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10 Festive Christmas Eve Box Ideas for Toddlers and Kids

written by BRETT NICOLE HAYDEN

The Everymom’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

Christmas Eve boxes ideas"
Christmas Eve boxes ideas
Graphics by: Aryana Johnson
Graphics by: Aryana Johnson

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.

Christmas Eve box ideas
Carter’s
Elf in Disguise Graphic Tee

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

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Minnie Mouse sweatshirt
Carter’s
Minnie Mouse Christmas Pullover

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

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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.

night before christmas book
CLEMENT CLARKE MOORE
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

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.

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kid christmas book
DAVID LITCHFIELD
Kid Christmas: Of the Claus Brothers Toy Store

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.

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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!

kids pajamas
Carter’s
Fair Isle Two-Piece Pajama Set

Dress your little one in this adorable set that’s perfect for them to wear on Christmas morning.

available in sizes 2T – 5T

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christmas pajamas
BURT’S BEES BABY
Letters to Santa Pajamas

Get into the festive spirit with these adorable printed pajamas featuring letters to Santa.

available in newborn – adult sizes

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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.

kids slippers
GAP
Toddler Sherpa Reindeer Slippers

How cute are these slippers in the shape of festive reindeer?

available in sizes 5T – 12T, plus a similar style available in kids’ sizes

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kids bombs slippers
Bombas
Toddler Gripper Slipper

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

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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.

personalized bluey ornament
Etsy | Rustic Ornaments Gifts
Bluey Personalized Ornament

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.

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personalized ornament
Etsy | Creative Feel
Personalized Hand-Painted Ornament

These bespoke hand-painted ornaments can be customized with your child’s name in pretty script handwriting.

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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 holiday socks
Carter’s
Cozy Holiday Socks

Cozy fuzzy socks with fun designs are always a good idea, especially when it comes to Christmas Eve boxes.

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fuzzy socks
Target
Candy Cane Socks

Classic Christmas colors paired with a classic holiday candy make these the perfect festive socks. Plus, this set is under $5!

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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.

hot chocolate bomb
Williams Sonoma
Snowman Face Hot Chocolate Bomb

What kid could pass up an adorable snowman that melts into delicious hot chocolate?

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holiday pez
Target
Pez Holiday Candy Dispenser

The best candy is nostalgic candy. Share in the Pez magic with your kiddos in a festive way.

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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.

bluey kids game
Target
Bluey Keepy Uppy Game

Have your kiddos always wanted to play Bluey’s “Keepy Uppy” game? Now’s their chance with this set!

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musical puzzles
QUARTO
The Story Orchestra Musical Puzzles

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.

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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!

christmas coloring book
Amazon
Christmas Coloring Book for Kids

This book includes 40 fun coloring pages with scenes that include Christmas trees, Santas, penguins, gingerbread houses, and more!

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bluey christmas coloring book
Amazon
Bluey: Merry Christmas Coloring Book

Have a very Bluey Christmas with this big book of coloring pages full of their favorite pups.

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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!

custom Christmas Eve box
Etsy | A Little Beautiful Mess
Christmas Eve Box

This personalized crate couldn’t be cuter and is big enough to fit any and all Christmas Eve presents.

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custom Christmas Eve box
Etsy | Godsoe Engravings
Custom Christmas Eve Box

Make your kiddo feel like they’re getting a special delivery straight from the North Pole with this adorable customized box.

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the everymoms holiday gift guide 2023

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.