The best Christmas Eve box ideas for any recipient

There’s something special about the night before Christmas. The lights are twinkling, stockings are hung, and excitement is in the air. Everyone’s thinking the same thing—wouldn’t it be nice to open just one little present early?

Well, a Christmas Eve box might just do the trick. A thoughtful and unique way to make the evening even more magical. Whether it’s a personalised stocking, food and drink treats, matching pyjamas or a fun activity to keep the kids entertained, it’s all about making extra memories.

Our Not On The High Street gifting experts have curated the best Christmas Eve box ideas, so you’re not feeling lost. So, grab a mince pie, pop your cosy socks on, and get ready to make your Christmas Eve the most special one yet.

What is a Christmas Eve box?

Well, a Christmas Eve box is a small collection of gifts or treats you open the night before Christmas. Depending on what you pop in there, it can also be a great way to keep little ones entertained or wear them out before bed. After all, we all know that getting them to sleep on Christmas Eve is no mean feat. Think of Christmas Eve boxes as a big festive hug, filled with treats to make the night before Christmas feel extra magical.

Although they’re traditionally for kids, they’ve become a fun tradition for us adults too. And it doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive. You could even pop on your DIY hat and get crafty with just a shoebox wrapped in festive gift-wrapping paper. Alternatively, you can pick up a handcrafted wooden box or find a personalised design made with love by our creative small brands. 

How to make a Christmas Eve box

Ready to fill your own Christmas Eve box? We’ve got you covered with all their top tips and tricks on how to create a show-stopping box. 

Choose your box

Luckily for you we’ve got lots of extra-special Christmas Eve boxes to choose from, whether it’s for your pup, partner or little ones. And, if you want to really think outside the box (get it?), you could even go for a personalised Santa sack instead. 

Personalised Christmas Eve boxes

A personalised Christmas Eve box is a great investment, if we do say so ourselves. You can bring it out year after year and it might even become a family heirloom. One particularly special box? This gorgeous wooden house crafted with love by Betsy Benn. It can be personalised with their name, house number and even a dog or cat if you have one. How unique! 

Decorate and fill your box

Now you’ve picked your Christmas Eve box, it’s time to think about how you’re going to fill it. And, the wrapping paper and tags you choose can help to add a really personal touch. Pop their name on wrapping paper or add a personalised, wooden tag to make it totally their own. 

What to put in a Christmas Eve box?

What you pop in your Christmas Eve box is totally up to you and will depend a lot on the age of the recipient. For young kids, it’s all about building up the excitement for Santa’s arrival, so you’ll want to pick some Christmas Eve box fillers that really add to the magic. But for teenagers and grown-ups, it doesn't necessarily need to be themed or festive. Think fun foodie treats, cosy socks and little sentimental gifts to show them how loved they are. 

Christmas Eve box ideas for adults

Yep, we’ve got the grown-ups covered, whether you’re looking for a sentimental photo gift or some really pretty hoops. Some self-care treats are also a lovely idea, whether it’s a calming candle or a personalised leather wash bag to help them unwind over Betwixmas. Oh and did we mention the chocolate rum? It’s dee-licious.

Christmas Eve box ideas for kids

For the kids, a Christmas Eve box is a chance to make some special memories. You could create a themed box filled with toys and games, hot chocolate spoons, a magic key to let Santa in or even an illustrated festive book starring them. We also *love* the idea of including a craft kit so they can explore their creative side.

Christmas Eve box ideas for teenagers

Teenagers, eh? They might be famously tricky to buy for but we’ve got lots of ideas for their box that they might even admit are ‘pretty cool’. Think personalised croc photo charms, customised socks and a croissant candle. Six seven, anyone?

Christmas Eve box ideas for the family

One Christmas Eve box tradition we can definitely get behind? Matching family PJs. Bonus points if you dress up your pet, too. Another great thing to add in is some entertainment, whether it’s a personalised stacking tower game or planning a movie night complete with personalised popcorn bowls, of course.

Christmas Eve box ideas for dogs

Who said that the pups have to miss out on all the fun? A Christmas Eve box is the perfect excuse to dress them up in an adorable outfit, whether it’s a reindeer dog hat or matching jumpers for you and your dog. Personalise their treats for an extra special touch. And how about their own stocking? Adorable.

Other special things to do on Christmas Eve

While Christmas Eve boxes will certainly add to the fun, there are lots of other ways to make the night before memorable. 

Baking is a great activity because everyone can get involved, whether they’re baking or just eating. Perhaps you can start a new tradition of making a gingerbread house every year? Or if you’re more into savoury, how about baking a festive focaccia worthy of a Hollywood handshake? 

For the little ones, it’s a chance to crank up the Christmas magic. Get them to write a letter to the big man himself. Or how about getting them away from the screens with a newspaper straight from The North Pole? 

Oh and the Christmas fun doesn’t stop there. Have a browse of our Christmas Eve edit and discover even more festive treats from the UK’s best small brands.