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It's the gift-wrapping season!
But did you know that common gift-wrapping materials, like ribbons, tinsel, and glitter, can pose serious health risks to dogs if swallowed?
While wrapping presents is a fun holiday tradition for some, dog owners must prioritize both safety and creativity.
In this guide, we'll discuss festive dog holiday gift-wrapping ideas and safe, eco-friendly materials your pet will love.
RELATED: 7 Best Christmas Gifts for Dogs That Will Last Until Next Year
Why Safe Dog Holiday-Gift Wrapping Matters
You know how dogs are always curious and get their paws and muzzles into things they're not supposed to?
Shiny, colorful, and noisy gifts under the Christmas tree can pique their curiosity and tempt them to chew!
As the VEG ER for Pets put it, pets in the holiday season keep them busier than Santa's workshop because of all the holiday hazards!
If a dog accidentally ingests wrapping materials, such as ribbons or string, or gift parts like squeakers or batteries, it can cause intestinal blockages, choking, chemical exposure, and cuts from sharp tags and gift wrappers.
The happiest days of the year might turn into a nightmare if this happens to your pup!
RELATED: 9 Emergency Dog Health Conditions That Cannot Be Delayed
Dog Holiday Gift-Wrapping: Safe Materials To Use
Wrapping the gifts is half the fun of the Christmas gift exchange, even for dogs!
But be mindful of the materials you use. Here are some of the best gift wrappers you can use that are both festive and pet-safe.
Safe Holiday Wrappers and Ideas
1. Recycled of Unbleached Kraft Paper
Not only does this look aesthetically pleasing, but kraft paper is also non-toxic, easily tearable, and generally safe if your dog accidentally chews it.
It's also easy to tie with a natural twine and customize with your dog's paw prints! Just use non-toxic paints to stamp your dog's paws on the kraft paper, and use eco-friendly ink pens to write their names on it.
Not only is it an easy DIY project with your pup, but it can also be a yearly holiday tradition with them at home!
If you want a more cost-effective option, old newspapers can also make for the perfect rustic gift wrap.
Tie it with twine and add a pine cone, sprig of rosemary, or dog-safe ornament for a natural, eco-friendly finish.
2. Cloth Wraps or Bandanas
If you're going to gift your dog a Christmas bandana to wear on the day itself, you can use this to wrap their other gifts.
You can make a Bandana-Wrapped Surprise for dogs! Wrap small toys or treats in a festive bandana, and secure it with a bow or string made from natural materials.
Not only are they reusable and stylish, but they also double as a bonus gift!
You can also make a DIY Snuffle Wrap. Hide small treats or chew sticks in folded layers of soft fabric or fleece, and turn the wrapping itself into an enrichment activity.
Dogs need mental stimulation with interactive toys and activities like this, so a snuffle wrap is a definite win-win.
For the other gifts, the best cloth wrap materials are dog-safe fabrics like cotton, linen, or muslin.
This can also be your opportunity to learn a new skill, like this Japanese gift-wrapping technique that uses a beautiful cloth called Furoshiki!
3. Paper Gift Bags or Boxes
Instead of wrapping, why not put your gifts in reusable gift bags (like this from Amazon), upcycled cardboard boxes, or other containers?
Not only are they ideal for hiding treats or toys, but they're also safer than tape-heavy wrapping papers.
You can also add dog-safe tissue paper as stuffing! Just make sure to use the plain, non-glittery ones.
Another idea is a Christmas Toy Basket of sorts.
Use a small wicker basket or box filled with tissue paper and multiple mini gifts, such as toys, chews, and treats. Cover it loosely so your dog can easily tear and enjoy it.
You can even use old gift bags or shipping paper! Remember, dogs don’t care about perfection, just the fun of discovery!
Alternatives to Ribbon or Strings
Adding ribbon, strings, or gift bows completes the festive feel of gifts piled up under the Christmas tree. But in truth, these are the most eye-catching and dangerous for dogs!
Instead of these, you can use natural twine, raffia, or fabric strips.
Dogs are less likely to chew or swallow frayed fibers found on natural materials than smooth fibers found on synthetic ones. Synthetics can also cause more toxic reactions when ingested.
Also, for a more secure gift, you can use biodegradable paper tape or washi tape instead of plastic cello tape.
Pet-Safe Gift Decors
If you want to make your presents look more festive, you can decorate them with nature!
