls.
• Chew toys: safe wooden blocks or apple sticks.
• Foraging gifts: toys that hide pellets or dried herbs.
• Grooming brushes: practical items your rabbit will benefit from all year round.

When it comes to rabbit treats, you’ll want to swerve high-sugar festive foods such as chocolate, dried fruit or biscuits.

While you can make your own Christmas stocking for pets, you also have the option of buying a ready-made one from your local pet store.

These can be great if you’re short on time, but be sure to double-check the contents – some store-bought versions may include high-sugar treats or unsafe toys.

Many festive items aren’t safe for animals, so it’s important to choose stocking fillers with care. Some items that might seem fun to us can be dangerous or stressful for pets. Steer clear of:

• Human food: especially chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, alcohol or salty snacks. These can be toxic to pets and cause serious illness.
• Tinsel, ribbon or string-based toys: while they may look fun, they can easily be swallowed and lead to choking or intestinal blockages.
• Pet costumes or clothing: avoid putting clothes on your pets as these restrict their natural movements and often cause them stress.
• Noisy or bright items: loud or flashing toys might amuse us, but they can overwhelm and stress out pets.

While some pets may love rummaging through a Christmas stocking, others prefer calm and cosy snuggles. The key is to understand your pet’s personality and choose gifts that suit them.

If you’re unsure about pet safety at Christmas, why not use our Pet Expert Chat to ask any health-related questions? Petplan insurance customers can access this service by logging into My Petplan and heading to the My Support area.