There’s something magical about a Christmas Eve box — a bundle of little surprises that make the night before feel just as special as the big day itself.

So, whether you’re building a box for little ones, grown-ups, or the whole family to enjoy together, discover our Christmas Eve box ideas and how to create one that sets the tone for a magical night.

Contents

• What is a Christmas Eve box?
• What do you put in a Christmas Eve box?
• How to create a Christmas Eve box
• Christmas Eve box ideas for kids
• Christmas Eve box ideas for adults
• Homemade Christmas Eve box ideas
• Frequently asked questions

What is a Christmas Eve box?

A Christmas Eve box is a small box or hamper filled with festive treats and little surprises, opened on the night before Christmas. It’s a lovely way to start the celebrations early, and it’s quickly becoming a family tradition in the making.

What do you put in a Christmas Eve box?

Traditionally, a Christmas Eve box includes a few thoughtful goodies to enjoy the night before the big day, like snacks, pyjamas, and something fun to do together. The best boxes strike a balance: a few foodie treats, a couple of fun extras, and something practical or thoughtful that lasts long after the day is done.

What to include depends on the receiver. For kids, it’s the excitement of finding chocolate coins, a hot chocolate kit, or a new game to play before bedtime. For grown-ups, it might be luxury chocolates, a cosy throw, or even a candle that makes the living room glow.

How to create a Christmas Eve box

Christmas Hamper Basket With Bow and Wrap

Putting together a Christmas Eve box is as lovely as it sounds, and it’s surprisingly easy.

1. Choose your box or hamper — Start with the box itself. You can keep it simple with a sturdy gift box, or go all out with a wicker basket or wooden crate that can be reused year after year.
2. Add a liner — Line the box with tissue paper, shredded paper, or a layer of festive wrapping paper to make it feel extra special.
3. Pick your treats — A good mix of something to eat, something to do, and something to keep always works well. But more on this later!
4. Tailor it to the recipient — For kids, you might add a Christmas storybook, pyjamas, or a soft toy. For adults, try a luxury snack, festive mug, or pamper treat.
5. Add the finishing touches — Tie a ribbon around your box and add a gift tag or label to make it feel personal. You could even include a handwritten note to make it extra meaningful.
6. Set the scene — Leave the box under the tree or on the bed, ready to open on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve box ideas for kids

Christmas Eve is all about anticipation, and the box should add to that festive magic. For children, keep it playful, sweet, and interactive.

Children’s boxes work best when they feel personal. You could theme it around “Santa’s Helpers” with baking bits and a note from the elves, or a “Christmas Cinema Night” with a new pair of pyjamas and a movie to watch. Complete it with homemade popcorn and candyfloss makers as bigger Christmas presents. However you style it, the box becomes part of the excitement, and a wonderful build-up to the big day.

Here are our best Christmas Eve box ideas for kids:

Hot chocolate

Lakeland Gonk Hot Chocolate Melt

A Christmas Eve box wouldn’t be complete without hot chocolate. Add a cheerful mug, a lip-smacking hot chocolate melt, like our Rudolph and Gonk melts, and a bag of mini marshmallows for sprinkling on top, or perhaps some Gingerbread Mug Cookies.

For something extra special, tuck in some Hot Chocolate Santa Drops. They’ll melt into milk to make a treat. Of course, hot chocolate feels even more magical when you make it together, and younger children will always need a grown-up nearby.

Sweet treats

Lakeland Sticky Toffee Pudding Fudge

Advent calendars don’t have to stop on the 24th. Adding a little top-up (like chocolate coins or a mini stocking filler) keeps the excitement flowing. Our Lakeland Chocolate Coins or Sticky Toffee Fudge are perfect little treats to unwrap.

A little something for budding bakers

Gingerbread Reindeer Decorating Kit

For festive baking fun with all the family, pop in a festive cookie kit, a Christmas Tree Spatula or Winter Mitten Spatula, and a Supoon for scooping and scraping when the icing sugar frenzy begins.

Add a set of Christmas Cookie Cutters so they can stamp out a snowman, Santa, stars, and a Christmas tree or this Mini Baking Tool Set. Little hands love helping, and baking biscuits together on Christmas Eve is a memory that lasts far beyond the crumbs.

Games

Mince Spies Coaster Card Game

A small family game is the ideal way to wind down before bed. Try the Sprout Jigsaw or the Nutcracker Family Dipsticks Game for laughter around the table before it’s time to put out mince pies for Santa.

