What to put in a Christmas Eve box

wooden box labeled noahs christmas eve box with cookies nearby
What to put in a Christmas Eve box Not on the High Street

There's not long to go now until Christmas, and a trend that has really taken off in the last few years are Christmas Eve boxes.

A great way to get little ones or the entire family ready for the main event, it revolves around giving someone a small but meaningful box of Christmas gifts on December 24th, ahead of the festivities the following day.

The treats included are festive and often related to getting cosy – think pyjamas, hot chocolate, slippers – and are similar in size to what might be included in a stocking.

Keep reading to learn exactly what a Christmas Eve box is, as well as what to put in one...

What are Christmas Eve boxes?

Christmas Eve boxes have become a way to start the festive fun early. The tradition is thought to have originated in Germany, where people open presents on Christmas Eve. They are typically given to children to break up how many presents they receive, beginning the excitement a day earlier.

A highlight is that these Christmas Eve boxes can be completely personalised and unique to the receiver. This means that they can be understated and low-key, or lavish – it's all up to you.

Who do you give Christmas Eve boxes to?

The beauty of a Christmas Eve box is that you can fill it with whatever you like and give it to whoever you like.

An adult's Christmas Eve box could be filled with boozy, foodie treats, whereas a child's Christmas Eve box might contain pyjamas, a classic Christmas film and some hot chocolate to help them unwind.

Christmas Eve boxes can also be sent to loved ones and family members you might not be able to see in person – just be sure to check the last posting dates for festive parcels.

vintage christmas decorations
Rachel Whiting

How do you make a Christmas Eve box?

In the spirit of having a sustainable Christmas, it's a great opportunity to upcycle something you already have. A Christmas Eve box can be put together using any container you like. This might be a pre-loved wooden box, stocking, pillow case, wicker basket, or some Christmas packaging left over from last year.

Get to work jazzing up your upcycled gift carrier with festive ribbon, paint or recycled wrapping paper. Also, if you're using fabric to deck yours out for the holidays, you could even try hand-stitching the name of the receiver into the material to make it even more special.

Because of its nature, it's also the type of gift wrapping that can be reused year after year.

Where can you buy a Christmas Eve box?

If you want to invest in an eco-friendly, personalised Christmas Eve box you can bring back out every Christmas, there are some lovely options you can buy online. Here are a few of our favourites...


Personalised Christmas Eve Box

Not On The Highstreet
Not On The Highstreet

$24.50 at notonthehighstreet.com


12 Pack - Present Boxes with Lids

Amazon
Amazon

£14.99 at amazon.co.uk


Personalised Santa Sack

Etsy
Etsy

£7.50 at


Personalised Red Christmas Eve Box

My 1st Years
My 1st Years

£22.50 at my1styears.com


Personalised Children's Christmas Eve Crate

Amazon
Amazon

£29.99 at amazon.co.uk


Nordic Folk Christmas Eve Box

Etsy
Etsy

£26.00 at

What do you put in a Christmas Eve box? Christmas Eve box gift ideas

The contents of a Christmas Eve box depends on its purpose and the individual receiving it, but here is a list of some common Christmas Eve box gifts...

  • a Christmas film

  • handmade gifts

  • a book

  • a handwritten note or letter

  • a mug and hot chocolate

  • sweet treats (choose their favourites)

  • some drinks and tipples

  • treats for Father Christmas

  • pyjamas or slippers

  • cosy socks

  • a cute soft toy

  • toiletries (plastic-free preferred)

  • a Christmas scented candle

  • a warm blanket

Creating a man's Christmas Eve box? Here are a few ideas just for them:

  • whisky miniatures

  • a magazine subscription

  • beard oil or grooming products

  • slippers

  • a puzzle, card or mini board game

  • festive snacks (a box of mince pies always go down well)

  • a personalised glass (choose from a pint, gin or whisky glass)

Where can you order a Christmas Eve Box?

If you like the idea but don't have the time to put one together yourself, you can order complete Christmas Eve boxes online. This is also a great idea if you don't live with the recipient.

Country Living Marketplace, Not On The High Street and Etsy are good places to look for pre-packed Christmas Eve boxes. Expect to see plenty of high-street versions this festive season, too.


Wellbeing Gift Box

Country Living Marketplace
Country Living Marketplace

£38.00 at Country Living Marketplace


The Family Christmas Eve Gift Box

Don't Buy Her Flowers
Don't Buy Her Flowers

$8.50 at dontbuyherflowers.com


Men's Luxury Pamper Hamper

Country Living Marketplace
Country Living Marketplace

£38.00 at Country Living Marketplace


Build Your Own Christmas Gift Box

TBCo
TBCo

£39.00 at tartanblanketco.com


The Night Before Gift Box

Biscuiteers
Biscuiteers

£95.00 at biscuiteers.com


The Christmas Eve Hamper

Selfridges
Selfridges

£150.00 at selfridges.com


Christmas Delights Tray

John Lewis & Partners
John Lewis & Partners

£35.00 at johnlewis.com


Christmas Eve Box

johnlewis.com
johnlewis.com

£20.00 at johnlewis.com


Luxury Ayurvedic Gift Set For Her

Country Living Marketplace
Country Living Marketplace

£37.00 at Country Living Marketplace

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