Christmas Eve box ideas: build your festive tradition
What is a Christmas Eve box?
A Christmas Eve box is a collection of small gifts opened on 24th December. It brings everyone together, adds some extra excitement to Christmas Eve, and can be tailored to suit any budget. Thought to have been inspired by the Christmas celebrations of European countries, where presents are exchanged on December 24th, the Christmas Eve box is a relatively new tradition that’s become increasingly popular over the last few years. And, while they’re usually aimed at children, there are no rules saying that adults can’t enjoy them too.
What should you put in a Christmas Eve box?
A Christmas Eve box is what you make it. Personalise it with different fillers to suit each recipient, whether you’re creating one for your teenager, children, friends, partner, or even yourself. You could follow a simple formula, such as something to wear, something to eat and something to do, or build a themed box around a favourite festive tradition. A bauble, cosy socks, a hot chocolate stirrer and a book, for example, could mean decorating the tree, settling in with a warm drink and enjoying a festive read before Christmas day. Don’t have a suitable box? Get creative with a woven basket, storage box or large gift bag instead. If you’re looking for inspiration, we have a selection of suggestions for Christmas Eve box fillers.
Soft, warm and made for evenings at home, slippers are a Christmas Eve box filler that can be enjoyed straight away. Perfect for getting into the festive spirit while taking part in Christmas Eve traditions, from wrapping last-minute presents to spending time with family, they'll continue to be worn long after Christmas day.
Whether it's filled with a hot chocolate on Christmas Eve or a coffee on the morning of Christmas Day, a mug is a Christmas Eve box filler that can become part of the celebrations from the very first sip. Long after the festive drinks are gone, it'll still have a place in their kitchen for everyday brews throughout the year.
The aroma of Christmas is an important part of the festive build-up, making a scented candle a welcome addition to a Christmas Eve box. Fragrances inspired by seasonal favourites, from warming mulled wine and spiced cinnamon to sweet clementine and rich hot chocolate, can help set the mood for the celebrations ahead. Once lit, they'll fill their home with warming fragrance and a soft glow long after Christmas Eve has passed.
For the beauty lover who'll appreciate a pampering present, a masking set is a simple way to encourage a little time for self-care before the festivities begin. With treatments for the face, lips, hair and feet, it's a Christmas eve box filler that can turn a quiet evening at home into a relaxing pamper session.
If you're creating a Christmas Eve box for adults, glassware adds a celebratory touch. Whether it's a cocktail glass, coupe or tumbler, it'll elevate their favourite festive drink and provide the perfect excuse to toast the season. It's a Christmas Eve box filler that helps turn a simple drink into a special moment.
Bows aren't just for the tree, after all. Hair accessories make a delightful Christmas eve box filler for someone who loves adding a festive touch to their outfit. Whether it's worn to Christmas Eve celebrations or saved for Christmas day, a bow, headband or scrunchie can bring a playful detail to the occasion.
Gathering family and friends together is one of the best parts of Christmas Eve, making a card game a fun addition to a Christmas Eve box. From testing general knowledge with trivia cards to sparking a little friendly competition, it's sure to keep the conversation and laughter flowing before the big day.
On Christmas Eve, why not add the final decoration to the tree? Our alphabet Christmas decorations featuring their initial adds a personal touch, creating a keepsake they'll look forward to hanging up year after year. It's a gift that's just as enjoyable to display on the tree as it is to unwrap.
With Christmas Day and Boxing Day walks on the horizon, scarves are a Christmas Eve box filler that are both cosy and practical. Soft, warm and easy to wear, it'll help keep the winter chill at bay while heading out to visit family or enjoying a post-lunch stroll. It's the kind of gift that'll quickly become a cold-weather favourite.
For those who like to keep their favourite lippie and beauty must-haves close at hand, a makeup bag makes a stylish Christmas Eve box filler for her. From festive getaways and overnight stays to storing everyday favourites, it's a gift that's designed to go wherever she does.