Treats for Santa

Cath Kidston Christmas Eve Plate and Mini Billie Mug Set

No Christmas Eve box is complete without a little something for the man himself. After all, he’s got a busy night ahead! Including a small treat for Santa and his reindeer adds a touch of magic that little ones will love.

You could pop in a few mince pies ready to leave by the fireplace, or a handful of carrots for Rudolph and his friends. A festive plate or mug for Santa’s snacks makes the ritual even more special, and it’s something you can bring out year after year.

For a fun twist, add a sprinkle of “reindeer food” (a mix of oats and glitter) so the children can scatter it outside before bed.

Christmas Eve box ideas for adults

Who says Christmas Eve boxes are only for children? For grown-ups, they can be indulgent little hampers that bring comfort and a touch of luxury. Our Hamper Basket with a Bow and Wrap makes it easy to present your treats beautifully. It’s ready to slip under the tree for a Christmas Eve unwrapping session with a glass of something sparkling or a festive mulled wine.

Something sweet

Lakeland Orange and Ginger Truffles

Start with something sweet — a box of luxury chocolates, truffles, or perhaps a selection of the world’s finest marzipan from Niederegger.

A savoury snack

RHS Mature Cheddar Biscuits and Chutney Gift Bag

For those who prefer savoury, tuck in a cheeseboard set, complete with chutneys or crackers (like the RHS Luxury Cheeseboard or the Mrs Bridges Chutney and Relish treats), ready for a late-night nibble once the children are asleep.

Something to sip

Arts & Crafts English Breakfast Tea Tin 60g

Add some speciality tea, a packet of mulled wine spices, hot chocolate with a grown-up twist, like these Irish Cream Hot Chocolate Truffle Melts, or even a miniature bottle of fizz.

Our fabulous Arts & Crafts Tea Library and Hot Chocolate Library make stylish gifts, especially for book lovers.

Cosy blankets

StaySnug Velvety Taupe Heated Throw

For sheer comfort, nothing beats a heated throw, and our top pick is the StaySnug Velvety Taupe Heated Throw. Fold it neatly into the box as a surprise they’ll unwrap just in time for a Christmas film marathon.

Candles

Wax Lyrical Winter Warmer Candle

A beautifully scented candle is the perfect addition to a Christmas Eve box for grown-ups. It’s a little moment of calm before the Christmas Day bustle begins.

Whether it’s a classic winter scent like spiced orange or something soft and comforting like vanilla, a candle makes Christmas Eve feel extra special. Plus, it’s a gift that lingers long after the big day.

A festive mug

Cath Kidston Christmas Animal Ditsy Mug

A festive mug is a simple but thoughtful addition to any Christmas Eve box. Pair it with some indulgent hot chocolate, a few mini marshmallows, or their favourite tea bags, and they’ve got a cosy little treat.

Practical additions

Lakeland Christmas Mitten Tongs

Sometimes it’s the small things that feel the most thoughtful. Toast tongs (a Lakeland favourite!) make mornings easier. No more burnt fingers fishing out hot cross buns or bagels.

Or how about the Mini 3-in-1 Vac? Oddly satisfying, it sweeps up crumbs, glitter, and pine needles in seconds, making it a practical gift that sparks joy.

Theme ideas work beautifully here. Create a “Cosy Night In” box with a candle, a throw, and a hot chocolate gift. Or a “Baker’s Toolkit” with our Cooling Rack Set or Winter Robin Kitchen Textiles Range that make a beautiful, coordinating gift. It’s these thoughtful details that turn a collection of presents into something special.

Homemade Christmas Eve box ideas

There’s something extra special about tucking a homemade treat into a Christmas Eve box. It adds heart, thought, and a personal touch no shop-bought gift can match.

A batch of biscuits, a little jar of chutney, or some melt-in-the-mouth fudge turns a simple box into something truly memorable. That’s the joy of “bake to give” — sharing a piece of your own kitchen, wrapped up with love, to become part of someone else’s Christmas tradition.

Need inspiration? Here are a few recipe ideas that always go down a treat:

Shortbread Stars with Orange Brandy Butter and Luxury Mincemeat

Buttery home-made shortbread is a splendid thing indeed, and never better than when it’s topped with zesty orange brandy butter and a spoonful of mincemeat for a festive treat. Present this indulgent but oh-so-easy-to-make treat in our jam jars and add a festive ribbon for the finishing touch.

Chocolate truffles

Chocolate truffles rolled in cocoa powder, crushed pistachios, or even sparkly sugar for a festive flourish, are the perfect present. Pop them into gift bags or jars for a little touch of luxury. Find the recipe in our Cascading Chocolate Truffle Cake Recipe.

