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The short answer: a Christmas Eve box is a little box of cozy things opened on the afternoon or evening of December 24. The classic box has new pajamas, a Christmas book, a hot cocoa treat and a movie, so the whole family can get snug and settle down before the big day.
Below are 20 Christmas Eve box ideas, starting with the box itself and the classic fillers, then ideas for toddlers, teens and adults.
The four things I would put in every box (we earn a small commission if you buy, at no cost to you):
- New Christmas pajamas: the heart of every Christmas Eve box.
- The Polar Express: a beautiful book to read together before bed.
- Hot cocoa packets: a warm drink to sip while you read or watch a movie.
- A Christmas movie: a family favorite like Elf to watch together.
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Free Dear Santa and Dear Winter Letters
Letter pages at two levels (K to 1 and 2 to 5), fold-up envelopes and a 2 minute calm moment to start. A cozy December writing lesson.
Free download. You will also get a couple of follow-up emails with classroom ideas. Unsubscribe anytime.
Start with the box
1. A sturdy kraft box with a lid
SaveAny big box works, but a plain kraft box with a lid looks neat and can be decorated with a bow or a name tag. Choose one big enough for folded pajamas and a book.
Good to know: Fold-flat boxes store easily for next year.
2. Crinkle paper to fill it
SaveCrinkle paper makes the box look full and special, and it keeps everything from rattling around. Red, white or gold all look festive.
Good to know: Put the pajamas at the bottom and the small treats on top so they are found first.
The classic Christmas Eve box fillers
3. New Christmas pajamas
SaveNew pajamas are the tradition everyone remembers. Kids put them on right away, and they look perfect in Christmas morning photos.
Good to know: Buy one size up so they last through the winter.
4. Matching family pajamas
SaveIf the whole family is in, matching pajamas make Christmas Eve feel like a party. Lay them out together for a fun reveal.
Good to know: Order early, popular sizes sell out in December.
5. A Christmas Eve book
SaveA special book to read before bed is the calm heart of the night. Classics like The Polar Express or The Night Before Christmas become part of the tradition.
Good to know: Write the year and a note inside the cover.
6. A hot cocoa kit
SaveHot cocoa packets, mini marshmallows and a candy cane to stir make a simple treat that kids love. Bundle them in a cellophane bag tied with ribbon.
Good to know: Add a little bag of sprinkles for a fancy topping.
7. A special Christmas mug
SaveA mug of their own to use every Christmas Eve makes the cocoa feel even more special. A fun shape gets the biggest smiles.
Good to know: Choose a plastic or sturdy mug for little hands.
8. A Christmas movie
SaveA family movie to watch together is the easiest way to slow the night down. Elf and A Charlie Brown Christmas are favorites for all ages.
Good to know: Put the movie on early so little ones still get to bed on time.
9. Popcorn for movie night
SaveA bag of popcorn or a microwave popcorn popper turns the movie into a real event. Kids can help pour it into bowls.
Good to know: Silicone poppers fold flat and go in the dishwasher.
10. Reindeer food
SaveMix oats with a pinch of colored sugar in a little bag for kids to sprinkle on the lawn for Santa’s reindeer. It is cheap, fun and a sweet bedtime job.
Good to know: Skip glitter, it is not safe for wildlife.
11. Cookies for Santa
SaveAdd cookie cutters and a little recipe card so the family can bake and decorate cookies for Santa together that afternoon.
Good to know: Leave a carrot out for the reindeer too.
12. A goodbye note from the elf
SaveIf you do Elf on the Shelf, Christmas Eve is when the elf flies home. Tuck a goodbye letter in the box so kids can read it together.
Good to know: Our Christmas Elf Kit includes an editable goodbye letter and report card.
Want the elf goodbye letter ready to print? Our Christmas Elf Kit has an editable arrival letter, goodbye letter, report card and 24 quick idea cards. Type the names, print and pop the letter in the box.
13. A family card game
SaveA quick card game keeps everyone at the table laughing while you wait for bedtime. Pick one that works for kids and grown ups.
Good to know: Simple games like SKYJO are easy to learn in minutes.
Free printable
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Christmas Eve box ideas for toddlers
14. A cuddly reindeer
SaveA soft plush reindeer is perfect for toddlers, and it can become the Christmas Eve buddy they cuddle every year.
Good to know: Choose plush with stitched eyes for little ones.
15. A toddler board book
SaveA sturdy board book with a Christmas story is just right for toddlers. Little Blue Truck’s Christmas is a gentle favorite.
Good to know: Board books survive little hands and sticky cocoa.
16. Cozy slippers
SaveSoft slippers or grip socks keep little feet warm on Christmas morning. They are useful and very cute in photos.
Good to know: Pick a pair with grips for slippery floors.
17. A star projector night light
SaveA star projector makes bedtime on Christmas Eve feel magic, and it helps excited kids settle down.
Good to know: Set a timer so it switches off once they are asleep.
Christmas Eve box ideas for teens and adults
18. For teens: a cozy tech treat
SaveTeens love something cozy that they will actually use, like a Bluetooth beanie for music on winter walks, plus snacks and a movie.
Good to know: Add their favorite candy and a gift card for a small extra.
19. For adults: a candle and fuzzy socks
SaveAn adult Christmas Eve box is all about relaxing: a Christmas scented candle, fuzzy socks, a face mask and something sweet.
Good to know: A nice chocolate bar and a book make it feel even more like a night off.
20. For adults: a calm coloring night
SaveA Christmas coloring book and pencils are a calm, screen free way to unwind after the kids are in bed.
Good to know: Pair it with a mug of tea and a playlist.
How to put together a Christmas Eve box
Pick a box, line it with crinkle paper and put the biggest item, usually pajamas, at the bottom. Add the book, the movie and a game, then fill the top with small treats like cocoa, popcorn and reindeer food. Tie it with ribbon and add a name tag. Most families open the box in the late afternoon or after dinner on December 24, so there is time to change into pajamas, watch the movie and read the book before bed.
More Christmas Eve box fillers on Amazon
Keep reading
- Christmas gift basket ideas anyone would love
- Christmas gift wrapping ideas that look expensive
- Elf on the Shelf ideas for toddlers
- Lazy Elf on the Shelf ideas
Frequently asked questions
The classic Christmas Eve box has new pajamas, a Christmas book, a hot cocoa treat and a movie. Popular extras are popcorn, reindeer food, cookie cutters, a game, slippers and a small toy.
Most families open it in the late afternoon or after dinner on December 24, so there is time to change into pajamas, watch the movie and read the book before bed.
Think relaxing: a scented candle, fuzzy socks, a face mask, chocolate, a book or a coloring book, and a favorite drink.
Soft pajamas, a board book, a plush toy, cozy slippers and a gentle treat. Skip small pieces and hard candy for under threes.
It started in the UK and has become popular in the US in the last few years. It is a lovely way to make the night before Christmas calm and cozy.
About the author: Shinku Studio shares simple, stylish home and holiday ideas, with gifts chosen from well reviewed, popular options on Amazon.