Fun and Thrifty Pet Toys
4/28/21

Dog Toy

I love my dogs dearly, but they can destroy a new toy in minutes. For this reason, we’re including some easy ways to create your own pet toy, save a trip to the store, and also save money. This toy craft requires things that are easily sourced and may even include materials you have at home.

You will need:

• Polar fleece fabric (You could also use a fleece pullover or sweatshirt that no longer fits)
• 16 oz, water bottle with cap (empty)
• Dog kibble
• Scissors
• Hot melt glue gun and low-temp glue sticks

 

 

Instructions:

Cut a 12” x 18” rectangular piece from your fabric.

Take the scissors and cut 2” fringe on opposing sides of the square—if you’ve ever made a hand-tied fleece blanket, this step will come naturally.

Place a few morsels of the kibble (8-10 pieces) inside the bottle and replace cap.

Place the water bottle on the fleece and roll, bringing edges together for gluing.

Run a line of hot melt glue along the fleece edges and seal (Adults only!)

Tie off the ends of the fringe on each end of the bottle.

Toss to your furry best friend and let the fun begin!

 

Cat Toy

It doesn’t get much easier than this! Upcycle your old t-shirts and make this simple Nippy Knot toy that will fascinate your kitty. The kids can get in on the fun with this activity as well—which would be the perfect activity on a rainy spring day.

You will need:

• Ruler
• Stretch knit fabric or old t-shirt fabric
• Scissors
• Catnip Spray (available at pet stores)

 

 

Instructions:

Cut your t-shirt fabric into 5- 3”x10” rectangular strips.

Pull the knit fabric strips until they curl slightly.

Lie the strips down, fold in half and tie in the middle-the fabric strips will resemble a bow tie.

Spritz lightly with catnip spray.

Toss it in the direction of your waiting kitty!

Post a photo of your activity to Facebook or Instagram with the hashtags #KQFun #KQFamilyFunSpot and tag us @kidsquestinc!

 

Puppy Chow^*

4/14/21

This recipe was just made for kids! In fact, I used to make this when I taught preschool decades ago (I guess good things stand the test of time). You can buy similar treats like this at the grocery store, but making it is easy and more fun.

You will need:

• 1 12-ounce box Rice Chex or Crispix cereal
• 1 12-ounce bag chocolate chips
• ¾ cup peanut butter
• ½ cup melted butter
• 1 box powdered sugar
• Large mixing bowl with lid
• Medium microwave-safe mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Ziploc bags

^*Although this sounds like a pet-friendly treat, this snack is for humans only. Please keep this sweet munchie away from your pups as chocolate is toxic for dogs.

 

Instructions:

Empty the box of cereal into the large mixing bowl and set aside.

Place butter, chocolate chips, and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 60 seconds, and then in 30-second increments at a time until the mixture is melted.

Stir chips, butter, and peanut butter until smooth and glossy.

Pour the chocolate peanut butter mixture over the cereal and stir well, thickly coating the cereal squares.

Next, let it the coated cereal cool slightly so the powdered sugar coating will not dissolve due to heat.

Add the powdered sugar to the cereal mixture, gently stirring and lightly coating each piece.

Serve for snacking in a large bowl or divide into individual serving sizes for school lunches.

Store extra puppy chow in Ziploc bags or airtight container to keep it fresh for snacking.

What are your kids’ favorite sweet treats to make as a family? Give us some suggestions for future FunSpots. We just might share yours and give you the credit.

Post a photo of your activity to Facebook or Instagram with the hashtags #KQFun #KQFamilyFunSpot and tag us @kidsquestinc!