With Christmas fast approaching I am getting very excited! Top of my Christmas to do list was to plan the Christmas Eve Box for my son and find some fabulous goodies and treats to put in there!

In this blog post I will give you some top ideas on what to include in your child’s Christmas Eve Box and where to buy from; from small businesses and Etsy sellers, to Amazon for quick prime delivery.

What is a Christmas Eve Box?

A Christmas Eve Box is a relatively new tradition but one that I am fully embracing as it enhances the magic of Christmas. It also helps to break up the anticipation of Christmas Day with some small gifts and activities. A big help if you have an over excited child (or grown up)!

It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Some crayons and sweets will do the trick. Last year I wrapped up a shoe box in Christmas paper for my son but this year we’ve got a beautiful personalised Christmas Eve Box from Treat Republic which will last us year after year.

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What to put in your Christmas Eve Box

As the popularity of Christmas Eve Boxes grow so does the anxiety as to what to put inside them. Like I said previously it doesn’t have to be elaborate and you can use the same item year after year (for example a much loved Christmas decoration). Here are 31 Christmas Eve Box ideas below:

Christmas Eve Box Ideas:

1. Plus Plus Christmas Wreath Puzzle by Number

As you’ve probably gathered, one of my favourite parts of Christmas Eve is putting together a magical box of surprises for my son, and this year, I can’t wait to include the Plus Plus Christmas Wreath Puzzle by Number. It’s the perfect mix of creativity and fun, blending the excitement of puzzles with the timeless charm of a paint-by-number activity. My son loves building and creating, so I just know he’ll enjoy assembling the 500 colourful blocks into a festive wreath—no glue required! What really makes me smile is how this one gift can be used again and again. Once he’s admired his handiwork, he can dismantle it and use the pieces to bring his own imaginative ideas to life. It’s the kind of open-ended play that fits so well with our family’s values.

Educational

I also love that it sneaks in some learning while still feeling completely fun. Watching him work on this project means he’ll be strengthening his fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities without even realising it. Plus, it keeps him off screens, which feels like such a win during the busy holiday season. As a mum, I’m always looking for ways to give gifts that entertain and build confidence, and I know this will do both.

Of course, safety and durability are non-negotiable in our house, and this puzzle checks all the boxes. The BPA- and phthalate-free blocks give me peace of mind, and the fact that they’re so easy to clean is a huge perk. Even better, the thoughtful design and craftsmanship—made in Denmark—mean it’s a gift that aligns with our values of quality. For me, this isn’t just a toy. It’s a way to bring creativity, learning, and a little extra holiday magic into our home. I really can’t think of a better Christmas Eve surprise!

Including this puzzle in his box feels so fitting for our family this year. It blends creativity, learning, and a festive spirit, all while aligning with our values and traditions. The Plus Plus Christmas Wreath Puzzle by Number is more than just a toy. It’s a thoughtful way to encourage imagination and bring some extra magic to our Christmas celebration.

2. Snowman Flanimal with chocolate orange

The Snowman Flanimal is an absolutely genius idea for any Christmas Eve Box! You can choose between having a chocolate orange or a kinder egg and choose the colour of the hat and scarf. The flannel is perfect for Christmas Eve bath time. It’s from Etsy seller TwinklingToadstools and a really fun idea for your box!

3.Reindeer Flanimal

Twinkling Toadstools also have a wonderful Reindeer Flanimal a great alternative to the snowman and perfect if you don’t want your kids to have too much chocolate the night before Christmas!

4. Magical Reindeer Food 

Adding Magical Reindeer Food to your Christmas Eve box is a delightful way to spread a little holiday cheer. After all, Santa’s reindeer need a treat, too! Whether you prefer a hands-on crafting session or an eco-conscious purchase, here’s how to include this lovely tradition safely and sustainably.

How to Make Your Own Magical Reindeer Food (Wildlife-Safe and Sustainable)

Creating your own Magical Reindeer Food is a fun, festive activity the whole family can enjoy. Here’s a simple recipe to make it safe for animals who might nibble on it:

Ingredients:

• 2 Tablespoons of oats or plain oatmeal
• 2 Tablespoons of Bird Seeds
• 2 Teaspoons Dried Cranberries to add colour
• Christmas Organza Bags

Instructions:

1. Mix the oats with the birds seeds and cranberries in a bowl (if you like a sweet holiday smell).
2. Once combined, portion the mix into the organza bags or recycled jars, ready for Christmas Eve.

Important Note: Avoid using traditional glitter or non-edible items, as they can harm wildlife. Choosing edible options ensures your magical gesture is safe for the environment and passing critters.

When the time comes, sprinkle the mixture on your lawn or garden to guide Santa and his reindeer on their way!

