Autumn festivities with awesome DIY Halloween toys!
Halloween is right around the corner, and there's no reason the fun should stop with the humans. While you're pulling together costumes, decorations, and treats this October, why not craft a few festive toys for your furry friends too?
These projects are simple, budget-friendly, and use materials you likely already have at home. Just remember one golden rule: always supervise your pet while they play with any handmade toy.
Ghost Ball for Games of Fetch
Most dogs and a surprising number of cats love a good game of fetch. This ghostly ball works for both, and it comes together in minutes.
What you'll need
- A durable tennis ball (a Kong ball is a great pick for strong chewers)
- An old white pillowcase or sock
- A pair of scissors
- A thick rubber band
- A non-toxic black marker
How to make it
- Pull the sock or pillowcase over the ball to create a tight, smooth surface.
- Use the rubber band to gather the excess material so it sits directly beneath the ball.
- Spread the hanging fabric flat and cut vertical strips about an inch thick.
- Braid the strips together in groups of three and knot each end.
- Draw a spooky face with your non-toxic marker, and you're done!
Give it a toss and watch your pup transform into a little ghost hunter. Energetic fetch fans like Labrador Retrievers and Australian Shepherds will chase this one all afternoon.
Spellcaster Cat Wand
Feeling a little witchy for the season? Every good witch needs a side-kick kitty and a proper wand. You can grab all of these supplies at any craft store.
What you'll need
- A wooden dowel
- About three to five feet of mesh tubing in any color
- A cool-temp glue gun and scissors
- Two-inch-thick ribbon in any color
- Trinkets like feathers or toy mice (optional)
How to make it
- Cut a strand of tubing and use your fingers to push one end upward, similar to a slinky.
- Gently push about an inch of the wooden dowel into the tube and secure it with the glue gun.
- Cut about three inches of ribbon, wrap it over the mesh where it meets the dowel, and glue it down.
- Attach a few spooky trinkets to the loose end, and your wand is ready to cast some playtime spells.
Candy Crinkle Toy for Crinkle Lovers
Some dogs go wild for squeakers, while others prefer the satisfying crinkle of plastic. Your pup can't eat Halloween candy, but they'll happily play with this candy-themed toy.
What you'll need
- An empty, dry water bottle
- Candy-themed socks (calf to knee-length works best)
- Scissors and a glue gun
- A packing envelope (optional)
How to make it
- Cut the packing envelope along the edge so it opens like a book, wrap it around the bottle, and trim the excess.
- Remove the envelope, apply a thin line of glue around the edges only, then re-wrap it around the bottle and hold for about sixty seconds. (No envelope? Skip straight to the sock step.)
- Cut off the toe of the sock and pull the water bottle through to the center.
- Tie off each end. For extra flair, slice the leftover knot into thin strands and braid them for a rope-like texture.
Keep Halloween Safe for Pets
Festive toys are a great start, but the season brings a few hazards too. Keep candy, wrappers, and decorative lights well out of reach, and give shy pets a quiet room away from the doorbell. The ASPCA's Halloween safety tips and the AVMA's guidance on pet safety at Halloween are worth a quick read before the trick-or-treaters arrive.
Grab Ready-Made Spooky Supplies
Short on crafting time? Stop by your nearest Petland to pick up seasonal toys and treats that are ready for the holiday. Our team can help you find something perfect for your pet's play style.
Looking to add a new companion to the family this fall? Browse our available puppies or ask our team about flexible financing and payment options the next time you visit Petland Pensacola.