How to make a parcel for your little four legged elf friend

With the Christmas holidays approaching and lots of going out, parties, mulled wine and socialising going on, I thought it might be nice to make a little gift for your dog. It's great to buy them some yum treats and chews but you can also utilise things you have at home to create a present that keeps on giving. And buys you some time to sit back and sip another mulled cider!

You will need:

Smelly, yummy dog treats (I've used some garlic roasted chicken)

A toy that can hold treats and that your dog loves

A box

Couple of sheets of paper, newspaper or similar

Piece of material

Ribbon, rope or twine

The ingredients you will need

Next cut up the food into chunks that will fit into the toy. The smellier, wetter the better as before you have cut it up and placed in the toy, rub the treats all over the outside of the box.

Third step is to wrap your toy with treats in it in the wrapping paper. I used sellotape to totally encapsulate it.

Can you guess what it is yet?

Then place your wrapped toy into the box and seal it shut. If your dog is a quick speed box destroyer I would make this a more hardcore box. Heavier duty cardboard from the fruit and grocery store could work.

Next wrap your box in the material you have. I have used some hessian that is quite easy for a dog to move around. Again if your dog loves a challenge I'd put some denser, tougher fabric and wrap it really very tight. I used an old shoe lace to wrap it up. If you have a dog like a terrier I'd make the string that you tie it up with no movement so they reallly have to work at it. If you aren't sure about your dog, I'd start easier and make it tougher the next time.

I agree this doesn't look like a gift I'd like to receive!!

And then all that is left to do is bestow your darling dog with the gift that keeps on giving! As they unwrap each layer they will be delighted. You can even do like you do at kids parties, hiding a treat within each layer of wrapping.