Last week, I wrote about the money pet owners will spend on gifts for their furry friends this holiday season. But, what are the options for people on a budget -- or, for those, like me, who are just plain cheap?
Livingonthecheap.com has some suggestions for low-cost, and even no-cost, pet gifts.
Some household items make great cat toys. If you were going to throw out old shower curtain rings, toilet paper cardboard tubes or just plain empty boxes, your kitty can have hours of fun with them instead.
A simple homemade dog toy can be made by inserting an empty plastic water bottle into an old sock, then tying a knot in the end. Dogs love the crunching sound.
If it's okay for your dog to have peanut butter, give him or her the old plastic jar before you throw it out; it'll provide lasting fun for your dog and for you watching.
Those little bell balls that were all the rage on shoelaces can be tied to a doorknob with string to make cat toys all around your house.
Finally, you can make a durable pull toy for your dog by braiding long strips of old clothes.