Nancy Birtwhistle’s Cranberry and Orange Sauce

The perfect partner for a cheeseboard, especially when spooned into a Kilner jar and tied with a ribbon.

Gingerbread Man Brownies

This recipe is fun for kids to decorate, and even more fun to eat. They slip neatly into one of our Gingerbread House Biscuit Tins for an on-theme finish.

Air Fryer Christmas Cookies

These cookies can be rustled up in the air fryer in under 10 minutes! Our Christmas Cookie Cutters make it easy to create delicious cookies with ease. Use them to stamp out a snowman, Santa, stars, and a Christmas tree.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best Christmas Eve box ideas for teens?

When it comes to teens, the key is finding a balance between festive fun and thoughtful, grown-up treats. They’ll love gifts that feel personal, stylish, and a little indulgent. Think cosy comforts, tasty snacks, and a few extras that make the night before Christmas feel special.

Here are some of our top Christmas Eve box ideas for teens:

• Festive mug — Pair it with luxury hot chocolate or their favourite tea.
• Scented candle — Ideal for creating a relaxing, Christmassy atmosphere.
• Fluffy socks or slippers — Perfect for staying cosy while watching a film.
• Sweet treats — Think chocolate coins, fudge, or festive biscuits.
• Book — Something to enjoy before bed.
• Tech accessories — Like a handy phone case or stylish water bottle.
• A personal touch — Such as a framed photo or keepsake decoration.

What are some Christmas Eve box ideas for toddlers?

A Christmas Eve box for toddlers is all about excitement and magic. It’s a lovely way to build anticipation for Christmas morning and create a fun bedtime routine. Keep it simple, colourful, and sensory, with items that spark their imagination.

Christmas Eve box ideas for toddlers include:

• Festive pyjamas — Comfy, cosy, and perfect for bedtime photos.
• Christmas storybook — A gentle, festive tale to read together.
• Soft toy or comforter — A cuddly new friend for Christmas Eve.
• Small snack or biscuit — A special treat to enjoy before bed.
• Reindeer food — A little pouch of oats and glitter to scatter outside.
• Light-up toy — Adds a magical finishing touch that they can keep for years to come.

What are the best Christmas Eve box filler ideas?

Need a few quick extras to top up your box? Go for a mix of treats, keepsakes, and practical goodies.

Chocolates and biscuits are always a good choice; they’re simple, universally loved, and add a sweet finishing touch. You could also include:

• Hot chocolate sachets or melts
• Mini games or puzzles
• Festive socks or slippers
• Bath bombs or pamper treats
• Candles or tealights
• Christmas ornaments or decorations

What are some Christmas Eve box ideas that also work as Secret Santa gifts?

If you’re on the lookout for Christmas Eve box ideas that double up as the best Secret Santa gifts, there are plenty of affordable gems to choose from. In fact, a Secret Santa gift that’s meant to be opened on Christmas Eve adds an extra layer of fun and anticipation.

At Lakeland, we’re renowned for being the place to find those little life-changing gifts that will make the lucky recipient wonder how they ever managed it before. So make your Secret Santa present something they’ll actually use by choosing from one of our practical picks.

• A quirky kitchen gadget — Our Tea Tool Tea Bag Squeezer or Aerolatte To Go is the sort of thing they’ll use every day but wouldn’t think to buy themselves.
• Animal-themed gifts — For animal lovers who also love to cook, Kikkerland have the purr-fect selection of feline-themed gadgets such as their Cat Kitchen Timer, Bag Clips and Pizza Cutter.
• Humorous gifts — To add a bit of horticultural humour to your gift, our Sprout Kitchen Textile Collection is sure to put a smile on even the most sprout-averse members of your family and friends, with a matching tea towel and apron to pair up.

Shop Lakeland to find the perfect Christmas gift

Christmas Eve isn’t just about waiting for the big day. It’s about creating an atmosphere: laughter over a family game, the smell of cookies in the oven, a steaming mug of hot chocolate by the fire, a candle glowing in the corner. A Christmas Eve box helps tie these little moments together, making the night feel special for everyone of all ages.

And with Lakeland, it’s easy to build your own tradition. From foodie treats to practical little helpers, to gifts for bakers and heartfelt hampers, you’ll find everything you need to create boxes that delight. Because sometimes, it’s the smallest gifts — the “oh, how did you know I needed one of those?!” — that mean the biggest smiles at Christmas.

Explore our full festive gift range to find the perfect ideas for your Christmas Eve box, or browse our Ultimate Christmas Guide to get ready for the big day. And if you’re after kitchen and home tips, recipes, and creative ideas, even after the festive period, take a look at our blog.