Use leaves, twigs, pet-safe herbs, dried fruits and flowers, and pinecones, and glue them on the wrapper however you like.
Avoid adding holly, mistletoe, or other toxic holiday plants for dogs.
You can also DIY the gift tags by cutting shapes from recycled cardboard and paper scraps and designing them any way you like.
Also, it's best to skip the plastic cello tape and use washi tape like this instead.
Washi tape is more colorful and festive-looking, and it's made from paper and non-toxic materials, making it generally safer for dogs.
Toxic or Unsafe Wrapping Materials to Avoid
While you can still use the materials listed below when wrapping for other presents, it's best not to use them for your dog's gift.
Some unsafe materials to avoid are:
- Plastic ribbons and bows – These can cause choking or intestinal blockage
- Glitter or metallic paper – They contain microplastics or dyes that are highly harmful if ingested
- Too much tape or adhesive – These may stick to fur or irritate a dog's mouth
- Scented wrapping paper – Fragrance chemicals can irritate a dog's airways
- Tinsel and string – Highly dangerous, especially for curious chewers; can cause serious internal injuries when ingested
- Foil or metallic wrap – These can cut gums or cause stomach irritation and internal injuries.
RELATED: 7 Common Household Hazards That Can Harm Your Pet
Safety Tips When Giving Gifts to Your Dog
1. Supervise your dog while unwrapping.
It's cute watching dogs go gaga over presents, but make sure to supervise them while unwrapping.
Better yet, you do it yourself. This way, you can prevent accidental swallowing of tape, strings, or wrapping bits.
2. Check toy safety labels.
Don't go for what's cute. Go for what's safe!
Make sure to check the toy's safety labels before you buy it and give it to dogs.
Choose items labeled “non-toxic” and appropriate for your dog’s size and chew level.
RELATED: Top 22 Safe Christmas Dog Toys
3. Avoid edible gifts wrapped in paper.
You can never go wrong gifting treats to dogs, whether homemade or commercially available.
Just remember that if you do, it's best not to wrap it in paper because, in their excitement, the dog might eat the whole thing, wrapping and all.
A good idea is to buy cookie tins from the dollar store to put the treats in, as we did for these Homemade Apple & Mint Christmas Dog Treats.
4. Keep gifts for humans out of reach.
Not only the common gift-wrapping materials, but the gifts we often give for Christmas can be highly toxic to our dogs, too.
Chocolates, scented candles, and lotions are common holiday hazards for all pets, so make sure to place the gifts out of reach of your curious dog.
RELATED: 8 Ways to Dog-Proof Your Home for Christmas
5. Dispose of wrapping materials right away.
After all the gifts have been unwrapped and the wrapping materials discarded, make sure to dispose of them right away. Please don't wait until you see your dog chewing on them!
It's also best to use a pet-proof trash bin or dog deterrent sprays to prevent curious noses from digging through leftovers.
Dog Holiday Gift-Wrapping FAQs
Can I let my dog unwrap their own Christmas present?
Yes, many dogs enjoy unwrapping gifts, especially if it's a toy or treat inside.
Just supervise closely to prevent them from eating paper, ribbon, or plastic.
What should I do if my dog eats wrapping paper or ribbon?
If it’s a small amount of plain paper, your dog may pass it without issue.
But if they eat ribbon, foil paper, or large amounts, contact your vet immediately as these can cause blockages or digestive issues.
RELATED: What To Do If Your Dog Swallows Something He Shouldn't
Are biodegradable or recycled papers safe for dogs?
Generally, yes, as long as they’re non-toxic and free of glitter, dyes, or coatings.
Always check the labels and supervise your dog while unwrapping.
What’s the best wrapping for dogs who love to chew?
Use plain kraft paper or tissue paper, and skip ribbons or plastic decorations.
You can also use reusable fabric wraps or dog-safe toy containers to reduce waste and risk.
Dog Holiday Gift-Wrapping Ideas: Before You Go…
Gift-giving is one of the best parts of the holidays, and our pets definitely deserve to be in on the fun, too!
And with a few precautions, you can make it both fun and safe for your furry friend.
Just remember to use non-toxic, recyclable, and pet-safe materials, and always supervise your dog when opening the gifts.
Do you want to read more guides about dogs and Christmas? Check out our recommended articles below!
