There's something rather wonderful about Christmas Eve. The excitement, the anticipation, the little traditions that somehow become the memories we treasure most.
And while Christmas Day might be all about the presents, Christmas Eve is an opportunity to slow things down, snuggle up and enjoy a little magic together.
A Christmas Eve box is a lovely way to do just that. It doesn't need to be expensive, extravagant or filled with brand-new things. In fact, we think the most special Christmas Eve boxes are the ones filled with thoughtful little treasures that encourage children to pause, play, read and dream.
So, if you're wondering what to put in a Christmas Eve box this year, here are some of our favourite ideas.
What Is a Christmas Eve Box?
A Christmas Eve box is a small collection of gifts and activities, traditionally given to children on 24th December.
The idea is simple: create a little bundle of festive treats to enjoy together before the big day arrives.
Some families leave their boxes beneath the Christmas tree, others have them delivered by a mischievous elf, and some simply make opening them part of their Christmas Eve routine.
There's no right or wrong way to do it. The loveliest traditions are the ones that feel like yours.
1. A Special Christmas Eve Story
Every good Christmas Eve box needs a book.
There's something magical about reading together on Christmas Eve, particularly when the story is filled with snowy adventures, twinkling lights and a little festive wonder.
Whether it's a much-loved classic, a beautifully illustrated picture book or a new-to-them Christmas adventure, a story gives children something to enjoy long after the wrapping paper has disappeared.
At Little Green Book Club, we're particularly fond of pre-loved books. There's something rather special about giving an old story a new home, especially at Christmas.
Our Christmas Collection brings together carefully chosen, pre-loved children's books, ready to become part of another family's festive traditions.
And who knows? The book you tuck into this year's Christmas Eve box might be the one they ask you to read every Christmas for years to come.
2. Cosy Christmas Pyjamas
New pyjamas on Christmas Eve are a classic for a reason.
There's nothing quite like getting freshly bathed, putting on something cosy and settling down for a Christmas film or bedtime story.
They don't have to be covered in reindeer or Father Christmas, either. A favourite pair of soft, comfortable pyjamas will do just as nicely.
3. A Little Treat for Christmas Eve
A Christmas Eve box wouldn't be quite complete without something delicious.
A little bag of marshmallows, a hot chocolate sachet, a homemade biscuit or a chocolate coin can feel wonderfully festive.
You could even include a favourite mug and make a family tradition of enjoying hot chocolate together before bedtime.
Sometimes the simplest things are the ones children remember.
4. Something to Make or Do
Christmas Eve can feel like the longest day of the year when you're little!
Including a simple activity in your Christmas Eve box is a lovely way to channel some of that excitement.
A few ideas we love:
A Christmas colouring sheet and some crayons
A homemade decoration to hang on the tree
A little festive puzzle
Paper snowflakes to cut out together
A recipe card for baking Father Christmas a biscuit
A handwritten Christmas treasure hunt
You don't need to buy anything elaborate. In fact, a little creativity and a few things you already have at home can make for a much more memorable afternoon.
5. A Cuddly Companion for Bedtime
For younger children, Christmas Eve can be almost too exciting for sleep.
A little teddy or soft toy can be a lovely addition to their box, particularly when paired with a bedtime story.
Our Bedtime Collection at Little Green Book Club combines a carefully curated selection of pre-loved bedtime books with a pre-loved cuddly companion.
It's a thoughtful gift that encourages quiet moments, comforting routines and plenty of bedtime cuddles — not just on Christmas Eve, but all year round.
And we rather like the idea that both the books and the teddy have already been loved, with many more adventures still to come.
6. A Little Christmas Magic
Sometimes it's the tiniest details that make Christmas Eve feel truly magical.
You could include a special key for Father Christmas, a little bag of reindeer food made from oats (without glitter or plastic), or a handwritten note reminding children to look out for something wonderful.
One of our favourite ideas is to include a little card that reads:
Tonight, when the stars are shining bright, snuggle up close for a Christmas story. The magic is nearly here.
It costs almost nothing, but it makes the whole experience feel special.
Christmas Eve Box Ideas by Age
Not sure what to include? Here are a few simple combinations for different ages.
Christmas Eve Box for Toddlers (Ages 1–3)
Keep things simple, cosy and comforting.
A sturdy picture book, a soft toy, cosy pyjamas and a familiar bedtime routine are more than enough. Choose age-appropriate items and avoid small parts that could be a choking hazard.
Christmas Eve Box for Preschoolers (Ages 3–5)
At this age, Christmas magic is in full swing.
Try a beautifully illustrated Christmas story, a colouring activity, a little treat and something cuddly to take to bed.
Christmas Eve Box for Children Aged 6–9
For slightly older children, include a festive adventure book, a small craft project, a Christmas puzzle or a family game.
You could even start a tradition of reading a chapter of a Christmas story together each evening over the holidays.
Christmas Eve Box for Tweens and Teens
Christmas Eve boxes aren't just for little ones.
A gripping winter read, cosy socks, favourite snacks, hot chocolate and a handwritten note can make a lovely gift for older children, too.
How to Make a Sustainable Christmas Eve Box
Christmas is wonderful, but it can also come with an awful lot of unnecessary stuff.
A Christmas Eve box doesn't need to add to that.
At Little Green Book Club, we believe that thoughtful gifting is far more meaningful than simply buying more.
Here are a few ways to make your Christmas Eve box a little greener:
Choose pre-loved books. A beautiful story doesn't have to be brand new to feel magical.
Reuse your box every year. A wooden crate, old suitcase or decorated cardboard box can become a treasured family tradition.
Avoid disposable plastic fillers. Choose things children will use, read or enjoy.
Make something yourself. Homemade biscuits, handwritten notes and little activities can be just as exciting as shop-bought treats.
Think beyond Christmas Eve. Choose gifts that will continue to be loved long after December.
A carefully chosen second-hand book is a particularly lovely way to give something meaningful without creating more waste.
The Best Christmas Eve Tradition? Reading Together.
Of all the things you could put in a Christmas Eve box, our favourite will always be a book.
Because while the treats get eaten, the pyjamas get outgrown and the excitement of Christmas morning eventually fades, the memories of snuggling up together for a story have a wonderful way of staying with us.
Perhaps you'll read the same Christmas classic every year. Perhaps you'll discover a new favourite. Or perhaps you'll simply enjoy ten peaceful minutes together before the chaos of Christmas morning begins.
Whatever your traditions, we hope your Christmas Eve is filled with warmth, wonder and a little bit of storybook magic.
Looking for something special for your Christmas Eve box?
Discover our carefully curated Christmas Collection and Bedtime Collection, filled with lovely pre-loved books ready for their next chapter.
Because the best stories deserve to be loved again.
