This post may contain affiliate links – if you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support the site. All opinions shared on this website are entirely my own.
Need some Christmas Eve box ideas? Somewhere along the line, the Christmas Eve box became a proper UK tradition. New pyjamas, a festive book, a hot chocolate and something to keep them busy while you wrap the last few presents. It’s a lovely way to start the magic, and it takes the edge off the “is it Christmas yet?” questions.
The good news? It doesn’t need to be another big expense. Here’s what actually works, ideas by age, and how to do the whole thing for under £20.
In a Hurry? The Christmas Eve Box Essentials
- New pyjamas: Kids’ Christmas pyjamas
- A Christmas book: Children’s Christmas picture books
- A hot chocolate treat: A Christmas mug plus a hot chocolate sachet
- A small activity: Christmas sticker or colouring book
- The box itself: Reusable Christmas Eve crate
What Is a Christmas Eve Box?
It’s a small box of treats that kids open on Christmas Eve, usually in the afternoon or after tea. Most families fill it with things for a cosy night in: pyjamas, a book to read before bed and something to eat or drink.
There are no rules. Some years ours will be fancy, some years it’ll be pyjamas in a shoebox. Both are fine.
The Essentials That Actually Work
1. New Christmas Pyjamas
The star of the box, and the reason everyone looks matching in the Christmas morning photos. Buy a size up so they get a full winter out of them, not just one night.
- Matching family sets sell out fast, so buy early if that’s your plan
- Look for cotton and a snug fit, which is the safest choice for nightwear
👉 Shop matching family pyjamas on Amazon
2. A Christmas Book
One new book to read together before bed. A few that work well:
- The Night Before Christmas, the obvious choice and lovely to read every year
- Stick Man by Julia Donaldson, which ends with Father Christmas
- The Jolly Christmas Postman, with little letters to pull out
- That’s Not My Santa, a touchy-feely one for babies and toddlers
3. Hot Chocolate and a Mug
A hot chocolate sachet, a few marshmallows and a Christmas mug they can use every year. For little ones, a plastic or enamel mug saves any tears. Let it cool well before handing it over.
4. A Small Activity
This is the bit that buys you time to wrap. A sticker book, a colouring set or a simple craft kit keeps them busy at the kitchen table. Check out my messy play and art supplies guide for more toddler-friendly ideas.
5. A Little Bit of Magic
Optional, but this is where it gets fun for younger ones:
- A Santa key for homes without a chimney (a lifesaver if you’ve got a clever four year old)
- A plate for Santa’s mince pie and a carrot for Rudolph
- Homemade reindeer food: oats and a pinch of birdseed in a little bag. Skip the glitter, as it isn’t safe for birds and wildlife.
Christmas Eve Box Ideas by Age
Babies and Toddlers (0 to 2)
Honestly, the box is mostly for you at this age, and that’s fine. Keep it simple and safe.
- Christmas sleepsuit or a festive sleeping bag
- A touchy-feely board book
- A soft toy or a new bath toy
- A “Baby’s first Christmas” bauble as a keepsake
More ideas in my stocking fillers for under 2s.
Pre-Schoolers (3 to 5)
The sweet spot. They’re old enough to get excited and young enough to believe in all of it.
- Christmas pyjamas and fluffy socks
- A Christmas picture book
- A sticker book or a small craft kit
- A Santa key and reindeer food
- A Christmas film to watch together
Pair it with my stocking fillers for 3-5 year olds so you’re not doubling up.
Older Siblings (6 to 10)
- Pyjamas plus a cosy hoodie or onesie
- A chapter book or an annual
- A family card game to play that evening
- Popcorn and a film night voucher
How to Do a Christmas Eve Box for Under £20
It’s easy to get carried away with these. Here’s a rough budget that still feels special:
- Pyjamas: about £8 to £10 from the supermarket
- Book: about £4 to £6 (or a charity shop find)
- Hot chocolate and marshmallows: about £1 to £2
- Activity: about £2 to £3 for a sticker or colouring book
- Reindeer food: pennies, from the oats in your cupboard
A few more money-saving tips:
- Buy the pyjamas in the January sales for next year, a size up
- Use things you’d buy anyway. New pyjamas and a book were probably on the list already.
- Get cashback on your online shopping with Quidco (this is my referral link)
For more ways to keep costs down, see my Christmas on a budget guide. If you’re buying fillers in the sales, my Black Friday toy deals post is worth a look too.
What to Put It All In
You don’t need a fancy box, but a reusable one means you’re not buying a new one every year.
- Personalised wooden crate: More expensive up front, but it comes out every year and becomes part of the tradition.
- A storage box: Pick one that works as toy storage for the rest of the year.
- A decorated shoebox: Free, and decorating it can be a craft activity in itself.
Christmas Eve Box FAQs
When do you give a Christmas Eve box?
Most families give it in the late afternoon or after tea on Christmas Eve, so the pyjamas go straight on and the book gets read at bedtime.
What do you put in a Christmas Eve box?
The classics are new pyjamas, a Christmas book, a hot chocolate and a small activity. Add a Santa key or reindeer food for younger children.
Does it have to be an actual box?
Not at all. A gift bag, a basket or a pillowcase works just as well. It’s what’s inside that matters.
One box per child or one shared box?
Either works. A shared family box with a film, snacks and matching pyjamas is cheaper and feels cosy. Separate boxes avoid squabbles if your kids are close in age.
Is a Christmas Eve box worth it for a baby?
They won’t remember it, but a keepsake bauble and their first Christmas pyjamas make lovely photos. Keep it small and it’s a sweet start to the tradition.
Planning the rest of Christmas? Have a look at my Christmas on a budget guide, my stocking fillers for 3-5 year olds, or browse my full approved products guide.
Leave a Reply