It's the evening of 24 December. The excitement is at full volume, bedtime feels impossible, and someone has asked for the fourth time whether Father Christmas has left yet.
You've probably heard of Christmas Eve boxes, and there's a reason why. Parents all over the country use them to give kids something to keep them cosy and occupied before the big day. Add a little bit of magic and you can turn all that energy into something quiet. Here are our favourite Christmas Eve box ideas for kids.
What should you put in a Christmas Eve box for kids?
A Christmas Eve box for kids usually holds something cosy to wear, something to read, a small treat and something to cuddle. Add one screen-free activity to help wind down the excitement, and you have the classic mix. Choose pieces that suit your child's age and keep it simple.
1. Cosy pyjamas
Pyjamas are the cornerstone of a Christmas Eve box, and colour-in pyjamas give them a job to do. eatsleepdoodle's colour-in pyjamas are made from 100% cotton and come with ten wash-out fabric markers, so children can colour their own designs before bedtime. Let the colouring dry before they put them on.
Choose from dinosaur, mermaid, space explorer and fairytales & legends designs. They come in sizes to fit ages 4 to 7, so check the size guide before you order. When the pyjamas need a fresh start, wash them in an ordinary laundry load, following the care label, and the ink comes out, ready to colour all over again. Read more about how our colour-in pyjamas work.
2. A bedtime book
A story is the easiest way to slow the evening down. Choose a family favourite, or start a new tradition with a book you only read on Christmas Eve. The Night Before Christmas is a classic for a reason. And if you've got any toddlers, our new colour-in reusable fabric books are great for this.
3. Something to cuddle
A cuddly bear that doubles as a colouring project is a lovely thing to find in a box. Artie Bear® has a super-soft cotton outer and cosy filling, and comes with ten wash-out pens. Your child can give it stripes, stars or a full bear-drobe makeover, then wash it following the care label and start again.
There are doodle, fairytale and dinosaur designs to choose from - maybe you can even get little ones to create their very own elf bear?
4. A pillowcase for sweet dreams
A colour-in pillowcase turns bedtime into a creative moment. Our bestselling fairytales & legends pillowcase, recommended by the Good Toy Guide, is packed with storybook characters to colour, comes with ten wash-out fabric pens, and has a book-style print on the reverse for writing a story of your own. Once the colouring is dry, it's fine to sleep on. Then just pop in the wash, the colours come out, and you can start again on Boxing Day.
5. A hot chocolate and a small treat
A sachet of hot chocolate, a biscuit or a favourite sweet makes the box feel like an occasion. Keep it small and easy to enjoy before teeth are brushed.
6. One screen-free wind-down activity
A cosy film, a jigsaw or colouring at the kitchen table all work well. If you have little ones, our guide to screen-free activities for toddlers has more calm ideas.
Christmas Eve box ideas by age
Toddlers (ages 1 to 3): a board book, a soft toy and chunky colouring. Our guide to screen-free Christmas gifts for toddlers has plenty more.
Ages 4 to 7: pyjamas, a bear, a pillowcase and a longer story. Colouring is a calming activity at this age, so it suits a box that needs to end in sleep.
FAQs
What do you put in a Christmas Eve box?
Most Christmas Eve boxes include cosy pyjamas, a bedtime book, a small treat such as hot chocolate, a cuddly toy and one quiet activity. Choose items to suit your child's age and interests, and keep the box small enough to enjoy in one evening.
What age is a Christmas Eve box for?
Christmas Eve boxes work for any age, because you choose what goes inside. For toddlers, try a board book, a soft toy and chunky colouring. For older children, try a longer book or a creative project. Check the age guidance on each product.
When do you give a Christmas Eve box?
Traditionally on the evening of 24 December, before bed, though some families open theirs earlier in the day or even a few days before. There is no right time, so choose whatever helps your evening run more smoothly.
What can I put in a Christmas Eve box that isn't sweets?
Pyjamas, a book, a cuddly toy, a bath bomb, new slippers or something creative to colour all work well. Many parents like a mix of one cosy item, one story and one small activity, so the box feels special without being full of sugar.
Do colour-in pyjamas come with pens?
Yes. Our colour-in pyjamas come with ten wash-out fabric markers, so they are ready to colour straight from the box. The ink is water-soluble and washes out on a warm machine wash, so you can colour them again. Always follow the care label.
Keep it simple
A Christmas Eve box does not need to be big or expensive. It just needs to make the night before Christmas feel a little bit special. Leave yourself time for delivery, and browse our colour-in pyjamas to start your box.
