Christmas Eve boxes have grown in popularity over recent years, mainly thanks to social media. Although we know it can feel like an extra cost, and we’re all for not getting caught up in the unrealistic standards social media sets, there's no denying how much we love to bring a little extra surprise for our little ones at this time of year. Here at Mother&Baby, we love the idea of a Christmas Eve box filled with practical yet magical goodies that the whole family can actually enjoy!
Best Christmas Eve box fillers at a glance:
The beauty of a Christmas Eve box is that it's completely customisable, meaning you can fill it full of whatever Christmas Eve box ideas you have. Essentially, it's an empty box, but popping in Christmas Eve box fillers that your family will enjoy makes it even more special, whether that's cosy socks, Christmas-themed books, or a little treat to enjoy together like hot chocolate. The goal isn't to get the most likes on social media or follow trends; it's about creating a moment of joy that feels personal and special for your loved ones.
Some parents prefer giving their kids their Christmas Eve boxes in the morning, while others use them to wind down on Christmas Eve night. The possibilities are endless, whether it’s enjoying a movie before bed or spending the day with a colouring book and some Christmas activities. You can even pop in treasures that add to the holiday magic, like reindeer food or a Santa key. Ultimately, the magic comes from those simple touches that make Christmas Eve feel extra festive and special.
Best Christmas Eve box fillers 2024
Best book Christmas eve box filler
"'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse." This classic line is one we all know, and if you're anything like us, just reading it brings back those childhood Christmas feels and fills us with excitement for the season ahead. We love this story, and with over a thousand five-star reviews, many Amazon buyers do too. Why not include this timeless book in your family's Christmas Eve box and make it part of your little one's cherished Christmas memories?
Most pratical Christmas eve box filler
www.johnlewis.com
What’s a Christmas Eve box without a cosy pair of fluffy socks? While they might not top the present list, a festive pair will keep those cold little toes warm all winter long. They are practical and super cute with their gingerbread design, making sure your little one stays snug as a bug on Christmas Eve!
www.hotelchocolat.com
This adorable, festive chocolate pot is filled with creamy milk chocolate shaped like jolly old Saint Nick. Its smooth texture and rich flavour will surely bring a smile to any chocolate lover's face.
Best bath Christmas eve box filler
www.lush.com
It's hard to get excited little ones to sleep at the best times, especially on Christmas Eve. A warm bath can be a great way to help them unwind and relax before bed, as the soothing, warm water and calming scents can promote better sleep. This natural bath bomb might just do the trick. Little ones will love dropping this Santa bath bomb into the tub and watching beetroot juice, raspberry, and turmeric powders create a natural, colourful display. The Sicilian lemon oil adds an uplifting, refreshing aroma, ensuring they still smell sweet when they wake up on Christmas morning.
Best pyjamas Christmas Eve box filler
www.etsy.com
After your little one’s bath, there’s nothing better than slipping into a brand-new pair of pyjamas. Matching Christmas PJs are perfect for those adorable photo ops, and if you’re anything like us, they’ll be worn well into Christmas Day. We love this set with a magical holiday message because, after all, there’s nothing better than showing Santa that we believe in him.
Best hot chocolate Christmas Eve box filler
www.notonthehighstreet.com
You've got your fresh new PJs on, and now there's only one thing left to do: enjoy a warm hot chocolate with all the trimmings, of course! This Giant Snowman Hot Chocolate Melt is perfect for the job. Just drop it into a pan of hot milk and watch the magic happen. As the snowman melts, marshmallows and cocoa mix into the milk, creating the most deliciously creamy hot chocolate. "The best hot chocolate, hands down," says Senior Writer Hannah Carroll, who loves this treat and says it's enough to serve her family of four.
Best personalised Christmas Eve box filler
popsa.app
Adding a Christmas decoration to your family's Christmas Eve box is a genius idea. It's the perfect way to add a personal touch to your tree before it's packed away for another year, and you'll treasure it for many Christmases to come. We love this bauble because it can be personalised with a photo, letting you capture just how tiny your little one is this year. Trust us, years from now, you'll look at it and say, ""Awwww!""
www.lego.com
This LEGO set is perfect for families who like to enjoy their Christmas Eve boxes in the morning. Little hands will stay busy building these festive LEGO Christmas tree decorations. Like the previous ornament, they can be treasured for years to come and make a fun, interactive activity for the whole family to enjoy together.
Best LEGO Christmas Eve box filler
Perfect for little hands and big holiday fun, this festive puzzle features Bluey and her family in all their Christmas glory. With its jumbo pieces and cheerful design, it’s the ideal way to keep kids entertained. This puzzle is sure to become a Christmas tradition in no time! Perfect for Bluey fans and puzzle fans alike.
10.
Reindeer Food
Best eco-friendly Christmas Eve box filler
www.etsy.com
We all know reindeer love carrots, but this year, why not leave something extra special for them? We adore this "Reindeer Food," filled with natural birdseed, which you can sprinkle in the garden to help feed birds during winter.
If you're anything like us, your to-do list seems to triple over Christmas. With so much to do, why not grab a pre-packed Christmas Eve box full of activities? This box can be popped into your family's Christmas Eve box or on its own. Either way, it's a win, with so much for the family to do on Christmas Eve.
Best light-up Christmas Eve box filler
www.waitrose.com
Add some light and sparkle to your holiday celebrations with these Festive Spinning Wands! Each wand lights up and spins, bringing joy to your little ones. The designs may vary, but the magic is guaranteed.
Best ediable Christmas Eve Box filler
www.next.co.uk
There's nothing better than cosying up as a family and enjoying a Christmas movie the night before the big day. From Home Alone to The Grinch, there are so many classics to choose from, but what's a movie night without popcorn? We love this pre-packed popcorn bowl, making it the perfect tasty treat for Christmas Eve!
www.johnlewis.com
The Jellycat Amuseables Jolly Santa is a delightful, soft, and cuddly Christmas companion that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone's face. Tuck him in with your little one as they wait for Santa to visit your home on Christmas Eve evening.
Best clothing Christmas Eve box filler
www.disneystore.co.uk
The Christmas season is about getting cosy and enjoying festive fun indoors. We’re obsessed with this oversized lounge jumper. It’s perfect for little ones to wear all day on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and well into the New Year (because who doesn’t love staying snug a little longer?)
Best creative Christmas Eve box filler
Add a splash of creativity to your Christmas Eve box with these Ohuhu Acrylic Paint Pens in 30 vibrant colours! Perfect for family craft sessions, these pens let everyone create their own festive masterpieces. We love these pens because they work on an array of surfaces making it a great kit for crafty families.
Best Santa key Christmas Eve box fillers
A Santa key can help the big guy enter households without a chimney. Perfect for your Christmas Eve box, this enchanted key ensures Santa can deliver his gifts no matter where you live.
Christmas Eve Box FAQs
How big should a Christmas Eve box be?
Boxes can range from small to large. The size depends on how many items you want to include, but aim for a box that’s just big enough to hold your goodies without being too overwhelming. Remember that your family will probably receive their gifts the following day.
When should you open a Christmas Eve box?
Again, there are no rules for this, so do what's best for your family. However, some families open their Christmas Eve boxes on December 24th to ease the anticipation of Santa arriving and to enjoy the goodies together ahead of Christmas Day.
Hannah Carroll is a Mother&Baby Senior Digital Writer. In her capacity, she curates top-notch listicles, crafts insightful how-to guides, and delivers expert product reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah draws upon her comprehensive understanding of all facets of family life to bring true insight into all the products that make running a home easier.