Christmas Eve box ideas: what to put in a Christmas Eve box
Create a fun new Christmas tradition for all ages by putting together a festive Christmas Eve box.
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By Steven Smith | Date published: September 2026
Build excitement for the big day and create a new festive tradition with a Christmas Eve box. Given the day before Christmas, they can be filled with all sorts of treats – from festive favourite films to small toys and games, Christmas clothing and food and drink treats. The beauty of them is they can be tailored to the recipients to enjoy.
There's no right or wrong way to create a Christmas Eve box. Some families keep things simple with a bedtime story and new pyjamas, while others include games, hot chocolate, festive films or thoughtful treats. And you gift one per person or create a family box with activities and treats for all to enjoy together.
In this guide, we'll share Christmas Eve box ideas for children and adults, suggest practical Christmas Eve box fillers and explain how to put together a box that suits your budget and tastes.
What is a Christmas Eve box?
A Christmas Eve box is a gift box, basket or container that's opened on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day. It's often filled with small seasonal items designed to create a cosy and memorable evening.
Popular Christmas Eve box fillers can include:
- Christmas pyjamas
- Fluffy socks or slippers
- Hot chocolate and festive treats
- Christmas books
- Family board games
- Craft activities
- Soft toys for younger children
- A festive film for family movie night
- Reindeer food or a note from Santa
Many families choose a mixture of practical items and activities that can be enjoyed together on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve box inspiration
What traditionally goes in a Christmas Eve box?
While traditions vary from family to family, a Christmas Eve box often contains a combination of items that fit the cosy, festive feeling of Christmas Eve. And the best thing is traditions vary from person to person and family to family, so tailor them to the recipient or break the mould and create new traditions.
Christmas Eve box ideas for children
Children's Christmas Eve boxes often focus on comfort, imagination and family time.
New pyjamas
Festive pyjamas for everyone are a great way to get into the festive spirit. They build excitement as bedtime approaches and are ideal for a lazy Christmas Eve at home with family.
Christmas storybooks
A festive bedtime story can help create a calm and cosy end to the evening. Younger children may enjoy picture books, while older children might prefer longer Christmas-themed stories they can read independently.
Craft activities
A selection of fun and festive-themed activities is a great way to keep children engaged and entertained on Christmas Eve. Go for group crafts that everyone can enjoy. With Christmas music playing in the background, they can be a great way to have fun as a family.
Keep things simple and fun ahead of the big day itself with fun activities such as:
- Colouring sets
- Sticker books
- Activity books
- Christmas-themed crafts
- Children's puzzles
Soft toys
Soft toys are always a winner for younger children. Go for a festive inspired teddy or cuddly toy for the perfect Christmas Eve gift.
Sweet treats
Nothing says Christmas quite like the mass of sweet treats. A Christmas Eve box is a great place to add a few little indulgent treats for all to enjoy. Add treats with a festive twist for a nice touch. Go for Christmas classics like:
- Chocolate coins
- Candy canes
- Mini selection packs
- Festive biscuits
- Hot chocolate sachets
Christmas Eve box ideas for adults
Christmas Eve boxes aren't just for children. Many households now create Christmas Eve boxes for adults as part of a couple's celebration or a family tradition.
Cosy nightwear
Soft pyjamas, loungewear or slippers can help create a comfortable and relaxing evening. Pick out something festive that they can enjoy each Christmas.
Favourite festive drinks
Christmas is the perfect time to indulge a little, so adding some beloved drinks and festive favourites can make the recipient’s Christmas Eve that bit more special. Think specialist teas and coffees, luxury hot chocolate, seasonal soft drinks and festive favourites. You could even include the ingredients for Christmas cocktails like a snowball.
A board game
Board games are great activity for a cosy family Christmas Eve. Pick old favourites or find something new to enjoy before the big day.
A festive film night
Finish off a cosy family Christmas Eve with a festive movie night. Think family favourite films in the glow of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Get comfy on the sofa with fluffy blankets, a big bowl of popcorn and other favourite snacks for a relaxing evening.
Self-care treats
The Christmas period can by busy, so take a moment to treat your loved ones to a spot of Christmas Eve relaxation. Consider adding a few self-care and relaxation items to a Christmas Eve box such as:
- Candles
- Bath products
- Beauty sets
- Hand creams
Christmas Eve box ideas for babies and toddlers
Gifts for babies and toddlers will focus more on the sensory elements but can still bring festive joy to a Christmas Eve box. Think about practical additions, ideally geared towards Christmas to differentiate them from gifts under the tree.
