There’s nothing like the excitement of getting a new puppy. It’s always a special time, going to the pet store to buy a new collar, leash, bed, food bowls, and other supplies for the little bundle of joy. As much fun as it can be, the prices can add up pretty fast. That’s why there is no need to spend extra hard earned money on puppy toys when you can easily make them at home for a fraction of the cost.  Here are a few ideas that will slash your new puppy pet store total while still keeping them totally entertained.

Paper Towel Holder Treat Toy

Supplies:

• Treats
• Cardboard Tube (paper towel or toilet paper roll)
• Tape

How to do it:

Smash down one end of the cardboard and tape it shut.  Then pour some treats inside of the tube and seal that side with tape as well. Your new puppy will have a field day trying to get the treats of of it!  You can even make it a little easier for them by cutting a few treat sized holes in one side so that the treats fall out easily for younger puppies.

The Crunchy Bottle Sock

Supplies:

• Old sock
• Rocks (optional)
• Empty water bottle

How to do it:

Slide the sock over the water bottle and tie the sock firmly at the end. Puppies love the way this feels and sounds when they chew or pounce on it and the sock keeps them safe from torn plastic. If they tire easily of the crunch feeling then add some pebbles, beans, or pennies to change the sound. If you don’t have extra water bottle laying around, get the cheapest one you can find at the store. They often have less plastic which makes it easier to crunch and pop.

Kitchen-Towel Chew

Supplies:

• Old kitchen or hand towel
• Scissors

How to do it:

Cut the towel into thirds by making two slits at equal distance along the length of the towel. STOP cutting about an inch from the top of the towel. Braid the strips, then knot the loose end and voila! You have a great braided chew toy for you puppy. As they get older you can use longer towels and add a cut tennis ball or a big knot to the middle. You can also use old jeans or three separate towels together to make it bigger and stronger.

There’s no need in spending tons of cash on puppy toys from the store when you can make them right at home. Nothing is worse than spending $15 on a new toy only to find your puppy playing more with an old piece of cardboard, and loving it.  Upcycling some old items around the house is the way to go when it comes to puppy toys.  Your wallet and your puppy will be happy.

Don’t forget to leave us a comment below and let us know some of the great DIY toys you have made for you pets!