How to build the ultimate Christmas Eve box: ideas and fillers for adults and kids

Kick-start your Christmas gift-giving celebrations by creating personalised boxes for you and your loved ones to open on Christmas Eve. With many ways to make this festive tradition your own, read on for our ideas of what to put in your Christmas Eve box to delight both the young and the young at heart.

What is a Christmas Eve box?

A Christmas Eve box is a curation of small gifts, edible treats, clothing, and fun activities, given on 24th December to create excitement before the big day.

Thought to have been inspired by the Christmas celebrations of European countries, where the exchange of presents happens on the evening of December 24th, it’s a relatively new tradition that’s become more and more popular over the last few years. And, while they’re usually aimed at kids, Christmas Eve boxes can be enjoyed by adults too.

What to put in a Christmas Eve box

There are (almost) no limits to what can be put in a Christmas Eve box, other than size constraints! You can personalise them with different Christmas Eve box fillers to suit each recipient, whether you’re creating them for your family, kids, friends, partner, or for yourself to enjoy the night before Christmas. Follow our step-by-step guide to get started.

1. Select your box

First, find a suitable container to fill with your chosen goodies. If you buy new, look for a box or storage basket you can use in your house after Christmas Day, too, for a more sustainable touch. Or use something you already have, such as a cardboard box decorated with wrapping paper and tinsel, a Christmas gift bag, or even a piece of fabric knotted together using the traditional Japanese method of furoshiki.

2. Add tasty treats

It wouldn’t be Christmas without indulgent treats. For a sugary surprise, add a mug and some hot chocolate bombes to their Christmas Eve box - they’re stuffed full of mini marshmallows that appear when covered with steamed milk. Don’t forget to include a hearty snack for Santa and carrots for the reindeer for your kids to leave out before they go to bed.

3. Include entertainment

Bring in some good old-fashioned fun by gathering family or friends together for a Christmas Eve games night. Test their general knowledge with trivia cards, create some competition with board games and card games, or keep them quietly occupied with a jigsaw puzzle.

4. Pop in a handy pouch

Roomy enough to store all your small travel essentials, this silver pouch has a crinkle texture with golden hardware and an OB charm. Slip an additional small gift inside for an extra surprise.

5. Add hair accessories

See them through every stage of the festive celebrations with a fancy hair accessory. Add colour with matching clips, or keep you hair tucked away with a statement headband.

6. Slip in some socks

You can’t forget the all-time favourite festive gift idea. This stylish pair of slipper socks is ideal for frosty nights with their fluffy finish and zebra pattern.

7. Choose a pair of PJs

After the busy lead-up to Christmas, turn relaxation mode on with a pair of patterned pyjamas and accessories to match. Pair with cosy socks or slippers to keep your toes toasty, and a quilted blanket or throw to snuggle down with.

8. Pick a Christmas tree decoration

For an extra festive touch to your Christmas Eve box fillers, pop in a Christmas decoration for the recipient to hang on the tree the night before. Get nostalgic with a vintage-inspired bauble, or go for a fun fabric decoration, all individually beaded by hand.

Christmas Eve box ideas for adults

After the presents have been wrapped, the Christmas Day lunch has been prepped and the stockings have been filled, it’s time for the adults to put their feet up and indulge in a bit of pre-Christmas gift fun, too. Christmas Eve boxes for adults can be stuffed with all kinds of fillers. Follow these steps to curate the ultimate Christmas Eve box just for the grown-ups.

1. Add boozy treats

Cue the cocktails! ‘Tis the night before Christmas, after all. Fill your Christmas Eve box with all the ingredients you need to toast the season, from fancy glassware to style up your Christmas table the next day to a cocktail book with different recipes. It’s time to sit back, relax and sip your way to Christmas Day.

2. Choose a Christmas jumper

If pyjamas aren’t your loungewear of choice, choose a relaxed jumper or cardigan instead. Eschew tacky Christmas jumpers in favour of something more sophisticated you’ll want to wear all winter, from Christmas Eve to your Christmas Day walk, all the way through to Easter. Choose a style with a loose shape and a high roll neck to keep extra toasty.

3. Select a Christmas scent

Add to your festive decorations by scenting your space with a Christmassy candle or reed diffuser. A favourite is our Orange & Cinnamon fragrance, which mixes top notes of orange with earthy cinnamon for the perfect Christmas blend.

4. Include some new jewellery

Once you’ve got your Christmas outfit sorted, don’t forget to accessorise. A new pair of earrings or a necklace are ideal for slipping into your Christmas Eve box. Choose a piece with sparkly accents or gems to fit the theme – these earrings comes in a mix-and-match set so you can switch up your look throughout the festive season.

5. Prepare to pamper

Wind down before the craziness of Christmas Day with relaxation treats. Recharge with a hydrating hair mask, soak in a hot bath filled with bath salts, supercharge your skincare with face masks and foot masks, or simply cuddle up on the couch with a warming hot water bottle before Santa makes an appearance.