Here’s a simple craft to make for the family cat.

Materials:
Woven, non slippery fabric of any kind. If you use felt or polar fleece you can then use an embroidery needle which has a blunter end and is therefore safer with smaller children.
Catnip (available at pet stores)
Needle and thread
Scissors
A permanent marker like a Sharpie

Fold fabric in half, right sides together, and draw a mouse shape about three inches long. Cut out the shapes and pin together. Sew around the edges leaving a one inch opening. (You may want to reinforce with a sewing machine. This is a great starter project for your budding seamstresses.) Fold inside out so right sides are now on the outside, and using a spoon or a funnel, fill with the catnip. Sew up the opening. With the marker, draw eyes, a nose and some whiskers.

If you have a dog or have some dog owners on your holiday shopping list, here’s a great soap that helps keep fleas and ticks away.

Ingredients:
1 cup grated castile soap
1/2 cup warm water
10 drops citronella oil (available at health food stores)
5 drops eucalyptus oil (available at health food stores)
1 T. dried, crushed pennyroyal leaves (available at health food stores)
Soap molds, optional
Wax paper

In a medium saucepan over low heat, or in the microwave, melt together the grated castile soap and the water. After it has melted, add the last three ingredients. Take the combined ingredients and transfer to a mixing bowl. Whip together until the mixture has doubled in volume. Working quickly (the beating action tends to cool the mixture) pour the mixture into prepared molds. A great idea for a mold is to use the plastic packaging that often comes with store bought dog biscuits. Check your local pet store. If you use a mold, smear a little petroleum jelly on the insides. You could also hand mold the soap into large balls. Set on some wax paper to cure.