Creative Christmas Eve box ideas for every family member

What is a Christmas Eve box?

Believed to be a historical German and French tradition, Christmas Eve boxes have become popularised greatly in the UK over the last decade, becoming one of the nation's favourite trends alongside the beloved Elf on the Shelf craze.

Gifting a loved one (mainly children) with a box full of goodies on the 24th of December is an extension of the celebration. It's about enhancing the magic of Christmas Eve, adding to the anticipation and fun that this season brings.

These boxes tend to contain everything you need to cosy up and prepare for Santa’s arrival, so most Christmas Eve boxes centre around nighttime routines like themed pyjamas, blankets, hot drink sachets, small toys… You get the gist!

Aside from those essentials, the rest of the contents are totally personal to the gift buyer's budget and the recipient's age and interests - this concept is open to independent creative direction!

Choosing the Christmas Eve box

No Christmas Eve gift hamper would be complete without the box itself, right?

Depending on how you want to do it, you can pick different types of containers for your hamper. We like to use as many reusable products as we can, so we love to choose a hamper or basket that can be used as storage - once all the Christmas Eve treats have been taken out of it, of course!

If you want a festive-inspired box that’s got plenty of room for your gifts, we have lots of options for you.

You don’t even need to buy a dedicated Christmas box – you can simply recycle something you already have and unleash your creative side with gift tags, Christmas gift wrap and special messages for your loved ones.

Kids’ Christmas Eve hamper ideas

Anyone with children knows they’re the ones who reignite the magic of Christmas – but it’s the parents who make it all happen. A child’s Christmas Eve box is all about preparing for Santa’s arrival while filling the evening with cosy items and Christmas arts and crafts to help them wind down before bed.

‘Preparation for Santa’ essentials

We’re sure you remember the sheer excitement of Christmas Eve as a child. Listening out for jingling bells, searching for Santa’s footprints come morning, leaving out a big glass of milk… the list goes on. A kids’ Christmas Eve box is the perfect way to keep that fantasy alive and let the magic linger just a while longer.

Here are some preparation essentials that parents online always recommend, including:

• Behaviour certificate: If you’ve had a little pesky Elf living rent-free for December, why not have him deliver confirmation of their position on the Nice List? Some parents use the Elf’s letter to mark his departure, suggesting that the gift box is a teaser present from the Grotto
• Storybooks: It’s a tradition in many households to read a magical fairytale or a North Pole-related story before bedtime. One of the most popular is ‘The Night Before Christmas’
• Reindeer food: A packet of biodegradable ‘reindeer food’ is always a hit with the little ones. Make your own festive mix using coloured sugar and birdseed, or pick up a premade pack to save yourself some time
• Snack plate: Santa Claus and Rudolph will be filling their tummies with sweet treats once they’ve entered your chimney. Be sure to present their snacks nicely by adding a festive snack plate to the kids’ box, allowing them to get involved in the tradition
• Signpost: Another item perfect for Christmas Eve boxes is a cute little signpost that reads ‘Santa stop here’. Include it within the hamper and encourage your little one to hang it on the door before they go to sleep

Christmas quizzes and games

For the younger ones, Christmas Eve can feel like a long day, so packing some family games into your box can help make the time fly by!

We love a classic film quiz at Christmas, but whether you’re after a fun board game or something more active, there are plenty of choices out there to suit whoever you want to entertain this Christmas.

At wilko, we have hundreds of cheap and compact novelty gifts ideal for the festive season. Think assorted packs of festive tabletop card games and themed jigsaws, great for short bursts of entertainment between meals and Christmas films.

Christmas clothing

It’s that time of year when your Facebook feeds become littered with adorable pictures of kids in their Christmas pyjamas. Join the other proud parents and add a pair of seasonal pyjamas to their box, they’ll love slipping into them after a nice warm bath!

If you fancy putting together a full ensemble of cute clothing and accessories, pick up a pair of fluffy socks, an eye mask, some funny elf-ish slippers and a Christmas jumper.

Christmas Eve gift ideas for teens and adults

‘Tis the season to show your loved ones – no matter their age – just how much they mean to you. And what better way than with a thoughtful box of goodies? Whether it’s for a partner, friend, or adult child, there are plenty of affordable items you can pack into a Christmas Eve hamper.

