Fun Pet Gift Baskets

There are two types of pet gift baskets: those that you make for your own pet, and those that you make for other people's pets. Pets themselves aren't that picky; a few favorite treats or new toys will make them happy. A cat may enjoy shredding the cellophane wrap, but it won't be too impressed with themed gift baskets you spent hours putting together.

The first rule to remember is that the best gift baskets for pets are meant to impress the owner more than the animal. With that in mind, there are some fun things you can do to make a pet gift basket special and fun.

Choosing Your Basket
You can use a conventional basket for your pet's gift basket, or you can use a plastic bucket that the pet can play with. Birds love to take things in and out of buckets. Dog will play with buckets of toys too.

Choose a basket or container that's appropriate for your pet. If your pet is a chewer, plastic might be a better option than a wicker basket. If the basket is for a pet rodent such as a hamster, mouse or guinea pig, an exercise ball makes a great container.

Filling the Basket
It's a good idea to line the bottom of baskets for pets so that gifts will stay in place. A scratching mat for a cat, a cover for a bird cage or a blanket for a dog are all good liners. A sweater will work for a small dog, or you can coil a new leash at the bottom. Cats love crumpled paper, so gift wrap or crinkle paper can do the job.

Choose species- and size-appropriate items for the gift basket for the pet. If the basket is for a small dog, you do not want to include large bones. If you can, find out ahead of time what kinds of treats and toys the pet likes. You can always add something new and unusal along with the favorites.

Here are some ideas for fillers you can use for different types of pets.

• Dogs: Soft dog treats, rawhide chews, squeaky bones, tennis balls, leashes, collars, sweaters, identification tags
• Cats: Catnip, soft treats, claw clippers, plastic toys, litter scoop, brushes, food and water bowls, collars, identification tags
• Birds: Bird food, chew toys, mirrors, perches, bird treats, water bottles, in-cage bird baths
• Fish: Fish food, aquarium gravel, capture net, air stone, artificial plants or coral, decorative rocks (avoid aquarium ornaments that move, as these can stress the fish)
• Rodents: Treats, exercise wheel, Habitrail components, food dish, water bottle

You can also include items for the pet's owners to use, such as gift certificates for the owner's favorite pet store or a gift certificate for the veterinarian. You can also add clothes or costumes for the pets. Make sure you get the right size if the pet gift basket is not for your own pet.