Prefer to Buy? Try Biodegradable Magic Glitter Dust Oats on Amazon

If crafting isn’t your thing or time’s a little tight this holiday season, you can still keep the magic alive! Check out Biodegradable Magic Glitter Dust Oats on Amazon. It’s an eco-friendly option, so you can sprinkle a little holiday joy without guilt. Perfect for a hassle-free yet enchanting addition to your Christmas Eve box.

Whether you make it yourself or buy it ready to go, Magical Reindeer Food is a simple but memorable tradition that adds sparkle to the night before Christmas. Santa’s reindeer will thank you!

5. Christmas Pyjamas

This is a must for any Christmas Eve box in my opinion! Nothing says Christmas like cosy pyjamas! This could be a fun matching set for the whole family or a cute pair with holiday prints for kids.

6. Santa Nice List Approved Medal

Has your little one been a super star this year? Have they been ‘Nice List Approved’? If so, why not include a Nice List Approved Medal, which has come all the way from the North Pole! There’s a few options available on Etsy, so not only a great idea for your Christmas Eve Box but a wonderful way to support small businesses this year.

7. Twas The Night Before Christmas book

No Christmas Eve box is complete without a magical Christmas story. Twas The Night Before Christmas is the perfect book to read at bedtimes on Christmas Eve and you can have a special copy in your box every year.

8. Personalised Christmas Storybook

Make Christmas magical with a Christmas story about your child. We have the Santa Needs Your Help storybook and this is one we have in our Christmas Eve Box every year. It’s the perfect story for Christmas Eve.

9. Snow Flow

My son has been dreaming of a white Christmas but let’s face it, that’s very unlikely to happen in South East of England. That’s why I’ve ordered instant snow to put in his Christmas Eve Box! Available from Amazon with free delivery, your kids can have a white Christmas after all (even if it is just a little bit)!!

10. Baff Bombz by Zimpli Kids

Add some fun and colour to your Christmas Eve bath times with this brilliant Santa Bath Bob!

11. Gelli Baff by Zimpli Kids

Or how about some messy play to tire the kids out at bath times on Christmas Eve! This Gelli Baff is kind on kids skin and is easy to clean away. Check out my full Gelli Baff Love from Santa review.

12. Reindeer Game

How about a fun family Christmas game like this Reindeer game to include!

13. Printable Christmas Do-A-Dot Paintings

Printable do-a-dot paintings are a fun activity although you will need a printer.

14. Christmas Sticker Activity Book

This little Christmas Sticker Activity Book is fun and great value for money.

15. Snow Globe

A snow globe is a great addition to a Christmas Eve Box and this Snow Globe is also a lantern and plays music too. So magical!

16. Christmas Baking Kit

Make baking fun and simple with a lovely Christmas baking kit like this one from Etsy.

17. Festive Balloons

Make Christmas Eve feel like a party with these fun festive balloons!

18. Personalised Christmas Tree Decoration

There are lots of lovely Christmas tree decorations that have names. I bought our one from ebay.

19. Christmas Hot Chocolate Bombe

Ideal for a bedtime drink on Christmas Eve! I love these Hot Chocolate Bombes from Cocoba Chocolate!

20. Magic Pebbles

Buy these Glow-in-the-Dark  Magic Pebbles on Etsy! Safe for indoor and outdoor use these glow in the dark pebbles will guide Santa to your home!

21. Christmas Treasure Hunt

A Christmas Treasure Hunt is great fun on Christmas Eve, hunting for Christmas Chocolate Coins!

22. Stretchy Santa

This Stretchy Santa is fun toy to include and is available on Prime delivery too!

23. Christmas Tattoos

These temporary Christmas Tattoos get such great reviews on Amazon. So much fun for the kids and nice and small so fit easily in your Christmas Eve Box.

24. Christmas Crayons

You can buy these from Amazon but I’m going to be sharing how to make your own on the blog, so stay tuned!

25. Christmas Mug

You can’t go wrong with a lovely festive mug for your hot chocolate.

26. Santa’s Milk

A lovely idea for the Christmas Eve Box. Our Milk from Santa Bottle is from Phoenix and Bell on Etsy.

27. Santa’s Magic Key

Santa’s Magic Key is a great idea if you don’t have a chimney! There’s a wide variety of Magic Keys available from Etsy.

28. Chocolate Coins

29. Festive Socks

30. Candy Cane

31. Lego Christmas Tree Decoration

Etsy have some fabulous Snowman Lego Christmas tree decorations. My son is Lego obsessed so I can’t wait to see his face when he opens his Christmas Eve box with this inside! Kits include all the bricks you need to build your own Christmas tree decoration. It has easy to follow instructions and is all wrapped up in a cute little package.

32. Goodbye letter from your Elf.

It’s the day your Elf has to return to the North Pole so why not leave a little note from the Elf to say goodbye to the kids until next year.

Where to buy your Christmas Eve Box

Treat Republic have a wide selection of beautiful personalised Christmas Eve Boxes. These wooden boxes will last year after year and there’s even ones for grown ups and pets too!