How to Create Your Very First Christmas Eve Box For Kids
If you’ve noticed beautifully wrapped boxes appearing on social media each December 24th, you’ve discovered one of the season’s most beloved traditions: the Christmas Eve box.
Originally a British custom (though believed to have evolved from many European countries where gift-giving occurs on Christmas Eve), this heartwarming practice has gained popularity across the United States as families look for meaningful ways to build anticipation and togetherness on the night before Christmas.
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So what exactly is a Christmas Eve box?
It’s a specially prepared box or basket filled with small treats, activities, and cozy items that families open together on Christmas Eve. Think of it as a mini-celebration that sets the tone for the holiday — a way to slow down, enjoy each other’s company, and create a magical evening before the excitement of Christmas morning.
The beauty of a Christmas Eve box is that there are no strict rules. Some families create individual boxes for each child, while others prefer a single large family box for everyone to share. You might fill yours with pajamas, hot chocolate, a holiday movie, and festive snacks — or keep it simple with just a new book and some treats. The contents matter far less than the intention: creating a cozy, special moment together.
Whether you’re looking to start a brand new tradition with your young children, want to keep older kids engaged in holiday magic, or simply want to make Christmas Eve feel more intentional, a Christmas Eve box can be adapted to fit your family perfectly.
Let’s explore what to include and how to make this tradition your own.
Typical Ideas to Add to Your Christmas Eve Box
The most popular Christmas Eve boxes blend comfort, treats, and activities that bring the family together. The goal is to create a cozy, memorable evening — so think about what would make your family want to cuddle up and enjoy each other’s company.
Here are some classic ideas that work beautifully for families with children of all ages. Mix and match based on your budget, your kids’ interests, and what feels right for your family. We’ll dive deeper into each category below with specific examples and tips!
Choosing Your Christmas Eve Box Container
Before we fill it, let’s talk about the box itself! You have plenty of options depending on your style, budget, and storage space.
Personalized Wooden Christmas Eve Box
A handmade wooden box personalized with your child’s name makes a beautiful keepsake that can be used year after year. These sturdy boxes will last throughout childhood and can even become a cherished memento as kids grow up. Perfect if you’re looking for something that feels special and permanent.
More Etsy personalized wooden box ideas:
You may also be interested in exploring our Advent Calendar filler ideas for all the family, building up the excitement for Christmas Day throughout December!
What to Put Inside: The Fun Part!
Now for the exciting part — filling your Christmas Eve box! Remember, you don’t need to include everything on this list. Choose a few items that fit your budget and will make your family’s evening special.
Santa & Reindeer Supplies
Help your children prepare for Santa’s overnight visit by including reindeer food to sprinkle on the lawn. You can find pre-filled packets ready to go, or opt for DIY kits where kids create their own magical mix and add a decorative label. This tradition works beautifully for children of all ages who still believe in the magic — or simply enjoy participating in the fun.
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Don’t forget something for Santa, too! Santa’s treat tray is a handy Christmas item well worth the investment as you will use this for many years to come.
Santa Stop Here!
Make sure Santa knows where he needs to stop! Door hangers that say “Santa Stop Here” are perfect for homes without chimneys!
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Family Games
Add a game that the whole family can enjoy together. Look for festive bundles with multiple easy-to-learn party games that get everyone laughing and in the Christmas spirit. This encourages quality time over screens.
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Cozy Comfort Items
Hot Chocolate Mug
A collectible mug personalized with your child’s name becomes a treasured keepsake they’ll use for years. Look for designs featuring “From the North Pole” or other festive details that make hot chocolate time feel extra special.
Hot Cocoa Kits
You can’t beat a hot cocoa on Christmas Eve, and this is the perfect option to consider. These homemade chocolate spoons need warm milk added for a beautiful chocolate treat for Christmas Eve.
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Chocolates and Sweet Treats
A sweet treat with your child’s own name on it will continue to make them feel special even into their teenage years.
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Prefilled sweet treat boxes
These cardboard boxes can be delivered to you pre-filled, which takes a lot of the last-minute running around work away!
Gingerbread Decorating Kit
![Gingerbread Cookie Kit [Set of 8] Cookie decorating kit: 2 Moms/Dads 2 Boys/Girls, Dog & Cat. Holiday Fun Activity for Kids - Kit Includes 16 Cookies/Tray/8 Color Tips/4 color Crystals (15 Pcs Set)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ZzlfczA1L.jpg)
This is a great option if you want to add something your children can do in the kitchen. A gingerbread decorating kit can be a fun activity and a tasty treat as well for your Christmas Eve.
Matching Christmas Pajamas
One of the most popular Christmas Eve box traditions is new pajamas!
Matching family sets create adorable photo opportunities and make everyone feel united for the holiday. Choose fun prints, classic plaids, or personalized styles.
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Other cozy additions:
Additional Christmas Eve Box Ideas for Girls
Consider adding special touches like jewelry (festive charm bracelets or necklaces), scented bath products (holiday soaps, bath bombs, or lotions), hair accessories with holiday themes, or small beauty items like lip gloss or nail polish in festive colors.
Additional Christmas Eve Box Ideas For Boys
Fun additions might include humorous t-shirts with holiday sayings, novelty items like “Grinch poop”, sports-themed ornaments, small action figures or collectibles, or cool socks with their favorite characters or interests.
Making This Tradition Your Own
A Christmas Eve box is whatever you want it to be — and that’s the beauty of it. You don’t need to include everything suggested here; even just two or three thoughtfully chosen items can create a memorable evening. The goal isn’t to spend a lot or create an elaborate production. It’s simply about pausing before the rush of Christmas morning to share a cozy, intentional moment together as a family.
Box Delivery
Some families present their boxes with a note from Santa’s elves who “delivered early.” Others prefer a heartfelt card from parents or grandparents, making it a meaningful way for distant loved ones to feel present even when they can’t be there in person.
You might open boxes together after dinner, or make it part of your bedtime routine on December 24th.
The magic isn’t in the contents — it’s in the tradition itself. Starting a Christmas Eve box ritual gives your family something special to look forward to, a way to slow down and savor the anticipation together. Whether your children are toddlers or teenagers, this simple gesture says: “Let’s celebrate this moment, right now, as a family.”
So keep it simple, make it yours, and enjoy creating a new tradition that your family will cherish for years to come.
Looking for more Christmas gifting inspiration, or finding your feet with some new family traditions to cherish in years to come? The best starting point is our Christmas HQ! We cover everything Christmas, from fun themed kids parties to the best festive treats – keep this page bookmarked, ready for your next magical celebration!
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