I get tons and tons of e-mails this time of year about pet products, and gifts and all that kind of stuff. As P&C readers know, we don’t pitch products here (you don’t need me for that in interweb world and we have more fun and loftier goals, I hope

Which is why I have to post this from P&C contributor John…Low or no-cost ideas, realistic for pets and smart for two- and four-footers.

The specifics are all here, but I think the synopsis John sent gets the point across.

Before the list: Please read #5, most important.
As for #1, I pulled dead leaves off Cup’s favorite snack plant and we played with them for quite a while. No cash, time or effort really involved, and Cup was happy! (Old picture here, but here’s my point)

John, take it away:
1. Buy a great toy: Check out the environmentally-friendly toys at your local pet store, or online. Or go even more simple. A bucket of old tennis balls makes Kelly happy. Try making a toy yourself. If you can sew, create a simple stuffed teddy bear for your pup. Tie a feather or pompon to the end of a string for your kitty. Get creative!

2. Cook something yummy: Find a recipe for healthy dog treats. Try this dog carrot cake recipe from Sharon Azar’s WOOF! blog or Editor-in-chief Edward Grinnan’s dog food recipe.

3. Frame a picture: For your animal-loving friends and family, frame a special picture of their pet, or create a small scrapbook or brag book. If you’re handy with the computer, print up stationary or note cards, with the pet’s picture in the corner.

4. Make pet books and calendars: Pet lovers will never grow tired of reading about their best friends, and there are so many great options: fiction, memoirs, how-to, and great true animal stories. (Check out Guideposts’ own Their Mysterious Ways) Page-a-day or monthly pet calendars make great gifts, too.

5. Give your time: What’s the best gift to give a pet? Your time! Get down on the floor and play, maybe even invent a new game with your dog or cat. Relish time to just cuddle. Kelly and I like to get wrapped up in a blanket. For your pet-owning friends, offer dog walking or pet-sitting. Or help more pets by donating time or money to a local animal shelter.

Happy holidays!

Best
JM