If you’re considering making a Christmas Eve box this year, it’s probably because you want to make this Christmas extra special for your family. Or maybe you want to start a brand new family Christmas tradition.
RELATED: What are family Christmas traditions? (+ examples from around the world)
There are many possible reasons, of course, but either way, it could become a really special part of the season for you and your family.
In this article, I’ll be sharing how to create a family Christmas Eve box. I’ll break down the different things you can use for packaging as well as the different Christmas Eve box fillers you can use for both kids and adults.
What time do you give kids Chrismas eve boxes?
Most people like to give their kids Christmas Eve boxes in the late afternoon or early evening, right after dinner or just before getting cozy for the night. It’s the perfect time to kick off the festive excitement and set the mood for Christmas morning!
You can fill them with things like pajamas, a holiday movie or hot chocolate mix – simple Christmas Eve box fillers that make the evening extra special. We’ll get into that below!
Is a Christmas Eve box from Santa or parents?
A Christmas Eve box can be from whoever you want. It’s totally up to your family’s traditions! Some parents like to say it’s from Santa as a little pre-Christmas treat to build the excitement, while others prefer to make it a special gift from them to set the tone for a cozy evening together.
If you’re still deciding, think about what fits your style. Whether it’s filled with pajamas, a movie or snacks, the focus is on the thought behind it. And if you’re looking for inspiration, there are so many fun xmas eve box ideas below to make it magical either way!
How to make a DIY Christmas Eve box
When it comes to creating a DIY Christmas Eve box, the casing is just as fun to plan as the contents! You don’t need to spend a lot of money. There are plenty of options you can upcycle or repurpose. Here are some ideas to get you started.
1. Shoe boxes
A simple shoe box can be transformed with wrapping paper, paint, or festive fabric. Add some holiday stickers, ribbon, or even a name tag to personalize it.
2. Wooden crates
If you’ve got an old wooden crate lying around, give it a festive makeover. Paint it in holiday colors, stencil on Christmas designs, or even use chalkboard paint to write a special message.
3. Gift boxes
Reusing sturdy gift boxes is another great option. Line the inside with tissue paper or fabric to give it a polished look.
4. Tin cans or containers
Metal tins or cookie tins can give your Christmas Eve box a vintage feel. Add a bow, some greenery, or paint them for extra flair.
5. Wicker baskets
For a cozy, rustic vibe, a wicker basket works beautifully. You can tie on some festive ribbons or tuck in a sprig of holly for decoration.
6. Storage boxes
Repurpose plain storage boxes or those decorative ones from craft stores. With a little embellishment like ribbon, stickers, or washi tape, they’re perfect for the occasion.
7. Cardboard shipping boxes
Even plain shipping boxes can be spruced up with wrapping paper, bows, and handwritten messages. Plus, they’re easy to customize with whatever materials you have on hand.
8. Fabric bags or pouches
If you want something reusable, consider using fabric drawstring bags or pouches. These are a unique alternative to traditional boxes and can be reused for storage or gifting later.
9. Wooden wine boxes
If you have an old wooden wine box, it can make for a sturdy and elegant casing. Sand it down, paint it, and add festive embellishments to match the season.
10. Decorative tins
You know those pretty seasonal tins that hold cookies or chocolates? They can be emptied and repurposed into charming Christmas Eve boxes with minimal effort.
11. Repurposed storage crates
Small plastic or wooden storage crates can be transformed with holiday-themed spray paint or fabric linings.
12. Craft store paper mâché boxes
Paper mâché boxes from craft stores are inexpensive and easy to decorate. Paint them, wrap them, or even decoupage them with holiday patterns.
No matter what you use, the box itself sets the tone for the magic inside.
Reusing and upcycling tips
One of the best things about DIY Christmas Eve boxes is that they’re reusable! After Christmas, use the box for storing holiday decorations or pack it away for next year. If you’ve used something like a tin or crate, it can double as storage for toys or books after the holidays.
