This post contains sponsored inclusions of Carter’s and Quarto, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
"As parents, few things are more rewarding than making memories with our little ones—and extra-special memories are often created around the holiday season. It’s a magical time of year when we get to carry on our favorite childhood holiday traditions while also creating new ones with our own families. When you were little, perhaps your family had special Christmas Eve traditions, like opening a single present or cozying up in new holiday pajamas. Today, some parents are adding to the fun in new ways by introducing an Elf on the Shelf to their kids or creating Christmas Eve boxes for little ones.
Said to be inspired by the German tradition of opening gifts on Christmas Eve instead of on Christmas Day, Christmas Eve boxes have started going viral on Pinterest as a new family activity for December 24. While this idea can, at first glance, easily feel like one more thing added to the mental load of parents during the holidays, the beauty of the Christmas Eve box is that it can be a simple gesture that turns into a cherished family tradition.
If you’re interested in curating some December 24 gifts for your kids this year but are thinking “what goes into a Christmas Eve box?” you’re certainly not alone. But let us be your guide! Below, we’re sharing 10 present ideas for toddlers and kids that can be included in a Christmas Eve box—including a few personalized crates that can be used year after year.
Christmas Eve Box Ideas
1. Cute and Festive Clothes
A great place to start is with something fun and festive they can wear on Christmas Day. We love how adorable (and affordable) Carter’s holiday clothes for kids are, making them a great addition to any Christmas Eve box.
Carter’s
Does your family have a little elf who loves to help out with magical holiday festivities? If so, gift them the perfect shirt to wear this season as they get in the holiday spirit.
available in sizes 2T – 5T
Carter’s
An oh-so-cute option for the Disney fan at home, this cozy pullover sweatshirt featuring Minnie Mouse will get everyone in the mood to celebrate Christmas with family and friends.
available in sizes 2T – 5T
2. Books
Christmas Eve may be reserved for snuggling together while watching a holiday movie, but there’s always time for a good book before bed, too. Whether you go with a holiday-themed option or just one you know they’ll enjoy, books are always a good idea.
CLEMENT CLARKE MOORE
This classic Christmas tale gets a modern update with bright and cheerful illustrations that will look adorable on a bookshelf and be a delightful read with kids.
DAVID LITCHFIELD
This cute tale explains how Santa became the man so many kids around the world know and love today. Kids will be amazed to learn how it all began.
3. Holiday Pajamas
What better way to spend Christmas Eve than in a comfy pair of PJs? Adding a very special festive pair in their Christmas Eve box is something your little one is sure to love. Bonus points if the whole crew dresses in matching family holiday pajamas!
Carter’s
Dress your little one in this adorable set that’s perfect for them to wear on Christmas morning.
available in sizes 2T – 5T
BURT’S BEES BABY
Get into the festive spirit with these adorable printed pajamas featuring letters to Santa.
available in newborn – adult sizes
4. Slippers
The holidays are all about staying cozy, and we can’t think of a better way to do just that than with a new pair of slippers. Go all out with a set featuring Christmas colors or seasonal critters like reindeer, or pick a more neutral option that they can wear all year long.
GAP
How cute are these slippers in the shape of festive reindeer?
available in sizes 5T – 12T, plus a similar style available in kids’ sizes
Bombas
These slippers are as cozy as they are neutral, meaning they can be worn for months to come.
available in sizes 5T – 10T, plus baby booties and youth slippers also available
5. Christmas Ornaments
Make the box extra meaningful by including a new ornament that the kiddos can hang on the tree. Grab one that features one of their favorite characters (like Bluey!) or opt for a more heirloom-style option they’ll always cherish.
Etsy | Rustic Ornaments Gifts
Calling all Bluey fans! Not only is this wooden ornament adorable—and unbreakable—on its own, but it can also be customized with your child’s name and the year.
Etsy | Creative Feel
These bespoke hand-painted ornaments can be customized with your child’s name in pretty script handwriting.
6. Socks
Not only are socks a practical and budget-friendly inclusion in a Christmas Eve box, but they add a festive touch to any holiday PJ set or outfit.
Carter’s
Cozy fuzzy socks with fun designs are always a good idea, especially when it comes to Christmas Eve boxes.
Target
Classic Christmas colors paired with a classic holiday candy make these the perfect festive socks. Plus, this set is under $5!
7. Sweet Treats
Whether you opt for classic holiday treats like candy canes, nostalgic candy toys like Pez dispensers, or a winter-themed hot chocolate bomb, a sweet treat is sure to delight any kid opening their Christmas Eve box.
Williams Sonoma
What kid could pass up an adorable snowman that melts into delicious hot chocolate?
Target
The best candy is nostalgic candy. Share in the Pez magic with your kiddos in a festive way.
8. Board Games or Puzzles
Nothing says family bonding quite like playing a board game or completing a puzzle together. Encourage a family game night on Christmas Eve by gifting them one of their favorites or something brand new.
Target
Have your kiddos always wanted to play Bluey’s “Keepy Uppy” game? Now’s their chance with this set!
QUARTO
Puzzles are pretty great gifts as they are, but ones that play musical clips and offer a retelling of classic holiday stories like The Nutcracker and Swan Lake get an even bigger thumbs up in our book.
9. Coloring Books
You can never go wrong with gifting a coloring book and crayons. Kids love them and they’re great to have on hand for keeping littles occupied while you get things ready Christmas Day. Or, instead of buying a coloring book, simply print off a few of The Everymom’s holiday coloring pages to include in the box!
Amazon
This book includes 40 fun coloring pages with scenes that include Christmas trees, Santas, penguins, gingerbread houses, and more!
Amazon
Have a very Bluey Christmas with this big book of coloring pages full of their favorite pups.
10. Personalized Christmas Eve Boxes
Make your child’s Christmas Eve box extra special by ordering a personalized crate adorned with your kiddo’s name on it. This is a great option to consider if you plan on making Christmas Eve boxes a yearly tradition!
Etsy | A Little Beautiful Mess
This personalized crate couldn’t be cuter and is big enough to fit any and all Christmas Eve presents.
Etsy | Godsoe Engravings
Make your kiddo feel like they’re getting a special delivery straight from the North Pole with this adorable customized box.
This post contains sponsored inclusions of Carter’s and Quarto but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.