Cosy accessories

What could be better than settling down and snuggling up on Christmas Eve? Most households find themselves tucked up with the Christmas lights twinkling, fire roaring and a good film on the TV. To help set the scene, there’s a wide range of home accessories and gift sets you can add to your box:

• Seasonal candle: Pop in a scented candle to create a soothing vibe. Opt for Christmas fragrances like pine, cinnamon, and a warming touch of vanilla or spiced orange
• Face masks: Help them wind down and prep their skin ahead of the celebration with a face mask. We recommend fun novelty reindeer face masks to keep with the theme!
• Christmas blanket: Team it with a comfy throw and once the games are all done, everyone can snuggle up together on the sofa and watch some festive films - bliss!
• Bath bombs: You can’t go wrong with a couple of luxury bath bombs. Perfect for a relaxing soak that leaves them feeling pampered and refreshed for the big day

Hot chocolate and sweet treats

You can’t go wrong with a pack of chocolate coins, a sachet of luxury hot chocolate and a selection box. While they’ll likely be opening their final door on the advent calendar on the 24th, a few extra festive treats in their Christmas Eve box will feel even more indulgent. Everyone loves hot chocolate during the Christmas period, so Christmas mugs are perfect, no matter who the Christmas Eve box is for…and we have mugs suitable for all!

They can enjoy their drinks in style with our range of festive-inspired mugs and cups. We love the novelty Santa and reindeer mugs. And if you’re buying for adults, go for the fun, naughty and nice mugs.

Christmas Eve boxes for pets

Don’t leave your furry friends out of the fun! There are lots of low-cost Christmas gifts for pets that you can pack into a mini box for the night before Christmas. Sure, they won’t have a clue what day it is, but it's special for the family to include them, and they’ll love the treats and toys just the same!

Seasonal treats

Let’s be honest – any of your cat or dog’s favourite treats will suffice, but it’s much more exciting to go for themed ones! Choose from an array of exclusive flavours to make the food seem extra special and festive for the occasion. Whether it be a colourful Christmas stick or a pre-made assortment of treats wrapped up with a little bow, it’s a simple way to spoil your pet and make them feel part of the festivities.

For small animals, pick fruit trees that they can nibble on or a cosy hideaway toy to enjoy on Christmas Eve.

Christmas jumpers

Now, we know not all pets enjoy wearing clothing. But if your dog doesn’t mind dressing up once in a while, a fair aisle jumper is the cutest addition to their Christmas Eve box. If a jumper feels like too much, opt for a Santa hat or adjustable elf ears instead - so long as they keep it on long enough to snap a picture!

Unique themed ideas for your Christmas Eve gift box

If you prefer to defy tradition and create a box unique to your recipient, there are plenty of less common ideas to inspire you:

• Cleaning gift set: For those who love a Crimbo clean, include festive-scented cleaning products like room sprays, eco-friendly wipes and anti-bac spray from their favourite brands. It’s a quirky yet lovely way to make their home feel super fresh as they head into the new year
• Self-care box: Make Christmas Eve all about self-care by building a hamper jam-packed with bath salts, makeup, skincare and herbal teas for a relaxing night in
• Movie night kit: If you’re looking to create one big sharer box, a movie night hamper is a great way to go. Include a selection of snacks, popcorn, a blanket and some snack plates for an unforgettable feast
• Craft set: Get the craft lover in your life a box bursting with creative essentials. Fill with festive supplies like decorative paper, glitter, and DIY decoration kits to keep the creativity flowing all season long

Extra-special touches for the night before Christmas

Christmas Eve is a special night for the kids, and we have some extra tips on making it a truly magical night.

Here’s how to prepare for Santa’s arrival:

• Lay out a Christmas Eve plate for Santa; he’ll need a break on his journey all the way from the North Pole!
• Get the Santa Tracker set up to follow his sleigh as he makes it around the globe - it’s a great way of encouraging the kids to sleep when they’re still excited and full of beans!
• Don’t forget a carrot for Rudolph and encourage the kids to help you lay the treats out before they climb into bed
• Have the kids write their final letters to Santa, thanking him for their gifts and offering a final promise of good behaviour!

Are Christmas Eve boxes from Santa or parents?

Honestly, this is totally dependent on your personal preferences and traditions. We’ve seen Christmas Eve boxes come from elves, Christmas fairies and Santa himself, while others prefer to let the kids know it’s come directly from their parents as a thoughtful surprise.

What time do you give Christmas Eve boxes?

Depending on the contents and purpose of the box, you can give it either in the morning or evening of the 24th. If you’ve chosen to fill their boxes with lots of activities, it’s best to get the fun started earlier. Otherwise, presenting the gift after dinner is a lovely idea, allowing them to begin their nighttime routine and wind down for the evening.