Guide
Christmas Eve Box Ideas: What to Put Inside (for Every Age and Budget)
Published 31 October 2026.
The Christmas Eve box has become a much-loved British tradition over the past decade or so. It's a small box of cosy treats opened on the afternoon or evening of 24 December, designed to make the night before Christmas feel special and, crucially, to help excited children wind down for bed. Here's everything you need to put one together, whatever your budget.
What is a Christmas Eve box?
It's simply a box, basket or bag filled with things to enjoy on Christmas Eve: new pyjamas, a festive film, a hot chocolate, a book to read in bed. Some families say it's delivered by Santa's elves; others make it a gift from the grandparents. There are no rules. The point is to create a calm, magical evening and a routine your children will look forward to every year.
The classic Christmas Eve box checklist
If you only include five things, make it these:
- New pyjamas, ready for Christmas morning photos.
- A hot chocolate kit: sachet, marshmallows, a candy cane stirrer.
- A Christmas film to watch together (a DVD, or a "ticket" for a streaming favourite).
- A bedtime book, ideally one with a Christmas Eve theme.
- Something for Santa and the reindeer: a carrot and a mince pie, or reindeer food.
Christmas Eve box ideas for babies and toddlers (0–3)
- Soft festive sleepsuit or pyjamas
- A touch-and-feel Christmas board book
- A small soft toy reindeer or snowman
- Bath bubbles or a festive bath toy for a calm bedtime
- A little torch to "look for Santa's sleigh" from the window
Keep it small and safe. Toddlers often enjoy unwrapping the box more than what's inside.
Christmas Eve box ideas for kids (4–8)
This is the golden age for Christmas Eve magic.
- Matching family pyjamas or a fun onesie
- Reindeer food (oats and a sprinkle of edible glitter, never plastic glitter, as it harms wildlife)
- A "Santa stop here" sign for the front door
- Colouring book and festive pens
- A Christmas Eve "ticket" to track Santa on the laptop before bed
- Mini Christmas puzzle or card game
- Snowman soup (hot chocolate in a jar with a cute label)
- A personalised video from Santa made for your child. Play it as the final surprise before bed.
- A "magic key" for Santa if you don't have a chimney
Christmas Eve box ideas for tweens (9–12)
Older children may know the truth about Santa but still love the tradition.
- Fluffy socks and a hoodie instead of character pyjamas
- Face masks or a pamper kit
- A grown-up chapter book or annual
- Popcorn and sweets for a family film night
- A board game to play together
- A disposable camera or photo printer paper for Christmas Day
- A note giving them a "secret elf" job, such as helping keep the magic alive for younger siblings
Budget Christmas Eve box ideas (under £10)
A Christmas Eve box doesn't need to be expensive. Some of the best are home-made:
- Use a shoebox wrapped in brown paper and decorated by the children the year before
- Supermarket pyjamas (often under £10)
- Home-made hot chocolate jar
- A library book (just return it after Christmas!)
- Home-made reindeer food
- A hand-written letter from Santa or the elf
- Printable Christmas Eve activity sheets
- A free Christmas game night on a tablet. Our free Christmas games are a no-cost option.
Bigger Christmas Eve box ideas
If you'd like a box that's a gift in itself:
- A personalised book or film starring your child (see our personalised Christmas stories)
- A cosy throw for Christmas Eve film night
- A projector torch that shines snowflakes on the ceiling
- LED fairy-light jar for their bedroom
- A "Santa's footprints" stencil kit
- A keepsake Christmas Eve plate for Santa's mince pie
Making the box feel magical
How the box arrives matters as much as what's inside.
- Delivered by the elf. If you have an Elf on the Shelf, he can bring the box as his goodbye present. See our Elf on the Shelf ideas.
- Left on the doorstep. Knock on the door, then "discover" the box with a gift tag from the North Pole.
- Opened at a set time. After tea, before bath time, is a good rhythm.
- Add a label. Write the child's name and "Christmas Eve 2026" on the box. You'll be glad of the date in years to come.
A simple Christmas Eve evening plan
- 4pm: open the Christmas Eve box.
- 5pm: tea, then put out the mince pie, carrot and a drink for Santa.
- 6pm: sprinkle reindeer food in the garden.
- 6.30pm: bath, new pyjamas, hot chocolate.
- 7pm: film or a Christmas story, then check where Santa is on the tracker.
- Bedtime: a final message from Santa reminding them he only comes when they're asleep.
For more inspiration, take a look at our Christmas Eve ideas and UK Christmas Eve traditions.
FAQ
What do you put in a Christmas Eve box?
The classic contents are new pyjamas, a hot chocolate kit, a Christmas film, a bedtime book and treats for Santa and the reindeer. Add age-appropriate extras like colouring, games or a message from Santa.
When do you open a Christmas Eve box?
Most families open it on the afternoon or early evening of 24 December, so there's time to enjoy the contents before bed.
Who gives the Christmas Eve box?
Anyone. Some families say it's from Santa's elves or the Elf on the Shelf, others from parents or grandparents.
How much should I spend on a Christmas Eve box?
There's no set amount. A lovely box can be put together for under £10 with home-made touches. Many families spend £15–£30.
Is the Christmas Eve box a British tradition?
It's especially popular in the UK and Ireland. Its roots echo older traditions of opening one present on Christmas Eve.