Pets, for many people, are just as much a part of the family as the kids! They cannot image having a home without their presence.
I have several friends who really need nothing else in life so it’s hard to think of things to give at Christmas. They have it all. I imagine you know many of the same types of people. What to give them?
A handmade gift for their pet!
These can be as simple or elaborate as you want to make them.
Pet Blankets
Find a cute fabric or fabrics. Fleece is very popular, but I use cotton then line it with a thin layer of fleece.
Draw a pattern or just make it square, circular, or rectangular. Size it according to the pet.
Cut out two of your chosen fabric and one out of the fleece.
Place the fabrics right sides together and the fleece on top.
Stitch around the shape about one half inch from edge, leaving an opening of four to six inches.
Turn right side out. Press the opening edges one half inch under.
Top stitch around the outside about one half inch from edge, making sure to close the opening area. You can always stitch other shapes or patterns onto the blanket as well, making more of a quilt.
Variations on the basic pattern can be added. I add a pocket before stitching all the layers together. A simple square or heart made by placing right sides of fabric together, stitching almost all the way around, then turning right side out is sewn onto the right side of fabric with the fleece layer underneath.
The Herbal Additions
Adding herbs is simple. You can do this in several ways.
Create catnip toys that can be placed inside the pocket.
Make dog bone shapes and add a little anise oil or some anise seeds. Anise is to dogs what catnip is to cats!
Add lavender buds or catnip to the blanket itself once you have turned it right side out.
Or perhaps chamomile might be a better choice if you are trying to get them to settle down!
Ceylon Cinnamon is a safe herb for pets and known to stop the growth of bad bacteria and fungi.
Cat and Dog Stockings
These are such fun! I have made several of these and people are so thrilled. What a fun way to add another joy to Christmas, not just for the cat or dog, but for the kids, too!
Create a simple stocking pattern, sew it up and add any of the above ideas along with some yummy treats then let the furry family member open it themselves!
Along with your herbal pet gift, save a little of the fabric and create a sachet that matches for your friend. Add a handwritten note on a card, which can also be handmade, and you will be certain to have made their Christmas a merry one!
Part I, which includes sachets, can be seen HERE.
We’ll continue to look at a few more homemade gifts with herbs in next week’s Herb Nerd post!
Do you make Christmas gifts with herbs? Please share your ideas below!