A Christmas Eve box is a great way to make the night before Christmas fun for kids and the whole family. Here are 10 unique Christmas Eve box ideas your kids will adore.
Christmas is a magical time for kids, full of wonder and expectations. It’s also the perfect time to bring the whole family together, celebrating family traditions, spending more time enjoying each other’s company, and making memories. One way to get everyone together is with a fun tradition that’s becoming more and more popular: A Christmas Eve Box.
What is a Christmas Eve box?
The night before Christmas can be just as fun as Christmas morning with a Christmas Eve box. Typically, the box will contain treats and small gifts that kids can open up and enjoy on Christmas Eve. It’s not supposed to be a Christmas gift, but it can help divert kids’ attention from all the gifts sitting under the Christmas tree that they know they can’t open up yet.
In short, Christmas Eve boxes are about getting everyone together and making the night before Christmas fun for the whole family. Think of it as individual supplies for a fun family night!
How to make a Christmas Eve box
To make your own Christmas Eve box tradition come to life, you will need to start with a box, tote, and sack gift bag or another reusable container, preferably personalized with each child’s name. Next, you’ll need to curate a set of small gifts, treats, and/or activities that are age appropriate and fun for your kids.
For toddlers and younger kids, some Christmas Eve box essentials include:
- Christmas-themed pajamas or socks
- A Christmas movie or book (or both!)
- Their favorite sweets and treats
- Hot cocoa and marshmallows
- A small toy
- A letter from Santa
For older kids and teens, the Christmas Eve gift can include more grown-up items, such as:
- A fuzzy robe, slippers, or slipper socks instead of pajamas
- A classic Christmas movie they haven’t seen or a new young adult book or graphic novel
- Popcorn, candy, or their favorite snacks
- Hot cocoa and marshmallows
- A game, puzzle, or craft project
You can even make Christmas Eve boxes for baby’s first Christmas, which is a great way to kick off this fun, new family tradition. Here’s what you can include in baby’s very first magical Christmas Eve present:
- Baby’s first Christmas ornament
- A baby lovie, plush toy, or stuffed animal
- A baby storybook or pop-up book
These are the basics and what you’ll find in a typical Christmas Eve box. But with a bit of creativity and imagination, you can turn an ordinary Christmas Eve box into a truly unique one that your kids will love.
Here are 10 Christmas Eve gift box ideas to make your night before Christmas more memorable and fun.
READ: 25 Old & New Family Christmas Traditions for Kids
1. A cute hot cocoa mug
Surprise your kids with a custom hot cocoa mug with their names, favorite character, or even a photo. Find mugs that fit your kids’ personalities, favorite holiday characters, or interests, or one that will just make them smile, and it will be something they’ll get to use year-round.
And don’t forget the hot chocolate and marshmallows!
2. A letter from Santa keepsake
Sure, you can print a letter from Santa or even hand write one yourself, but if you’re looking for something your kids won’t be as likely to lose or toss away, consider this unique alternative. This laser-engraved wood postcard can be personalized with the message, name, and address you choose, and it comes with a matching wood stand so you can use it as a display. This engraved Santa letter will make a great keepsake for your kids as they grow older.
3. Christmas socks
Most kids won’t get excited about seeing something as practical as socks in their Christmas Eve box — unless you get them these fun personalized socks! Adding your child’s name or photo is sure to make these socks their favorite ones to wear on Christmas. These socks will also make a great addition to their Christmas pajamas!
Shop: Christmas Socks for Kids
4. Unique cookies for Santa plate & mug
Leaving cookies and milk for Santa on Christmas Eve is a time-honored tradition that kids really enjoy. It helps the little ones think about the needs of others, and learn about sharing and caring. To make the tradition even more special, you can personalize Santa’s cookie plate and mug for milk.
5. All I want for Christmas…photo prop
Using the same photo prop each year can be a fun way to show how your kids are growing and changing from year to year. It will be fun for them to see these photos one day too! A custom dry erase sign, where you can fill in the blanks each year, is a popular photo idea and unique way to commemorate Christmas Eve. Add this All I Want For Christmas… custom sign to your Christmas Eve box this year, and you’ll be able to use it every year.
6. Puzzles, coloring books, & games
A nice way to keep your kids busy on Christmas Eve is to include a puzzle, coloring book, game, or another activity they might enjoy. Personalizing these items makes them a bit more special and unique.
Shop: Christmas Puzzles, Coloring Books, & Games for Kids
7. Kids’ Santa hats
Another neat addition to the Christmas Eve box is a custom Santa hat with your kid’s name on it. It’s another item that kids will be able to use year after year, and it always looks great in photos.
8. Kids’ ornaments
By Christmas Eve, your Christmas tree has likely been decorated for several days or weeks — but it’s not too late to add to it! Help your kids remember this Christmas with their very own ornaments they can hang on the tree each year. Personalize the ornaments with their names, photos, or special messages. Choose ornaments that represent their current interests, hobbies, and activities they’re involved in. Or simply choose a sweet ornament you know they’ll adore, and add their name and year.
9. Family popcorn bowl
If watching your favorite Christmas movie is on the agenda for Christmas Eve, then a custom popcorn serving bowl for the whole family is the perfect addition. For ice cream or other treats, you can also get personalized snack bowls with your kids’ names and a fun or festive saying.
10. Personalized books for kids
Adding a book to your kids’ Christmas Eve boxes is always a good idea. Including a personalized kids’ book will make a lasting impression. Kids of all ages will enjoy seeing their own names, hometowns, and other custom details on the book’s cover. Find a storybook you know your kids will like and personalize it to make it more special.
Shop: Personalized Books for Kids
Bonus: Personalized Christmas Eve keepsake box
Make your Christmas Eve box truly unique by using a personalized version with kids’ names printed right on the lid. With a vintage-inspired design and nostalgic feel, this one-of-a-kind keepsake box can add a touch of whimsy to the gift. You can add one or more names and reuse the box each year.
2 Comments
Great Christmas gift ideas. Thanks for sharing helpful information!
Very good Christmas gift idea. I liked PUZZLES, COLORING BOOKS & GAMES idea. Because give us A nice way to keep your kids busy on Christmas Eve is to include a puzzle, coloring book, a game, or another activity that they might enjoy.