Christmas Eve boxes are a lovely idea and a great way to prolong the warm feeling we all get at Christmas. Every year without fail, the elves will come to my home and drop off a Christmas Eve box for all of my children to open in the morning. These boxes can include all sorts of great items that kids will love. The great thing about these boxes is that they can be adapted for each individual to take their preferences into consideration.
Christmas Eve Boxes for Kids
There are all sorts of great items that can be included in a Christmas Eve box for a child. You don’t need to spend a fortune to create a lovely box for an excited child on Christmas Eve morning.
Some great items that you can add to these include:
Sweet Treats
These include a wide range of goodies such as marshmallow snowmen that can be made easily or bought, candy canes, chocolate coins, wrapped gingerbread man biscuits, any sweet, chocolate or biscuits/cookies that the child likes.
Baking Kits/ Ingredients
The shops are full of a wide variety of Christmas themed baking kits during the lead up to Christmas. You can make your own gingerbread men or house to decorate. Buy ready made gingerbread items that can be decorated. Bake your own Christmas tree brownies, gonk shortbread, chocolate biscuit penguins and add yummy toppings. These can be bought online, or simply on your next shopping trip.
Hot Chocolate
Pop some of your child’s favourite hot chocolate into a small container, pop in some mini marshmallows, and it’s ready for a yummy treat to be enjoyed on Christmas Eve. Alternatively, there are plenty of varieties of hot chocolate spoons you can buy to melt into hot milk. Pop one of those in and you’ll have a very happy child.
Arts and Craft Projects
Kids love to do arts and crafts. They are a great way to keep children entertained and out of trouble. You could include kits for making Christmas tree ornaments or decorations, materials for arts and crafts projects so they can paint a snowman or Christmas tree. You’ll even find plates, mugs etc with designs that can be coloured in that make the perfect addition to a Christmas Eve box. Look on sites like Baker Ross if you need inspiration and kits as they tend to have a wide range of fun options.
Christmas Socks
Who doesn’t love a set of snuggly fluffy Christmas socks! These can be a fun addition and something that can be used all year around. There are plenty in the shops, or if you don’t have time to browse, buy online.
Christmas PJ’s
Some families will add matching Pj’s for all the family into Christmas Eve boxes. Others will just do this for their children. Whether you opt for Christmas themed or normal is up to you. They can be a nice gift although a bit more expensive than some of the other items included.
Bath Bombs / Bath Toy
An important item to include in a Christmas Eve box is a bath bomb or even a bath toy. I find that by adding one, it encourages children to have a bath. To this I would sometimes add in baby nigh time bath formula. This is lavender scented, gentle on the skin and suitable for children of all ages as well as adults. It adds plenty of bubbles which are always fun. This can help soothe and calm a child before you put them to bed. Add in a natural bath bomb with soothing/calming properties and you are well on your way for a peaceful evening so you can get any last minute chores done.
Plush Toys
A soft and cuddly toy that is ready for snuggles as children await the arrival of Santa is always a welcome gift. Kids love soft teddies. You can opt for collectable ones such as Jellycat with a large price tag, or ones that are more affordable such as Squishmallows that come in various sizes and variety of budgets.
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To Wrap or Not To Wrap
Do You Wrap Christmas Eve Boxes?
It’s up to you. The box can be wrapped as this can add to the excitement. You can buy decorated Christmas themed boxes (I have these and wrap them – they are reused each year) or simply cover a cardboard box to keep costs down.
Do You Wrap the Gifts in Christmas Eve Boxes?
Again, the choice is yours. But, to prolong the suspense and fun, either fill the box with packing material so the child has to dig around to find the items, or wrap each item included. If you have the time, I would say to wrap everything!!!
When Do You Open Christmas Eve Boxes?
It’s a Christmas Eve box so technically any time on that day will work. Some parents swear by giving the boxes to the children in the evening as it helps encourage them to go to bed.
I on the other hand feel that the morning is the best time. The reason for this is a logical one. Firstly, it adds a whole day to the fun of Christmas. There are normally some items within the box are sweet in nature. Kids will naturally want to drink, eat as many as they can. Every parent knows kids + sugar = they are not going to sleep for hours!!!
Giving children their box in the morning means, you don’t need to deny them sampling edible incisions. It also means that those that have included arts and crafts, baking kits can actually let the children enjoy the day partaking in these activities, and making wonderful memories to cherish forever.
Children that have had a fun Christmassy day are far more inclined to be good and go to bed when asked -although always add in, don’t forget Santa won’t stop by if you’re not asleep. I find that can help!!
I hope you have enjoyed reading my post; Christmas Eve Boxes for Kids and have gotten some inspiration for items to include when you prepare your box(es).
Have you ever made a Christmas Eve Box before?
When Do you think is the best time on Christmas Eve to give children a Christmas Eve box and why?
If not, is this something you might consider doing for your children, grand children, nieces or nephews?
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I love doing Christmas Eve boxes for my kids. I did one again this year, and I put in a lot of comforting items. I did pjs, socks, books, candy, plushies and more.
That’s great to hear. Sounds like you are very prepared which is awesome!!!
I did Christmas PJs a few years ago. It was fun but I didn’t capture any photos. I might do it again next year if I can find some cute ones my son would wear. I sometimes let my son open all of his gifts on Christmas Eve. Just depends on if he is here at home or at his dad’s. If he is at his dads he has to wait til he comes back.
I hope you manage to find some suitable pj’s. It can be a great way to continue a lovely yearly tradition.
This is such a lovely idea. I might do a small one for my kids, maybe with some sweets, hot chocolate kit and some fluffy socks. It just makes things feel even more special.
You don’t need to add much. It’s just fun for the kids.
Loving this so much and what. fun idea for the kiddos. My Mom always had us wait when we were young enough to still believe but once we were a bit older she would let us pick a gift to open the night before. I like the idea of gifting fabulous PJ’s for Christmas Eve 🙂
It can be a nice idea and a great way to get some new pj’s in for all the family as it’s always handy to have a few sets.
These are great ideas to further the Christmas day joy to the day before as well. We usually open stockings on Christmas Eve, but I think I will utilize this idea instead for extra gifts!
It is such a lovely way to add a little more magic and items don’t need to be expensive which is great.
I have never heard of this before! Sounds like a cute tradition to start. I think my kids would really enjoy this.
It really is a lovely tradition. The kids get so excited when they get their boxes.