20 Christmas Eve Box Ideas for Adults, Kids, & Families (2025 Guide)

Author | Date: 10/20/2025

There’s something magical about Christmas Eve — the quiet excitement before the big day, the sparkle of lights, and the joy of small traditions that bring everyone together. One of those traditions? Christmas Eve boxes — a curated bundle of small gifts and cosy treats to open before Santa arrives.

Once just a family craft idea, Christmas Eve boxes have become a modern holiday must-have for both households and small retailers. Whether you’re making them for your children, your partner, or your customers, the packaging matters as much as what’s inside. The right box can make even the simplest gifts feel special.

So grab a mug of cocoa, turn on some fairy lights, and explore these 20 Christmas Eve box ideas — complete with packaging tips to make every unboxing moment unforgettable.

What Is a Christmas Eve Box?

A Christmas Eve box is a festive gift box opened the night before Christmas. It’s often filled with small surprises — from pyjamas and chocolates to games and keepsakes. The idea started as a way to stretch the holiday joy just a little longer, but it’s now embraced by families and retailers alike.

Brands use custom Christmas eve boxes to elevate presentation, add logos or ribbons, and deliver that “wow” factor before Christmas morning.

Christmas Eve Box Ideas for Kids (10 Ideas)

1. Pajamas & Storybook Set

A bedtime bundle that never gets old. Pair soft pyjamas with a Christmas storybook and pack them in a small rigid drawer box for a magical bedtime reveal.

2. Hot Chocolate & Cookie Mix

A cosy, edible delight! Include cocoa sachets, marshmallows, and cookie mix in food-safe kraft boxes. Add a festive sticker or ribbon for extra charm.

3. Movie Night Box

Popcorn, sweets, and a Christmas film — everything for a mini movie marathon. Use custom inserts to keep snacks neat inside a printed mailer box.

4. Christmas Crafts Box

Fill a box with glitter, paint, and sticker sheets for a creative night. Perfect for keeping kids entertained while you wrap the last presents!

5. Mini Toy Surprise Box

Hide a small toy or plush inside a magnetic closure box. It feels like a premium gift while staying simple to assemble.

6. Bath Bombs & Bubbles

Make bath time magical with Christmas-scented bath bombs and rubber ducks.

7. Santa Letter Kit

Add paper, envelopes, and crayons so little ones can write to Father Christmas.

8. Cookie Decorating Set

Include plain biscuits, icing tubes, and sprinkles — a fun, hands-on tradition.

9. Colouring Book & Crayons

A calm creative activity before bedtime. Fit neatly into thin kraft sleeves.

10. Holiday Socks & Plush Toy

Soft, snuggly, and easy to package in a small tuck-end folding box.

Christmas Eve Box Ideas for Adults (5 Ideas)

11. Self-Care Spa Box

Candles, bath salts, and hand cream wrapped in tissue and packed inside luxury rigid gift boxes. Add a foil-printed lid for an elegant touch.

12. Wine & Cheese Night Box

Include a mini bottle, crackers, and cheese jars. Use cardboard inserts or foam trays to protect glass items.

13. Movie & Chill Box

Popcorn, a streaming code, and a cosy blanket — packaged in a kraft mailer with a custom printed sleeve for branding.

14. Coffee or Tea Lovers’ Box

Add roasted beans or tea bags, a mug, and biscuits inside an eco-friendly kraft package. Use compostable wraps for sustainability.

15. Date Night Box

Chocolates, candles, and a handwritten card in a small rigid box tied with satin ribbon. Perfect for couples who love quiet festive nights.

Family Christmas Eve Box Ideas (5 Ideas)

16. Game Night Box

Board games, cards, snacks, and popcorn in a large mailer box. Add dividers to keep everything tidy.

17. Baking Box

Include cookie cutters, a recipe card, and ingredients for a Christmas bake-off. Use kraft packaging for a rustic, homey feel.

18. Matching Pajamas Box

Perfect for photo moments! Fold matching PJs neatly into foldable rigid boxes with printed sleeves.

19. Memory Box

Encourage families to write notes, share memories, or add photos. A strong rigid or magnetic box can double as a keepsake.

20. Christmas Morning Prep Box

Include cocoa, mugs, and breakfast treats to start Christmas Day together. Kraft trays or small hampers work beautifully for this.

Packaging Tips for Your Christmas Eve Boxes

Presentation turns a good gift into a memorable one. Here’s how to package your boxes perfectly:

Choose the right size: Avoid oversized packaging — it makes small gifts look lost.
Pick your material:
- Use eco-friendly kraft boxes for a rustic, recyclable option.
- Go for luxury rigid boxes or magnetic boxes for a high-end finish.
Add festive finishes: Tissue paper, ribbons, or foil printing elevate even simple items.
Think sustainability: Recyclable board, soy inks, and compostable wrap appeal to modern shoppers.

If you’re creating multiple sets for your small business, explore our Christmas Boxes range for custom sizes and printing.

Need Something More Sustainable?

Sustainability doesn’t mean less sparkle. Modern eco-friendly packaging options — like kraft paper, recycled board, and compostable wraps — can still look festive.

Choose natural tones with metallic ribbons or pair eco kraft with white ink for a simple, chic finish. You’ll keep your packaging recyclable and your customers happy.

Final Thoughts — Make It Magical

Christmas Eve boxes are more than just gifts — they’re a memory in a box, wrapped with thoughtfulness and a little bit of magic.

Whether you’re crafting a surprise for your kids, curating themed sets for your store, or designing luxury branded packaging, the right box turns your ideas into moments people remember.

✨ Make it special this year — explore our custom Christmas packaging boxes and give every gift that extra touch of joy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Christmas Eve box?

A Christmas Eve box is a small festive package opened on the night before Christmas. It’s usually filled with little treats, pyjamas, or activities to build excitement before Christmas morning. Many families make it a yearly tradition, while retailers use it as a fun way to sell themed gift bundles.

What to put in a Christmas Eve box?

It depends on who it’s for!

For kids, include pyjamas, hot chocolate sachets, or a bedtime story.
For adults, try candles, snacks, or self-care goodies.
For families, go for board games, matching PJs, or baking kits.
Whatever you choose, present it beautifully in a festive Christmas box.

What’s the best packaging for Christmas Eve boxes?

Use kraft boxes for a rustic, eco-friendly look or rigid and magnetic boxes for a more premium, gift-worthy presentation. Add tissue, ribbons, or foil printing for a luxury touch.

Are Christmas Eve boxes just for kids?

Not anymore! Adults love them too — especially spa kits, wine-night boxes, or date-night bundles. It’s now a full-family tradition for people of all ages.

Can Christmas Eve boxes be eco-friendly?

Absolutely. Opt for recyclable kraft paper, recycled board, or compostable wraps.

Eco-conscious packaging still looks festive — think natural tones, white ink, and a touch of ribbon.

Can businesses use Christmas Eve boxes for branding?

Yes — it’s a great marketing opportunity.

Brands use custom Christmas packaging boxes to include product samples, gift sets, or thank-you gifts with branded printing and seasonal finishes.

What size should a Christmas Eve box be?

It depends on your contents.

For kids: small rigid boxes (A5–A6).
For families: larger mailer or hamper-style boxes.

If you’re unsure, check out our Rigid Gift Boxes and Kraft Packaging ranges for flexible sizing.

Can I personalise Christmas Eve boxes?

Definitely! Add names, initials, or family titles with foil stamping, custom sleeves, or stickers.

Custom printing turns simple packaging into something heartfelt and keepsake-worthy.

Are Christmas Eve boxes expensive to make?

Not at all. You can create beautiful boxes on any budget.

Use affordable kraft packaging for a rustic feel or upgrade to rigid boxes for something reusable. It’s the thought (and presentation) that counts.