Christmas Eve Box Ideas: What to Put in a Christmas Eve Box for Children

A Christmas Eve box is a small box of treats opened on the 24th – something to wear, something to do, something to cuddle and something to keep – that turns the longest evening of the year into a tradition. Here's our tried-and-tested formula, with Christmas Eve box fillers for toddlers, school-age children and older siblings, all from the brands we stock.

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Build your Christmas Eve Box

. Designed to build anticipation before Father Christmas arrives, a Christmas Eve box is a wonderful way to create unforgettable memories for the whole family on 24th December. Explore our range of heirloom-quality treasures to craft the ultimate Christmas Eve box tradition your children will look forward to year after year.

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Something to cuddle: a bedtime friend

The heart of the box is the thing they take to bed.

Maileg Christmas twin mice, Little sister and brother in book

Maileg Christmas twin mice, Little sister and brother in book

£47.75
Olli Ella Dozy Dinkum Pip - Strawberry

Olli Ella Dozy Dinkum Pip - Strawberry

£29.90
Steiff Jimmy Teddy Bear 30cm

Steiff Jimmy Teddy Bear 30cm

£27.90
Maileg Sleeping kitten plush, Medium - Grey

Maileg Sleeping kitten plush, Medium - Grey

£28.25

Something to wear: festive dress-up and hair accessories

Festive children's dress-up, tutus, and cosy Christmas Eve wear.

Rockahula Magical Golden Reindeer Headband

Rockahula Magical Golden Reindeer Headband

£8.00
Rockahula Jolly Christmas Cracker Gift Set

Rockahula Jolly Christmas Cracker Gift Set

£10.00
Meri Meri Mixed Icon Christmas Temporary Tattoos

Meri Meri Mixed Icon Christmas Temporary Tattoos

£3.75
Rockahula Wish Upon A Star Tulle Fairy Wings

Rockahula Wish Upon A Star Tulle Fairy Wings

£15.00

Something to do: crafts for Christmas Eve afternoon

The wait for bedtime is long. A make-and-hang decoration kit fills an hour and ends up on the tree.

Cotton Twist - Make Your Own Pom Pom Santa Decoration Kit

Cotton Twist - Make Your Own Pom Pom Santa Decoration Kit

£7.95
Cotton Twist - Sugar & Spice Christmas Decoration Kit

Cotton Twist - Sugar & Spice Christmas Decoration Kit

£12.95
Meri Meri Christmas Shaped Stickers (25 x stickers)

Meri Meri Christmas Shaped Stickers (25 x stickers)

£10.00
Cotton Twist - Make Your Own Angel Peg Doll

Cotton Twist - Make Your Own Angel Peg Doll

£3.95
Personalised Christmas nice list certificate featuring a whimsical Maileg-inspired design. Hand-sketched and customisable with child's name.

Something to keep: keepsakes and personalised touches

Add one thing that will still be there next Christmas Eve: a personalised gift with their name, a Girl Friday Embroiderykeepsake, or a Christmas card written 'from Father Christmas'. Our Christmas gift wrap makes the box itself part of the present.

Personalised Christmas Gifts

Build the whole box in one order

Orders before 1pm Monday to Friday, and orders over £50 ship free in the UK. Add gift wrapping and it arrives ready to open. Sending a Christmas Eve box to grandchildren? We deliver anywhere in the UK – just enter their address at checkout.

Last order date for guaranteed UK Christmas delivery: 17th December (Royal Mail Tracked 48)

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Frequently asked questions

What is a Christmas Eve box?

A Christmas Eve box is a small box of treats children open on the evening of 24th December – typically something to wear, something to do, something to cuddle and something to keep. It marks the start of Christmas and makes bedtime easier.

What should I put in a Christmas Eve box for a toddler?

Keep it soft and simple: a cuddly bedtime toy such as a Dozy Dinkum or Steiff bear, festive hair clips, a picture book and a sheet of stickers. Skip craft kits with small parts.

How much should a Christmas Eve box cost?

There's no rule. Many families spend £20 to £40 with one 'hero' item such as a Maileg mouse in book, then add two or three fillers under £10.

Can you send a Christmas Eve box directly to my grandchildren?

Yes. Enter their address at checkout, add gift wrapping and we'll pack and dispatch it the same day if you order before 1pm Monday to Friday.

When should I order?

For guaranteed UK delivery before Christmas Eve, order by 17th December (Royal Mail Tracked 48)