Christmas Eve boxes have become the big new tradition in family households with young children - but what are they, and where exactly did they come from?
Put simply, a Christmas Eve box is a box of goodies that you can open on Christmas Eve, in anticipation of the most fun (and magical) day of the year. Most people fill them with cute things like special Christmas pyjamas, books to read to distract them from the excitement and sweet treats to nibble on.
While usually reserved for children, we love the idea of a Christmas Eve box for grown-ups too, be it your partner, sibling, mum, or best friend. No matter who you are shopping for, we've made a list of the best Christmas Eve boxes, alongside the perfect gifts to go in them for both children AND adults.
What should go in Christmas Eve boxes?
It's COMPLETELY up to you - the world is your oyster. Try to think of things you know your kids would like to play with; if they're bookworms, maybe include the latest novel in their favourite series. If they're more into video games, perhaps treat them to that game they've been lusting after for weeks.
Other parents tend to opt for pyjamas, so that they have something new and cosy to wear when they go to bed on Christmas Eve - and probably most of Christmas Day, too! You could maybe add a mug, some marshmallows and hot chocolate as a sleepy treat.
Shop the best Christmas Eve boxes
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Best Christmas Eve Boxes
1 of 6Personalised Winter Animals Wooden Christmas Eve Box
We can't get over how cute this Christmas Eve box is. Woodland-inspired and embellished with beautiful illustrations, your little one will love opening this up on the night before Christmas.
2 of 6Personalised Children's Christmas Eve Box
Simple but oh so lovely, this option allows you to choose between a bear, lego, star, racecar and loads more symbols to be engraved on the box, tailoring to each child's preferences.
3 of 6Vintage Stamp Christmas Eve Crate
We love this vintage style 'reindeer delivery' box that'll make the run-up to Christmas all the more exciting for your little one. It's available in three colours - red, green or blue - and can be personalised with your address to make it all the more believable.
4 of 6Christmas Eve Box
Christmas is expensive as is, so save money with these personalised cardboard Christmas Eve boxes displaying a stamp and a cute ribbon.
5 of 6Personalised Traditional Christmas Eve Box
Enjoy the excited look on your little one's faces as they open up this beautiful, traditionally designed Christmas Eve Box and all the goodies you've filled it with. Available in red and green or purple and blue.
6 of 6Snow White Special Delivery Christmas Eve Box
Another cheap and cheerful Christmas Eve Box to fill with their favourite toys and treats.
Best Christmas Eve box gifts for kids
Looking for some inspiration on what to actually put in the box? Look no further! Take a look through our ideas below, but remember - it's completely your choice. No one knows your child better than you!
Christmas Eve Box Gifts For Kids
1 of 9Cadbury Dairy Milk Hollow Christmas Chocolate Santa
Let your children stuff their face before bedtime just this once...
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2 of 9Kids' Santa Paws Family Pyjama Set (1-16 Yrs)
Matching Christmas jammies are a Christmas Eve box must-have, and we're loving this doggo-inspired pair.
3 of 9Cosy Reindeer Slipper Boots
The most adorable Christmas slippers we've ever come across, these will keep their little feet toasty and the soft fabric will feel lovely against their skin.
4 of 9Personalised Maltesers Classic Box
Put their name on this personalised Maltesers Classic box, alongside a cheeky message.
5 of 9The Christmas Pine: a magical story for Christmas
What's Christmas without a magical Christmas tale? This one tells the story of a Christmas pine tree in Trafalgar square, alongside beautiful illustrations and heart-warming messages. The perfect Christmas Eve read.
6 of 9Reindeer Plush Toy
With its adorable Christmas scarf and cute red nose, who wouldn't want to cuddle up to Rene the Reindeer?
7 of 9Bombombs Hot Chocolate Bombs
Hot chocolate is practically synonymous with Christmas, and these hot chocolate bombs are the perfect Christmas Eve treat.
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8 of 9Christmas Street Book
Another gorgeously illustrated Christmas book, this one is a lift-the-flap Christmas alphabet storybook set on a Christmas street where all the residents are wrapping presents, baking gingerbread or coming down the chimney.
Best Christmas Eve box gifts for adults
Who says Christmas Eve boxes are just for kids? Treat yourself, your partner or your bestie to their very own bundle of Christmas Eve treats. If you're stuck for ideas, we've made a list of a few adult Christmas Eve gifts to shop right now.
The best Christmas Eve box gifts for adults
1 of 7Emma Bridgewater Christmas Pudding Half Pint Mug
Emma Bridgewater can do no wrong, and this gorge Christmas mug is living proof. Ideal for enjoying a Christmas Eve or Christmas morning cuppa.
2 of 7Lindt Festive Milk Chocolate Christmas Assortment Pouch
Grown-ups deserve Lindt, and this festive pouch contains an assortment of Christmas chocolate faves to indulge in throughout the holiday season, or all at once - no judgement here.
3 of 7Cosy Fur Trim Socks
Wearing fluffy socks on Christmas is basically a must, and these cute furry socks will keep their feet warm all winter long.
4 of 7Garnier Sheet Mask Discovery Collection
We all know just how stressful Christmas can be, so help them unwind and rejuvenate the night before the big day with these luxurious sheet masks.
5 of 7Penguin Pyjamas - Penguin Couple Pyjamas
An adorable pair of matching Christmas PJs to rock on Christmas Eve and most of Christmas day. Don't forget to add both of your initials for an added touch of personalisation.
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6 of 7Yankee Candle Red Apple Wreath
A Christmas-inspired Yankee Candle would make our Christmas Eve, Day and New Year, TBH.
7 of 7Kingsbridge Hot Chocolate Spoons
These marshmallow and hot chocolate spoons are the perfect Christmas Eve beverage. Simply pop them in some steaming hot milk, and enjoy by the fire.
What to read next:
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The best slippers to keep your feet warm and toasty this winter
How to make your own Christmas Eve box
If you want to get creative and make your very own Christmas Eve Box, then all you need is, well, a box! Take a look in your recycling at whether you've chucked away any cardboard boxes, or whether you've got an empty crate somewhere that you could repurpose. Simply wrap it up in pretty things like wrapping paper and maybe some tinsel to make them extra festive, et voilà!
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