Christmas Eve box ideas for kids of every age

The short answer

A Christmas Eve box holds a few cosy things to open on the night before Christmas. The classic five are new pajamas, a Christmas book, hot chocolate, a small treat and a Christmas movie. Add a note "from the elves" and a torch to look for Santa's sleigh.

The classic five

  1. New pajamas. The family can wear them in the Christmas morning photos.
  2. A Christmas book to read at bedtime.
  3. Hot chocolate mix, with marshmallows or a candy cane to stir it.
  4. A small treat, like chocolate coins or a gingerbread man.
  5. A Christmas movie to watch together.

By age

Toddlers (1 to 3)

  • Soft pajamas and bed socks
  • A board book, like a touch-and-feel Christmas story
  • A small plush reindeer
  • A bath bomb or bubbles

School-age kids (4 to 10)

  • A torch to look for Santa's sleigh from the window
  • A bag of reindeer food (oats and dried cranberries) to put on the lawn
  • A Christmas colouring book or a small puzzle
  • A "Nice List" certificate with their name on it

Tweens and teens

  • Fluffy socks or a hoodie instead of pajamas
  • A new book or a gift card for a book
  • Popcorn and a movie night voucher
  • A face mask, a nail polish or a small game

The box itself

  • A plain cardboard box with a big red bow
  • A wooden crate you use again every year
  • A gift bag or a large stocking

Write each child's name on the lid. A tag that says "From the elves" adds a little magic.

Keep the cost low

  • Buy pajamas in the January sales for next year.
  • Use books from the library or a charity shop.
  • Make the hot chocolate mix at home: cocoa, sugar and powdered milk in a jar.

Make it part of the night

Open the box after dinner. Put on the pajamas, make the hot chocolate, then read the book in bed. More ideas are in 15 Christmas Eve traditions for families with kids, and the treats for Santa are in what to leave out for Santa.

Questions

What goes in a Christmas Eve box?

New pajamas, a Christmas book, hot chocolate, a small treat and a Christmas movie are the classic five. Add a torch or reindeer food for younger children.

When do you open a Christmas Eve box?

On the evening of December 24, usually after dinner and before bed.

Is a Christmas Eve box a UK tradition?

It started in the UK and is now popular in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand too.

Santa Stopped By. Coming this Christmas.