- Soft toys
- Baby-safe books
- Bath toys
- Comfort blankets
- Festive sleepsuits
- Teething toys
- Musical toys
Always check age recommendations and safety guidance provided with any gift or toy.
How to put together a Christmas Eve box
Creating a Christmas Eve box doesn't need to be complicated. You can make them by hand, go for a personalised container or purchase ready made Christmas boxes and sacks.
1. Choose a box or container
You can use alsorts of types of containers for your Christmas Eve box. They could be purpose-designed for the job, or something homemade for that personal touch. Some ideas include:
- A reusable Christmas Eve box or sack
- A gift basket
- A festive crate
Many families reuse the same Christmas Eve box each year as part of their holiday tradition.
2. Pick a theme
Going with a theme is ideal if you’re gifting a Christmas Eve box to multiple people or a combined family box. Some ideas you could pick from include:
- Cosy night in
- Family movie night
- Christmas crafts
- Hot chocolate evening
3. Add a mixture of items
You’ll want your Christmas Eve box to be balanced and budget friendly as they shouldn’t be overlapping with the gifts under the tree. Consider adding the following as a basis for each person:
- One practical item
- One treat
- One activity
This can help keep the box meaningful without becoming overly expensive.
4. Personalise it
Consider each family member's interests and age when selecting items. Personal and handmade touches often make the tradition feel more memorable.
Budget-friendly Christmas Eve box ideas
You don't need to spend a lot to create a memorable Christmas Eve box. Affordable ideas that will allow recipients to enjoy an exciting Christmas Eve together could include:
- Homemade biscuits
- Printed activity sheets
- Library books
- Family board games you already own
- Hot chocolate made from ingredients at home
- Homemade reindeer food crafts
The experience of spending time together is often what makes Christmas Eve special.
Christmas Eve box checklist
This handy, simple checklist is designed to inspire you when putting your Christmas Eve boxes together without the stress.
- Pyjamas or cosy clothing
- Hot chocolate or festive treat
- Christmas book or bedtime story
- Small gift or surprise
- Family activity or game
- Christmas film suggestion
- Personal note or festive message
FAQs about Christmas Eve boxes
What traditionally goes in a Christmas Eve box?
Traditional Christmas Eve box fillers often include new pyjamas, festive snacks, hot chocolate, Christmas books and simple family activities. Many families choose items that can be enjoyed on the evening of 24 December, such as board games, films or bedtime stories. The contents can be adapted to suit different ages and family traditions, with the focus usually being on creating a cosy and enjoyable Christmas Eve experience.
Are Christmas Eve boxes a thing in the UK?
Yes. Christmas Eve boxes have become increasingly popular in the UK over recent years. While they are not a long-standing historical tradition in the same way as stockings, many families now use them to mark the start of Christmas celebrations. They can be personalised for children, adults or the whole family and often contain practical items, treats and festive activities.
What are some ideas for filling a Christmas Eve box?
Popular Christmas Eve box ideas include pyjamas, slippers, hot chocolate, festive sweets, books, puzzles, films and family games. You can also include seasonal crafts, handwritten notes or small keepsakes. The best Christmas Eve box fillers are usually items that can be enjoyed straight away and help create quality time together on Christmas Eve.
What can you put in an adult Christmas Eve box?
Adult Christmas Eve boxes often focus on relaxation and comfort. Common ideas include cosy nightwear, favourite hot drinks, books, candles, skincare gifts, chocolates and games. Some people create themed boxes around a movie night, festive drinks evening or self-care experience. The contents can be adapted to suit personal interests and family traditions.
How do you put a Christmas Eve box together?
Start by choosing a suitable box, basket or reusable container. Select a theme, decide who the box is for and include a mix of practical items, treats and activities. Many people choose one comfort item, one festive snack and one activity. Personalising the contents for the recipient can help make the Christmas Eve box feel more meaningful.
What time should you give a Christmas Eve box?
There's no set rule. Some families open their Christmas Eve box in the morning and enjoy the contents throughout the day, while others save it for the afternoon or evening. Many choose to give the box after dinner so that items such as pyjamas, books and hot chocolate can be enjoyed as part of the bedtime routine.
How can you make Christmas Eve special for adults?
Simple traditions can help make Christmas Eve feel memorable. Ideas include sharing a festive meal, watching a favourite Christmas film, playing board games or exchanging small gifts. An adult Christmas Eve box can add a thoughtful touch and encourage everyone to slow down and enjoy time together before Christmas Day.
