There’s something truly magical about Christmas Eve, the excitement, the traditions, and the little touches that make the night special. One of my favorite ways to build anticipation is with a Christmas Eve box for kids. Think of it as a box filled with small, thoughtful surprises to enjoy the night before Christmas.
If you’re wondering what to put in a Christmas Eve box, don’t worry I’ve got you covered! Here are 10 must-have Christmas Eve box ideas that are fun, cozy, and will make your kids’ holiday unforgettable.
10 Must-Have Christmas Eve Box Ideas for Kids
- Cozy Christmas Pajamas
Nothing says Christmas Eve like slipping into fresh, festive pajamas. Choose ones with fun prints like reindeer, snowflakes, or Santa hats for those adorable holiday morning photos.
- A Holiday Storybook
A Christmas classic like The Night Before Christmas or a new festive read makes bedtime extra special. Reading together sets the perfect holiday mood.
- Hot Chocolate Kit
Include a small packet of hot cocoa, mini marshmallows, and a candy cane stirrer. A warm drink by the tree = instant holiday magic.
- Christmas Movie Night Ticket
Print a cute “movie ticket” and let your child pick a holiday favorite to watch with the family — Home Alone, The Polar Express, or Elf.
- A Small Toy or Plush
A cuddly Christmas teddy bear or a small toy adds excitement without overdoing it (save the big gifts for Christmas morning!).
- Festive Socks or Slippers
Keep little feet cozy with Santa-themed socks or reindeer slippers. Bonus: they’re great for holiday photos.
- Christmas Crafts or Coloring Sheets
Slip in a mini craft kit, stickers, or coloring pages to keep kids happily busy while waiting for Santa.
- A Sweet Treat
Think candy canes, chocolate Santas, or gingerbread cookies. Just a little something sweet for the night before Christmas
- Reindeer Food
Mix oats with sprinkles or glittery sugar in a small bag . Kids can sprinkle it outside to guide Santa’s reindeer to your home.
- A Handwritten Note from Santa
Add a little letter “from Santa” telling them how proud he is of them this year. It’s a magical touch that kids will never forget.
Hacks, Tricks & Tips for the Perfect Christmas Eve Box
Creating a Christmas Eve box doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful. Here are some smart hacks and tricks to make it extra special while keeping things simple:
🎄 1. Reuse What You Already Have
Don’t feel pressured to buy a new box every year. A simple gift bag, basket, or even a decorated shoe box works just fine.
Wrap the box in festive paper and line it with tissue. Kids will only remember the excitement, not the packaging price tag.
🎄 2. Mix Practical with Magical
Include items kids actually need (like pajamas, socks, or a toothbrush with a holiday design).
Pair them with fun surprises (like a toy or sweet treat) so it’s both useful and magical.
🎄 3. Personalize Each Box
Add your child’s name with stickers, labels, or even a chalkboard tag.
Slip in a short handwritten note from you or “Santa”. Kids light up when they feel it was made just for them.
🎄 4. Go Budget-Friendly with DIY Additions
Print free coloring sheets or holiday crossword puzzles from Pinterest.
Make homemade reindeer food (just oats + sugar sprinkles) in a small bag.
Bake cookies together and add one wrapped in a little bag as part of the box.
🎄 5. Add a “Family Experience” Item
Instead of only filling the box with things, include something that leads to a family moment:
- A DIY movie ticket.
- A “Christmas scavenger hunt” clue card.
- A board game piece hinting at a game you’ll play together.
🎄 6. Keep Sweets Small
Kids will already get plenty of treats on Christmas morning. Stick to one or two small goodies so the excitement is balanced with comfort (and no sugar rush at bedtime!).
🎄 7. Build the Anticipation
Let kids open their Christmas Eve box after dinner or just before bed.
This helps set the holiday mood while winding them down for the night.
🎄 8. Make It a Tradition
If you repeat the Christmas Eve box each year, kids will start to look forward to it as part of the holiday magic. You can even build in small yearly traditions like:
- Always including a Christmas book.
- A new ornament for the tree.
- Writing a letter to Santa together before bedtime.
🎄 9. Tailor It to Ages
- Toddlers: Pajamas, soft plush, board book, teether toy, snack puffs.
- Older kids: Pajamas, chapter book, hot cocoa mix, craft, fun socks.
- Tweens/Teens: Pajamas, skincare face mask, favorite snack, movie voucher, cozy blanket socks.
🎄 10. Don’t Overthink It
Remember: Christmas Eve boxes aren’t about how much you spend. It’s about the memory you create. Even a few simple items can bring so much joy when presented with love and excitement.
👉 With these hacks, you’ll save money, reduce stress, and still give your kids a magical Christmas Eve experience they’ll look forward to every year.
🎅 Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Eve Boxes
Christmas Eve Boxes
❓ What is a Christmas Eve box?
A Christmas Eve box is a small box or basket filled with festive goodies that kids open on December 24th. It usually includes items like pajamas, a holiday book, hot chocolate, and a few treats to make Christmas Eve feel magical.
❓ When do you give kids their Christmas Eve box?
Most families let kids open their Christmas Eve box after dinner or just before bedtime. This helps set the tone for the night with cozy pajamas, a storybook, and maybe a holiday movie. Some families prefer to give it earlier in the day if it includes activities or crafts to enjoy together.
❓ What should you put in a Christmas Eve box?
The most common fillers are:
- Christmas pajamas
- A festive storybook
- Hot chocolate & treats
- A small toy or plush
- Craft or coloring activity
- Socks or slippers
- A letter from Santa
👉 The key is to keep it fun, cozy, and simple.
❓ Are Christmas Eve boxes expensive?
They don’t have to be! Many families spend less than $20 by using things they already planned to give (like pajamas or socks). You can even DIY items like reindeer food, printable games, or homemade cookies to save money.
❓ Do you make a box for each child or one for the whole family?
It depends on your preference:
- Individual boxes: Kids get personalized items that suit their age.
- Family box: Includes shared items like a movie, popcorn, cocoa mix, and one new book or game.
Both options work. Choose what fits your family best.
❓ Can teenagers or adults have Christmas Eve boxes too?
Absolutely! Christmas Eve boxes aren’t just for little kids. For older children, teens, or even adults, you can include items like cozy socks, skincare treats, candles, a favorite snack, or a holiday mug.
❓ Do you keep the same box every year?
Some families reuse a decorative box, crate, or basket each year as part of the tradition, while others use gift bags or wrapping paper for a fresh look. Reusing the same box can make the tradition feel extra special.
🎁 Final Tips for Your Christmas Eve Box
Use a decorated gift box, basket, or even a stocking.
Keep it simple. it’s about the magic, not the price tag.
Add a bit of festive tissue paper or ribbon to make it feel extra special.
You May Also Like:
