Christmas Eve Box Ideas for Kids: Free Planner and What to Put In

Download the free printable cards

What goes in a Christmas Eve box?

Keep it calm and cosy, not a second present pile. Here are gentle ideas grouped by the kind of evening you want, ready to tick off together.

Cosy and calm

1. New pyjamas, warm and soft
2. Slippers or snuggly socks
3. A picture book to read at bedtime
4. An LED candle for a soft glow (never a real flame near children)
5. A small cuddly toy to hold
6. A warm drink, like milk or a mild hot chocolate
7. A soft blanket or snuggle wrap
8. A rain sound maker for a sleepy sensory moment
9. A torch for a quick story under the covers

Play and make

1. A small wooden toy, like a stacking toy or shape sorter
2. A first jigsaw puzzle to do together
3. A simple family game for Christmas morning
4. A colouring sheet and chunky crayons
5. Threading beads for quiet fingers
6. A set of wooden building blocks
7. A sticker or scratch art pad
8. A little pretend play food item for the morning
9. A musical toy, like a small xylophone

Festive touches

1. A note from Father Christmas, read aloud by a grown-up
2. A felt star or bauble to add to the tree
3. Reindeer food to sprinkle outside (check for allergies and keep it simple)
4. A Christmas picture book about kindness or sharing
5. A little wooden ornament to keep each year
6. A photo of last Christmas to chat about
7. A countdown card showing one sleep to go
8. A small torch projector with festive shapes
9. A soft toy that becomes a yearly favourite

How to use the Christmas Eve box planner, step by step

1. Choose a box and set it somewhere special.
2. Print the planner and look at the list together.
3. Pick a few cosy items, not too many.
4. Wrap or tuck each item inside and tick it off.
5. Open the box together on Christmas Eve.

Ways to use your Christmas Eve box

• Make it a bedtime ritual. Open the box after the bath, then read the new book together and settle down. The calm routine helps little ones feel ready for sleep on an exciting night.
• Pick one toy for the morning. Add a small wooden toy they can play with quietly first thing, like the wooden building blocks, so breakfast is a little gentler.
• Let them help pack. Ask your toddler to choose the cuddly toy or the socks. Choosing and tidying items into the box builds early decision making.
• Add a game for the whole family. Tuck in a simple game to play on Christmas Day, like Snakes and Ladders and Ludo, so there is something to share after lunch.
• Keep one keepsake each year. Add one small wooden ornament or toy that comes out every Christmas. Over time it becomes a family tradition they look forward to.

Games and gifts for a Christmas Eve box

These wooden toys and games suit toddlers and young children and tuck neatly into a Christmas Eve box. Pick one or two cosy items so the evening stays calm.

Swipe or scroll sideways to see more

Kids Building Blocks - Montessori ToyShop nowStacking Toy - Wooden Rainbow ToyShop nowShape Sorter - Learning GameShop nowBaby Puzzle - Wooden Toddler ToyShop nowThreading Beads - Threading Beads for KidsShop nowRain Sound Maker - Rainmaker Sensory ToyShop nowWooden Xylophone - Toy Xylophone for KidsShop nowCounting Caterpillar - Number PuzzleShop nowClassic Board Game - Snakes and Ladders & LudoShop nowWooden Noahs Ark - Wooden Animal ToyShop nowWooden Puzzle Game - Bears Dress Up SetShop nowWooden Kids Puzzle - Animal PuzzleShop nowStacking Monkeys - Wooden Stacking ToyShop nowRainbow Scratch Paper - Scratch Art PadShop now

Christmas Eve boxes by age and key stage

What children learn from a Christmas Eve box

• Choosing. Picking items for the box helps young children make simple decisions and feel involved.
• Language. Naming and talking about each item builds early vocabulary and conversation.
• Routine. A calm Christmas Eve ritual helps toddlers feel settled and ready for bed.
• Fine motor skills. Tucking items in, wrapping and ticking the planner all use small hand movements.
• Sharing. Adding a family game encourages turn taking and playing together the next day.

More free Christmas printables

Every one is free to print, and each has its own guide.

Swipe or scroll sideways to see more

Christmas Kindness and Gratitude CardsFree printableChristmas Story Starter CardsFree printableChristmas Charades CardsFree printableChristmas Maths MysteryFree printableColour-In Christmas Gift TagsFree printableElf Mischief IdeasFree printableReindeer Food RecipeFree printableChristmas BingoFree printableChristmas Scavenger HuntFree printableRainy Day Sensory Play CardsFree printable

Make it a Christmas tradition

A Christmas Eve box works best when it stays small and cosy, so it feels special rather than like an extra pile of presents. Try to use the same box each year and let your child help choose a few items as they grow. Keep one little keepsake, like a wooden ornament, that comes out every Christmas. These gentle habits are often the bits children remember most.

Frequently asked questions

What age is a Christmas Eve box for?

It suits ages 2 and up. Toddlers and nursery children (EYFS, birth to 5) enjoy it most with a grown-up choosing and wrapping the items.

What goes in a Christmas Eve box?

Cosy pyjamas, a new picture book, a warm drink and a small toy or game make a calm start to the evening. Keep it to a few items so it stays special.

What can I put in a Christmas Eve box that is not sweets?

Pyjamas, a picture book, a cuddly toy, a colouring sheet, a little wooden toy or game, slippers or an LED candle all work well.

When should we open the Christmas Eve box?

Most families open it in the early evening on Christmas Eve, often after the bath and before bed. Pick whatever time fits your bedtime routine.

How many things should go in the box?

Three or four items is plenty for a toddler. A small box keeps it cosy and avoids overshadowing Christmas morning.

Can I reuse the same box each year?

Yes, reusing one box makes it feel like a tradition. Children often enjoy spotting the familiar box appearing each December.

Is it safe to add a candle?

Only use an LED candle, never a real flame, and keep it away from young children. Always supervise toddlers with any new item.

Where can I find small gifts for the box?

You will find toddler friendly wooden toys and simple games in the gift ideas above, all a good size for a box.

Browse by age and type

Educational toys for toddlersWooden toysGifts for kidsGifts under 10 poundsLet's Play rangeChildren's jigsaw puzzlesToys for 3 year oldsFamily games

Jaques of London is Britain's oldest toy and games company, founded in 1795. We have spent over 230 years making games families play together, from chess and croquet to wooden toys for the very young.

Kids' Activities by Age | All free printable activities

Written by the Jaques of London team. Last updated 1 November 2026.