Thinking about starting a Christmas Eve box tradition with your kids this year? You’re in good company. It’s become one of the most loved festive traditions for families, and it’s easy to see why — a simple box of small, thoughtful treats to open on Christmas Eve night is a lovely way to build excitement before Santa arrives.
Here’s how to make a Christmas Eve box, plus plenty of ideas for what to put inside it.
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In our house we’ve always had a little Christmas Eve tradition of our own — the girls get to choose one present from under the tree to open before bed. When we came across the idea of a Christmas Eve box, it felt like a natural addition, so we’ve been gathering ideas for ours ever since. Here’s what we’ve found.
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What is a Christmas Eve Box?
A Christmas Eve box is exactly what it sounds like — a gift box you give your child on Christmas Eve, filled with small treats and treasures for them to enjoy that evening.
The tradition is thought to have come from continental European countries, many of which celebrate their main Christmas gift-giving on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day.
The box itself can be as simple as you like — a shoebox decorated at home works just as well as a shop-bought one. Plenty of Christmassy versions are available too, from cardboard boxes to personalised wooden ones. The nice thing about investing in a proper Christmas Eve box is that you can bring it out and refill it every year, which cuts down on waste and makes it a real keepsake.
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Christmas Eve Box Ideas
Here are some suggestions for filling your Christmas Eve box:
New pyjamas
It’s a tradition in plenty of households to get new jammies for Christmas Eve, so slipping a pair into the box is always a winner.
Slippers or cosy fluffy socks
Whether your child prefers slippers or a snug pair of fluffy socks to pad around the house in, something soft and warm is always a lovely addition.
A new book for bedtime
This could be a Christmas book or the newest release from their favourite author.
A Christmas DVD or movie night pick
While there are lots of great Christmas movies to stream, nothing beats a classic as part of the Christmas Eve bedtime routine. Elf and Miracle on 34th Street are perennial favourites. If you need more inspiration, check out our parents’ picks for the best Christmas movies.
Hot chocolate mix
A mug of hot chocolate on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning is always a treat, so pop in some Snowman Soup, or keep an eye out for hot chocolate stirrers in the supermarket that simply melt into warm milk.
Magic reindeer food
Every child should get the chance to sprinkle some reindeer food in the garden, so the reindeer know the way and have a little nibble along the route.
A sweet treat
Something Christmassy like mini chocolate Santas goes down well. Marshmallows to go with the hot chocolate, or a seasonal candy cane, are lovely too.
A personalised tree decoration
A new bauble or ornament each year means they’ll build up their own collection of decorations over time — and it becomes a treasured tradition in itself.
A pack of playing cards
Perfect for a fun game of cards together on Christmas Eve.
A cookie decorating kit
A simple cookie decorating kit lets your child ice a treat — and gobble it straight up. Or they could bake and decorate a batch to leave out for Santa.
A letter from Santa
A short letter from the man himself is a sweet way to remind them to be good for one more night.
A Christmas colouring book
Or print off a selection of fun Christmas colouring pages instead.
Popcorn
A sachet of microwave popcorn makes the perfect snack to go with the Christmas movie.
A bedtime pass
If you’re not saving these for the stockings, tuck one of our free printable bedtime passes into the Christmas Eve box instead.
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For older kids and tweens
For older children, a few small pampering or personal touches go down well:
- lip balm
- hand cream
- nail polish
- a bath bomb or new shower gel for a bit of pampering before bed
- a new mug
- a new phone case
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Christmas Eve box?
It’s a gift box given to children on Christmas Eve, filled with small treats and treasures such as pyjamas, a book, a Christmas film, or a hot chocolate mix — all designed to build excitement before Santa’s arrival.
What age is a Christmas Eve box suitable for?
There’s no set age — younger children often love the surprise element, while older kids and tweens enjoy a more grown-up mix of treats like cosy accessories, snacks, or small pampering items.
Do you give the Christmas Eve box before or after dinner?
It’s entirely up to your family’s routine. Many parents hand it over as part of the bedtime wind-down, so children can enjoy their new pyjamas, book, or film before settling in for the night.
Can I reuse the same Christmas Eve box every year?
Yes — in fact, that’s one of the loveliest parts of the tradition. A sturdy or personalised box can be brought out and refilled year after year, becoming a treasured keepsake rather than a one-off purchase.
Do I need to buy an expensive box?
Not at all. A decorated shoebox or a simple container from around the house works just as well as a shop-bought one — it’s what’s inside that makes it special.
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Save These Ideas
Not ready to build your box just yet? Bookmark this page or save it to your festive planning board so you have all these Christmas Eve box ideas ready to go when you need them.
Before You Go
Do you make a Christmas Eve box for your child? What do you like to put in yours? Leave a comment below and let us know — we’d love to hear from you!
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