christmas eve box

Christmas Eve box ideas for kids and adults this festive season

Make Christmas Eve even more magical...

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Read our full commerce guidelines here.

Lifestyle & Commerce Senior Writer
Updated: November 1, 2022

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas is on its way, and our attention is turning to all of our holiday traditions. Looking to make the festive season even more magical for your family? Try a Christmas Eve box to make the night before the big day extra special and exciting.

RELATED: Cool & unique gift ideas for kids this Christmas

MORE: Top toys for Christmas 2022: The most popular gifts that will be on Santa's wish lists

What are Christmas Eve boxes?

Believed to have originated from the German tradition of opening presents on Christmas Eve, it's now become popular in the US and UK to get into the festive spirit early with a box of treats. Searches for Christmas Eve boxes increased by a huge 3000% last year, with families all over the country planning to take part and gift their own.

Often given in a personalised box or crate, you could make your own by upcycling something you already have, or alternatively you'll find lots of options from the likes of NotOnTheHighStreet and Etsy which can then be used year after year.

Christmas eve crate

Personalised Christmas Eve box, from £24.95/$30, Etsy

SHOP NOW

Personalised Christmas Eve collaboration box, £39.95/$46.50, NotOnTheHighStreet

SHOP NOW

Personalised Christmas Eve box, from £19.99/$24, Etsy

SHOP NOW

North Pole personalised Christmas Eve box, £39.50/$45.97, NotOnTheHighStreet

SHOP NOW

Personalised wooden Christmas Eve box, £35/$40.74, NotOnTheHighStreet

SHOP NOW

Personalised Christmas Eve bags, £16/$18.62, NotOnTheHighStreet

SHOP NOW

Christmas Eve box ideas: What do you put in Christmas Eve boxes for kids?

Jingles-print pyjamas, from £26/$39, The White Company

SHOP NOW

These festive PJs from The White Company are made from super soft cotton. They're available for ages 1-12, so all the kids can match.

Biscuiteers DIY gingerbread house kit, £36.99/$48.50, Selfridges

SHOP NOW

This traditional gingerbread house kit includes pre-baked house pieces, royal icing sugar, piping bags and endless sugary decorations to make the most amazing centrepiece which will stay fresh all the way until 2023.

Personalised Christmas family storybook, £30, NotOnTheHighStreet

SHOP NOW

A personalised story, where your little ones are the main characters, will get them so excited for the big day. This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Santa as he makes his way across the world delivering presents on Christmas Eve.

Christmas socks (2 pack), £6/$10.99, M&S

SHOP NOW

We all love a pair of fluffy Christmas socks. This M&S set includes two festive designs.

Message from Santa, £12.50, NotOnTheHighStreet

SHOP NOW

What could be more exciting than reading a message from Father Christmas? The letters are designed to celebrate classic British telegrams using vintage 1960s postage stamps.

Magic reindeer food, £2.50/$3 for one, Etsy

SHOP NOW

Kids will love leaving magic food out for Santa's reindeer on Christmas Eve.

Jolly penguin, £8.50 each, Hotel Chocolat

SHOP NOW

A chocolate penguin from Hotel Chocolat is the perfect last sweet treat before Christmas morning.

MORE: The best Secret Santa gift ideas for every budget this Christmas

Christmas Eve box ideas: What do you put in Christmas Eve boxes for adults?

Whittard of Chelsea luxury hot chocolate, £25/$31.93, Amazon

SHOP NOW

What could be better than snuggling down in front of the fire with a hot chocolate on Christmas Eve? These Whittard luxury hot chocolates create the most decadent drink.

Moët & Chandon Personalised Impérial Brut NV Champagne 200ml, £20/$20, Selfridges

SHOP NOW

Or if Christmas Eve champagne is more their kind of thing, you can't go wrong with a mini bottle of Moët. This one can even be personalised with a photo.

Winter botanical candle, £32/$39, The White Company

SHOP NOW

The White Company's 'Winter' is Christmas in a scent. It's a magical combination of spicy cinnamon, rich warming clove and fresh zesty orange.

Christmas stocking mug, £16/$14 each, Anthropologie

SHOP NOW

These monogrammed ceramic mugs from Anthropologie are suitably festive for Christmas Eve.

UGG Scuffette Sheepskin and Suede Slippers, £85, John Lewis

SHOP NOW

Nothing beats a new pair of fluffy slippers. UGG's slipper mules are perfect for those days between Christmas Eve and New Year (and beyond).

LUSH Cosy Christmas set, £16, ASOS

SHOP NOW

This festive bath bomb set from LUSH will make for a dreamy Christmas Eve soak.

Lustreglass Sheer-Shine lipstick, £24/$24, MAC

SHOP NOW

Because who wouldn't want the gift of a MAC lipstick to wear on Christmas day? 

Personalised snack pot, £20/$23.28, NotOnTheHighStreet

SHOP NOW

Fill a personalised pot with chocolates, sweets or popcorn to snack from while you watch Christmas films.

MORE: Best Christmas gift ideas for women 2022: Gorgeous gifts for her

HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.

More Parenting

See more