Trends › Family & Kids · · By The Christmas Calling Elves
Christmas Eve Box Ideas: 8 Themes Families Love
Quick answer: a Christmas Eve box is a small box of cozy items and activities opened the night before Christmas. Typical contents are pajamas, hot cocoa, a book or game and a movie. Set a budget first, check allergies, and pick one theme such as cozy night, movie night or game night.
A Christmas Eve box is a small gift of cozy things and activities opened the night before Christmas. It gives the evening a gentle start and takes some pressure off the big day. Here are eight themed ideas, with what to put inside, plus a simple way to build one and keep to a budget.
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8 Christmas Eve box themes
[Photo: The Cozy Night Box]
1The Cozy Night Box
What goes inside
Pajamas, slippers or fuzzy socks
Hot cocoa mix and mini marshmallows
A battery-operated candle
A cozy book
A soft throw if the box is big enough
Tip
Works for any age. Choose pajama sizes carefully, and think about leaving the tags on in case of a swap.
[Photo: The Movie Night Box]
2The Movie Night Box
What goes inside
Popcorn and a favorite candy
A printable "Admit One" ticket per person
Mugs or snack bowls
A new Christmas movie to start the tradition
Tip
Use our Christmas movie picker to decide the film. Check the age rating before you commit.
Check for food allergies before you choose ingredients, and let kids help with the safe steps.
[Photo: The Little Kids Box]
5The Little Kids Box
What goes inside
A new Christmas picture book
A coloring book and crayons
A small toy
A bag of "reindeer food" for the garden
A plate and note for Santa
Tip
If kids sprinkle anything outdoors, choose something safe for birds and animals, and clear it up afterwards.
[Photo: The Teen and Adult Screen-Free Box]
6The Teen and Adult Screen-Free Box
What goes inside
A puzzle
A journal and pen
Nice tea or coffee
A paperback
A short handwritten note
Tip
Our gift guides will have more screen-free ideas for teens soon.
[Photo: The Couples' Box]
7The Couples' Box
What goes inside
Favorite snacks
Matching socks or mugs
An ornament marking the year
A coupon for a dinner out
A note about your favorite memory this year
Tip
Adding a short handwritten message makes a small box feel personal. Try our card message generator for inspiration.
[Photo: The Pet Box]
8The Pet Box
What goes inside
A new toy
Pet-safe treats
A festive bandana or bow tie
A chew
Tip
Keep human treats away. Chocolate and some sweeteners are harmful to dogs and cats. If unsure, ask your vet.
How to build one in 5 steps
Pick a theme from the list above, or mix categories.
Set a budget per person before you shop, and use our budget planner to keep track.
Make a list of what goes in each box and tick items off with the printable gift tracker.
Choose a container: a basket, tray, pretty box, tote or paper bag all work. Add tissue or shredded paper.
Add a handwritten note, wrap or tie it up, and hide it until Christmas Eve.
Budget ideas
Small (about $10 to $20 per box) Hot cocoa, a candy cane, a small ornament, a printable ticket and a handwritten note. Great for large families.
Medium (about $20 to $40) Pajamas or socks, a book or game, snacks and a candle.
Bigger (about $40 and up) A quality set of pajamas or slippers, a game or puzzle, treats and a keepsake ornament.
Things to avoid
Overspending. The point is a cozy evening, not a second Christmas.
Food that doesn't suit everyone's allergies or diet.
Items that need batteries or setup you haven't prepared for, since it's the night before Christmas.
Leaving it until the last minute. Pajamas and games can sell out or take time to arrive. Use our shopping calendar to plan ahead.
FAQs
What is a Christmas Eve box?
It's a small box or bag of treats, cozy items and activities that a family opens on Christmas Eve. People fill them in different ways, so make yours your own.
What should I put in a Christmas Eve box?
Common choices are pajamas, hot cocoa, snacks, a book or game, a movie to watch and a small keepsake like an ornament.
How much should I spend?
There's no rule. Many families keep it small so that Christmas morning stays the main event. Pick an amount you're comfortable with and stick to it.
What if someone has allergies or dietary needs?
Check labels carefully and choose non-food items where in doubt, like socks, a book or a game.
Do I need a special box?
No. A basket, tote, gift bag, tray or even a mixing bowl works. Reuse something if you can.
When do we open it?
Most families open it in the afternoon or evening of Christmas Eve, before the movie or bedtime routine.