Are you looking for ideas to make up a Christmas Eve Box for your child? I’ve been researching them to make my own this year, so here’s how to make a Christmas Eve box and, most importantly, what to put in it!

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In our house we have always had a bit of a Christmas Eve tradition, where our daughters were allowed to choose one present on Christmas Eve from under the tree and open it before they went to bed.

Recently I came across the idea of a Christmas Eve box and I thought what a nice idea. So I’ve been thinking of and looking for ideas for my boxes, so I thought I’d share some of those with you.

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What is a Christmas Eve Box?

A Christmas Eve box is exactly what it sounds like – it’s a gift box that you give your child on Christmas Eve to open to enjoy.

The origins are apparently from continental European countries, many of whom celebrate the main event on Christmas Eve itself rather than Christmas Day.

The box itself can be something simple and homemade, or there are plenty of Christmassy versions of them from cardboard to personalised wooden ones (you’ll find lots on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com). The nice thing about investing in a proper Christmas or personalised one is that you can reuse it for many years and cut down on waste.

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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 our house to get new jammies for Christmas Eve so I like the idea of slipping a pair into the box.

Slippers or cosy fluffy socks

My eldest is a slipper wearer whilst my youngest prefers a cosy pair of fluffy socks to pad around the house in. Get something soft and snuggly

A new book for bedtime

This could be a Christmas book or the latest of their favourite author’s books.

A Christmas DVD

While there are lots of fun Christmas movies on Netflix nothing beats a classic Christmas movie as part of the Christmas Eve bedtime routine. Elf and Miracle on 34th Street are a couple of popular choices. If you need more inspiration read Mykidstime parents’ recommendations for the best Christmas movies.

Hot chocolate mix

A mug of hot chocolate on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning is a nice idea, so you could put in some Snowman Soup! Alternatively, keep an eye out for hot chocolate stirrers in the supermarket, where you just stir in them into the warm milk.

Magic Reindeer food

Every child should sprinkle some reindeer food in the garden to make sure the reindeer know the way and have a nibble!

A sweet treat

Something Christmassy like mini chocolate Santas go down well. Alternatively, marshmallows to go with the hot chocolate or a seasonal candy cane are nice.

A personalised tree decoration

They can hang it on the tree and it will join your collection for future years.

A pack of playing cards

Have a fun game of cards together on Christmas Eve.

A cookie decorating kit

You can buy some really nice cookie decorating kits where your child gets to ice the cookie…and then gobble it up! Or they could bake their own treats to leave for Santa.

A letter from Santa

You could write a letter from the big man himself to remind them to be good for one more night!

A Christmas colouring book

…or print off a selection of fun Christmas colouring pages.

Popcorn

Tuck in a sachet of microwavable popcorn for a nice snack to go with your Christmas movie.

A bedtime pass

If you are not saving them for the stockings, then we have free printable bedtime passes you can tuck into their Christmas Eve box.

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For older kids you might like to add in some

• lip balm
• hand cream
• nail polish
• bath bomb or new shower gel for a bit of pampering before bedtime
• new mug
• new phone case

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Have your say! Do you ever 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!