Want to give your pet the real Christmas Dinner experience? Want more bang for your buck? But without the actual scary bang?? Then look no further! Here's a quick but effective way to make a Christmas Cracker.

Step 1: Gather the Ingredients

You will need:

Wrapping paper
Cardboard tube e.g. kitchen roll tube or wrapping paper tube (toile roll tubes are too small and not strong enough)
Coloured card
A treat for your pet
Ribbon
Glue
Metal cutting ruler
Scissors
Pen/pencil
Stanley knife
Cellotape

Step 2: Make a Cracker Hat

Using coloured card, cut a hat design out and check it for size on your pet (she was not impressed!!). Here I have cut an A4 sheet along the long side and stuck it together to give extra length. Stick the hat together using the glue and allow to dry.

Step 3: Structure

Cut the cardboard tube so it is just bigger than the treat (assuming this is the biggest item going into the cracker) and then cut two handles for either side of the cracker.

Step 4: Filling the Cracker

Don't forget to write a poor animal related joke (you can't steal my joke) and once the hat is dry enough fold it so it will fit inside the cracker.

Stuff all items inside the middle section.

Step 5: Wrapping the Cracker

Next take a length of wrapping paper long enough to cover from one end to the other allowing space between the two handles. Stick the cardboard into place on the paper, leaving at least the diameter of the cardboard tube between each section. Secure the wrapping paper all the way around the cracker. Tuck the ends inside the cracker handles and glue in place for a nice tidy finish.

Step 6: Getting the Cracker Shape

Using ribbon, tie a bow around the cracker between the cardboard tubes to give it the correct shape - ensure you don't apply too much pressure as this could tear the paper. Repeat on the other side. Now you have a cracker for you pet to go with their Christmas dinner!

Merry Woofmas everyone x