Christmas guide
Christmas Eve box ideas by age
A Christmas Eve box is a small box opened the night before Christmas. It usually holds cozy things for the evening rather than big gifts. It works at any age if you match what is inside to the child. Here are ideas by age group, plus how to keep the cost low.
Babies and toddlers (0 to 3)
- A soft board book about bedtime or Christmas.
- Pajamas, socks or a small blanket.
- A teething toy or soft stuffed animal.
- A card or note for the grown-ups to keep in the baby book.
Little kids (4 to 8)
- Matching Christmas pajamas.
- A new Christmas picture book to read that night.
- Hot cocoa mix and a mug or a small treat.
- A coloring page, stickers or a small craft.
- A snack tag or reindeer food bag for the yard.
Older kids and teens (9+)
- Cozy socks or a soft blanket.
- A snack they like and a drink to go with it.
- A deck of cards, a puzzle or a small game for the family.
- A short handwritten note from a parent about the year.
- A movie night plan or a streaming pick for the evening.
Build one on a budget
Pick a theme such as cozy night, movie night or bedtime stories so the box feels planned. Buy one or two things, then add items you already have: a favorite book, a flashlight, a blanket.
Keep the box itself simple. A plain box with a printed tag or label looks special without costing much.
Make it a tradition
Open the box at the same time each year, such as after dinner and before bath time. Save the tags and notes so you can look back later. A checklist of traditions helps everyone remember what the box and the evening usually include.
Want it ready to print?
More Christmas guides
- 24 advent activity ideas for families
- How to run a fair white elephant gift exchange
- How to host a Christmas cookie exchange
- Christmas dinner table setting checklist
Free printables: Christmas activity cards, gift and budget pages and more on the free printables page.