This simple tradition is all about spreading joy and making memories. Whether it’s a sleek wooden crate or a spruced-up shoe box, your DIY effort will make Christmas Eve feel even more magical for your family.
Disclaimer: At no additional cost to you, I may gain a teeny tiny commission from purchases made through links on this page.
What usually goes in a Christmas eve box?
A Christmas Eve box is such a lovely tradition that can work for all ages. Whether it’s for kids or adults, the idea is to create a little bundle of joy to unwrap the night before Christmas. Here’s a breakdown of Christmas Eve box ideas for toddlers, kids and adults with plenty of creative suggestions and unique touches for everyone.
Christmas Eve Box ideas for toddlers
For toddlers, the magic of Christmas is just beginning, so it’s all about including items that are fun, cozy and engaging for little ones.
- Festive pajamas – Cute ones with reindeer or Santa prints set the mood for Christmas morning.
- Soft Toys or cuddly friends – A plush reindeer or a snowman they can snuggle with all night.
- Christmas-themed board books – Perfect for a bedtime story before Santa comes.
- Bath time fun – Add a holiday-themed bath bomb or colorful bath crayons to make their evening fun.
- Mini stocking with treats – Include toddler-friendly snacks like fruit gummies or baby cookies.
- Crafty surprises – Easy crafts like sticker books or coloring sheets with holiday themes.
- Glow-in-the-dark stars – Create a starry night on their bedroom ceiling to really enhance the festive magic.
Box ideas for toddlers
Reuse shoeboxes, decorated with holiday wrapping paper or use a small tin lunchbox with a Christmas design. A basket lined with soft fabric also works wonderfully for a rustic feel.
Christmas Eve Box ideas for Kids
For kids a bit older, Christmas Eve boxes can bring excitement with fun activities and small gifts.
- Christmas movie night essentials – A small bag of popcorn, a hot chocolate sachet and a festive mug.
- Puzzle or game – A holiday-themed puzzle or card game to enjoy as a family.
- Cookie decorating kit – Include mini tubes of icing, sprinkles and plain cookies they can decorate for Santa.
- Seasonal accessories – Christmas socks, a Santa hat or a festive headband.
- Personalized ornament – Something they can add to the tree and keep as a memory.
- Glow sticks or light-up toys – Perfect for an evening of playing or creating a holiday dance party.
- Stationery sets – Festive notebooks, pens or stickers to write Santa a quick thank-you note.
- DIY Christmas craft kits – Something like making paper snowflakes or tree decorations.
Box ideas for kids
Use wooden crates painted with their name, repurpose a sturdy gift bag or grab a plain cardboard box and let the kids decorate it themselves for added fun.
Christmas Eve Box ideas for Adults
Adults love a thoughtful Christmas Eve box too! Whether it’s for relaxation or holiday fun, here’s what to include:
- Luxury pajamas or cozy socks – Something soft and warm to unwind in.
- Gourmet snacks – Dark chocolate, artisanal popcorn or a small charcuterie set.
- Mini bottle of wine or hot toddy kit – A little indulgence to enjoy after the kids go to bed.
- Skincare treats – Face masks, hand creams or bath salts for a bit of pampering.
- Personalized mugs or tumblers – Something festive to enjoy their favorite drink.
- Holiday candle – A cozy scent like pine, cinnamon or vanilla to set the mood.
- Books or journals – A short holiday-themed novel or a gratitude journal.
- Board games or card games – Something light and fun for the evening.
- Cozy blanket – Perfect for snuggling on the couch with a Christmas movie.
- Memory keeper – A small photo album or scrapbook to start documenting the holiday season.
Box Ideas for Adults
Use a sleek gift box with a magnetic closure for a luxe look, a basket with a festive ribbon or even a reusable decorative storage box that doubles as home decor.
I hope these easy ideas help you to create the perfect Christmas Eve box(es).
Merry Christmas!
0
278
